The grievance-arbitration process is an essential part of all collective agreements. However, the CUPE agreement also boasts a Provincial Dispute Resolution Committee (PDRC) as an alternative to what can often be a costly and protracted arbitration process.

This joint Union-Employer committee will meet throughout the year to try and resolve a wide range of grievances – everything but termination grievances. The Union and Employer must agree to refer grievances to the PDRC.

This process saves our members from having to testify at a hearing. The PDRC also saves our Union money by utilizing a joint process to resolve disputes and issues identified by our members. Every settled file saves our Local $10,000 and $20,000 in arbitration fees.

If the members of the PDRC are not able to resolve the grievance or dispute, then the committee will either refer the matter to expedited arbitration or a full panel arbitration hearing.