By the time we enter the work force, we become aware of how unjust life can be.
Many of us have encountered a manager or some other authority who tried to abuse his or her power over others in the workplace.
Perhaps this individual had a grudge against people in your ethnic group or was prejudiced against your religious beliefs. Maybe the person thought your gender disqualified you for a promotion or preferred work assignment.
Perhaps this person in authority liked to play favorites, or maybe he or she simply didn’t like you.
Most people in the working world have scarce protection against a superior who acts on such prejudices.
Sure, there are laws against discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual preference, etc., but enforcement usually relies on the victim to prove such discrimination exists. What’s more, one has to go it alone, at the risk of losing his or her job and career.
If your rights are wronged, you could hire an attorney to represent you, but who has that kind of money?
Fortunately, as a Union member, you don’t have to worry about such things. You have a powerful entity of fellow workers to speak up and act on your behalf.
As a member of UFCW 8-Golden State, your are protected by a solid Union contract which requires your employer to respect your right to be free of arbitrary, abusive and discriminatory treatment.
Rather than hire a lawyer, you can contact your District Union Representative, or DUR, who will be ready, willing and able to defend your interests.
Usually, your DUR can resolve the issue simply by speaking with your supervisor. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to follow the formal Grievance Process.
In this process, your DUR will stand by you at every step, including, if necessary, arbitration by a neutral third party.
Non-Union workers have to go it alone, but as a Union member, you don’t. You have UFCW 8-Golden State at your side!
This is one more reason we live by the motto…
Solidarity works!
