What are some strategies to avoid disputes over representation at grievances?
An agency should avoid meeting alone with any grievant who has filed a grievance under the negotiated grievance procedure, whether the grievance was filed by the union on behalf of the employee, or whether the employee filed the grievance and elected to represent him/herself or have the union as a representative. Similarly, once an agency has recognized the union as a representative in a dispute between a unit employee and the agency, the agency should not deal alone with the employee.
