I questioned why supervisors were working. I witnessed 2 in DA, 1 helping the de-bagger, and 1 taking recycles to the belt. The answer I got was because we were down 6 people. There were trailers with 2 unloaders in them, so why couldn't they shuffle people around? There are so many union violations going on at my center, and I cannot seem to get anyones attention to it. It seems that the union only cares about the full time drivers and getting the dues paid everyweek.
Contract language is very specific about sups working. It isn't to happen, period. You should have at least one union steward in your building. Ask around and find out who it is. Explain what you saw, have names of sups and dates, times they worked.
Your steward should supply you with a grievance form and should also help you fill it out properly. It's not hard, just asks for the facts. You should receive a letter from the union stating when and where your grievance will be heard by a panel made up of union and management representatives. In my area, the panel is over an hour's drive and I'd have to take off work to go, which I'm entitled to do. However, the union's job is to represent us and they present our grievance to the panel.
After the date of panel, ask your steward if he knows what happened. He/she should know how it went and, if your grievance wins, you will recieve a separate check.
Target on your back? It has been known to happen but as long as you keep your nose clean and do your job there's not much they can do about it. Our building had lots of grievances filed a couple months ago for the same issue and no targets that I know of. Lots of checks written and they hired some new people, which is what needed to be done.
If, for some reason, you cannot find a union steward you need to call the BA. For that you would have to ask around and I don't know who would supply you with that info. There is probably something posted on a bulletin board in the building.
Another suggestion is to talk to a co-worker about the issue and have them sign your grievance as a witness. Or you can let them file and you sign for them. The person with higher seniority will get the money. You may not get the money of you're not high seniority but at least you'll learn how the process works without feeling you are out on a limb by yourself.
One more thing - the forum here has lots of people with strong opionons and for good reason. Sometimes we come across pretty harsh but it's not to be taken personlly. The anger is not so much directed at one person as it is directed at an ongoing situation such as management working and union employees who feel intimidated to file. It's like working at UPS or most other things in life -- don't take it personally. Everyone lives in their own reality and percieves life through their own lives. We seldom have much to do with how they see life. Take care, best of luck and come back with any questions you have.
