Time Claims (5 Important W's)

As previously, stated, probably the most essential element in the handling of a grievance is getting the facts.

In the handling of time claims, the claim should contain the specific facts involved in the grievance as well as reference to the specific rule which allegedly has been violated. Such facts include what actually happened, the date of the occurrences, the yard or run involved, the engine number, train number, etc.

Remember the Five W's:

• Who is involved in the claim or grievance? Name(s) of person(s) involved-anyone who can furnish information concerning the claim or grievance. (Don't forget the supervisor or management representative who might have caused the claim or grievance.)
• When did the claim or grievance occur? On what day and at what time did the act or omission take place which created the claim or grievance.)
• Where did this occur? Exact location-mile-post number, yard, industrial track, terminal, train number, pool job, (example, Sevier to Asheville pool job number 2). (Number 1 Clinton switcher) and so on. This information is important because it is hard to tell by the job numbers..
• What were the demands?
• What happened? Give complete details. Don't leave out anything, we need as much information as possible. Then we can make a judgment as to the validity of the claim, you may be wrong, but we can learn by being wrong and know better the next time.
• The carrier has 60 days to pay or decline a time claim, we have 60 day from the date on the decline to appeal, the superintendent has 60 days to decline the appeal and the general chairperson has 60 days to appeal the decision of the superintendent to Labor Relations.

This page last updated: 03/06/2005