Features & Links

MSEA-SEIU Local 1989
65 State Street
PO Box 1072
Augusta, ME 04332-1072
207-622-3151
1-800-452-8794

MAINE STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

SEIU Local 1989

What Is The Grievance Committee And What Does It Do?

Not every grievance that remains unresolved at the arbitration step should go forward to arbitration. Why? Arbitration decisions not only serve as precedent for cases arising under the same contract but they also may be relied on by arbitrators deciding cases under other, similar contracts. Sometimes, the Union and bargaining unit members have an interest in our not going to arbitration over cases where we have little chance of winning, especially where the decision could set a bad precedent for the future.

The appropriate Grievance Committee will review any case you file for arbitration and determine whether it should go to arbitration.

Grievance Committees are organized by bargaining unit to ensure that the Committee members reviewing your arbitration will be familiar with the contract. For example, an arbitration case filed on behalf of a member of the Maine Turnpike Authority Employees’ bargaining unit will be reviewed by a Committee made up of members of that bargaining unit.

Generally, Grievance Committee members also have a background in grievance handling because they are either Stewards or Chief Stewards.

The President appoints Grievance Committee members. For employers where MSEA represents both non-supervisory and supervisory employees, there are separate Grievance Committees for those two groups. For example, in the Executive Branch one Grievance Committee hears cases coming from any of the non-supervisory bargaining units (Administrative, Operations, Maintenance & Support, or Professional & Technical), and another Grievance Committee hears cases from the Supervisory bargaining unit.

Soon after your case is filed for arbitration, you will be notified that the appropriate Grievance Committee will be reviewing your case on a certain date. On the meeting date, you have the right to meet with the Committee in person or by phone, and your field representative and possibly your Steward will be present and will explain your case to the Committee.

You can add information you believe the Committee needs to know. Committee members may also ask questions of you or your Steward to make sure they understand the facts and your arguments.

Later, the Committee will consider whether the Union should take your case to arbitration and you’ll hear from the Committee within 10 days after the meeting.