West Chester: WHO TO CONTACT

DEFINITIONS:

Grievance: a formal filing by a member of the collective bargaining unit or by the union stating that the collective bargaining agreement has been violated.

Complaint: a charge brought forward to the administration (HR or the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) that there has been wrongdoing by some individual or group of individuals such as bullying, harassment, abuse, or discrimination.

ROLES:

President: Principal executive officer and spokesperson for the chapter, available to help with all questions about the collective bargaining agreement and local policies, and available to advocate on your behalf on a wide variety of matters.

Office Manager: Available during business hours to assist members and make appointments to meet with the president

Grievance Chair: Assists faculty members with filing a “grievance” (see definition above) and also assigns union representatives for members who have received a notice of investigation

Member Support Chair: Assists faculty members with who want to make a “complaint” (see definition above)

Coach Grievance Chair: Assists coaches with matters having to do with member support and contract enforcement

DECISION TREE FOR WHO TO CONTACT:

1. Do you have a concern that is not related to filing a grievance or making a formal complaint?

Yes? Then you should contact the president. They can answer any general questions or concerns, and welcome your ideas and input.

2. For issues related to grievances and complaints, do you have a concern that a specific article of the collective bargaining agreement been violated?

Yes -> Contact Grievance Chair -> Grievance chair helps you decide whether to file a grievance

No -> Contact Member Support Chair -> Member Support Chair helps you decide whether to file a complaint and assigns you to a trained APSCUF complainant’s representative if desired

Do not know if contract has been violated -> Contact Grievance Chair -> Grievance chair can help you find out whether the CBA has been violated and make a decision whether to go to the Member Support Chair if it has not

FAQ:

What is the process for filing a grievance?

The grievance chair will provide you with a worksheet to fill out. This is a confidential internal document that will be used to help prepare your grievance. The grievance chair will explain the grievance process to you and help you assess your options.

What is the process for filing a complaint?

The university has a variety of avenues for making a complaint, and complaints can also be filed at the state level. Two offices that handle complaints at WCU are HR and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The member support chair will help you assess your options.