guide v7
Transcription
guide v7
S H O P S T E W A R D R E F E R E N C E & T R A I N I N G G U I D E SHOP STEWARD REFERENCE AND TRAINING GUIDE VERSION 7 SHOP STEWARD REFERENCE AND TRAINING GUIDE VERSION 7 A Publication of the National Emergency Medical Services Association Modesto California 2 A Publication of The National Emergency Medical Services Association Copyright © 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Printed in the United States of America This Book Is For The Use Of National EMS Association Staff and Shop Stewards Only. Sale or Re-Sale Of This Book Is Strictly Prohibited. Editing Provided In-Part By: Jennifer Brewer Reprints: Permission is granted to reprint or reproduce portions of this book, or the book in its entirety for free public distribution to all NEMSA Shop Stewards. Please let NEMSA know of such use by emailing: [email protected]. Requests for permission to reprint or reproduce this book outside of the listed guidelines must be made in writing to NEMSA, 4701 Sisk Rd, Suite 102, Modesto, CA 95356. Disclaimer: Reference to any person or situation in this book is purely fictional and for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or deceased is purely coincidental. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered at the time of first publication. The publisher (NEMSA) is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service through the production or publication of this information. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 3 Table of Contents Introduction Page 6 Chapter One Page 7 NEMSA History NEMSA Mission Statement NEMSA Structure Chapter 2 Page 11 What Is A Labor Union Service Vs. Organizing Model The Benefits of Unionism Collective Bargaining Agreements Union Security Vs. Right To Work States Chapter 3 Page 17 What Is A Shop Steward Duties Of A NEMSA Shop Steward Your rights And Protections As A NEMSA Shop Steward Fairness… Your Biggest Responsibility Welcoming New Employees Chapter 4 Page 23 The Nuts and Bolts Of Being A Shop Steward THE NLRA THE NLRB WEINGARTEN RIGHTS PROGRESSIVE DICIPLINE THE SEVEN TESTS OF JUST CAUSE PAST PRACTICE THE GRIEVANCE THE ULP DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION Chapter 5 Page 43 Understanding The Parts Of A Grievance Principles Of Grievance Writing Critical Thinking With Grievances Exercise Chapter 6 Page 49 Practice Grievance Scenarios The NEMSA Grievance Form The NEMSA Grievance Wrangler The NEMSA Grievance Timeline Extension Form Chapter 7 Page 78 Meeting With Management 4 Chapter 8 Page 66 Membership Dues, Fees, And Member Only Benefits Chapter 9 Page 82 Three Steps In Active Listening Chapter 10 Page 83 Work Actions Strike Actions Methods Used By Employers To Deal With Strikes Striking… An Option Of Last Resort Chapter 11 Page 94 Organizing Your Workplace Planning Getting Members Active And Involved In Union Activities The “Organizing” Way To Use Union Literature Chapter 12 Page 101 Shop Based Internet Web Page Administrator Guide 5 Introduction The NEMSA Shop Steward Reference and Training Guide The NEMSA Shop Steward Reference and Training Guide will help you to effectively deal with situations you may encounter as a shop steward. It is designed as a training manual for new shop stewards and a reference manual for any NEMSA shop steward. The NEMSA Shop Steward is a multi-faceted individual who fills many different roles. As a shop steward you will be a counselor, communicator, contract enforcer, union organizer, and employee representative. At times you will fill all of these roles, but being a workplace organizer and employee representative will occupy the majority of your time. Because of this, the emphasis of this guide will be on the daily hands-on challenges you will face. Being a shop steward requires finesse and diplomacy, the understanding and comprehension of basic legal processes and strategies, professionalism and the ability to read between the lines. It is also important to be honest with the members you represent. Do not promise a certain outcome you may have no control over. It is important to understand that you may fail at your task at some point. Nobody wins every case. It is also important to understand that being a shop steward can cause great frustration at times, either because management is difficult to deal with or because members may be telling you only half the story. But it will also be the most rewarding experience you have during your EMS career. Saving someone’s career is possibly second only to a “field-save” in this business. The staff at NEMSA strives to make this guide and its shop steward training courses as informative, educational and supportive as possible by using real world examples. After reading this guide and completing the accompanying training course, you will have the ability to handle simple cases under the direct supervision of a more experienced shop steward in your operations area until you are experienced enough to deal with more complex cases on your own. No matter what, remember that you are not alone. Paid NEMSA staff and attorneys support Shop Stewards. NEMSA’s motto of “ Strength through Service” is the secret to this union’s success. As a shop steward, you are first and foremost a servant to the members. If your actions and attitude reflect your union’s motto, then you will be a true asset to your members. 6 Chapter 1 NEMSA History NEMSA Mission Statement NEMSA Structure 1.1 NEMSA History The National Emergency Medical Services Association (National EMS Association or NEMSA) was created by EMS professionals from the American Medical Response Northern California Bargaining Unit. This bargaining unit is the largest private EMS bargaining unit in the USA and is made up of EMTs, Paramedics, CCT RNs, Dispatchers, and billing/support staff. Under the representation of Service Employees International (SEIU Union Local 250), worksite leaders became increasingly frustrated with years of poor representation and poor service to members. Worksite leaders tried engaging SEIU in ways to improve the quality of representation and increase attention on EMS related issues and problems. Worksite leaders tried getting involved in greater and greater ways, including working for SEIU in an attempt to influence SEIU to serve EMS professionals. However the concerns of EMS workers, including EMS members of SEIU’s own staff, fell on deaf ears. EMS made up less than 2% of SEIU Local 250’s membership base and less than 1% of SEIU’s total membership. After years of doing everything they could to focus SEIU attention to EMS workers and EMS related issues, SEIU still had not responded with even an acknowledgement of what members were concerned about. Finally, EMS worksite leaders formed NEMSA with the intent of creating a 100% EMS labor organization. NEMSA is made up of and run by EMS workers who have decades of EMS union expertise. All resources go to the members not to parent unions, partner unions, international unions, or labor coalitions like AFL-CIO or Change To Win. We are structured to allow the members to truly run the union. NEMSA hires the best labor lawyers in the country. We have brought in professional negotiators, experts on retirement, and health insurance experts to assist us with our contracts. NEMSA is committed to elevating the public image of EMS professionals beyond that of “ambulance driver.” We are 100% focus on EMS and EMS only, giving us the focused strength that we need to make EMS a career and not just a job. Notice that we say “we.” NEMSA is you and I, all of us. We are NEMSA and not some faceless umbrella organization where the members simply don’t matter. Since we came together and formed NEMSA in February 2004, we have more than proven that EMS workers can run our own union. We have done more for EMS than any union has in the last 15 years. We have negotiated the best EMS contracts in the country. 7 EMS workers from across the U.S. are signing petitions to oust SEIU, Teamsters, IAEP, and others to join NEMSA. 1.2 NEMSA MISSION STATEMENT The objectives of NEMSA shall be to elevate Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers and related services as a profession, by the fostering and encouragement of a high degree of skill and efficiency; by the cultivation of friendships and cooperation among its members, public officials, members of governmental agencies and citizens of our community; by the elevation and continual improvement of the physical, spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and economic conditions of its members and fellow workers; by striving to maintain a good public relations program and activities at all times; by promoting proper remuneration commensurate with duty performed and services rendered; to promote and foster a spirit of helpfulness an cooperation among the members, fellow citizens, merchants, and the Employers of its members. 1.3 NEMSA STRUCTURE NEMSA is built from the ground up. Because of NEMSA’s structure, members elected to national and local offices make up the leadership of NEMSA. This makes NEMSA a true representative democracy. NEMSA is led by its members. LOCAL LEADERSHIP NEMSA’s bargaining units are called shops and are structured to allow local control and leadership at your worksite. Shop stewards are elected by the workforce in general, and Chief Shop Stewards are chosen from amongst shop stewards. The following diagram shows the leadership structure of local NEMSA shops. Chief Shop Steward and Shop Stewards act as a local leadership committee called a Stewards Council. Chief Shop Steward Shop Stewards Members 8 Supported By: Labor Relations Representatives For Larger NEMSA Shops: Division Chiefs form Chief Stewards Council Chief Stewards Council acts as a local leadership committee. Division Chief Shop Steward Division Chief Shop Steward Division Chief Shop Steward Shop Stewards Shop Stewards Shop Stewards Members Members Members Supported By Labor Relations Representatives THE SHOP STEWARD The shop steward is the backbone of a NEMSA shop. The shop steward is part of a leadership team known as a Stewards Council. THE CHIEF SHOP STEWARD The Chief Shop Steward as well as any Assistant Chiefs or Scribe (secretary) have an additional leadership role. They are shop stewards elected to their positions by other shop stewards; however, their position is not one of power or decision-making. Rather, the Chief Shop Steward is a servant, agreeing to serve the shop stewards by taking on additional responsibilities associated with bargaining unit management. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP NEMSA members elect fellow members to national leadership roles. This way NEMSA is truly a 100% EMS organization. National elections for officers and regional directors occur based on the NEMSA Bylaws. The NEMSA Board of Directors is elected from amongst the members and provides leadership and oversight to NEMSA. NEMSA Members Throughout The Nation Support Staff Elected By Membership President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer Regional Directors Elected Officers and Directors form NEMSA Board of Directors 9 President: Responsible for oversight of NEMSA. Oversees paid NEMSA support staff and all functions of NEMSA. Vice President: In absence or disability of the President, the Vice President is responsible for oversight of NEMSA and oversees paid NEMSA support staff and all functions of NEMSA. Secretary: Responsible for minutes related to NEMSA meetings and the oversight of NEMSA-related records as required by the bylaws or state/federal law. Treasurer: Responsible for the oversight of NEMSA financial documents and records as required by NEMSA bylaws and state/federal law. Regional Director: Elected by members of a specifically defined geographical NEMSA region, Regional Directors are full voting members of the NEMSA Board of Directors. NEMSA SUPPORT STAFF Serving the members are NEMSA Support staff. Employed by the Board of Directors, these include Labor Relations Representatives, Legal Staff and Administrative Staff. The Board of Directors may also opt to hire an Executive Director, to oversee the day-today operations of NEMSA. Each NEMSA shop is assigned at least one Labor Relations Representative to assist the shop stewards in the day-to-day operation of their NEMSA shop. Labor Relations Representatives provide the support and resources necessary to help shop stewards do their jobs. 10 CHAPTER 2 WHAT IS A LABOR UNION? SERVICE VS ORGANIZING MODEL THE BENEFITS OF UNIONISM COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS UNION SECURITY STATES VS. RIGHT TO WORK STATES 2.1 WHAT IS A LABOR UNION? LABOR UNION: NOUN: AN ORGANIZATION OF WAGE EARNERS FORMED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SERVING THE MEMBERS’ INTERESTS WITH RESPECT TO WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS. A union is an organization of workers. A union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members (rank-and-file members) and negotiates labor contracts with employers. This may include the negotiation of wages; work rules; complaint procedures; rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers; benefits; workplace safety and policies. The agreements negotiated by the union leaders are binding on the rank-and-file members, the employer and, in some cases, on other nonmember workers. Most unions claim a right of exclusivity. The union has the authority to determine who may be a member of the union and who may not. Most unions assert a right to mandate that only its members, and no others, may be permitted to work at certain jobs. Furthermore, the union contract is exclusive with regard to the employer; an employer is generally not permitted to seek out the services of another labor union or hire another competing labor union even if he is dissatisfied with the performance of the current labor union. TYPES OF UNIONS There are many types of unions; however, for the purposes of this guide, attention will be focused on the three major types of unions found in the United States of America. • • • Craft Unionism General Unionism Industrial Unionism NEMSA is a craft union. Craft unions are made up of a particular type of skilled workers who perform the same or similar tasks. Examples of Craft unionism include the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA), American Postal Workers Union, and others. The craft or trade specific focus gives these unions special abilities to negotiate labor agreements and to achieve industry specific contracts that serve the particular needs of their members. 11 General unions are made up of a cross section of workers from various unrelated trades. These general unions are umbrella organizations that represent people from various different professions and find their strength through size rather than familiarity with a specific trade or job. Examples of general unions include the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT or Teamsters), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), National Association of Governmental Employees (NAGE), and others. Industrial unions are made up of a specific type of skilled worker in a specific industry. These unions typically are made up of workers with the same or similar training and skill sets. However, they are more diverse than craft unions and may contain other workers with related skills and training. Examples of Industrial Unions include the International Industrial Workers of the World (IIWW), Western Federation of Miners, American Railway Union, and others. UNION FEDERATIONS Unions will commonly band together into conferences or federations to increase their influence and unity. Conferences and federations generally have agreements amongst their member unions to not raid or steal members from each other, to honor member unions’ work actions, and to be in partnership in regards to political activities. Examples of conferences and federations include the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the Change To Win Coalition, and others. SOCIAL AND POLITICAL UNIONISM Unions generally in federations or conferences may also engage in broader political or social struggle. Social unionism encompasses many unions that use their organizational strength to advocate for social policies and legislation favorable to their specific goals. Unions in some countries are closely aligned with political parties, and in the USA many are a major source of campaign fundraising and political activism for candidates in local, state, and national elections. 2.2 SERVICE VS. ORGANIZING UNION MODEL The operating model they are structured on can also delineate unions. The service model and the organizing model are both commonly used in American unionism. The service model union focuses more on giving full customer service to members and providing for members’ needs, maintaining worker rights, providing services, and resolving disputes. Alternately, the organizing model focuses on organizing workplaces and building unity, building up worker confidence, developing strong networks of unified workers, and building leaders within the workforce. Many unions are a blend of these two philosophies, and the definitions of the models themselves are still debated. NEMSA is a combination of the two models but generally is considered to use the organizing model as a primary operating basis. Thus this guide and any associated classes will focus primarily on the organizing model as a path to success. 12 2.3 THE BENEFITS OF UNIONISM There are many benefits to being in a union. Each union and each union contract are unique and the benefits found within each contract across the nation are too numerous to list. However, according to the US Government, the benefits of union membership are clear. Benefits Of Unions By The Numbers 13 2.4 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or contract is a legal and binding business agreement between employer and union covering wages, benefits and working conditions. Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) cover many areas of employment. WAGES AND HOURS Wage and hour provisions are pretty much the heart of a union contract. These provisions spell out how many hours an employee must work to earn a certain income. They also spell out how much an employee will be entitled to receive if she or he works overtime (more hours than the standard workweek). Most union contracts contain a salary/wage schedule. Some union contracts contain Seniority Based Pay Step Increases. This means that as an employee spends more years on the job, gains more experience or completes higher educational requirements, she or he will move from step to step, increasing her or his income along the way. 14 WORK REPONSIBLITIES Job descriptions that spell out exactly what each employee is required to do are generally formulated by management, not by unions. They are generally not included in union contracts. In some cases a union contract may state what tasks employees in different job titles cannot be asked to do. WORKING CONDITIONS Contracts will commonly detail working conditions that the employer agrees to maintain with the union for the duration of the contract. Sometimes certain work rules are included amongst these working conditions. Other times, employee amenities or employer practices are memorialized in a contract. This allows workers to feel stability and have protection against the employer unilaterally changing work rules or working conditions. SENIORITY Seniority is another key feature in many union contracts. Usually seniority is within a job title. Seniority provisions allow long-term employees to retain their jobs over newer employees during periods of budget cuts, layoffs or other employee cutbacks. Seniority provisions also determine who will have the first opportunity to apply for job openings. More often than not, the employee with greatest seniority has the strongest chance to obtain the job. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES Grievance provisions set forth the means by which employees can file complaints alleging violations of the contract. She or he may allege that because the contract has been violated, he or she has been treated unfairly or suffered some form of discrimination. Usually the procedure involves a written complain, followed by several hearings. If no satisfactory result is reached, the complaint may go to arbitration for final decision. 2.5 UNION SECURITY STATES VS. RIGHT TO WORK STATES The union landscape throughout the USA is further divided depending upon which state a union shop is in. Depending upon the laws of individual states, a state can either be a Union Security State or a Right To Work State. In Union Security States, it is legal for a union to have a contract clause for a “closed shop,” meaning that all employees represented by a union must maintain union membership in the union or pay appropriate and legal “fair share” fees if opting nonmembership. This can be a condition of employment. In Right To Work States, being represented by a union is completely optional and cannot be considered a condition of employment. Union security clauses are not legal in these states. 15 Labor unions and activists generally refer to “right to work” states as “RIGHT TO WORK FOR LESS” states due to the lack of cohesiveness and unity in workforces found in those states. Unions have significantly less influence in Right To Work states, and workforces are generally more divided. Right To Work States Union Security States 16 Chapter 3 WHAT IS A SHOP STEWARD DUTIES OF A NEMSA SHOP STEWARD YOUR RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS AS A NEMSA SHOP STEWARD FAIRNESS… YOUR BIGGEST RESPONSIBILITY WELCOMING NEW EMPLOYEES 3.1 WHAT IS A SHOP STEWARD Union Steward (a.k.a Shop steward) is the title of an official position within the organizational hierarchy of a labor union. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that rank-and-file members of the union hold this position voluntarily (through democratic election by fellow workers or sometimes by appointment of a higher union body) while maintaining their role as an employee in the bargaining unit. As a result, the Union Steward becomes a significant link and conduit of information between the union leadership and rank-andfile workers. The shop steward also becomes a spokesperson for the union and through words and actions can set precedents, make agreements, and effect or change working conditions. 3.2 DUTIES OF A NEMSA SHOP STEWARD As a NEMSA shop steward, your job involves much more than handling grievances. Grievances are important. They are often the most visible and dramatic aspect of NEMSA’s presence. Sometimes they’ll take up most of your time. However grievances should never be confused with your chief responsibility as a shop steward: to build a united, organized, and involved membership in your workplace. Without this involvement and solidarity, not even NEMSA and its experienced staff can always effectively protect and serve its members. So you must be a leader in your workplace. And as a leader in the workplace, you’ll have your hands full. That’s because NEMSA stewards are: Organizers–This is perhaps the most important role as a shop steward. It doesn’t just mean signing up new members, although it includes that. It means NEMSA stewards are responsible for organizing the whole workplace to improve the wages, benefits and working conditions as a united group. Problem Solvers–You’re the person workers turn to with their problems. It might be a work-site hazard. Maybe someone’s been fired, or perhaps layoffs are threatened. It might be just a new employee with a question. Perhaps you can solve the problem with a friendly word, or maybe you’ll organize a worksite action or file a grievance. Problems don’t go with your territory. They are your territory. 17 Educators and Communicators–The contract. The health insurance plan. What’s a ULP? How can I do this? Why did they do that? It’s a complicated world, and your members are counting on you to help them make sense of it. Equally important, NEMSA support staff and labor representatives are counting on you to help them keep in touch with your co-workers. You work with them every day. They don’t. It’s a team effort, and you’re the quarterback. Worksite leaders–You are the standard bearer. You’re the one who’s not afraid to speak up to management. You make unity happen, and you never let anyone forget NEMSA is at your worksite. The sections that follow will explain some of your different jobs in more detail. For now, it’s enough that you understand and accept your wide responsibility in the workplace and remember that your primary duties are to organize and to solve problems. You’ll see later how those duties go hand in hand. ! Grievances can take a long time. This is frustrating and can take away momentum and power. Organizing actions with our co-workers can help us more quickly win the resolutions we want. We can file a grievance while at the same time applying pressure on the boss through job actions. ! Sometimes there isn’t a contract violation, but the issue is still important to us. Organizing is the ONLY way to resolve it. ! Organizing around our issues builds workers’ power. It builds solidarity and union visibility at work. It sends a message to the boss to not disrespect our rights. …And It’s Fun! A union is a group of people acting together. It’s no accident that when that happens, everyone feels better about themselves, their jobs and the union. 18 THINGS A NEMSA SHOP STEWARD SHOULD HAVE You’ll need to have a lot of information close at hand, both at work and at home. (Some stewards carry a notebook; others carry electronic devices.) You and your chief steward or NEMSA representative should check out your materials to make sure you have everything you need. Here are some possibilities: • • • • • • • • • • • A list of the workers you serve as a steward, including name, address, telephone number, email address, job title, and shift schedule A seniority list of your workers (if applicable) The contract and any side letters. NEMSA constitution and bylaws Employer Regional or National Policies (if applicable) Employer Local Policies Civil service rules (if applicable) An organization chart of managers and supervisors. Organizing materials for new members and new employees Grievance and Investigation Reports and forms Employer defined job descriptions for your shop Your local NEMSA support staff, labor representative and legal counsel will also have other valuable information including: • • • • Federal and State health and safety regulations Federal and state labor laws and court decisions Information on past investigations, grievances and arbitrations Lists of references, resources and other helpful materials available from NEMSA’s legal team 3.3 YOUR RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS AS A SHOP STEWARD When you’re dealing with management on NEMSA business, you deal with the employer as an equal. That’s why the National Labor Relations Act and state labor boards specifically protect you (and other NEMSA leaders) from punishment or discrimination by management because of your NEMSA activity. It is illegal to an employer to: • Deny you promotions or pay opportunities • Isolate you from other workers • Saddle you with extra work or unusually tough assignments • Deny you overtime opportunities • Enforce work rules unfairly against you or harass you with extra supervision 19 Your contract may also spell out your rights, and perhaps you are additionally covered by state and local ordinances if you’re a government (publicly funded) EMS worker. If your employer tries to discriminate against you in this way, it’s a violation of federal law. 3.4 FAIRNESS – YOUR BIGGEST RESPONSIBILITY NEMSA is required by law to represent all workers in the bargaining unit fairly and completely. It’s legally known as the Duty of Fair Representation (DFR) and will be expanded on in other chapters of this guide. You must represent all workers fairly regardless of their race, religion, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or creed. You may even find that you have to represent workers who oppose NEMSA, as well as those who are unpopular, difficult to work with, or create discord in the workplace. This doesn’t mean NEMSA can’t lose a grievance or make a mistake. It does mean that every action you take must be free from bias or the appearance of bias: • • • • Your investigations of every problem or incident must be fair and complete. Workers must be kept informed about each step you take on their behalf. Never lose a grievance because a time limit ran out. Cases must be based in facts, not opinion or the personalities involved. It is very important to keep detailed records of your activities as a steward including phone calls, interviews, letters, contacts, and decisions. Without such documentation, it’s far more difficult for NEMSA support staff and attorneys to defend a DFR case if one should occur. OVERWHELMING DUTIES?… NOT WITH TEAMWORK. You will be asked to perform many different duties as a shop steward. At times it can be overwhelming. The following list is some of the more important things NEMSA stewards do. There are many other things not listed that you may also do. The important thing to remember when feeling overwhelmed is that teamwork is necessary to serve the people in your shop. Some areas assign shop stewards to a set number of employees. Some areas elect stewards and then delegate them to handle certain matters. Some ask NEMSA support staff to handle the steps of certain grievances. You don’t have to learn your duties all at once. And you’ll always have more experienced stewards and NEMSA staff to help you. The key is communication with other stewards and teamwork to successfully serve your shop. • • • • • A Shop Steward Team Should: get to know all the workers in your unit. provide a New Hire Orientation presentation when possible. greet new members and help them get oriented. encourage workers to join NEMSA. convince workers to join NEMSA. (This is not a misprint.) 20 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • recruit and lead volunteers. play a leading role in shop steward meetings. Keep the members informed. get committees going and attend committee meetings, guiding them when need be. keep updated phone and email lists of your members. learn all the problems in the workplace. Problems won’t become problems if you are on top of things. investigate grievances. interview all new hired members. write and file grievances. negotiate with management. This can range from informal talks with supervisors to arbitration hearings, formal contract bargaining and labor/management committee assignments. maintain files and record. keep updated address, phone and email information on your members. work on contract campaigns. organize rallies, vigils, work actions, petitions, parades, demonstrations, and other activities. work on newsletters, leaflets, press releases, picket signs, buttons, stickers, bulletin board displays, whatever. attend steward training classes. do NEMSA sponsored charity work and works in the community. Inspire others in your bargaining unit to do the same. inspect the worksite for health and safety problems, know where the OSHA 2000 Log is posted, file federal and state OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) violation reports, and accompany inspectors on site visits. You don’t have to do this all yourself. Don’t be shy about asking individual members to help you out. It’s one way to get them involved. 3.5 WELCOMING NEW EMPLOYEES Remember your first day on the job? Everybody is nervous and unsure of himself or herself on the first day of a new job. That’s why one of your foremost tasks is to welcome new workers. NEMSA has created a New Hire Orientation Welcome Guide to help with introducing the concepts of organized labor, NEMSA representation, and how NEMSA works to new NEMSA members. Remember many people have never been unionized before and do not understand what unions are, how they work and how NEMSA is different. Your Chief Shop Steward is responsible for ordering these guides from NEMSA. Giving these guides to new employees is a great way to inform them. Still, nothing works better than talking to new employees. As a shop steward, you are organizing your workforce every day and that includes new employees. Printed information is just a supplement for your efforts to communicate to new members. 21 Some new EMS workers may be uninformed about the “good things” unions do, so they may initially hostile to NEMSA membership. This doesn’t let you off the hook. It just means you’ll have to grit your teeth and put forth an effort to be friendly and helpful. In the end, remember that your PRIMARY duty as a shop steward is to build a united, organized, and involved membership in your workplace. This starts with new employees! THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CONVERSATION WITH THE NEW EMPLOYEE: • • • • • Get to know each other. Where did they work before? Where do they live now? Do they have a family? Hobbies? Sports? Start off by listening. Offer information: where the vending machines are (and what not to buy), where to go for happy hour, what the boss is like, who runs the football pool, how to get in on ride-sharing. Give the new worker a welcome packet if you have one. If not, be sure they receive a copy of the contract and explain its important provisions to them. Explain that the benefits at your job are provided by the NEMSA contract, not at the benevolence of the employer. Wages, health care, holidays, and a voice on the job are all theirs because NEMSA is the representative of the employees. During the conversation, remember that you want the employee to begin identifying with NEMSA. Whenever the worker has a problem, you are the person to see, not the supervisor. NEMSA is the members, the people right there all around you, not some unknown outsiders. If you get these two ideas across, you’ve done your job. MAKE SURE THE NEW EMPLOYEE HAS YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER, AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO CALL IF THEY HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. 22 CHAPTER 4 THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF BEING A SHOP STEWARD 4.1 THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF BEING A SHOP STEWARD THE STEWARDS’ TOOLS OF THE TRADE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. THE NLRA THE NLRB WEINGARTEN RIGHTS PROGRESSIVE DICIPLINE THE SEVEN TESTS OF JUST CAUSE PAST PRACTICE THE GRIEVANCE THE ULP DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION SECTION 1: THE NLRA THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT “EMPLOYEES SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO SELF-ORGANIZATION, TO FORM, JOIN OR ASSIST LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, TO BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY THROUGH REPRESENTATIVES OF THEIR OWN CHOOSING, AND TO ENGAGE IN OTHER CONCERTED ACTIVITIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING OR OTHER MUTUAL AID AND PROTECTION.” Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT. Congress enacted the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) in 1935. It was hailed at the time and for many years after as the Magna Carta of American labor. Previously, employers had been free to spy on, interrogate, discipline, discharge, and blacklist union members. The NLRA guaranteed workers the right to join unions without fear of management reprisal. It created the National Labor Relations Board to enforce this right and prohibited employers from committing unfair labor practices that might discourage organizing or prevent workers from negotiating a union contract. 