Our Union Officers do not stand in the way of the company, when it comes to discipline or discharge of employees who deserve those actions.
Who determines if they deserved it?
First, a grievance committee elected from their peers, second the Local Executive Board of the union. Many grievances never make it past review at the local level.
If the local finds (in their opinion) an actual contract violation has occurred, meetings with management occur and hopefully a resolution is found.
If not, an arbiter will make a determination.
Our Local really hates arbitration, as one arbitration will cost more than our total operating budget for a year. We are not bashful about telling a Union Member he has not a leg to stand on, according to our contract.
