I’ve been contacted by several members who shared a deeply frustrating experience: their union—despite years of paid membership—refused to support their grievance against an employer’s disciplinary actions that, in their view, violated their basic fundamental human rights. One such refusal included this quote from a PIPSC Employment Relations Officer (ERO):

"For all the reasons above, I do not recommend filing a grievance on the (1*) Policy, (2) your LWOP, nor (3) the religious exemption request. If you disagree, pursuant to the PIPSC’s Policy on Representational Services, you may request reconsideration of my recommendation to the Director, Regional Labour Relations Services, Nancy Lamarche (nlamarche@pipsc.ca). Your request for reconsideration must be received no later than the end of business day Month DD, YYYY."  (“*”: Numbering is added to taxonomize the three (3) areas where the Union openly stated that they will NOT support the members.)

These members were left confused, isolated, and unaware that they still had the right to file a grievance—especially when the issue did not relate to the interpretation of the collective agreement, but rather to disciplinary action and Canadian Charter and Bill of Rights violations.

The Self-Representation 101 series is a set of practical guides for members forced to navigate the grievance system without the support of their union. If you're facing suspension, denial of accommodations, or retaliation for exercising your rights, and your union won't help—this series is for you.