What is a Grievance?
As a follow up to last week’s grievance update, SAFA would like to provide more information about what qualifies as a grievance. The following list highlights the most common types of grievances that we submit on behalf of members.
- Mutual Agreement is not obtained – Academic Chairs and managers cannot require you to work outside the collective agreement. In some cases, ACs can ask salaried members to make exceptions (i.e., instruction after 6pm, working weekends, working more than, changing agreed upon vacation leave, or changes to assigned class contact hours) which must be recorded on the mutual agreement form. Any other verbal or casual agreements are not legitimate and do not protect member’s rights.
- Discrimination based on race, gender, age, or sexual orientation – Discrimination issues may involve pay, awarding of contracts, or assignment of classes, among other issues.
- Position Abolishment
- Working Conditions & workload issues
- Harassment or unjust treatment
- Discrimination based on contingent role – Issues include contract assignment and workload
If you feel that you’ve experienced any of the following, please don’t assume it’s “business as usual”—contact SAFA to know your rights and the limits on SAIT’s actions. Email [email protected] to report any possible infractions against the collective agreement.