23 The most important sections of the NLRA are Sections 7-8-9. Section 7 is the heart of the NLRA. It defines protected activity. Stripped to its essential, it reads: Employees shall have the right to self-organization; to form, join, or assist labor organizations to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing; and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid and protection. Section 7 applies to a wide range of union and collective activities. In addition to organizing, it protects employees who take part in grievances, on-the-job protests, picketing, and strikes. Section 8 defines employer unfair labor practices. Five types of conduct are made illegal: • Employer interference, restraint, or coercion directed against union or collective activity (section 8(a)(1)) • Employer domination of unions (section 8(a)(2)) • Employer discrimination against employees who take part in union or collective activities (section 8(a)(3)) • Employer retaliation for filing unfair labor practice charges or cooperating with the NLRB (section 8(a)(4)) • Employer refusal to bargain in good faith with union representatives (section8(a)(5)) Threats, warnings and orders to refrain from protected activities of interference and coercion violate section 8 (a) (1). Disciplinary actions, such as suspensions, discharges, transfers, and demotions violate section 8 (a)(3). Failures to supply information, unilateral changes, refusal to hold grievance meetings, and direct dealings violate section 8(a)(5). Section 9 provides that unions, if certified or recognized, are the exclusive representatives of bargaining unit members. It prohibits the adjustment of employee grievances unless a union rep is given an opportunities to be present and establishes procedures to vote on union representation. SECTION 2: THE NLRB THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent agency of the United States Government charged with conducting elections for labor union representation and with investigating and remedying unfair labor practices. Unfair Labor Practices may involve union related situations or instances of protected concerted activity. A fiveperson board and a General Counsel govern the NLRB, all of whom are appointed by the President with U.S. Senate consent. Board members are appointed to 5-year terms. The General Counsel acts as a prosecutor, and the Board act as an appellate judicial body from decisions of administrative law judges. The NLRB was established in 1935 through 24 passage of the National Labor Relations Act, which was amended by the Taft-Hartley Act in 1947. SECTION 3: WEINGARTEN RIGHTS WEINGARTEN RIGHTS In 1975 the United States Supreme Court, in the case of NLRB v. J.Weingarten, Inc., 420 U.S. 251 (1975), upheld a NLRB decision that employees have a right to union representation at investigatory interviews. These rights have become known as the Weingarten Rights. During an investigatory interview, the Supreme Court ruled that the following rules apply: • Rule 1: The employee must make a clear request for union representation before or during the interview. The employee cannot be punished for making this request. • Rule 2: After the employee makes the request, the employer must choose from among three options. The Employer must either: grant the request and delay questioning until the union rep arrives and has a chance to consult privately with the employee; deny the request and end the interview immediately; or give the employee a choice between having the interview without representation or ending the interview. • Rule 3: If the employer denies the request for union representation and continues to ask questions, it commits an unfair labor practice and the employee has a right to refuse to answer. The employer may not discipline the employee for such a refusal. As with all rights, if we do not use them, we lose them. The presence of a NEMSA steward can be crucial, and both members and steward should be aware of their rights. The employee and the steward have the right to know the subject matter of the interview. The steward must be allowed to take the worker aside for a private pre-interview conference before questioning begins. The steward must be allowed to speak during the interview. The steward can request that the supervisor clarify a question so that the worker can understand what is being asked. Before questions have been asked, steward can give advice on how to answer. When the questioning ends, stewards can provide additional information to the Supervisor. If Weingarten rules are complied with, stewards have no right to tell workers not to answer questions or to give false answers. Assertion of Weingarten Rights Feel free to print and distribute! NEMSA provides shop steward business cards with this statement printed on the back that can be given to people in your shop. 25 All NEMSA members are encouraged to carry the following message with them. In the event they are denied representation and are required to meet with Management, the employee should present this to a Supervisor. Weingarten Statement I believe this discussion could lead to my being disciplined. I therefore request that my NEMSA representative or officer be present to assist me at the meeting. I further request reasonable time to consult with my NEMSA representative regarding the subject and purpose of the meeting. Please consider this a continuing request; without representation, I shall not participate in the discussion. I shall not consent to any searches or tests affecting my person, property or effects without first consulting with my NEMSA representative. SECTION 4: PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE Progressive Discipline is a system of discipline where the penalties increase upon repeat occurrences. This term is often used in an employment or human resources context where, rather than terminating employees for first or minor infractions, there is system of escalating responses intended to correct the negative behavior rather than to punish the employee. The typical stages of progressive discipline in a workplace are: 1. Counseling or a verbal warning 2. A written warning 3. Suspension or demotion 4. Termination The stage chosen for a particular infraction will depend on a variety of factors that include the severity of the infraction, the previous work history of the employee and how the choice will affect others in the organization. Progressive discipline and the NEMSA steward Failure to by management to adhere to progressive discipline procedure constitutes a substantial amount of the grievances you will be filing on behalf of a member. Often, management has its own ideas of how progression is defined, and it will be up to you to see to it that progression is consistent. Progressive discipline should always be linear. If paramedic Smith is ten minutes late for work and an hour later gets caught smoking a cigarette in the ambulance, management cannot “stack” (or pancake) both violations into one discipline. Both violations have to be seen and treated as separate violations. Management should have a discipline matrix available that roughly outlines common violations and the subsequent escalating discipline. Take being late for example. If a member is late ten minutes, management may counsel the member or issue a verbal warning. If late for a second time, then member may receive a written warning. If late a 26 third time, perhaps a suspension, and if late a fourth time, termination. However, violations may lead to accelerated discipline if the member committed a more serious violation, such as sexual harassment or fighting. These kinds of violations may lead to termination on the first occurrence. Be mindful that past practice may also apply when it comes to progressive discipline. If EMT Williams was issued a written warning for not cleaning the ambulance six months ago, then EMT Smith should not receive a suspension for committing the same violation today. SECTION 5: THE SEVEN TESTS OF JUST CAUSE The seven tests for “just cause” in discipline When management issues a disciplinary action towards a NEMSA member, stewards will likely be the first to be approached by the affected member with many questions. Usually stewards will be asked questions about the discipline, such as, “Is this right?” or “Can they do that” NEMSA believes that all disciplinary actions should follow and “pass” the Seven (7) Tests for Just Cause. All of NEMSA negotiated labor contracts refer to discipline for just cause, but what does this really mean? A NEMSA steward familiar with the work site of origin will need to determine the answers to the following questions; in other words, they will need to “ask” of the Employer if the answer to these seven questions (tests) is “YES.” If it is, then management most likely did use “just cause” principles and the discipline would likely be upheld if grieved. Should the answer be “NO” to any one of the test questions, then management likely did not use “just cause” and was wrong either in issuing the discipline in the first place or in the level of disciplinary action assessed. Over the years, many Arbitrators have used the following seven “test questions” to see if management was fair and just in issuing a discipline. THE SEVEN “JUST CAUSE” TEST QUESTIONS Test 1: Is there a Rule governing the action of the employee? The answer is usually yes to this question. That is why management issues a Policy and Procedure Manual that gets distributed to everybody. The “Rule” can be language in the Contract, in the P&P manual, in the past practice, or as governed by Law. Sometimes, however, there has been no notification of a “Rule,” and the discipline should hold accountable to all seven tests. Test 2: Does the employee know the Rule? It has to be a known rule and the employee must have a reasonable expectation of knowing or being aware of the rule through other well-known means. 27 Test 3: Was the Employee aware of the consequences for violating the Rule? If it is not a known rule, then how can one know the consequences, right? You’ve probably seen the words management likes to use this: “… further violations may lead to discipline up to and including termination…” That’s why they use that terminology. The employee need not know what level of discipline will be assessed for a violation, just that there is a consequence. Test 4: Did the Employer fairly and objectively investigate the violation? Or did the Boss just take someone’s reported accusation or inference and issue a discipline? The Employer has the role of investigator, lawyer, judge, and jury in discipline, and therefore should be held to a very high standard of investigation. Failure of management to do a complete, fair and objective investigation is unfortunately too common. It is our job to investigate the investigation! Test 5: Did the investigation provide clear evidence of guilt? This one is pretty much self-explanatory. Remember that the “preponderance of evidence” (or, what does the evidence reasonably imply?) carries more weight than “beyond a reasonable doubt” in labor discipline. Test 6: Has the Rule/ Discipline been applied evenhandedly and without discrimination? This one is important and really takes a degree of reasonableness to be fairly evaluated. Did Joe get fired for coming in late, and Sally only got a warning? Is that fair? The answer is perhaps. For instance, what does Joe's disciplinary history look like? Does he have multiple violations in his p-file and seem to show a general disregard for work rules? Then maybe the discipline is just. Or does the boss just not like Joe compared to Sally? Test 7: Does the punishment fit the crime (violation)? Should someone lose their job because they once wore the wrong t-shirt under their jumpsuit? Should someone get a verbal warning for coming to work intoxicated? It’s not always this exaggerated, of course. Keep in mind that discipline should be viewed as a step to remediation and improve performance and not just punishment for punishment’s sake. Consider what a reasonable-minded group of peers would think is a fair discipline considering all relevant facts. SECTION 6: PAST PRACTICE Collective bargaining agreements between unions and employers are more than a series of written articles and sections. Under principles endorsed by the U.S. Supreme Court, union contracts also include implied agreements. Implied agreements (also called silent agreements or agreements by conduct) are understandings between an employer and a union that are unwritten and unspoken. Implied agreements primarily grow out of the actions of the parties in following an open and consistent course of conduct, what is known as past practice. A failure to adhere to an 28 implied agreement is as much a violation of the contract as a failure to adhere to a written provision. Example: For over thirty years management has allowed Local 10 members to swap shifts on holidays, even though this is not mentioned in the written agreement. The duration, openness and consistency of the practice along with the employer’s failure to object during bargaining constitute an implied agreement to continue the practice. Why Don’t Employers and Unions Put All Their Understandings in Writing? Employers and unions rely on implied agreements to establish the meaning of general or ambiguous language, to avoid bargaining and to avoid amending the contract. Reasons include: ! To establish the meaning of general or ambiguous contract language Almost all written contracts contain general (lacking details) or ambiguous (unclear) provisions. This may be due to hectic bargaining, poor draftsmanship or deliberate vagueness. Rather than hammer out specifics at the table, the negotiators rely in implied agreements to fill gaps and clarify meanings. ! To avoid bargaining on matters that are not in dispute Every workplace has benefits and working conditions that the employer and the union expect to continue despite their unwritten and often un-discussed nature. Common examples include free parking, rest breaks and vending machines. If all the terms of employment had to be put into writing contract, negotiations would be painfully extended. Instead, the parties operate under an understanding that long lasting benefits and favorable working conditions do not have to be stated to be part of the agreement. ! To amend the contract If a contract provision leads to problems that neither side anticipates, one solution is to change the contract. There may be reasons, however, not to reopen bargaining. For example, management or the union may be concerned that other issues will arise. As an alternative, the parties may implement a mutually acceptable change without discussion. This is called amendment by practice. The Supreme Court On Past Practice The U.S. Supreme Court explained the legal status of past practice in 1960: “The collective bargaining agreement covers the whole employment relationship. It calls into being a new common law—the common law of a particular industry or of a particular plant… the industrial common law—the practices of the industry and the 29 shop—is equally a part of the collective bargaining agreement although not expressed in it. Use the Grievance Procedure to Preserve Past Practices A past practice based in a mutual agreement between the parties is part of the contract. If the employer ignores, departs from, changes, or eliminates the practice, the union can grieve. How can you tell whether a practice is based on a mutual agreement? Your first step is to confirm that the conduct satisfies the threshold requirements of longevity, repetition, consistency, knowledge, and acceptance. Next you must determine which of three types of practice you are looking at. The categories include clarifying practices, independent practices and conflicting practices. 1. Clarifying Practices Clarifying practices implement general or ambiguous contract language. A clarifying practice is almost always considered to be a mutual agreement. 2. Independent Practices Independent practices relate to subjects not covered by the written agreement. An independent practice that involves a worker benefit, such as free parking or time off for union business, is usually considered a mutual agreement. An independent practice that concerns a method of work or direction of the workforce, such as a work schedule or a work assignment, is usually not considered a mutual agreement. 3. Conflicting Practices Conflicting practices contradict language in the written contract. A conflicting practice is usually not considered a mutual agreement. However, exceptions arise if the practice is intended to amend the contract or if the practice causes a party to alter its bargaining demands or otherwise change position to its detriment. Grievances to enforce clarifying practices have the strongest legal standing. Grievances regarding independent practices depend in the nature of the practice. Grievance to enforce conflicting practices are the most difficult to win. An employer’s elimination of a past practice may also violate the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Under this law, before an employer can change a term or condition that has a substantial impact on employees, it must give the union prior notice and, if the union requests it, bargain to agreement or impasse before the policy is implemented. An employer that unilaterally changes an established practice can be ordered by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to rescind the change. 30 Past practices grievances are well suited for group action. NEMSA stewards can: • Encourage numbers of workers to file grievances on the matter • Distribute leaflets about the dispute • Circulate petitions, wear buttons • Hold meetings during breaks • Hold an informational picket before or after work during breaks (being sure not to interfere with employees, suppliers, or shippers) SECTION 7: THE GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION Understanding, Writing, Enforcing… Wait A Minute. What is a grievance? A grievance is specifically defined in your collective bargaining agreement. Generally, a grievance is any violation of the contract; however, some contracts exclude some areas from the grievance procedure while others allow a broader definition. Grievance examples include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Violation of the contract (check contract for any exclusions) Violation of past practices (explicit in some contracts, implied in others) Violation of fair treatment (equal treatment) Violation of federal and state laws (explicit in some contracts) Violation of personnel rules or other management rules (Management must abide by their own rules, unless those rules conflict with the collective bargaining agreement.) Burden of Proof: For a disciplinary grievance, the burden of proof is with management. For a contract violation, the burden of proof is with the union. The Grievance A grievance is a formal statement of complaint, generally against an authority figure. Procedures for grievance are common in unionized organizations. In a unionized organization, a grievance is a formal complaint against the employer, in written format, usually filed by a union steward on behalf of a member of the local union. It is typically understood as any difference arising out of the interpretation, application, administration or alleged violation of the collective bargaining agreement that is in effect at the place of employment, but it can also concern violations of common law such as workplace safety regulations or a human rights code. Ordinarily, unionized workers must ask their operations managers for time during work hours to meet with a shop steward in order to discuss the problem, which may or may not result in a grievance. If the grievance cannot be resolved through negotiation between 31 labor and management, mediation arbitration or legal remedies may be employed. Typically, everyone with a grievance has a strict time lines, which must be met in the processing of this formal complaint, until it is resolved. Employers cannot legally treat an employee any differently whether he or she has filed a grievance or not. The difference between a grievance and a complaint, in the unionized workplace, is whether the subject matter relates to the collective bargaining agreement. A grievance is made up of three parts: Statement of Issue This is the story, what happened. Be as simple, clear and concise as possible. Include the minimum of facts and no argument. Specific Contract Violation Review the contract and include the violation article and section. Include all areas that you reasonably believe may have been violated. Remedy This is what you want out of a grievance. Generally we can only ask for what we have a right to under the contract. Of course, where possible we want to try to stretch those rights. Avoid remedies that include supervisory apologies, penalties, etc. Contract Enforcement: Investigating the Grievance When investigating a grievance, it is important to not be pre-disposed to a particular point of view. Your job is not to “find someone innocent” or “stand up for the employee” but instead to find out what actually happened to the best of your ability. You must remain neutral and conduct a fair and unbiased investigation. This is where things become more difficult. Of course you will get information from the grievant’s point of view. You must actively seek out information from other points of view. You must verify information and make determinations of accuracy of information from a variety of sources. Places to look for information include: • The contract—obviously the first place to look. Be sure to check into all relevant sections. • The Grievant—The person who is claiming the violation of the contract will have information about why they believe their case is legitimate. • Personnel Files—This is very important, particularly if discipline may be involved. • Witness—co-workers and others who may have witnessed an event or can tell you about working conditions in a particular area. This includes witnesses who may side with the employer. • Company policies—Often companies have policies on absenteeism, work rules, etc., which are not contained in the contract. these may be valid if they do not conflict with the contract or past practice. 