In what situation can an employee file a grievance?

An employee can file a grievance primarily when there is a dispute over the interpretation of a collective agreement. A collective agreement is a contract between an employer and a union, outlining terms and conditions of employment, including wages, work conditions, hours, and grievance procedures. When an issue arises regarding how a specific term of this agreement is understood or applied, employees have the right to seek resolution through the grievance process, which may involve measures such as mediation or arbitration.

While options involving dissatisfaction with work schedules, suspected discrimination, or feelings of being underpaid might be important workplace issues, they do not directly correspond to the formal procedures established by collective agreements. Disputes about scheduling or pay, for instance, might require different channels of communication or processes outside of formal grievance procedures, such as direct discussions with management or human resources, unless those issues are explicitly covered in the terms of the collective agreement. Similarly, discrimination complaints are typically addressed through specific workplace policies or legal channels that pertain to human rights legislation, rather than through grievance processes outlined in collective agreements.