Question: What is the process to request my grievance be arbitrated? Who makes the decision to arbitrate a grievance? Will I get a chance to present my grievance?

Answer: As the exclusive representative of the unionized positions in the APA, the APA Executive Board considers grievances cases that have been denied through the two grievance steps to be considered for arbitration. The APA Executive Board convenes emergency meetings in accordance with our bylaws for consideration of cases for arbitration. During these meetings, the APA Executive Board listens to the evidence and documents, including the grievances filed by the local chapter and the responses from management at the university the grievance was filed at. Should the grievant wish to present as well, this would be the time when they could present as well. After listening to the evidence, the APA Executive Board enters into Executive Session to discuss the personnel matter. The Board then exits executive to take a vote to send the case to arbitration. Once the matter of the arbitration is settled, the minutes of the executive session can be published.