The Grievance Procedure

Grievance types: individual, group and policy

The Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA) provides for three types of grievances: individual, group and policy.

Individual grievances

Grievances of this type are filed by individual employees. Such cases can deal with issues related to the collective agreement, discipline and human rights, as well as other matters affecting the employee concerned.

Some individual grievances can be referred to an independent third party (an adjudicator) for a binding decision, others cannot. Section 208 of the PSLRA sets out which kinds of grievances can be brought before an adjudicator.

Click here for a guide to filing an individual grievance.

Group grievances

Group grievances are filed by the union (known formally as "the bargaining agent") rather than by an individual employee. Grievances of this type are used in situations where a group of employees in the same department or agency face the same problem. The problem must relate to the interpretation or application of the collective agreement.

To proceed with a grievance of this type, the union must obtain the consent of each of the employees concerned. All grievances of this type can be referred to adjudication.

For more information about group grievances, members should contact the UNDE National Office.

Policy grievances

Both the employer and the union can file policy grievances. Cases of this type must relate to an alleged violation of the collective agreement which affects the employees generally.

For more information about policy grievances, members should contact the UNDE National Office.