Union Grievance Legal Action

Summary

If your union did not file grievances on time, consider reviewing union bylaws and grievance procedures for violations. Gather all communication records with your steward and the union. Consult a labor attorney to explore potential legal claims, such as breach of duty of fair representation.

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I am a dues paying apwu member. A year and a half ago i had been communicating with my steward and he told me he was going to file several grievances on my behalf. For several months i reached out asking about them and he told me repeatedly he was meeting with management about them. He was having medical problems during all this and gradually his responses became less and longer between. He told me in April he would no longer be a steward the following term and then stopped responding entirely. After several months of reaching out to other contacts i had within the union i was told one of them was in arbitration. A couple of months later i was informed the new steward misread his information and none of the grievances had been filed.
It seems like you've faced quite a bit of frustration with your union grievance process. To better assist, could you clarify if you’re seeking advice on how to proceed with filing these grievances now or if you're considering any legal action against the union for mishandling your situation?
The time frame for filing is long past. I would like to pursue legal action.
It sounds like you're considering legal action against the union for not filing your grievances in time. Here are some general steps you could consider:
- Review your union's bylaws and grievance procedures for any potential violations.
- Gather all communication records with your steward and the union.
- Consider consulting with a labor attorney to explore potential legal claims, such as breach of duty of fair representation.
Would you like to be connected with local lawyers who can assist you further in Iowa?