There are several things you should check before filing a grievance, including:

 

• Was there enough proof or was management's action based on hearsay?

 

• Did management investigate and verify the charge before taking action or did they "shoot from the hip" first and investigate after the fact. Did grievant get his day in court?

 

• If so, did management selectively stack the deck by over--emphasizing certain facts or points (perhaps taken out of context), while down-playing those factors which would favor the grievant to belatedly "Justify" their premature charge?

 

• Did management overreact (emotionally rather than objectively)?

 

• If so, was the discipline punitive and vindictive rather than corrective and remedial?

 

• Did management apply its rules, orders and penalties even handedly?

 

• Did management punish everyone for the infractions and deficiencies of a few?

 

• Is the penalty too severe?

 

• Does the punishment fit the crime?

 

• Is it appropriate?

 

• Is it reasonably related to the seriousness of the offense, infraction, omission, or deficiency?

 

• Is it appropriate and reasonable in the light of grievant’ s past record and years of service?

 

• Is the grievant (as well as management's representative's) story, attitude, demeanor and image creditable? (To an arbitrator?)

 

• Was the discipline timely?

 

• Was the penalty consistent with the principle of progressive discipline?