The union contract determines the wages, benefits and work conditions that members have; it is the vehicle through which we enforce the rights we have won. But the contract is only a piece of paper until members enforce it on the shop floor; and to enforce the contract, we first have to know it. Local 340 officers urge members to read their contracts and to make a habit of consulting them whenever they have a question. Speaking of questions, if you have a question about what a contract provision means, or where something is covered in the contract, ask your shop steward or ask one of the union staff. If you cannot find your contract, let us know (click here) and we will send you a new copy (be sure to include your address so we send it to the right place).
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The union contract provides a mechanism to make sure the employer abides by the contract. That mechanism is the grievance procedure. When an employer violates a provision of the contract, union members have a right to file a grievance. Filing grievances is important. Whenever we let an employer violate the contract without challenging him, we are weakening the contract for all Local 340 members—it sends a message that we will not enforce the contract. Click here to read more about when, how and why to file a grievance. |
