GRIEVANCES(See Bottom of Pages for Archived Grievance Documents - these are terminal pages, use BACK to return)
What is a Grievance?
Discipline is a negative action taken against an employee by management for percieved wrongdoing or failure to perform duties.
A Grievance, on the other hand, is what the employee files or claims when he or she feels that the university has done something wrong.
The academic setting for grievances is unique because of our complex bureacracy. The University of Florida may not blame lower management (departement chairs or deans) for mistakes. UF is responsible for training its grad coordinators, grad supervisors, chairs, deans, and provosts in the proper management of the contract.
What Every Graduate
Worker Needs to Know
Q: Does
this right apply to all meetings with administrators?
A: No, only those that conceivably will lead to
discipline; anything from reprimands to non-renewal or dismissal.
When in doubt, ask GAU
Q: What
if I am meeting on a curriculum matter and then the subject changes to
one that might lead to discipline?
A: Stop the interview and request union presence.
Q: Has GAU won grievances for workers in
the past?
A: Definitely. Our greatest victories have involved
redressing improper or unfair workload and pay issues.
Q: Can
I bring my spouse or a lawyer friend?
A: No, the law entitles you to union representation. You
are not entitled to other representation or simply to witnesses.
Q: Do
I have the right to call in a particular union member?
A: Generally, the faculty member's steward or grievance
representative will be called. The idea is to provide you with union
representation, not just the moral support of a fellow union colleague.
Q: What
is the role of the union representative during such a meeting?
A: The representative is there to assist the grad
employee, and to protect contract rights. The union representative has
the right to speak on his or her behalf and to meet with the worker
privately before the interview with the management.
Q: Can
we give up our right to union representation?
A: There are two ways to give up those rights: By
contract language or by inaction. Of course, your collective bargaining
contract does not waive your rights to union representation. However,
once on the spot, you might get bullied into waiving your right or not
asserting your right. In such a case, you have little recourse later.
Q: What
should I do if I suspect discipline arising out of a meeting with
management?
A: Keep the following statement in front of you and
politely but clearly state it:
If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or could affect my personal working conditions, I request that a Union Representative be present at this meeting.Say this, repeat it, then do not engage in any further discussion except to reschedule, if necessary.
Archived Grievance Documents
Pay Grievance Fall 1999 Step 1 Argument
Pay Grievance Fall 1999 Step 2 Cover Letter
Pay Greivance Fall 1999 Step 2 Counter-Argument vs. Admin Denial of Step 1
Conditions for Discrimination Grievance
Conditions for Non-Reappointment Grievance
No-Raises Grievance 2001
No-Raises Grievance 2003
UFF Grievance Fees for Non-Members
Reasons for Filing a Grievance and Taking a Greivance to Arbitration
Settlement of 2002 Pay Grievance FBOE/GAU
Arbitrator's Decision 2003 Min Stipend Greivance
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