Grievances

A grievance is a formal complaint you can file if you believe your employer has violated your rights under:
  • State law
  • Federal law
  • The USA contract
  • UMass policies
You may file a grievance individually or as part of a group. The full grievance process is outlined in Article 27 of the USA contract.

What to Do If You Believe a Violation Has Occurred

If you think your rights have been violated:
  1. Contact your steward, the Grievance Officer, or the USA office immediately. They can help guide you through the process and determine whether a grievance is appropriate.
  2. Act quickly: Grievances must be filed within 30 days of the incident.
  3. Document everything. Keep records that may support your case, such as:
    • Emails
    • Notes
    • Witness statements
If you had a verbal or in-person meeting with a supervisor, document it by emailing a detailed summary of the meeting to your supervisor. This helps both in making sure you are both on the same page and creates a paper trail to rely on in the future.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as a grievance, reach out to your steward, the Grievance Officer, or the USA office for guidance. You can help expedite this process by providing as much documentation and information on your case as possible.