32 • Past Practice—A past practice is a widespread practice that occurs over a long period of time, which is known by both the Union and management. The investigation is the most critical step in the process. Try to get all the facts before meeting with management; however, if this is not possible, then plan on using the first meeting with management as a way of gathering information. The 5 W Questions… A Great Place To Start! Who: is the grievant and who are other involved? Get the name, department, home address, and phone number of the grievant, witness, etc. When: did the incident or problem occur? Get the dates and times. Check the time limits in the grievance procedure. Where: did the grievance take place? Get the exact location. For some grievances (e.g. health and safety problem), a diagram or photograph may be desirable. Why: is this a grievance? Why did the problem occur? Is there an underlying problem that is not immediately obvious (discrimination or other causes)? What: does the grievant want? What is the appropriate remedy? What specific contract section, law, past practice, or regulation has been violated? 33 Interviewing the Grievant ! Find a private area. ! Let the grievant “vent” for a few minutes if necessary. ! Let the grievant get through her/his story without interruption. ! Repeat the story back to the grievant to see if you have it right. ! Don’t assume that you have received enough information from the grievant to make a decision about the grievance. Remember, you’ve only heard one side of the story and that from a biased source. ! Tell the member you have to complete your investigation before knowing if a grievance has occurred. ! If you plan on talking with management or co-workers as part of your investigation, let the grievant know beforehand. ! At the end of the interview explain the grievance process to the member. Tell the member you need to complete your investigation before you can commit to filing the grievance. Tell the member you will get back to them by a specific date… and then do it. ! If, after you complete your investigation you believe there is not a legitimate grievance, go back and explain that to the member. Discuss other methods for resolving their problem. Explain the process for appealing your decision. 34 Unilateral Changes A unilateral change occurs when the employer takes any action that affects a matter within the scope of bargaining (wages hours, and other conditions of employment) without having given the Union an opportunity to bargain before implementing the change. A unilateral change, which violates the contract or a bona fide past practice, is grievable. A unilateral change in an area where the contract is silent is subject to bargaining unless: ! ! ! the employer gives notice of the change, offers to bargain, and the Union does not act on that. the contract contains a strong management rights clause, which gives management exclusive rights in that area, and a “zipper” clause. the change does not impact on working conditions. It is important for stewards to be alert to any changes in working conditions, which are made without bargaining with the Union, and to challenge those changes. Organizing support for grievances starts with communication! ! ! ! ! Communicate with the other stewards when we get a complaint. We use mailboxes, lockers, email lists, phone trees (and voice mails), brief visits (walk-through), coffee or lunch briefings or any other communication mediums that work for our group. Meet monthly as a steward’s council. Report all grievances and discuss the issues, problems and settlements of significance. Communicate with our members about grievances. It is important that members know about the issues with which our Union is dealing, the challenges and in particular our victories. This increases the Union’s presence and visibility, a major priority of our members. Verbal communication and one-on-one are the ideal. However, just by providing regular department or facility newsletters on the job that report pending and resolve issues, we increase our education of the membership and our Union’s overall visibility. Constantly reinforce that any violation of the Contract violates all of our rights. Ask our members to support grievances. We used to look at most grievances as problems or issues of individual coworkers. The boss effectively isolated grievances to that of the outside Union coming in to support a “bad apple.” Employer’s minimize and undermine the significance of grievances. We have learned that we cannot allow the Employer to define the scope of our steward’s roles or allow them to dictate how we process grievances. Experience shows that Employer’s are much more compliant with the Contract and willing to resolve issues where our membership is educated, active and supportive. 35 The Service vs. Organizing Union Model of Handling Grievances The Service Model Weakening Workers’ Power The Organizing Model Strengthening Workers’ Power 1. Worker has problem and views it only as a personal gripe. 1. Worker has a problem but understands that it is not just a personal conflict but part of a larger conflict between bosses and workers. 2. Views the Shop Steward as an insurance agent: “Solve it for me. That’s what I pay dues for, isn’t it?” 2. Views the steward as an organizer who can help build the collective power of the workforce. Workers understand that only by sticking together can they get their issues addressed and enforce the contract. 3. The Shop Steward begins to act like an insurance agent. She/He processes the complaint by relying on the rules and regulations of the grievance procedure, and/or on a personal relationship with management. “I was able to work out a deal for you, not as good as you wanted but better than nothing.” 3. Steward acts as an organizer and figures out who if anyone else is affected by the problem as well as how to act collectively to solve it. Understands need to build unity in the workplace. Uses that unity as tool to create change and address issues. 4. Steward might win with those tactics and on issues that are straightforward and matter of fact, but might lose on questions of contract interpretation, and will seldom win on issues that cost management big bucks. 4. Backed by an educated and organized workplace, the shop steward tries to settle the problem here and now with or without a formal grievance. The idea is to convince management that they had better not fool around with a united, organized workplace if they care about their service. 36 The Service vs. Organizing Union Model of Handling Grievances Cont… The Service Model Weakening Workers’ Power The Organizing Model Strengthening Workers’ Power 5. Worker who wins grievance feels lucky. Worker who loses grievance gets angry with steward and union, not management. “I pay my dues. What good is the union? It doesn’t do a thing for me!” 5. Worker who wins grievance feels vindicated. Sees the union as standing up for her/him. Worker who loses grievance blames management and sees loss as part of the continuing struggle between the union and management. Is likely to become increasingly informed and involved in workplace. 6. The steward feels lucky to win but gets angry with the worker if the grievance is lost. “See if I stick my neck out for you again.” 6. The shop steward gets support from workers who, because they were in the fight, have a deeper understanding of the union vs. management dynamics. She/He understands the absolute necessity of exhibiting union influence and control of the workplace, both formally and informally. 7. The conflict/apathy undermines the unity and strength of the members. Shop stewards, in frustration, may just help “friends” and only put in their best efforts for those cases they believe they can win. They may ignore the ungrateful masses. Workers continue to distrust the union and become angry. 7. The more collective understanding and action, the less management has the ability to get away with questionable contract language interpretations, intimidation, harassing members, and the creation of inconsistent policy to punish employees. 8. Management takes advantage of the lack of unity, bickering, and loss of confidence in the union by increasing pressure and trying to get away with more and more in the workplace. 9. 37 Understanding Arbitration Arbitration is a step found at the last step of a contracted grievance procedure. Arbitration is a process where both Union and Employer present their “grievance” argument to a neutral third party such as a labor judge, who then decides based on available case evidence and arguments how to interpret contract language. While not required, most contracts consider the decision of the arbitrator to be binding, meaning that both union and employer are required to accept the arbitrator ruling as the official interpretation of the contract and behave according to the arbitrator’s instructions in regards to the case. Arbitration is expensive, costing several thousand dollars per case. Most contracts require the union and employer to split the cost of arbitration fifty-fifty. Some contracts require the losing party to pay for 100% of the arbitration. There exists no requirement in law or NEMSA contract that a case is required to be taken to arbitration. Arbitrators are not EMS experts but rather are generally familiar with labor law. Many factors lead to NEMSA approving a case for arbitration. A case that outwardly appears potentially successful at arbitration may not seem as promising when NEMSA legal staff and attorneys investigate, prepare witnesses and go through a case. A case that may look “un-winnable” may actually have a high chance of success at arbitration. Each case is handled on an individual basis. Arbitration takes months to yield a decision on a case. Either side may attempt to make a settlement offer to the other if they so desire. Based on the relative strength of cases, it is common for both Union and Employer to offer settlements to avoid an uncertain decision. The number one factor for success at arbitration is the preparation, organization and follow through by the Shop Steward. Shop stewards are commonly called as witnesses in arbitration. Keeping good records and following through with a complete and thorough investigation are the best ways to have success as an issue moves to arbitration. SECTION 8: THE ULP The Unfair Labor Practice In the United States Labor Laws, the term unfair labor practice refers to certain actions taken by employers or unions that violate the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and other legislation. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) investigates such acts. Definition of “unfair labor practice” The NLRB has the authority to investigate and remedy unfair labor practices, which are defined in Section 8 of the Act. In the broad terms, the NLRA makes it unlawful for an employer to: 38 ! ! ! ! ! interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of their rights to engage in protected concerted activity or union activities or refrain from them. (Concerted activity is any activity where two or more employees act in concert to protect rights provided for the Act, whether or not a union exists.) dominate or interfere with the formation or administration of a labor organization. discriminate against employees for engaging in concerted or union activities or for refraining from them. discriminate against an employee for filing charges with the NLRB or taking part in any NLRB proceedings. refuse to bargain with the union that is the lawful representative of its employees. The Act similarly bars unions from: ! restraining or coercing employees in the exercise of their rights or an employer in the choice of its bargaining representative. ! causing an employer to discriminate against an employee. ! refusing to bargain with the employer of the employees it represents. ! engaging in certain types of secondary boycotts. ! requiring excessive dues. ! engaging in featherbedding. ! picketing for recognition for more than thirty days without petitioning for an election. ! entering into “hot cargo” agreements. ! striking or picketing a health care establishment without giving the required notice. Not every unfair act amounts to an unfair labor practice; as an example, failing to pay an individual worker overtime pay for hours worked in excess of forty hours in a week might be a violation of the fair labor standards act, but it is unlikely to amount to an unfair labor practice as well. Similarly, a violation of collective bargaining agreement, standing alone, may not constitute an unfair labor practice unless the employer has not only violated the contract but repudiated all or a significant portion of it. Most importantly, when considering a ULP you must not act alone. Contract your NEMSA Chief Shop Steward and Labor Relations Representative prior to filing a ULP! SECTION 9: DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION Duty of Fair Representation The duty of fair representation is the obligation, incumbent upon U.S. labor unions that are the exclusive bargaining representative of workers in a particular group, to represent all those employees fairly, in good faith and without discrimination. The duty of fair representation was originally recognized by the United States Supreme Court in a series of cases in the mid-1940’s involving racial discrimination by railway workers’ union 39 covered by the Railway Labor Act; however, it also applies to workers covered by the NLRA and (depending on the terms of the statute) to public sector workers covered by state and local laws regulating labor relations. The duty applies to virtually every action that a union might take in dealing with an employer as the representative of employees, from its negotiation of the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, to its handling of grievances arising under that agreement, to the right of the worker to enforce union constitutions. The courts have taken, on the whole, a deferential approach to reviewing unions’ decisions challenged as a breach of their duty of fair representation. Recognizing that the collective bargaining process typically requires compromises, which may favor some workers at the expense of others, the courts have held that a union only breaches its duty if it acts arbitrarily, in bad faith or discriminatorily. Practical considerations have also led the courts to refuse to second-guess the unions’ decisions: if a court or jury could substitute its judgment as to whether a particular grievance had merit, then unions could not function, since their decisions would rarely be final in any practical sense. Accordingly, the courts have refused to overturn union decisions as arbitrary so long as they were based on a reasoned decision by the union, even if the court might believe that this decision was wrong. In recent years the courts and the NLRB have applied the duty of fair representation to regulate the manner in which unions enforce the union security provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. Unlike the standard applied to unions’ decisions concerning grievance handling and collective bargaining negotiations, the courts and the Board have regulated this area very extensively, specifying the types of expenses that a union can include in the fees that it charges employees who choose not to join the union but are required to pay dues under an agency shop or union shop clause, the accounting procedures used to calculate those amounts, the procedures which the union and employees must follow in the event that an individual worker objects to paying the full amount of dues charged to members or challenges the union’s calculation of the lesser amount that non-members can required to pay, and the procedures that the union must follow before it can force the employer to fire an employee for non-payment of dues. Even stricter standards are applied to unions covered by the Railway Labor Act and to unions of governmental employees, but on constitutional grounds (rather than that of fair labor representation). The NLRB applies a similarity strict standard in reviewing unions’ enforcement of exclusive hiring halls; i.e., those in which the employer is bound, by contract, to hire only employees referred to it by the union. The NLRB requires unions to establish clear procedures and to follow those procedures in order to minimize the likelihood that the union would use a hiring hall procedure to exclude non-members or those in disfavor with the union from the workplace. On the other hand, the NLRB generally applies the more deferential standard to union decisions in the case of non-exclusive hiring halls, i.e., those in which the union has the power to refer applicants for employment but the employer may also hire employees “off the street.” In those cases the union is barred from acting arbitrarily, in bad faith or discriminatorily. 