NOTE: Last Updated 2/18/2025
Explanation: A Training designed to touch upon the commonly accepted elements of a Past Practice Grievance in the Grievance – Arbitration procedure that apply to Stewards and Employees in the APWU.
The PowerPoint itself has the majority of information someone would need to teach or present this training. If you do not have a plethora of experience with Past Practice I recommend finding a Local Officer / NBA or contact me to teach the material as the Questions and Answers you receive are likely to be extremely specific to an installation/issue and if you are not experienced you are likely to provide the wrong answer.
If you would like me to teach this for your Local / State, contact me at chornoby@apwu480.com .
Accompanying Documents:
This first document I call ‘Cheat Sheet’ which is a 3 page primer on Past Practice. This document puts into words the very same patterns I have seen in Arbitration of needing to identify elements not listed in the JCIM to prevail in the Grievance Procedure.
This Step 4 Decision confirms following Past Practice in the APWU before Mittenthal’s inclusion in the JCIM. It also shows how Past Practice is not an interpretive decision, specifically as it relates to a Mandatory Bargain Item.
The following is a NALC Arbitration that involves the APWU and NLRCA. This is used for demonstration purposes to show how different Unions may have jurisdiction, may disagree, and finally how even when justified, Management must negotiate with the Union.
APWU Steward 