Shop Steward Training NINSC/AFGE

Introduction This course is designed to prepare you to represent members as an employee representative

Agenda The course can be completed by one or more at your own pace.

Overview Representation of members as a employee activist and representative.

Vocabulary NINSC, National Immigration and Natz. Service Council AFGE, American Federation of Government Employees

The Shop Steward is a most important link in the chain between members and local officers.

In order for a Shop Steward to be effective the Steward must perform specific duties:

Maintain constructive Relationships: Organize and Recruit New Members: Serve: As front line REP: Protect: Conditions of Employment: Act and Talk Unionism:

Carry out Duties Contract and Agency REGS The Dept and the Office Personality Differences NINSC/AFGE Policies and Programs

Grievances and Adverse Actions Removals Suspension for more than 14 Days Reduction in grade or pay Furloughs of less than 30 days

Purpose of a Grievance Enforce the Contract Provide a method to settle disputes Protect employee rights Give the employee a voice

Settle Grievances on Merit Only

Before writing a grievance Investigate and Double Check the Facts:

When writing Grievances at the first step, write a simply statement of the facts for presentation to the first line supervisor.

What is a Grievance? A grievance is generally defined as a dispute between labor and management.

What’s not a Grievance? Violations of prohibited Political Activities Retirement, Life or Death Insurance Suspensions or Removals for National Security reasons Initial Employment Classification (Not related to Pay or Grade)

Grievance Check List Is there a Violation of the Contract Is there a Violation of law Can Management be held Responsible Is there a Violation of Agency Policy Is there a Violation of Past Practices Has the Employee be treated FAIRLY

Disputes Between Employees

Investigating Grievances Action taken by Management for Just Cause Punishment fit offense

Seven Things to consider Was there forewarning or knowledge Was the rule or managerial order reasonable Did the agency Investigate Was the Investigation fair Was there evidence of a violation Did the agency apply rules and regs evenhandedly Did the punishment fit the offense

Check Motives for the Conduct

CHECK THE FACTS Did Management prove guilt Did Management fail to present evidence Length of Service Employees past Record Age of the Employee Family Obligations Reasonableness of the Discipline

Collecting Information Can the information be measured accurately? Is the meaning of the information clear?

Measuring Information Years of Service Medical records Absenteeism Tardiness Production Other jobs held Education and training Written reprimands Quality of work

CLARIFYING INFORMATION

UNCLEAR INFORMATION ?????????????????????

Types of Information PEOPLE AGENCY RECORDS

Types of Evidence Best Evidence Secondary Evidence Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence Evaluation Relevance Shifting the burden of proof Precedents Past Practices

TESTIMONY Direct Testimony Indirect Testimony

WRITING A GRIEVANCE WHEN WHERE WHY WHAT WITNESSES

WRITING THE GRIEVANCE Be Concise Keep records of important details Say it first then write it Write Legibly (TYPED)

Distributing the Grievance Management Steward Chief Steward/Grievance Committee Aggrieved Employee

Grievance File Subject matter Important Precedent Cases Review for later use

Dealing with the Grievant Steward and Employee The Steward Alone Role of the Chief Steward Role of the National Representative Grievance of Non-Members

Dealing with the Supervisor Steward and Supervisor Supervisor’s Authority Discussing Side issues Know when to Stop Talking Failure to reach an Agreement

ARBITRATION What is Arbitration What can be Arbitrated How do you get to Arbitration Who presents the case first The Stewards role in Arbitration Who has the “Burden of Proof” How are Arbitration hearings conducted How to prepare How long until a decision What happens after the hearing Can an Arbitrator be overruled

MISTAKES MADE IN ARBITRATION CASES

HOW ARE ARBITRATORS SELECTED

BUILDING A GOOD STEWARD SYSTEM

HAVE A CHECKLIST FOR STEWARDS TO FOLLOW

HAVE A REQUEST FORM FOR THE GRIEVANT TO COMPLETE

HAVE THE CONTRACT READY AND KNOW THE CONTENT BECAUSE MANAGEMENT MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW WHAT THE CONTRACT INVOLVES