Article 6: Grievance Procedure
Bottom Line Up Front: Every Local 109 Pilot has a clearly defined, four-step path — with strict deadlines at each stage — to challenge any dispute over the interpretation or application of this Agreement. If the Company misses its response deadline at any step, the grievance automatically advances in the member’s favor.
The Four-Step Process
| Step | What Happens | Deadline to File | Deadline for Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Pilot raises issue with immediate supervisor | 10 calendar days from the event (or from when the Pilot knew/should have known) | Supervisor responds within 10 calendar days |
| Step 2 | Union presents written grievance to designated Company rep | 7 calendar days after Step 1 answer/deadline | Company responds within 7 calendar days |
| Step 3 | Union appeals in writing if Step 2 answer is unacceptable | 7 calendar days after Step 2 decision/deadline | Company renders written decision within 7 calendar days |
| Step 4 | Senior Company and Union officials meet to resolve | 7 calendar days after Step 3 decision/deadline | 90 calendar days to resolve; then 14 days to request System Board review |
If the Company doesn’t respond in time at any step, the grievance automatically moves to the next step — that clock cutting both ways protects you from stall tactics.
Special Timelines
- Discharge grievances: A non-probationary Pilot who is discharged goes straight to Step 2, and must file within 7 calendar days of the discharge.
- Union grievances: Same process and time limits, filed by the Union starting at Step 2.
Know Your Rights
- Miss the deadline, lose the grievance — unless both parties agree in writing to extend it.
- Compliance is measured by postmark or email date/time stamp — so document when you send everything.
- Non-precedent basis: Grievances resolved before the System Board don’t set precedent unless both sides agree otherwise.
- If you’re exonerated: Your personnel file must be fully cleared of the incident, it can’t be used against you later, and you must be made whole in every respect.
- Personnel file access: You can request a copy of your personnel file from HR in writing, and they must provide it within 10 business days.
Why It Matters for You
This Article is your enforcement mechanism for every other right in this contract. The strict, mutual deadlines mean the Company can’t sit on a grievance indefinitely — and if they try, the process moves forward without them.