Good Grievance

Abstract

After failing to resolve an association grievance by means of mediation and collective bargaining, the Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa signed a Letter of Understanding transferring grievance settlement to library council. This decision was both novel and carried risks, but ultimately led to unionized librarians using both the forum and worker voice effectively. This article explains the grievance, explores the concept of worker voice - including the cost of using voice - and questions whether library councils are conducive to voice. I also describe the member engagement that was necessary for librarians to participate in grievance resolution and offer advice on conditions that supported effective grievance resolution.