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

Stewards Corner

Stewards Getting Fast Results on Grievances
As the MSEA-SEIU Steward System grows and matures, your Union is resolving workplace issues as never before.

Trained Stewards work with bargaining unit members in most worksites. Members are making Stewards aware of issues as they arise, and in many instances the members and their Stewards are able to resolve issues with on-site management without even filing a grievance.

When a grievance is necessary, in nearly all cases Stewards file the initial grievance and process it through the first steps of the process. This system has resulted in more and more cases being settled at lower levels of the grievance procedure.

If the Union and employer are unable to resolve a grievance, the case is filed for arbitration. Right now, there are fewer than 35 active cases pending at the arbitration step.

The appropriate Grievance Committee reviews every case filed for arbitration, and that Committee determines whether the Union should in fact arbitrate the case. Cases the Committee decides should be arbitrated can usually be resolved in less than a year from the date they were filed for arbitration and even more quickly under the “Tri-X” system used for Executive Branch cases. Under that system, permanent arbitrators very familiar with our contracts hear the cases, and we have many dates scheduled with them throughout the year.

In many arbitration hearings, but especially in the Tri-X hearings, the arbitrators attempt to mediate a settlement. For example, in recent months we have settled several cases involving discipline, overtime and call out issues that were pending for arbitration. This is another way we can get faster results.