Writing the Statement of Grievance

The statement of grievance is the heart of your case. It must be clear, factual, and precise. Here's how to write one that wins.

The Formula:

'On [DATE], at approximately [TIME], at [LOCATION], the Company violated Article [X], Section [XXX] of the [Supplemental/Master] Agreement when [SPECIFIC FACTUAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED]. This action also violates Article [Y], Section [YYY] and any other applicable provisions of the Agreement.'

Example — Overtime Violation:

'On March 15, 2026, at approximately 2:30 PM, in the Production Department, the Company violated Article V, Section 502 of the Supplemental Agreement and Section 7.04 of the Master Agreement when Supervisor John Smith assigned overtime to Employee B (hired 2020) while bypassing Grievant Jane Doe (hired 2015), a more senior employee in the same classification who was available and willing to work. This action also violates Article III (Seniority) and any other applicable provisions of the Agreement.'

Example — Discipline Without Just Cause:

'On March 18, 2026, the Company violated Article VII, Section 706 of the Supplemental Agreement when it issued a Written Warning to Grievant [Name] for alleged tardiness without conducting a proper investigation, without providing Union representation during the investigatory meeting, and without applying the progressive discipline policy consistently, as Employee B received only a verbal counseling for the same offense on March 10, 2026. This action also violates the Just Cause standard and any other applicable provisions of the Agreement.'

Example — Supervisor Doing Bargaining Unit Work:

'On March 20, 2026, between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM, in the Warehouse Department, the Company violated Section 6.02 of the Master Agreement when Supervisor [Name] operated a forklift and loaded pallets onto trucks — work that is customarily and exclusively performed by bargaining unit employees — for approximately 2.5 hours while bargaining unit employees were available. This action also violates Article I (Recognition) and any other applicable provisions of the Agreement.'

Power Tips:

• NEVER say 'I think' or 'I believe' — state facts

• ALWAYS cite specific article AND section numbers

• Include the catch-all: 'and any other applicable provisions'

• One violation per grievance (unless they're directly related)

• Keep it to one page — brevity is power

• Have another steward or your chief steward review it before filing

• Keep a copy of EVERYTHING