40 The NLRB recognizes the breach of the duty of fair representation as a violation of the National Labor Relations Act. However, because the duty of fair representation was originally created by judicial interpretation rather than as an expressed statutory prohibition, employees covered by the National Labor Relations Act may sue their unions directly, without being required to first exhaust any administrative procedures provided under the NLRB. The same is true for workers covered by the Railway Labor Act, which does not provide any administrative procedure for pursuing claims against a union. Employees’ claims under either act are governed by a six-month statute of limitations. The NLRB and the courts provide different remedies against unions that breach their duty of fair representation. Because the Board usually does not have the jurisdiction to enforce the collective bargaining agreement or to issue a remedial order against an employer that has violated it, the NLRB often cannot award complete relief to employees. A court, on the other hand, sometimes may order the union to pay attorneys’ fees to a successful plaintiff. These distinctions do not apply to workers covered by the Railway Labor Act since, as noted above, they have no administrative procedures to enforce their rights. A union may, in some limited circumstances, require employees to exhaust any internal appeals procedures provided under the union’s constitution before filing suit. Unions and employers may also generally require employees to exhaust their rights under the grievance arbitration procedures provided for under the collective bargaining agreement before suing the employer for breach of contract. However, employees usually do not have to exhaust such procedures if they are suing only the union, since very few collective bargaining agreements even allow for the filing of a grievance against the union by covered employees. To the extent that an employee might have a breach of contract claim against a union arising out of its performance of its duty to represent that employee, the courts will apply the same deferential standards and procedural requirements that they would employ if the worker sued the union on a breach of the duty of fair representation theory. Duty of Fair Representation And The Union Steward What does the Duty of Fair Representation mean to the Union Steward? As the Union Steward you must: ! treat all members of the bargaining unit equally. ! consider all grievances on the basis of their merit, not on the personality of the grievant. ! never discriminate against a member based on a race, religion, national origin, handicap, age, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic background, politics, Union involvement (or lack of involvement), or any other protected reason when deciding whether to process a grievance. ! keep good records of all contact and activities conducted on behalf of the grievant. ! be sure to file grievance within the time limits provided in the grievance procedure. 41 ! ! let the member know how to appeal if you decide not to process a grievance. ask your Chief Steward or field Representative when you are unsure how to proceed. The Duty of Fair Representation does not require that the Union process every member complaint as a grievance, nor does it require that every grievance go to arbitration. It does require the decision to process the grievance or go to arbitration be made based on the objective facts, rather than on subjective feelings about the grievant, and that the steward carry out the duties of office in a responsible and competent manner. 42 Chapter 5 UNDERSTANDING THE PARTS OF A GRIEVANCE PRINCIPLES OF GRIEVANCE WRITING CRITICAL THINKING WITH GRIEVANCES EXERSIZE THE NEMSA GRIEVANCE FORM THE NEMSA GRIEVANCE WRANGLER SOFTWARE GRIEVANCE TIMELINES ARE IMPORTANT… FOLLOW THEM 5.1 Understanding the Parts of a Grievance A grievance is made up of three parts. They Are: Statement of Issue: This is the story, what happened. Be as simple, clear and concise as possible. Include the minimum of facts and no argument. Specific Contract Violation: Review the contract and include the violation article and section. Include all areas that you reasonably believe may have been violated. 43 Remedy: This is what you want out of a grievance. Generally we can only ask for what we have a right to under the contract. Of course, where possible we want to try to stretch those rights. Avoid remedies that include supervisory apologies, penalties, etc. 5.2 Principles of Grievance Writing Use Planning Techniques Define your issues; identify what you want and how to get it Limit Statements To The Basic Facts The purpose of the written grievance is to trigger the formal stages of the grievance process and notify the employer of the basic facts, alleged violation, and requested remedy. Use Short, Positive Statements And Simple Descriptive Words To Write The Grievance Longer sentences are harder to understand and sometimes can be misinterpreted. They take more time and skill to write well. Stick to short, clear sentences. Unless you are a labor lawyer, don’t try to write like one! Write like you speak, make it clear and simple. Keep Documentation And Argument Out Of The Written Grievance – Have It Ready In Your Grievance File For When It’s Needed. Examples: “Mary Smith was sent home for saying ^%$##^& to her supervisor. However she did not say ^%$##^&, she said @!#@!, clearly not as bad an offense…” is not a good statement on a grievance. “Mary smith was disciplined without just cause on Tues, May 22nd” is appropriate. Use Caution When Stating Specifics When stating specific facts, use terms like “on or about February 14th”. This protects the grievance from being invalid due to a technical error. Use An Objective and Affirmative Approach Use the third person (he, she, they) and avoid phrases such as “I think” or “I believe.” State the union’s position strongly and positively but without personal attacks on management. 44 Include All Contract Violations Don’t limit your argument or the union to a single section of the contract. You can use phrases such as “violates the contract, including but not limited to Article ____ Section _____”. This may allow you to add additional violations later, if necessary. State A Full, Possible Remedy If a worker has been discharged, ask that she/he “be made whole, including immediate reinstatement with full back pay and all rights, privileges, and benefits restored, and the entire matter expunged from her/his record.” Remember, if the grievance goes to an arbitrator, she/he can only award what is allowed by the contract. Remedies that include “apologies” may feel good to the person who has been wronged, and in rare cases management may actually agree to apologize; but no arbitrator will impose an “apology” as a penalty. Consult With The Grievant Go over the written grievance with the grievance, carefully explaining the requested remedy. 45 5.3 Critical Thinking In Grievances Exercise Purpose Using the techniques you have learned it is now time to apply your knowledge to case examples. The goal of the following scenarios is to help apply critical thinking skills as you prepare to write grievances. Task To discuss as a group using critical thinking skills the incidents described below including what information is missing or unclear that would need to be investigated. What parts of the scenarios given could be possible grievances? How would you proceed in investigating the incident? Critical Thinking Grievance Scenario 1 While leaving the station on an emergency call, the driver Anne Pokowsky failed to unplug the vehicle shoreline. The shoreline was pulled from the wall causing damage to the box on the wall and the cord. No damage was done to the ambulance. Anne was disciplined with a written warning and a required to attend remedial drivers training per section 8.8 of the CBA. Last week, another EMT was given a verbal warning for the same offense by the same supervisor. Critical Thinking Grievance Scenario 2 Paramedic Jake Ohe was issued a written warning for tardiness. When he arrived at work, six minutes late, the supervisor handed him the warning before he clocked in. Critical Thinking Grievance Scenario 3 On November 10, John Watson was sent home from work without pay. He says his supervisor just came up to him, accused him of being intoxicated or on drugs and suspended him without pay for three days. She said he was stumbling around and slurring his words. John says any number of coworkers could testify to his character and that he was not drunk, but had been napping and awoken suddenly. His supervisor also accused him of swearing at her. He says he stubbed his toe and may have said &^%$ for that reason. 46 Critical Thinking Grievance Scenario 4 For a period of 6 months, Dispatcher Andy Stone and Paramedic Becky Owens have been dating. They pass their “free” time on shift by sending instant messages to each other on the dispatch console computer and the ambulance mobile data computer. They “role play” that they are characters in a romance novel. Becky’s partner Ted Stevens accidentally reads one of their messages and finds himself to be a character in their “story.” He informs the supervisor. The supervisor immediately places Andy, Becky, and Ted on unpaid administrative leave and tells Physician Advisor Dr. Wharton all three are mentally unstable. Dr. Wharton suspends the clinical privileges of all three people. 3 weeks pass and nobody is allowed to come back to work. Management interviews nobody and no correspondence from the employer is received by anyone on administrative leave. 47 5.4 The NEMSA Grievance Form The NEMSA Grievance Form is the official notice to the employer of a grievance. No other form should be used. One copy must be retained by the shop steward and included with the completed grievance investigation kit. The other copy must be given to the employer. A copy of the NEMSA Grievance Form is shown in this guide. 5.5 The NEMSA Grievance Wrangler Software NEMSA provides the use of proprietary “cloud” based software for the purposes of filing grievances and organizing / managing grievance related information to all Shop Stewards. This software is known as the Grievance Wrangler and can be accessed from any computer with Internet access. The Grievance Wrangler software is compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox web browsers. You must register with the NEMSA office to use the Grievance Wrangler. The Grievance Wrangler Software is a tool for Shop Stewards and provides many ways to organize and store grievance related information as well as methods for creating a grievance or advancing a grievance through the grievance process. It is important to remember that even with the use of the Grievance Wrangler software, shop stewards remain 100% responsible for adhering to grievance related timelines. Instructions for how to use the Grievance Wrangler are shown in this guide. 5.6 Grievance Timelines Are Important… Follow Them! Grievance timelines are found in most contracts. It is important that you follow these timelines in order to assure your grievance will be properly filed. However if you or the employer can agree, and need more time then a timeline extension can be signed. Employers will seldom do this but on occasion will extend timelines as they deem necessary. A timeline extension request is shown in this guide. 48 Chapter 6 PRACTICE GRIEVANCE SCENARIOS Grievance Writing Sample 1 John Smith is called into the supervisor’s office and questioned regarding damage found on his ambulance after the end of his shift last night. He requests union representation and states that he was not aware of striking anything and that his ambulance was fine upon return to base last night. The supervisor then immediately gives him a 2-day suspension for lying and a preventable auto accident. Write a grievance based on the above scenario on the grievance forms provided. Grievance Writing Sample 2 Lucy Arada is told to go home without pay because her uniform is “inappropriately worn”, “unprofessional”, and “distracting”. She returns with a new uniform 3 hours later and is allowed to work. Section 3.4 of the CBA states “Employees found to be wearing uniforms that un-kept, dirty, or worn in an inappropriate manner will be counseled and given an opportunity to correct deficiencies or change into a new uniform prior to being assigned work duties.” Write a grievance based on the above scenario on the grievance form provided. Grievance Writing Sample 3 Todd Williams and his partner Lance Haney arrive at quarters and promptly fall asleep on the couch and chair. 45 minutes later they are awakened by a supervisor and placed out of service. The supervisor tells them that they did not respond to dispatch with 7 different attempts over 30 minutes and have missed 7 post-moves. The Supervisor pulls discipline out of a notebook and gives each employee a one-day suspension. Lance protests claiming that another co-worker was disciplined last month and received a written warning only. Todd then claims he knows of two other people who also received written warnings for the same offense. The supervisor then tells them they are suspended for an extra day because they are being insubordinate. Section 8.2 of the CBA states “Discipline will be based on the principles of “Just Cause”. Write a grievance based on the above scenario on the grievance form provided. 49 Grievance Writing Sample 4 Susan Baird is third person on the list for the month of February for voluntary overtime shifts. She is called and offered a Midnight to Noon shift, which she accepts. About an hour later, the supervisor calls her back an hour later and tells her that her overtime shift assignment has been cancelled because the number two person on the list has suddenly become available. The supervisor then tells her that because she was already offered a shift and did not work it that she would be placed at the bottom of the list for overtime assignment. Section 15.6 of the CBA states “A list will be created of employees volunteering for overtime assignments. Based on the order of seniority, overtime assignments will be offered to members of the union in 15-minute increments. Should a member of the union not respond to an offer within 15 minutes, the employer will move to the next person on the list. If a person declines to work when called, they will be placed at the bottom of the list for overtime assignment. If the employer cancels the overtime assignment, the affected member of the union will receive $50 as compensation for the lost shift” Write a grievance based on the above scenario on the grievance form provided. Grievance Writing Sample 5 Anthony Chastain requests you as a shop steward for a meeting with management. The Operations Manager claims that Anthony has been accused of touching a female patient inappropriately while doing a 12-lead ECG. In a private meeting with you, Anthony denies touching a patient inappropriately and claims that his behavior has been professional at all times. The Operations Manager claims they have been investigating him for 3 weeks and that his partner “ratted him out” and that a confession would make the discipline “easier on you.” You advise him as a union steward to answer specific questions related directly to the charge honestly and Anthony again denies touching a patient inappropriately. The Operations Manager then assigns Anthony to a “Sensitivity and Etiquette In Health Care” class before being allowed to return to normal duties. The next class is in two weeks. Section 9.4 of the CBA states “When being investigated by employer, if no discipline is given within 7 business days of notification of the alleged offense to the employer; the employee and the union must be notified in writing of the investigation and it’s content.” In Section 17.1 of the CBA, it states “Discipline will be progressive and based on the principles of “Just Cause” beginning at Verbal Warnings, then rising to Written Warnings, then rising to Suspension, then rising to Termination of Employment.” In Section 25.8 of the CBA it states “Employees being placed on administrative leave will be formally notified in writing for the reason for placement on administrative leave and paid 8 hours regular wages for each full day placed on administrative leave. Write a grievance based on the above scenario on the grievance form provided. 50 National Emergency Medical Services Association Grievance Notification Form You are formally notified of a grievance filed in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. This grievance may require a grievance meeting between the Grievant and representatives of the Employer and NEMSA to discuss this grievance and attempt to obtain resolution. Please contact the NEMSA representative/ shop steward named below to schedule a meeting date and time. Filed By_____________________________Title____________________Date_______ Contact Information: Phone __________________ Email _____________________ Filed On Behalf Of ________________________________ and all affected employees Date Of Event(s) Causing Grievance: on or around __________________ Ongoing Description of Grievance_______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Applicable Contract provisions include, but are not limited to, section(s)_________________________________________________________ NEMSA Requested Resolution ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ and the Employer shall immediately comply with all terms and conditions of the contract. All affected bargaining unit employees shall be made whole for any and all losses of any kind resulting from the Employer’s violation of the contract, including but not limited to full back pay with interest, reinstatement of all health and welfare benefits, reinstatement of all seniority and leave benefits, and reinstatement to all work assignments. In addition, the Union shall be made whole for any and all losses resulting from the Employer’s violation of the contract, including but not limited to full reimbursement for all costs, expenses and losses of any kind associated with processing this grievance through arbitration. NEMSA also requests that all affected employees and the Union be awarded any other relief that is just and proper under the contract, applicable law or in equity. Pursuant to the employer’s duty to bargain in good faith, the Association hereby requests the following information and/or documents which are necessary and relevant to process this grievance ________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Attention Employer: Please provide a courtesy copy of all correspondence to the local NEMSA Shop Steward or NEMSA Representative handling this case. In ALL cases grievance correspondence should be directed to: NEMSA GAAMS, 4701 Sisk Rd STE 102, Modesto CA 95356, via Facsimile at 209-572-4721 or via email to [email protected]. Be sure to use the above referenced grievance number in your correspondence. Thank You 51 5.5 Using The Grievance Wrangler Warning Grievance Timelines Are 100% The Responsibility Of The Shop Steward Handling The Case The Grievance Wrangler Is NOT An Automated System NEMSA Can Not Be Held Responsible For Missed Grievance Timelines Using The Grievance Wrangler System Create A New Grievance Form As a shop steward, using the Grievance Wrangler you can create a grievance form online using a simple process. The Grievance Wrangler will automatically generate a grievance claim number to identify your grievance and the contents of your grievance file. Should you choose to fill out a paper grievance form instead, follow the instructions at the end of this chapter. To Fill Out A New Grievance Using The Grievance Wrangler: 1. Log into the Grievance Wrangler To log into the Grievance Wrangler, you must first have a username and password issued by NEMSA. You may log into the Grievance Wrangler from one of two locations on the NEMSAUSA.org web page: 52 Click on the link in the “Shop Steward Reference Center Use The Drop Down Menu and Select NEMSA Grievance Wrangler Login You will then be taken to the log in screen where you enter your username and password. 