Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Using the 7 “W”’s…”Once the steward identifies what the problem is, they will begin to gather the facts. What kinds of questions will assist them in that process? The following list provides a number of examples to assist you in the fact gathering exercise.

Who

• who are the grievors (and contact information)
• who are the protagonists
• who caused/contributed to the problem
• who are the supervisors/managers
• who are the witnesses
• who will provide signed statements, testify
• who did the grievor tell
• who else has this problem, now or in the past
• who will be affected by the outcome
• who has information you need
• who will investigate
• who will provide representation
• who will set up the hearing
• who will be at the hearing
• who will “hurt” the grievor
• who will “help” the grievor
• who do you need to consult with
• who can you get advice from
• who will provide representation at next levels

What

• what is the problem, issues to be resolved
• what are the facts
• what is the position of the employer
• what has been said in relation to the problem
• what is the background to this issue
• what were the contributing factors
• what are the consequences of doing nothing
• what meetings, communications have…
• what has the grievor done
• what documents does the grievor have
• what evidence is required
• what is needed from the employer
• what collective agreement, policy is relevant
• what union policies are relevant
• what is being violated
• what are the precedents
• what is the past practice of the employer
• what are the mitigating factors
• what is the position of the local, membership
• what will be the impact of the grievance on
• the grievor, membership, union
• what is the style of the manager hearing the grievance
• what are the options to solve this problem and the consequences of choosing each one
• what can be done to prevent a re occurrence
• what safeguards can be built in

When

• when did the problem occur
• when did the grievor first start trying to
• address this problem … ongoing communications?
• when did the grievor begin employment
• when did meetings, communications …
• when will the time limits expire
• when should/will the hearing take place
• when should the grievance be presented, transmitted

Where

• where exactly did this take place
• where was the grievor at that time
• where were others … supervisor, witnesses
• where was furniture, vehicles …distances
• where does the employee work
• where can I get corroboration of the grievor’s version
• where are the grievance forms

Why

• why is this a problem
• why did the employer take action/not act
• why did this occur
• why did this happen to this particular employee
• why did the grievor do what s/he did
• why is a grievance necessary
• why is this being pursued
• why do people think the grievor isinnocent/guilty
• why are people supporting/not supporting the grievor/grievor’s version

Want

• wants redress in full including …
• wants a hearing at each level
• wants documents removed from files and destroyed
• wants training for respondent, unit, workplace
• wants harassment free environment
• wants a declaration collective agreement violated
• wants reinstatement effective date of … with no loss of pay and benefits
• wants reinstatement of sick leave credits
• wants Memorandum of Understanding outlining commitments and agreements

Whoa

• Have I correctly identified the problem?
• Have I treated this as an organizing/educational opportunity how will this
• contribute to membership education and involvement?
• Have I analyzed the case and developed arguments and counterarguments?
• Am I well prepared for the hearing?
• Have I organized the file and completed the PSAC Grievance File Checklist?
• Have I obtained all the documents as listed?
• Are all the statements signed and witnessed?
• Is the Steward Factsheet completed?
• Are all my notes legible, signed and dated?
• Are copies of the grievance and transmittal forms legible?
• When do I need to forward the complete file to the representative at the next level?