A grievance is a formal complaint raised by an employee (or group of employees) regarding something they believe is unfair, unjust, or in violation of their rights at work

Grievances can address a range of issues, including breaches of the collective agreement, violations of workplace laws, unsafe working conditions, discrimination, harassment, unfair treatment, or disputes over pay and benefits

What Makes a Good Grievance?

A good grievance is clear, specific, and focused on a genuine violation of rights—either under the collective agreement, workplace policy, or the law

Not every complaint qualifies as a grievance; to be valid, it should point to a clear breach of contract, legislation, or established workplace practice

Key qualities of a strong grievance:

Specificity: Clearly describe what happened, including dates, times, locations, people involved, and any witnesses.

Factual: Stick to the facts. Avoid exaggeration or emotional language—describe the events objectively and explain their impact on your work or well-being.

Relevant Evidence: Reference the specific article(s) of the collective agreement or policy that was violated, and include any supporting documentation or witness statements.

Conciseness: Present your case in a clear, organized way, avoiding unnecessary details or rambling explanations.

Desired Outcome: State what resolution you are seeking, whether it’s a change in policy, reversal of a disciplinary action, or another remedy.

Honesty: Be truthful and avoid making claims you cannot support. A grievance is about righting a wrong, not seeking revenge or making unfounded accusations4.

Examples of Good Grievances:

“The employer denied me overtime pay in violation of Article 8 of the collective agreement on May 5, 2025.”

“I was disciplined without just cause on March 10, 2025, contrary to Article 12 and any other relevant articles of the agreement.”

“Unsafe working conditions in the warehouse, including inadequate lighting and malfunctioning equipment, violate workplace safety regulations.”

A well-prepared grievance helps ensure your concern is taken seriously and increases the likelihood of a fair and timely resolution