NEW YORK NURSE: January-February 2011

RNs at work

Answering your questions about the grievance process

What does the grievance-related term “made whole” mean?

“Made whole” is a phrase that unions include in their remedies for grievances that involve loss of pay or other benefits, such as disciplinary actions or improper denial of overtime or promotions. The term means that the grievant is restored to the status before management took the improper action.

In instances such as when a promotion or overtime has been denied, it asks that the grievant be treated as though management had given the promotion or overtime. When “be made whole” is included in the remedy – and the grievance is upheld – it ensures the grievant will receive all back pay and any benefits that are due. Benefits would cover such areas as seniority, pension, medical coverage, and vacation and sick leave. Being made whole covers all the bases, including money claimed, so the delegate doesn’t have to remember each and every possible injury when writing the grievance.

I am a new delegate working on the grievance committee. Please offer advice on how I can gain credibility among the members.

“Know your contract!” Your fellow members don’t expect you to know everything, but they do expect you to be well informed. To educate and motivate members to understand and cooperate with union policies, you must first educate yourself.

To gain credibility and become a good leader you must do the following:

Be honest with members.
Be reliable. Say “I don’t know” when asked a question and you don’t know the answer. Do your research, get the information, and get back to the member as soon as possible. When you say you are going to do something, do it. Follow-through is very important.
Be knowledgeable about the contract, work rules, and your facility’s policies.
Be supportive. When members approach you with their complaints and concerns, offer understanding and encouragement as you help remedy the situation.
Be a good listener. Pay attention to what members are saying and ask questions if you don’t understand.
Be committed to the labor movement and the goals of NYSNA.

Thanks for committing to “Leading the Way!”

The NYSNA EGW Program receives many inquiries each month from members who have problems in their workplaces. If you have a question about labor relations at your facility, contact your NYSNA nursing representative. If you have a question you think should be featured in this column, send it to: RNs at Work, NYSNA, 120 Wall Street, 23rd Floor, New York, N.Y. 10005.