Can I File A Grievance Against A Fellow Union Member?

By L. Spriggs

Not really. A grievance can only be filed against your employer. If you're having issues with a co-worker, perhaps dealing with workplace bullying or harassment, for instance, you would need to file a complaint with an administrator first. If the administration fails to address the issue, then you or the union might have cause to file a grievance against the administration if their failure to act can be construed as a violation of the contract or your workplace rights. 
Another alternative would be to complain to HR. However, remember that HR works for the interests of the district and the school board, and those interests might not always align with yours, so you might not get the outcome you desire.

You might also consider looking into the union's constitution. Most Constitutions and by-laws provide means to remove a member from the ranks if they're conducting themselves in ways that are unbecoming to union membership. 

Finally, unlike workplace bullying or harassment, sometimes an issue might not be serious enough to involve the administration at all. Don't forget that, especially for less serious issues, you always have the option of asking your department chair or another fellow union member to assist in mediating an issue first.