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There is a major difference between member-driven political action based on sound UE principles, and “playing politics” with lawmakers and candidates. With critical national and state elections coming up on November 5 every UE steward and leader must take some time to become familiar with our union program, as well as the nuts and bolts of the electoral system. While for some people political discussions can be controversial and stressful, as unionists we have to participate in the political process to protect what we have worked so hard to negotiate at the bargaining table. These days, union political action is a necessity, not a choice.
When an employer denies a grievance after the first step, it is up to the steward to submit a written grievance. If the grievance is questionable, it is best to have the Chief Steward or Union Committee review the facts, and make the decision on whether to proceed with the grievance.
Here are the basic points to remember when writing a grievance.
Judy approached Chief Steward Amy over lunch one day. With a big smile, Judy shared that she had just completed her first trimester of pregnancy, and she and the baby had a clean bill of health from her doctor. Amy congratulated her.
Then Judy said, “Amy, I’m a little worried about telling Bob, our boss. My doctor said there’s a new law that gives me permission to carry a water bottle at work and ask for extra bathroom breaks, but I know Bob doesn’t like to give any extra breaks. Do you know anything about this law? Can the union help me?”
The adventure story of the battles, betrayals and victories of American working men and women. An extensively researched, yet highly readable, history of the U.S. labor movement from the Civil War through the Eisenhower Administration.
MorePublished in 2020, “Them and Us Unionism” draws on UE history to identify five core principles of UE’s approach: aggressive struggle, rank and file control, political independence, international solidarity, and uniting all workers. Available as a 24-page booklet, PDF or on the web
MoreThis 2022 e-book by retired UE Director of International Affairs Robin Alexander tells the story of the partnership between the UE and the Mexican Frente Auténtico del Trabajo (FAT), a story that is a testimony to the power of rank-and-file solidarity.
MoreMore books and publications available at the UE Online Store »