53 2. From Your “Home” Screen, Select the “File New Grievance” button. 3. The Grievance Wrangler will present you with an online grievance form. Fill out the fields as appropriate for your grievance case. When you have filled out the grievance form, press the continue button at the bottom of the screen. 54 Note: Most areas of the Online Grievance Form are mandatory. This means that you must place text in those areas. The Grievance Wrangler will not let you progress to the next screen until ALL mandatory areas are completed. If a mandatory area does not apply to your case, placing a mark denoting that that area is not applicable such as “N/A” can be appropriate. 4. When you have completed the grievance form and pressed the “Continue” button, the NEMSA Grievance Wrangler will issue your grievance file a claim number. Write this claim number down as it will be used in every file and all correspondence associated with your grievance. When you have finished, click on the “Continue” button. Warning: Your Grievance Is NOT Filed Yet! You Must Continue To Follow These Instructions To File Your Grievance! 55 5. The Grievance Wrangler then returns you to the Grievance Wrangler Home Page. There you will notice your file, referenced by Grievance Claim Number, Filing Date, Shop Steward, and Description. Date Grievance Was Initiated Shop Steward Name Here Your Grievance Claim number is referenced here. To add/edit your grievance file, click on this number The status of your grievance file is noted here. PAY ATTENTION: IF ACTION IS REQUIRED, YOU MUST CLICK ON THE CLAIM NUMBER TO FILE YOUR GRIEVANCE. This status keeper only works for your initial grievance document. The description you see is approximately the first sentence of your grievance description, found on your grievance form. To add to your grievance file, edit your grievance file, or take action on your grievance file, simply click on the “ID Number” listed in the column on the left. The “Status” area is designed to let you know if action is required on your initial grievance. If action is required, your grievance has not been printed or sent and has NOT been filed. How To File Your Grievance • Click on the ID Number of your grievance file. • You will be required to both Print and Send your grievance document. o You can print a copy of the grievance on your home printer. 56 o You can have NEMSA send a copy of your grievance form to your local manager via email, fax, or certified USPS mail. Caution: The ONLY 100% Reliable Way To Remain Within Your Contract Grievance Timelines Is To Physically Hand A Grievance In To Your Local Management. • When you click on the ID Number for your grievance file, the Grievance Wrangler add/edit screen appears. Notice: Action is required. Select the Print And Send Buttons To Take Action On Your Grievance. Press The Print and Send Buttons To Take Action. Only after the “Action Required” indicator changes color to green and reads “Action Taken” has your grievance been filed. 57 Printing A Grievance File 1. Press Print on the “Action Required” notice Press Print Here 2. You will see your grievance form in printing format. Click on the “Print Document Now” button to print your grievance. Another window will open along with the printing software for your computer. When finished printing, you can close that window. Enlarged View Of Bottom Of Form 58 3. Once printed, the “Action Required” notice shows that you have successfully printed your grievance document. You can print again by selecting the “Print Again” option. Sending A Grievance File To Your Employer Press Send Here 1. Press “Send” on the “Action Required” notice. 2. You will be taken to a screen that allows you to send your grievance document by pressing the “Continue” button. 59 3. Upon printing and sending your grievance document, the “Action Required” notice will change to green and the notice will change to reflect the actions that have been taken. What Happens When You Send A Grievance? When you send a grievance, NEMSA will receive it and send your grievance document to your employer per the terms of your contract or applicable local practice. Many NEMSA contracts call for USPS Certified Mail when grievance documents are being submitted. This is a service provided to you by NEMSA but the only 100% guaranteed way to remain within contract grievance timelines is to submit a grievance personally to local management. What If I Have Filled Out A Grievance Form By Hand? At times, a shop steward may fill out a grievance form by hand instead of using this online Grievance Wrangler system. While permissible, extra steps must be taken to use the Grievance Wrangler with a handwritten grievance document. Instructions: 60 1. Create a new grievance using the Grievance Wrangler system. 2. In all fields of the grievance, type the following word: “Proxy” 3. Print and Send your proxy grievance form. 4. Upload your handwritten grievance file as the first evidence file using the upload procedure on the “Grievance Notice Filed” level of the Grievance Wrangler. What If I Want To View My Grievance But Don’t Want To Print Another Copy Of It? At times, a shop steward may wish to view their grievance document in the Grievance Wrangler but not print another copy for their records. This can easily be done at any time by clicking on the magnifying glass icon next to their grievance document. Click the Magnifying Glass on top of the document to view the contents of the document without printing. Adding To And Editing A Grievance File The process of adding to and editing a grievance file is where you will spend most of your time working in the Grievance Wrangler. Understanding how to add to and edit your grievance file is necessary to successfully use the Grievance Wrangler. Use The Grievance Wrangler As An Information Management Tool The Grievance Wrangler is designed as a management tool for shop stewards with the purpose of collecting grievance information, organizing that information, and providing a simplified means of creating grievance related documents. The Wrangler uses a color-coded management system that changes as your grievance progresses through the steps of the grievance process. It employs document 61 creation features and other features designed to make the grievance process easier to manage for the user. First You Must Create and Send/Print Your Grievance Document Once your initial grievance document is created and sent/printed, you will be led back to your Home page. To add/edit a grievance file you must click on the grievance case number. When you do so, the following add/edit screen will open specifically for your grievance. As you advance through grievance steps, the Grievance Wrangler will show current and previous steps in green and the next uncompleted step in red to assist you in tracking the progress of your grievance file. Notice the column on the left noting what level of the grievance process your file is at. To advance to the next level, simply engage the functions of the next level (colored red). You can upload evidence or enter evidence via simple form fields at any step of the Grievance Wrangler. 62 An Example Of Level 1 Grievance File Being Sent And Printed Along With A Level 1 Employer Response Being Uploaded Into The Grievance Wrangler. Note that the Level 2 Union Notice Has Not Been Created Yet. An Example Of Level 2 Union Notice Being Completed But Action Is Required. The Move to Level 2 Notice Has Been Created But Not Sent or Printed. 63 An Example Of A Union Level 2 Notice Being Sent and Printed But No Level 2 Employer Response Has Been Uploaded Yet. As the grievance progresses through the steps you will notice another feature of the Grievance Wrangler. Beyond level 2, many NEMSA contracts offer different options for how a case can progress. Depending on the contract, there may be an additional step of the grievance process. Mediation may also be an option. Arbitration is the last step of the grievance process and is also noted within the grievance wrangler. To activate a third level of the Grievance Wrangler, simply click where indicated on the yellow bar to expand that section. It’s functionality is exactly like Level 2 of the Grievance Wrangler. To activate Mediation in the Grievance Wrangler, simply click where indicated on the yellow bar to expand that section. You will notice that a Mediation notice can be created and sent/print. There is a section to upload the employer response to the mediation request. There is also a section to upload documents related to the mediation procedure. An example of the yellow “Another Grievance Level” and Mediation being closed. 64 An example of the yellow additional grievance level and mediation Grievance Wrangler steps being open. The exact same functions exist in these steps as exist in earlier steps of the Grievance Wrangler software. The Grievance Wrangler software ends at the step of creating/printing/sending an arbitration notice and adding any additional evidence necessary using the same functions as exist during previous levels. Uploading Employer Responses Into The Grievance Wrangler The Grievance Wrangler requires that employer responses be uploaded into the system to trigger the movement to the next Grievance Wrangler level. As a user of the Grievance Wrangler you have several options: • You can send the employer response to NEMSA via Email, Fax, or Prepaid Mailing Envelope and NEMSA will upload the file into the Grievance Wrangler. • You can upload the document into the Grievance Wrangler from your personal computer. • If the employer responds via email, you can forward the email to NEMSA for upload into the Grievance Wrangler system. 65 To upload an employer response, simply click on the “Upload Response” icon. The example below shows the icon at Level 2 Union notice however the “Upload Response” function is available at all steps of the Grievance Wrangler. An Example Of The Single File Upload Feature For Employer Responses. Only one file can be uploaded using this method as it is intended ONLY for Employer Responses during the grievance process. Note this example occurs at Level 3 of the Grievance Wrangler. The Grievance Wrangler will show you the grievance number and Level for the upload in the red bar. Uploading Evidence Into The Grievance Wrangler System The Grievance Wrangler is designed to allow the uploading of various pieces of evidence throughout all levels of the Grievance Wrangler. As a user of the Grievance Wrangler you have several options: • You can send the evidence files to NEMSA via Email, Fax, or Prepaid Mailing Envelope and NEMSA will upload the evidence files into the Grievance Wrangler. 66 • You can upload the evidence files into the Grievance Wrangler from your personal computer. The Grievance Wrangler allows the user to upload multiple files as evidence at all steps of the Grievance Wrangler. Simply click on the “Upload Evidence” icon to upload files. The example below shows the icon at Level 2 Union notice however the “Upload Evidence” function is available at all steps of the Grievance Wrangler. The following page opens. Press Icon To Upload Evidence When pressing the upload button, an upload application will load on your computer. The following screen will appear. 67 Press Upload and select your documents to upload. The uploader will accept evidence in the following formats: jpg, png, tif, gif, xlsx, xls, ppt, pptx, doc, docx, pdf, zip, rar, sit, cab, mp3, mp4, mpg, avi, mov, htm, txt. Press “Close Window” After All Files You Wish To Upload Are Selected. Here is an example of the uploader application having files named for upload. Press the Close Window button when all the evidence files you wish to upload are listed. When you close the upload window you must press continue to upload your files into the Grievance Wrangler. 68 Note that your file(s) have been uploaded as evidence within the Grievance Wrangler software. To download a copy of the file, simply click the icon. Entering Evidence Via Form Fields Within The Grievance Wrangler The Grievance Wrangler Software has many “Form Field” interview forms to allow you to enter information and evidence about your individual grievance case directly into your grievance file. This functionality exists in conjunction with the “Upload Evidence” feature in every step of the Grievance Wrangler software. To enter evidence into your grievance file, simply select the proper form from the drop down list. The forms are simple to fill out and are designed in a way so that you only fill out the form that you need based on the information you wish to add. 69 Grievance Initial Statement 70 Grievance Factual Information 71 Management Contact Report 72 Grievance Witness Statement Grievance Communication Report 73 Creating A Notice For The Employer To Move Grievance To The Next Step The Grievance Wrangler is designed as a dynamic tool that can be used for Grievance File management, evidence storage, and tracking of your grievance files. One of the main features of the Grievance Wrangler is the simplified function of creating a notice for the employer in which you can “move” your grievance through grievance steps. For the purposes of simplicity, this function is made mandatory in the Grievance Wrangler. In some cases you may have another form of the “Move To” notice, such as an email or handwritten note. That isn’t a problem as the email or note can be uploaded as evidence. To activate the next fields, you can insert the word “Proxy” in the fields of the “Move To” notice and create/print/send the “Move To” notice to activate the next fields of the Grievance Wrangler. You can then upload your notice as evidence and continue to use the Grievance Wrangler. To activate the “Move To” function in the Grievance Wrangler: Moving to the next level of the Grievance Wrangler is simple. You must create a notice to move to the next level of the grievance process. Simply select “Create New Notice Here” using the drop down menu as shown in the illustration above. The example shows how to create a “Move To” notice for moving to Level 2 of the Grievance Wrangler however the same functionality exists at every step of the grievance wrangler software. Once you have selected the “Move To” notice from the drop down menu, you will be taken to the following screen: Your Name Will Automatically Appear Here 74 Notice the empty fields in which you enter the appropriate information. In this example, the name of the Grievance Wrangler is “Shop Steward”. As a registered user of the Grievance Wrangler, your name will automatically appear. The text of the notice is universal and not adaptable, however it is sufficient for all NEMSA contracts. When you have filled out the notice, simply press the “Continue” button. You will then be taken back to the Grievance Wrangler case file where the familiar “Action Required” notice is seen. Press The Print and Send Buttons To Take Action. Only after the “Action Required” indicator changes color to green and reads “Action Taken” has your “Move To” notice been printed and sent. The “Move To” notice creation feature is consistent throughout the Grievance Wrangler software and “Form Field” notices are appropriate for each step of the grievance process. When To Create A Proxy Notice In The Grievance Wrangler There are times in the actual grievance process when you will have supplied via another means a notice to move to the next level of the grievance process. You are still required as part of the Grievance Wrangler software to go through the process of creating a “Move To” notice to use the features of the Grievance Wrangler. You can simply create a “Proxy” notice in the Grievance Wrangler by entering the word “Proxy” in each of the available fields, then printing and sending the proxy notice. The proxy notice will not be forwarded to your employer and is a signal to NEMSA staff to disregard the notice. Finally, to maintain the chain of documentation you should upload as evidence or send to NEMSA for uploading as evidence the actual notice or email that you used to move your grievance to the next level. Grievance Wrangler Training Required This overview of the Grievance Wrangler is not a substitute for the 30 minute Grievance Wrangler Training Course offered by NEMSA. This course is available upon request for any Shop Steward. If you have not taken the course or wish to get a refresher, contact your Labor Relations Representative. 