What is the first step in a grievance procedure?

There are no individual grievance processes, only group / uniopn procedures negotiated into contracts.

Usually begins with employee objecting that an order violates the contract.

The employee must comply with the order even if likely prohibited by contract.

The employee may have the contractual right to demand to consult with a steward or other union official immediately.

If the employee complains to the union, it investigates to determine ewhether the offense actually happened and the surrounding circumstances.

The union may have a contractual right to discuss the allegations with the employer to resolve dis[putes short of grieving.

If the union confirms an offense happened and the employer will not settle, the union files a grievance before the deadline.

The employer responds to the grievance before its deadline.

If the dispute is not resolved, iot may for to higher management and a high union official, or straight to arbitration.

Some processes include mediation, either mandatory or optional.