Grievance Procedure

Learn about what a grievance is, and the process involved in resolving one.

Article 15 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement governs the grievance procedure between the APWU and the U.S. Postal Service.

A grievance is defined in Article 15 as a:

“dispute, difference, disagreement or complaint between the parties related to wages, hours, and conditions of employment.”

This is a very broad definition and you should never let a postal supervisor or manager tell you that you do not have grounds for a grievance. If you have questions about whether or not you have a grievable issue, you should request “union time” from your immediate supervisor so they can arrange for you to meet with a union steward. 

Steps in the Grievance Procedure

The grievance procedure consists of four steps:

    • Step 1 is where an individual meets and discusses the issue with their supervisor. If the issue is not resolved, it moves to the next step.

    • Step 2 is where a union official meets with a Postal Service official if a resolution was not reached during Step-1.

    • Step 3 is where an APWU National representative meets with an Area USPS official if a resolution was not reached at Step-2.

    • Step 4 is when the APWU and the USPS enter into a binding arbitration in front of a neutral arbitrator, selected jointly by the parties, to hear the grievance.

In order for a grievance to be considered “timely” it must be first discussed (“filed”) at Step-1 within 14-days of when the employee or the union first learned, or may reasonably have been expected to learn, of the issue. 

If you believe you may have a grievance or if you are unsure whether or not you have a grievance, please contact your state or local union representatives. 

Grievance Appeal Forms

The fillable forms provided below have been designed so that you can open them and type information directly into the appropriate data fields so that users can print them to submit in person, or save them as attachments to be submitted via email. The data entry fields on these forms may be selected by clicking on the appropriate field in the form. 

Download Grievance Forms

Additional Grievance Resources

FormWhy it helps
Request for InformationManagement is required to provide the union with all documents, files, and other records necessary in processing a grievance. 
Grievant or Witness StatementUsed to provide a written record of events, and serves as evidence in dispute proceedings. 
Appeal to Arbitration from Step 2The union may appeal an adverse Step 2 decision directly to arbitration for disciplinary grievances or contract grievances that involve the interpretation, application of, or compliance with the provisions of any Local Memorandum of Understanding not in conflict with the the National Agreement, and those issues the parties have agreed are appealed to expedited arbitration. 
Administrative Dispute Resolution Procedures (ADRP)A process to resolve complex disputes, as they arise during the course of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, identified between the union and management without the filing of any grievances. 
Appeal to Joint Safety and Health Committee The National Agreement requires joint labor-management safety and health committees be established at the area and local levels. The committees work to resolve violations of safety and health conditions.
Use this form to appeal issues to the L-M committee so they can cooperatively improve safety performance.
Report of Security Problem or Poor Financial PracticeReports security problems or poor financial practices. It is not an official USPS form.