This week presented myself with my first grievance meeting to assist with a member. I was extremely nervous, because I know how to advocate for patients and peers without question, however, there is a right process when presenting a side to gather information from management, as well as hope to make a case to help resolve the situation; when it isn't resolved, you go to the next steps, even as far as arbitration.
The key position for me, is to remain unbiased, as well as make sure the member is succinct, on point and able to be represented based on the matter alone; one might want to go the meeting and air current and past grievances, but if it's not related to the grievance, it is best to stay on task. The other key position is if the first round doesn't go their way, you have to remain enthusiastic to continue their grievance; it would be easy to give up, but if there is a way to negotiate in the members favor, the key is to continue to do so; it also puts management on a level field with the member; and some members do not like that so much, but it may also send a message to not be as arbitrary or continue favoritism or target individuals, and that's something I'm willing to advocate about.
