Importance of Writing Statements
Have you ever been asked to write a statement for a grievance? The Union may ask you to provide a statement regarding an incident that has occurred on the workroom floor, a new unilateral directive or policy that management is attempting to implement, or to defend yourself against management’s allegations if you get disciplined. In most cases, statements are the backbone for a grievance, and are extremely important in our dispute resolution process. The Union’s position and arguments may be valid and persuasive, but without effective statements from Letter Carriers to support the Union’s contentions, the grievance might not be successful.
The Branch 6000 Union Officers hear many legitimate complaints from Letter Carriers across Long Island, which are sometimes clear contract violations. After the Union investigates the situation, we usually request the carrier to write a statement, but on many occasions the carrier is hesitant to do so. The main reason is for fear of retaliation. If you are retaliated against because you wrote a statement for the Union, we can prove and file a grievance on the retaliation, so there is no reason to be fearful.
It is extremely important for carriers to stand together as one and have each other’s back when needed. You never know who the next carrier will be that is getting harassed by management, and maybe it will be you. We should not stand by idle and allow this to occur to anyone in any office, as everyone should be treated with dignity and respect as they deserve to be. Keep in mind that you have the contractual right to write statements on the clock on union time and are entitled to do so. Your steward can request to interview you, or you can request union time in writing to meet with your steward.
Statements should be legible, clearly written, and easy to understand, even if the reader knows nothing about the office or the employees who may be involved. The statement should include specific detailed facts on what happened, who was involved, and include the date, time, and location where it occurred. Make sure you sign and date your statement as well, make a copy, and give the original to your steward. It is best to write a statement as soon as possible after an event occurs while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Remember, please do not be fearful to let your voice be heard in a respectful manner about any circumstances that occurred at the workplace. If you want change, you must stand up and fight for your rights. We all need to do it together. Everyone stay safe and be well.
