Procedures for Filing a Grievance

The GEO Organizing Committee assists students with grievances related to work related issues that violate our union contract (see contract here). Grievances include but are not limited to: being asked to work over the agreed upon 18 hours work week without compensation, unlawful dismissal of duties, mismanagement of harassment claims, and/or hidden fees not specified in the contract. The following steps are outlined in the contract regarding the grievance process.

Step 1 (Informal Discussion)

The Employee and/or Union Representative shall present the grievance to the employee’s immediate supervisor, or intermediate supervisor if the grievance is against the immediate supervisor, within twenty (20) working days of the time when knowledge of the events leading to the grievance should reasonably have been known. The immediate supervisor shall respond, meet with the parties, and attempt to resolve the matter within seven (7) working days of the meeting.

Step 2

If the grievance has not been resolved at Step I, it may be presented in writing within ten (10) working days from the date the immediate supervisor’s response was due to the intermediate supervisor specifying the date of occurrence, the nature of the grievance, the contract provisions allegedly violated, and the remedy sought. The intermediate supervisor will respond in writing, meet with the parties, and attempt to resolve the problem within ten (10) working days after receiving the grievance. Any grievance solved at the first or second step shall have neither precedential value nor establish a binding practice.

Step 3

Failing satisfactory resolution at the second step, the grievance may be referred to the Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee within fourteen (14) working days after the intermediate supervisor’s decision was due. The Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee shall meet with the parties to hear the grievance within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Step lil grievance and shall render a written opinion within ten (10) working days after such meeting. If the employer exceeds any time limit at any step without satisfactory communication, the grievant and the Union may assume that the grievance has been denied and invoke the next step of the procedure.

Step 4

In the event the Union fails to accept the third step decision, only the Union may seek arbitration by filing a written request with the American Arbitration Association within fourteen (14) working days after receipt of the employer’s written response. An arbitrator will be selected by both parties under the provisions of the American Arbitration Association rules. The decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding on the parties. The arbitrator shall have no power to modify, amend, or alter the Agreement. The cost of the arbitration shall be borne equally by the employer and union.

If you believe that your worker rights are being violated, please email geo@umb.edu us a brief description and a non-umb.edu email account to reach you at or drop by our office on Tuesdays at 2pm at Quinn 02-081 (A/B/C 617-287-3109.