Grievances a challenge for management.

There is a growing demand for our union officials to submit grievances on behalf of members. The issues are usually related to mismanagement which might include bullying or victimisation. Some of these cases end up in the courts particularly where discrimination is part of the problem. The stupid thing is that almost of all of them can be avoided in the first place or sorted out at an early stage with a sensible response from the managers involved.

In some companies however there appears to be an obstinate reluctance to settle in favour of the employee. For example the NUJ has taken nearly 20 grievances against Newsquest management in the last few years and i can't recall one which was upheld. The Daily Record & Sunday Mail is a similar story with a number ending up costing these companies an arm and leg in legal costs and settlements. Is it ego or power? Who can say but surely the beancounters must be asking questions about these costs.

In some ways it keeps the union in good stead as the publicity and credit does wonders for our reputation and recruitment or retention. But is it neccessary to put people through the mill, damaging their well-being just because some people can't manage for toffee? Give us some common sense and humanity and do us all a favour - particularly your pockets.