75 Extension of Grievance Time Limits Date: ___________________________ Grievance #: _____________________ For The Grievance Regarding: ____________________________________________ It is mutually agreed by representatives of both NEMSA (also known as the union) and ________________________________, (also known as the employer) that timelines in relation to the above mentioned grievance shall be extended until ____/____/________. This grievance as of today’s date is at level ______ and has been initially reviewed by both union and employer. An extension of grievance timelines is requested by _________________________. The reason for the extension is: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Signing For NEMSA Signing For “The Employer” X____________________________ X__________________________ Print Name: __________________ Print Name: _________________ Date: _______________________ Date: ______________________ Title: _______________________ Title: ______________________ 76 Chapter 7 MEETING WITH MANAGEMENT Meeting with Management Your duties as a shop steward will likely include frequent meetings with management. In the grievance process alone, you will deal with several layers of managers, beginning with the supervisor and ending with the general manager or the owner of the company. It is extremely important for you to remember that you represent your client—not yourself. Remaining cool and calm puts you in the driver’s seat. Let the manager get red-faced, scream and act unprofessional. A meeting with management is simply a business meeting. A state of “constant aggressiveness” on your part when dealing with management will make it difficult for you to represent your client. Larger Ambulance companies (such as Rural Metro or American Medical Response) usually value a “positive and collaborative working relationship” with shop stewards because, for the most part, they do not see a grievance as a personal attack but rather as a technical exercise. Smaller Ambulance companies, especially family owned “mom and pop” outfits, present you with a more challenging environment since a grievance is seen as a personal challenge to the owner of the company. If you represent members at a “mom and pop,” your stance with management may have to include a more aggressive posture to get the job done. But remember that when you do, it is still essential to act professionally. Al Capone once famously noted that “you can get more done with a kind word and a gun than a kind word alone.” ! Any meeting with management—whether a grievance meeting, negotiations, or Labor/Management committee—requires a strategic plan. ! All meeting participants need to know the union’s position and role in the meeting. ! As a shop steward, you are the equal of management when representing the Union. Don’t forget it. 77 ! Try to meet on relatively neutral ground when possible. A conference room is preferable to the supervisor’s office. ! Sit directly across from the management spokesperson. If the management spokesperson sits at the head of the table, take the other end of the table. ! Take the initiative and begin the meeting. Introduce yourself and the grievant (if necessary) and state why you are there and what you want out of the meeting. ! Take and keep control of the meeting. Stay on the Union’s agenda and don’t get sidetracked. ! Avoid sitting on a sofa or very soft chair. If necessary, bring in a hardback chair to sit on. ! Behave in a professional manner. Avoid emotional outbursts. Never threaten or swear at management. ! If management treats you or the grievant in an abusive manner, keep your cool, but don’t tolerate it. Tell management you will meet again when she/he can get control or if necessary move the grievance to the next level. ! Don’t let the employer “divide and conquer.” Never argue or disagree in front of management; call a caucus. ! Where appropriate, try a problem solving approach. Explain the problem and encourage management to see that a reasonable solution is in his/her best interest. ! Encourage management to talk and air his/her views. A clear understanding of management’s perspective (even if you don’t agree) will help you how to proceed. ! Ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. Probe for areas of possible compromise. ! If management agrees with your position, thank her/him and leave. Don’t talk yourself out of a victory. ! Don’t forget to schedule follow-up meetings, and get written confirmation of agreements or next steps. 78 Chapter 8 MEMBERSHIP, DUES AND FEES, AND MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS Membership Membership with NEMSA is 100% voluntary and has many benefits. Primarily, membership gives a person the ability to vote for contracts, shop stewards and officers or to run for any office. Membership also has benefits, including eligibility and optional participation in NEMSA Member Only Benefit programs. Membership also allows you eligibility to participate in NEMSA-related educational, scholarship and community service programs. There is an option for non-membership should a person choose not to be a member. Under Federal Law, a person has the right to be a non-member. However, non-members still pay a form of union dues called a Fair Share Objector fee that is based on a proportionate cost of representation. Because of NEMSA’s not-for-profit status and our unique structure, Fair Share Objector fees are approximately 98% of monthly union dues. Non-members DO NOT get to vote on NEMSA contracts or in NEMSA elections, run for NEMSA offices, or participate in NEMSA Member Only Benefit programs. Membership is a benefit, and when asked, the Shop Steward should be able to point to real-world examples of the benefits of NEMSA membership. A team of shop stewards in an organized workforce should be able to create a “value” to NEMSA representation based on contracts, contract enforcement, and representation. Remember that you must represent non-members, too, and do so without bias. And while you are required by law to NOT COERCE anyone into joining NEMSA, reminding him or her that NEMSA is representing him or her may be the best way to turn a non-member into a member! 79 Dues and Fees Dues and fees are the lifeblood of NEMSA. Dues and fees are necessary to effectively run and operate NEMSA. Dues remitted to NEMSA are spent on the costs associated with the representation of NEMSA bargaining units. On a yearly average, NEMSA spends approximately 98% of dues money on representational related costs. This efficiency is required due to NEMSA’s not-for-profit status. Dues are calculated pursuant to the NEMSA Constitution and Bylaws. The formula is simple: two times the average hourly wage for the bargaining unit plus any local or national dues assessments. The national dues assessment per the NEMSA bylaws is $1 for the NEMSA EMS Defense Fund and $1 for the NEMSA Strike Fund per month. Dues may be paid based on a twenty-six pay period cycle or monthly depending on your employer’s local practice. When on a twenty-six pay period or other similar pay cycle, dues amounts are adjusted to reflect the schedule of your pay periods. Newly hired employees are generally brought into employment after a CBA has been ratified. Because newly hired employees were not NEMSA members at the time the CBA was ratified, an initiation fee of $100 is charged to cover a portion of the new employee’s share of representational costs related to NEMSA contract negotiation and representation. This fee is generally payable via payroll deduction in $12.50 per pay period payments in addition to dues payments. When the $100 total is paid, no more initiation fees are required. Dues are a touchy topic in any union. When times are tough, almost any expense can seem burdensome to workers. Furthermore, many workers have difficulty seeing the value for what they pay in dues because the union regularly works behind the scenes to benefit them. Responsible NEMSA membership includes the regular payment of dues. Much like automobile insurance, gym memberships, or cellular telephone plans; dues are paid for NEMSA representation. A person’s choice to not work, or work in varying increments, does not change their accrual of dues because the representation is provided for them twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year. No lessened or partial dues amounts are charged to part-time or per-diem members. FAST FACT: It costs EXACTLY the same to represent a part-time or per-diem member as it does to represent a full-time member. Employment status (FT, PT, PD) has nothing to do with the cost of representation. Example: Part-time Employee Jane Q. Public is named in a grievance about shift scheduling. The employer contests the grievance to binding arbitration. Arbitration costs $7,500.00 total and is paid by the losing party per terms of the contract. Additionally, NEMSA Attorneys and Staff have spent significant time in 80 preparation for the arbitration hearing(s). Win or lose, this cost is paid for 100% by NEMSA, NOT by the member. FAST FACT: Unlike other unions, NEMSA does not make members pay for their own Arbitration costs and fees. Arbitration costs are paid 100% by NEMSA in all situations. You may be placed in the position of making a “hard sale” to members about union dues. It is important to be able to draw a “value for the money” relationship for them. Information about unions in general and their positive effects on wages and benefits are located in chapter two of this guide. In addition to higher wages, union workers enjoy better health insurance, pensions, occupational safety and health, and job security than do unorganized workers. Far more than unorganized workers, union employees receive fair treatment, rights, dignity, and respect on the job. Also it is important to remind members that their dues pay for the benefits they enjoy in their contract. Almost EVERY contract provision, unless specifically excluded, applies to EVERY person in a bargaining unit. Member-Only Benefits NEMSA has many member-only benefits. Information for benefits in your area is available through your NEMSA Labor Relations Representative. 81 Chapter 9 THREE STEPS IN ACTIVE LISTENING Listening Most people believe they are good listeners, but studies have shown that most people listen at 25% efficiency. However, if you follow three basic steps you can listen at nearly 100% efficiency. The three steps are: 1. Stop and think 2. Look and listen 3. Clarify and verify STOP AND THINK. When someone is talking to you, it’s important to stop what you’re doing and pay attention. Not focusing your complete attention is a common listening problem. The moment someone starts talking to you, stop whatever you’re doing and change your physical position by turning body toward the speaker. When you make a conscious effort to move into a listening position, your mind will follow your body’s direction. Another common problem in listening is letting your mind wander. Our minds tend to wander because we listen three to ten minutes faster than we talk. If you stop and think, you can use that lag time to your advantage by asking mental questions about what you are hearing. For example: ! What are they key points? ! What does he or she mean? LOOK AND LISTEN. Watch for body language. How someone says something may tell you whether they are angry, bored, interested, friendly, or aggressive. Keep an eye on their arms, posture, facial expressions, etc. Your own body language can also give messages to your members. If you look at them as they speak, you’ll appear more interested than if you are busy filling in a form while the person is talking. CLARIFY AND VERIFY. Asking questions to clarify a point is one of the best ways to understand the real message when you are listening. As you listen, make sure to verify your perceptions. When in doubt, ask! It is crucial to verify your perceptions. It only takes a few seconds. “ If I understood correctly, the main points are…” Remember, your goal is to understand, not to be understood. Close your mouth and listen. 82 Chapter 10 WORK ACTIONS STRIKE ACTIONS METHODS USED BY EMPLOYERS TO DEAL WITH STRIKES STRIKING… AN OPTION OF LAST RESORT 10.1 WORK ACTIONS When you have filed grievances, ULPs and exhausted every avenue of diplomacy available to you and management is still not responding or when contract negotiations have come to a head, it sometimes becomes necessary to take direct action. This does not mean that when you lose a grievance, you get a sign and a bullhorn and stand on the street corner. Work actions are concerted, team efforts that require planning, leadership, a political understanding of the situation and possible outcomes, just to name a few. It is important that you talk with your NEMSA representative when contemplating a work action. Some work actions are considered illegal while a contract is in effect and may lead to termination. The following pages in this section will outline some of the most common forms of actions against an employer and methods used by the employer to combat the members. Sadly, some members decide not to participate during work action and so endanger the objectives of the membership. Some even actively support management. The steward’s job in cases such as these is to find out why the member is acting against their fellow members and to point out why their actions are detrimental to the objectives. The following are examples of workplace actions. No workplace action should be decided on without consultation with a NEMSA Labor Relations Representative and/or legal staff and then ONLY with careful planning. Work-to-Rule Work-to-rule is an industrial action in which employees do no more than the minimum required by the rules of a workplace, and follow safety or other regulations to the letter in order to cause a slowdown rather than to serve their purpose. This is considered less disruptive than a strike or lockout; and just obeying the rules is less susceptible to disciplinary action. Notable examples have included nurses refusing to answer telephones and high school teachers refusing to write recommendation letters for their students’ college applications. Sometimes the term “rule-book slowdown” is used in a slightly different sense than “work-to-rule”: the former involves applying to the letter rules that are normally set aside or interpreted less literally to increase efficiency; the latter, refraining from activities which are customary but not required by rule or job description. But the terms may be used synonymously. 83 Employers can consider work-to-rule malicious compliance in certain situations and can pursue legal action in certain cases. In a healthcare environment, work-to-rule labor actions can be considered a form of labor strike, requiring a 10-day notice before being performed. Petitions Giving the employer signed petitions protesting treatment or demanding change can be an effective way to inform an employer of the unity of the bargaining unit around a particular issue. Employers will commonly take petitions and address the issues they contain rather than allow workplace actions to escalate. Run on Management “Run on Management” is a phrase that describes generally describes the tactic of crowding a meeting or a manager’s office with upset union members demanding their issues be addressed. Variations on this them include making formal appointments with managers so that their schedule is filled for a time period, causing them to lose productivity, filling hallways so they are impassable by managers, and other tactics to help management to recognize the union is demanding an issue be addressed. Buttons/Stickers Buttons or Stickers are also an effective way to build employee unity and demonstrate it to management. Under most circumstances, buttons and stickers are protected speech under the law. Buttons or stickers worn by members can communicate to management silently but effectively. 84 Letter/Card Writing Campaigns to write letters or sign postcards and send them to a manager, owner or to another party with greater influence can be an effective way of getting issues addressed. Letters and cards can be pre-written and simply require a signature or can be hand written and signed. Hand billing Hand billing is when union stewards hand out flyers and informational pieces of paper to other workers. This is considered protected speech under most circumstances, so long as you don’t interfere in a person’s direct job duties. The handbills can be inflammatory or issue based depending on your strategy and the issue you are addressing. Example: Giving a handbill to a person caring for a patient would be considered illegal while giving a handbill to a person walking from the time clock to the ambulance is generally considered protected and legal. 85 Examples Of Buttons or Stickers HONOR OUR CONTRACT! Resolve Grievances Now! Payroll Errors NO SUBCONTRACTING! Effective Supervisors LISTEN DISCRIMINATION! EMSProfessionals WantAContract Let sNegotiate 86 Examples Of Hand Bills Attention NEMSA Members, As you may already know, NEMSA members at NEMSA Northeast based in Boston, MA have overwhelmingly voted down AMR’s contract offer calling for a 1% overall reduction in pay and benefits and voted to strike. AMR has taken a very hard anti-employee stance and committed several violations of labor law prompting the filing of unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board. AMR has repeatedly claimed, “We have a contingency plan.” We now know what their plan is. Blanket emails have been sent calling for replacement workers to travel to the Northeast and break the strike. In short, their plan is to try to get NEMSA members to SCAB and cross picket lines in other NEMSA shops. That’s right! trying to get NEMSA members to break a NEMSA strike. NEMSA recommends the following: • • • Do NOT under any circumstances volunteer to go to the Northeast and cross picket lines. Our NEMSA brothers and sisters are depending on every one of us to stand with them! Do NOT cover the shift by trade or overtime of any person who has gone to the Northeast to cross picket lines. If you are a Crew Chief or Part Time Supervisor do NOT cover the shift of any management employee who is trying to break the strike. For More Information: www.NEMSAUSA.org NEMSA strongly recommends that members keep accurate daily records of hours worked including overtime. If you are denied payment for time worked, or you feel you are being paid incorrectly, please contact a shop steward ASAP. 87 Example: Petition / Open Letter August 9, 2005 To: Mr. Rippen Usoff, CEO Sisters of Profit Ambulance Company Dear Mr. Usoff, We the undersigned members of NEMSA NEMSA Shop Name or department, work site name hereby call on management to cease, do, grant, or whatever resolves the issue. We expect you to meet with our shop stewards immediately and act in good faith to address and resolve this matter. Name Department (Classification) Example Of Postcard Dear County Commissioner Dollen, I am an Emergency Medical Technician and member of the National EMS Association. Myself and many other NEMSA members are employed at Mercy Ambulance, the county ambulance provider for 911 services. While I am in complete support of Mercy Ambulance receiving a contract extension so I can continue to care for the citizens of Mercy, Washington; I have to rise in strong opposition to the attempt by Mercy Ambulance owner Bob Johanson to have the County Commission remove wage and healthcare requirement minimums from the County Ambulance Contract. As a union, we see this as an attack on our ability to make fair wages and have affordable healthcare. The protections were placed in the ambulance contract to prevent profiteering on the backs of employees. Please stand with us and vote against the contract amendment. Thank You __________________________________________ 88 10.2 STRIKE ACTIONS Strike actions, often simply called a strike, is a work stoppage caused by the mass refusal by employees to