Dealing with the Grievant:

 

Your main job is getting all the facts and deciding on the remedy to be requested. But you also need to do some things for the grievant.

 

Be sympathetic and understanding. This grievance may be a very serious thing for the grievant. Also, they may be very nervous about talking to management.

 

Do not try to predict a result. Tell them we will do the best we can. Then explain what must happen for us to win.

 

Explain the steps in the grievance procedure. Explain who will be at the meetings and how the meeting will be conducted.

 

The grievant must be kept informed about their grievance. Members should know everything you are doing about the grievance.

 

Be prepared to do more talking than the grievant at the grievance meeting because the grievant may be afraid, too emotional, or to upset too express themselves well.