Grievance Resolution: Exceptions Explained

What types of grievances can be filed at Formal Step A, bypassing the Informal A meeting?

Grievances that can be filed directly at Formal Step A, bypassing the Informal A meeting, include those related to discrimination and safety and health issues, under certain conditions:

1. Discrimination: Any grievance related to discrimination (as defined in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as amended) against employees because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or physical handicap (where the employee can be reasonably accommodated), may be initiated directly at Formal Step A within 14 days of when the employee or the union first learned, or may reasonably have been expected to have learned, of the alleged discrimination【3†source】.

2. Safety and Health: Grievances involving safety and health disputes can be filed directly at Formal Step A if, after notifying an employee's supervisor of a safety or health concern, no corrective action is taken during the employee’s tour. It's crucial, however, that such actions are not meant to bypass a supervisor without first making them aware of the issue【3†source】.

These exceptions provide a pathway for addressing critical and sensitive issues promptly and at a higher level of grievance resolution when necessary.