Employee Grievance Redressal

What is grievance ? Causes of Grievance Grievance redressal procedure

What is grievance ? .. Contd.

Any discontent or dissatisfaction whether expressed or not and whether valid or not arising out of anything connected with the company / organisation that an employee thinks / believes or even feels is unfair or unjust.

What is grievance ? .. Contd.

Dissatisfaction Complaint Accusation Criticism Objection Grumble Injustice

What is grievance ? .. Contd.

Anything that disturbs an employee whether or not he expresses his unrest in words.
A complaint is a spoken or written dissatisfaction brought to the attention to his superiors.

What is grievance ? .. Contd.

The complainant may or may not specifically assign a cause of dissatisfaction
A grievance is simply a complaint which has been formally present, in writing to a management representative or to a union official.

Causes of Grievance
Typical examples of Workers Grievances

Causes of Grievance
Type of Grievances Common causes (The worker feels that)
Wages: 1. 1. Demand for individual wage adjustment same 2.Complaints about job classification He is not getting what he is worth. Gets less than other people work requiring the skill. His job is worth more than it pays. Should be reclassified, deserves to be upgraded.

3. Complaints about incentive system

The method of figuring his pay is so complicated that he doesnt know what his rate really is.

4. Miscellaneous

Mistakes are made in calculating pay.

Causes of Grievance .. Contd.

Type of Grievances Common causes (The worker feels that)

Supervision: 1. Complaints against discipline Supervisor doesnt like him, picks on him.He is active in the union. His mistakes were due inadequate instructions He is playing favorites. Trying to undermine union. He ignores complaint. Too many rules & regulations. Or not clear

2.Objection to a particular supervisor. 3. Objection to general method of complaint

Causes of Grievance .. Contd.

Type of Grievances Common causes (The worker feels that)
Seniority discharge: 1. Loss of seniority 2.Calculation of seniority 3. Interpretation of seniority He has been unfairly deprived of seniority. Not received the seniority due to him. Clause in agreement has been unfairly interpreted ( Clauses often vague)

4. Disciplinary discharge
5. Promotions

penalized unfairly. Company wanted to get rid of him anyway for the union activity. Company would not promote union activity doesnt have a chance to advance himself.

Causes of Grievance .. Contd.

Type of Grievances Common causes (The worker feels that)
General working conditions: 1. Safety & health Toilet facilities are inadequate. Dampness,noise fumes and other unpleasant & unsafe conditions He has to loose too much waiting for the material. Overtime is unnecessary.lunch room facilities are inadequate.

2. Miscellaneous

Causes of Grievance .. Contd.

Type of Grievances Common causes (The worker feels that)
Collective bargaining: 1. Violations of Contract Company putting obstacles in the way grievance settlement. Supervisors are not given any authority for concessions Company fails to discipline supervisors where disciplinary action is necessary.

2.Interpretation of Contract 3. Settlement of Grievances

Causes of Grievance

Typical examples of Management complaints

Causes of Grievance .. Contd.

Type of Grievances Common causes
Dissatisfaction with individual workers: 1. Complaints concerning discipline Disregard of plant rules. Disregard of supervisor's orders / safety regulations / absenteeism / general irresponsibility. Slow down / poor work

2.Complainants concerning work

Causes of Grievance .. Contd. Causes of Grievance .. Contd.

Type of Grievances Common causes
Collective Bargaining Violation of contract:

1. Violation of contract 2.Disputes over interpretation of contract 3. Complaints about grievance settlement 4. Alleged failures of unions to live upto promises

Lacks good faith. Fails to obtain facts before presenting grievances Spends too much time grievance work

Fails to take disciplinary action against union members where necessary.

Causes of Grievance .. Contd.

Type of Grievances Common causes
Miscellaneous: 1. Questionable methods of soliciting union members. 2.Union rules conflicting with terms of agreement Misrepresents managements attitude towards New employees. Interferes with managements freedom by passing restrictive rules in conflict with the agreement.

3.Irresponsible charges against management by union leaders in press, leaflets or public speeches

Some complaints concerning

Medical advice & treatment Housing accommodation Retirement Non granting of leave Financial aid Shortage of water in co housing Lack of work Employment of relatives Transfer from one dept from another

Grievance Redressal Procedure Grievance must be settled - promptly - to the point of origin - on merit only - as many facts as possible - attitude of mutual confidence & respect

Grievance Redressal Procedure

Grievance Redressal Procedure must 1. Be simple, fair & easy to understand 2. Encourage employees to put forth their grievances 3. Function promptly 4. Gain employee confidence 5. Promote healthy relations between employees and the company

Grievance Redressal Procedure