A grievance is a dispute or difference between a LUFA member and the university administration related to provisions of the collective agreement. The grievance process, a procedure for attempting to resolve disputes between LUFA members and the university administration, is explained in Article 30 of the Collective Agreement.

No. Grievances are disputes between a member (or the association) and the university administration or the Board of Governors only.

Member to member disputes, and other complaints which do not pertain to the collective agreement, might be addressed by the university’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy. If you feel that you have been harassed or discriminated against you should promptly contact the Harassment and Discrimination Coordinator.

Sometimes. Grievance officers can provide support by ensuring your rights under the Collective Agreement are not violated. You may request a Grievance Officer to attend meetings with you as an observer.

The first thing you should do if you have inquiries, concerns, or complaints is speak informally with your supervisor (your Dean or University Librarian). This is “Step 1: Informal Stage” in the grievance procedure. It is usually possible to resolve disputes at this stage.

Grievance Officers work with members to assist in resolving disputes or concerns members have with the university administration. Grievance Officers are LUFA members with special training in the grievance process who work under the direction of the LUFA Chief Grievance Officer. If you wish to speak to a Grievance Officer you should contact the LUFA office at [email protected].

If attempts to resolve the concern or complaint informally are unsuccessful, you may decide to move on to “Step II: Formal Stage,” which involves submitting a formal grievance in writing to the Dean/University Librarian. A Grievance Officer will work with you to outline what rights, under the Collective Agreement, have been violated. The Grievance Officer can also assist with outlining remedies.

No later than five days following the receipt of the formal grievance, the Dean/University Librarian will meet with you and attempt to resolve the issue. If the parties reach a resolution it will immediately be put in writing and signed.

If you are unable to resolve the issue with your supervisor, you should discuss your concerns with a Grievance Officer.

If the grievance is not resolved at Step III, the matter may proceed to Arbitration, the procedures for which are laid out in the Agreement.

Yes. Time limits are explained in Article 30 of the Agreement.

Yes. Confidentiality is a maintained throughout the grievance process.