The FA Grievance Team is here for you.

Weingarten Rights

If this discussion could in any way result in my being disciplined, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at the meeting. Prior to an investigatory interview, I wish to be informed of the subject matter of the interview. Following such disclosure, I am requesting a pre-interview conference with my union representative.

The strength of the Bargaining Agreement is regularly put to the test in grievances brought by bargaining unit members and in investigations of faculty who may eventually be subjected to discipline. The articles covering these procedures are Article 8 on grievance procedures, Article 9 on binding arbitration, and Article 16 on investigations. A grievance is a written allegation or complaint that alleges a violation, misinterpretation or improper application of the terms of the Agreement and also may include Department Bylaws. Grievances can be brought by individual faculty members, a group of members, a department, or the Faculty Association. Many grievances deal with denial of tenure, promotion, reappointment or sabbatical. The burden of proof in a grievance alleging a contractual violation generally lies with the person or group of persons who bring the grievance, and it is comforting to remember that the Faculty Association Grievance Committee is here to help faculty with grievances. The grievance procedure specifies an informal stage and, if the grievance is not resolved, a formal stage of the process. The Grievance Committee provides help in formulating the grievance and the remedies that are requested. If the grievance is not resolved, the Committee may recommend submitting it to arbitration.

Investigations are brought by the administration and involve allegations that may either be dismissed altogether or lead to a form of discipline, which can range from a letter of understanding on the one end to dismissal on the other. Investigations may result from student allegations of discrimination, from accusations of research misconduct, or other matters. When a faculty member is subject to these types of investigations, you have the right to FA representation. Suggested Weingarten rights language to express, when confronted with this situation, is listed on the left side of this page. The administration has the burden of proof to show “just cause” when discipline is the result of the investigation. The Grievance Committee’s assistance is very helpful in the collection of evidence in support of the faculty member under investigation, note-taking, and accompanying the faculty member to meetings where interviews are conducted.

Overall, the Grievance Committee is here to help. Bargaining Unit Members may contact any of the Grievance Committee members when they have issues or questions. The Grievance Committee members are listed below.