perform work. A strike usually takes place in response to employee grievances and occasionally (though not often) if contract negotiations are unsuccessful in providing an acceptable agreement to the members. Strikes became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labor became important in factories and mines. In most countries, they were quickly made illegal, as factory owners had far more political power than workers. Most western countries partially legalized striking in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. Strikes are sometimes undertaken by labor unions during collective bargaining. The object of collective bargaining is to obtain a contract (an agreement between the union and the company,) and the contract may include a no-strike clause, which prevents strikes, or penalizes the union and/or the workers if they walk out while the contract is in force. The strike is typically reserved as a threat of last resort during negotiations between the company and the union, which may occur just before, or immediately after, the contract expires. Generally strikes are rare: according to News Media Guild, 98% of union contract in the United States are settled each year without a strike. Occasionally, workers decide to strike without the sanction of a labor union, wither because the union refuses to endorse such a tactic, or because the workers concerned are not unionized. Such strikes are often described as unofficial. Strikes without formal union authorization are also known as wildcat strikes. A strike may consist of workers refusing to attend work of picketing outside the workplace to prevent or dissuade people from working in their place or conducting business with their employer. Less frequently workers may occupy the workplace, but refuse wither to do their jobs or to leave. This is known as a sit-down-strike. Informational picketing is another form of strike. Informational picketing consists of workers picketing during off-duty hours to inform the public of the conflict between union and employer. Another unconventional tactic is work-to-rule in which workers perform their tasks exactly as they are required to but no better. For example, workers might follow all safety regulations in such a way that it impedes their productivity or they might refuse to work overtime. United States labor law also draws a distinction in the case of private sector employers covered by the National Labor Relations Act between “economic” and “unfair labor practice” strikes. An employer may not fire, but may permanently replace, workers who engage in a strike over economic issues. On the other hand, employers charged with 89 committing unfair labor practices may not replace employees who strike over ULP’s and must fire any strikebreakers they have hired as replacements in order to reinstate the striking workers. Strikes may be specific to a particular workplace, employer, or unit within a workplace, or they may encompass an entire industry, or every worker within a city or country. Strikes that involve all workers, or a number of large and important groups of workers, in a particular community or region are known as general strikes. Under some circumstances, strikes may take place in order to put pressure in the state or other authorities or may be a response to unsafe conditions in the workplace. A sickout, also known as the Blue Flu, is a quasi-legal way for police, firefighters, and air traffic controllers to strike: they call in sick en masse. The phrase is still used today to refer to sickouts in most unions. 10.3 METHODS EMPLOYERS USE TO DEAL WITH STRIKES Generally strikes called by unions are somewhat predictable; they typically occur after the contract has expired. However, not all strikes are called by union organization-some strikes have been called in an effort to pressure employers to recognize unions. Other strikes may be spontaneous actions by working people. Whatever the cause of the strike, employers are generally motivated to take measures to prevent them, mitigate the impact, or to undermine strikes when they do occur. Strike preparation. Companies, which produce products for sale, will frequently increase inventories prior to a strike. Salaried employees may be called upon to take the place of strikers, which may entail advance training. If the company has multiple locations, personnel may be redeployed to meet the needs of reduced staff. Strike Breaking Some companies negotiate with the union during a strike; other companies may see a strike as an opportunity to eliminate the union. This is sometimes accomplished by the importation of replacement workers, or strikebreakers. Historically, strike has often coincided with union busting. Union Busting One method of inhibiting a strike is eliminating of the union that may launch it, which is sometimes accomplished through union busting. Union busting campaigns may be orchestrated by labor relations consultants, and may utilize the services of agencies that engage in intelligence gathering, or that provide asset protection services. Similar services may be engaged during to defeat organization drives. 90 Lockout Another counter to a strike is a lockout, the form of work stoppage in which an employer refuses to allow employees to work. Two of the three employers involved in the Caravan park grocery workers strike of 2003-2004 locked out their employees in response to a strike against the third member of the employer bargaining group. Lockouts are, with certain exceptions, lawful under United States Labor Law. Union scabbing The concept of union scabbing refers to any circumstance in which union workers, who normally might be expected to honor picket lines established by fellow working folk during a strike, are incline or compelled to cross those picket lines, or in some manner, otherwise engage in workplace activity which may prove injurious to the strike. 10.4 STRIKING… AN OPTION OF LAST RESORT Sometimes considered the “Nuclear” option, a full-blown work stoppage in the form of a labor strike is truly an option of last resort. Strikes must be carefully planned and executed to be successful. Your message must be clear and communicated clearly to the community that you will need the support of. The employer will battle you in the media for public opinion. Generally speaking, the longer a group of employees strike the more support you lose from your workforce. To successfully strike requires careful planning, a simple message, community support, and employee unity and solidarity. The union must be prepared, able to influence issues 91 and fight over issues that it defines (not the employer), and rely overwhelmingly on the efforts of the members themselves to be successful. A few real world examples: 2007 NEMSA NE Labor Dispute ! ! AMR offered NEMSA a 1% pay cut as a last, best, and final offer. NEMSA does informational picketing establishing AMR treating employees unfairly in the media ! NEMSA prepared for striking in three states with a media campaign and face-to-face work with community members. ! Outraged influential community members called AMR and local/national politicians who got involved by sending letters, and calling AMR ! NEMSA’s media message: A 1% pay cut is unfair to the people saving lives everyday, we are asking for 3%, less than the cost of living adjustment for the area for these hardworking citizens of your cities and towns. ! NEMSA workforce unified and stands together. ! 22.5 hour marathon bargaining session leads to TA with 14-18% pay increase over 2 years RESULT: Strike Averted By Employer, NEMSA members achieve more than what they demanded. 2008 Southern California SEIU Strike ! ! ! ! ! ! ! American Medical Response (AMR) offers SEIU 20% pay increase over 4 years. SEIU members vote to strike. SEIU goes to media claiming members are underpaid and demanding fixed health care increases from AMR. AMR does not give a final strike-preventing offer, strike starts. 40% of SEIU members cross the picket line on the first day 60% to 70% cross the picket lines 3 days into the strike. IAEP settles strike with AMR, coming back to work for less than AMR’s last offer. RESULT: Strike Failed, SEIU members received less than what AMR first offered. 1997 Teamsters United Parcel Service(UPS) Strike ! ! About 57% of UPS employees are non-benefited part-time employees Teamsters recognized that part-time issues would become a source of major dispute in the next negotiations and prepare an early public message campaign to raise public opinion of UPS employees. 92 ! ! ! ! ! ! During contract negotiations, UPS offers very few benefits to part time employees and virtually no chance to advance to full time. UPS demanded concessions from Teamsters that would have made part time employee issues even worse. Teamsters UPS Workers vote to strike. Less than 5% of Teamsters cross picket lines. Teamsters UPS workers strike for 15 days total while at the same time using their pre-prepared public relations campaign. The public overwhelmingly supports UPS workers and begins using competitor services, complaining at how UPS treats its employees. UPS and Teamsters agree to settlement giving in to most of the Teamster demands. RESULT: Strike Successful, Teamsters UPS got their issues addressed and part-time employees moved to full-time. It appears as if Teamsters UPS workers got their issues addressed and successfully executed strategy to achieve their goals. But at what cost? Competing shipping companies gained market share and UPS never fully recovered from the strike. The Lesson Here: A strike is an option of last resort can hurt the union as much as the employer. Careful planning and execution with specific goals and a strong media message are needed to be successful. 93 Chapter 11 ORGANIZING YOUR WORKPLACE PLANNING EXERSIZE 11.3 – INDENTIFY THE ELEMENTS OF AN ORGANIZING PLAN EXERSIZE 11.4 – ORGANIZING PLAN QUESTION FORM GETTING MEMBERS ACTIVE AND INVOLVED IN UNION ACTIVITIES EXERSIZE 11.6 – GETTING MEMBERS INVOLVED IDEA ACTIVITY THE “ORGANIZING” WAY TO USE UNION LITERATURE 11.1 Organizing Your Workplace So now you have the base knowledge to be an effective shop steward. However having “Knowledge” vs. “Street Smarts” matters. It’s easy to say “Organize Your Workplace.” It’s another thing to actually do it. Remember primary role of a shop steward: to build a united, organized, and involved membership in your workplace. Organizing is fundamentally how we move power from management to the union. This chapter discusses how to organize your workplace for both day-to-day issues and for larger issues that you may have to address. This chapter includes interactive exercises and group activities to help teach how to organize your workplace. 11.2 Planning To organize successfully, you must have a clear and well thought out plan. The plan must be on paper and agreed to by all members of your leadership team. Having dissenting members of your leadership team working to undermine your efforts only leads to failure. Developing A Plan There are many elements to developing a good plan. It is important to consider all aspects of a situation when developing a plan and use a checklist to help you brainstorm, consider, and develop a plan that will work for you. Finally, don’t be afraid to re-assess your plan as necessary and make changes when appropriate. 94 NEMSA Labor Relations Representatives should always be consulted prior to any major work actions or organizing efforts. They are professional resources for your shop and your leadership team. Exercise 11.3 INDENTIFY THE ELEMENTS OF AN ORGANIZING PLAN Purpose To identify the important elements of an organizing plan. Task 1 What things do we need to think about to develop a good organizing plan? 95 Exercise 11.4 ORGANIZING PLAN QUESTION FORM Purpose To Give A Template For Plan Consideration and Development This template is designed to help clarify issues and in the development of an organizing plan. Answer the following questions: 1. What’s the Problem? Clearly and simply define the problem in 1-3 sentences. 2. What’s the Solution? What is your demand? What is the bottom line? Are there places to compromise? 3. Who is the Target? Who in management has the authority to resolve this problem and negotiate over your demand? Is there more than one person involved? 4. What Advantages Do You Have? What do you have working for you? Good leaders? Contract Language? People are angry and want things to change, etc… 5. What Disadvantages Do You Have? What is working against you? Dissent in the bargaining unit? Management unwilling to bend or compromise? Workforce not mobilized? Workforce not aware of the problem, etc… 6. What Will Be The Challenges To Overcome? 7. What Will You Do? How will your group bring this issue to the attention of your workforce or management? How will you escalate if the boss says no? Is escalation worth the price? What actions will you do to unify people and put pressure on the boss? 8. What Is Your Campaign Message? How will you sell this to your co-workers? How will you get people involved? 9. How Will You Communicate With Your Co-Workers? Phone trees? Meetings? Newsletters? One on One Conversation? 10. How Are Things Going? Do we need to change course? Is everything working OK? 11. How Did It Go? Did the activities go well? Did we involve the people we wanted? What do we need to do next? 96 Planning Summary Take time to develop a plan. Elements of a good plan include: • • • • • • • • Problem and Solution Target Strengths of Your Group Challenges You Might Face Actions to Unify Your Group Actions to Pressure Your Target Communication Plan Evaluation Organizing is fundamentally how we move power from management to the union. Be an organizer and a leader. Involve others in the planning and implementation of your action plan Be an educator. Talk to members about the issues so they understand why it’s worth their effort to fight. Be a planner. A fight is usually part of a campaign that may require multiple actions. When planning your actions, leave room to re-assess, adjust, or escalate as needed. Make sure that the options you chose are legal, protected activities, and that members know the risks associated with the actions. If unsure, get advice from more experience shop stewards or NEMSA Labor Relations Representatives. 11.5 Getting Members Active and Involved in Union Activities Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for a shop steward can be getting members active and involved in union activities. A NEMSA steward is first and foremost an organizer – a leader at work who gets their co-workers involved in solving problems on the job and advancing the interests of the membership. Promoting union events and recruiting members to participate is an important part of being a shop steward. There are many ways to get members involved in union activities and many ways to communicate with members. Finding the most effective way for your particular workforce is sometimes trial and error. However Labor Unions, activists, and not-forprofit organizations through the years have learned that the single best method of communication is one-on-one contact. 97 Exercise 11.6 GETTING MEMBERS INVOLVED IDEA ACTIVITY Purpose To Discuss and evaluate ways to get members involved in union activities. Task In small groups, list ways you as a shop steward can promote union events among your co-workers and get them to attend a meeting, rally, or other event. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods. Use the table below to list your group’s ideas. Turnout Idea Advantages Disadvantages 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 98 11.7 The “ORGANIZING’ Way To Use Union Literature If you want less than 5% of workers to read the literature, leaflet, newsletter, etc… • Send it in an email • Post it on an internet web site If you want less than 10% of the workers to read the literature, leaflet, newsletter, etc… • Drop the literature in the lunchroom or day room and hope workers pick them up. • Post a leaflet on the bulletin board and hope everyone stops to read it. If you want about 25% of the workers to read the literature, leaflet, newsletter, etc… • Put literature in everyone’s mailbox • Drop the literature on everyone’s desk. If you want 75% or more of workers to read the literature, leaflet, newsletter, etc… • Personally hand a copy to each worker. • Tell them it’s important to read it. If you want 75% or more of workers to read the literature, leaflet, newsletter, etc… and then do something as a result of it. • Repeat the important information on the literature as you hand it to each worker • Get a commitment from each worker to attend the meeting, sign the petition, write a letter, etc… 99 How To Turn Out People To A Meeting or Event 6 Steps To Ensure A Good Turnout Set a Goal / Create A List of Targets • Think strategic in creating a list of target people • Identify the people you see as saying yes or possible yes • Identify places you can get people, numbers, and lists. Personal Contact • Tell the person about the event. • Ask them to come • Tell them why it’s important for them specifically to be involved. • Get a commitment from that person • Get all phone numbers (you’ll need it for a follow-up or reminder) Written Contract • During or even after the personal contact, follow up in writing. • Present the person with a flyer or memo. • Make sure that the written confirmation for the meeting or event includes the time, date, directions, and a way of contacting the shop steward if they have questions. Second Personal Contact • Make reminder calls a day or two before the meeting/event. • Always stress the importance for the event and their role within it. • Get a further commitment to ensure their attendance. Example: “Can you pick up Dezi on your way?” or “Do you need a ride since it’s your day off?” Accountability / Keeping Track • Each person involved in the turn-out effort needs to keep a record and be accountable for their contacts • Ask people to let you know whom they spoke with and what was the result. How many said YES and how many said NO. And Don’t Forget The 50% Rule: Always invite twice as many people as you ideally want at your event. On the day of the event, only 50% of those people will actually attend. • • The 50% rule holds true in every case except times of crisis. To Be Safe, always use the 50% rule. 100 101 S H O P NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION S T E W A R D W E B A D M I N G U I D E INTERNET DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PRESENTS NEMSA SHOP BASED WEB PAGES Featuring Local Control Of Communication Tools SHOP STEWARD WEB ADMINISTRATOR GUIDE VERSION 1 Author: Jason J. Herring !"#$%&"'(%')*"'+,-./'.*%0'.("1234'/4&5657(32(%3'!"8'.5("' 9:54"' ! ! ! 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