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The VA 10 0137 form serves as a crucial tool for members of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) when navigating grievances at the workplace. This form initiates the grievance process and is divided into an Informal Step A and a Formal Step A section, each designed to capture specific details related to the grievance. In the Informal Step A section, the grievant, aided by their NALC shop steward, provides pertinent information such as their name, contact details, seniority date, and employee identification number. Additionally, it captures information about the incident leading to the grievance and any discussions held with a supervisor. Once the informal discussion fails to resolve the issue, the grievance can move to the Formal Step A, where both union and management representatives delve deeper into the matter. Here, they articulate the issue statement, detail undisputed and disputed facts, and outline the desired remedies. The form emphasizes clarity and thorough record-keeping, ensuring all involved parties are on the same page as they work toward a resolution. By capturing essential facts and procedural steps, the VA 10 0137 form not only facilitates communication but also helps uphold the rights of union members in addressing workplace concerns.

Va 10 0137 Example

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Received at Step B (MM/DD/YYYY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USPS-NALC Joint Step A Grievance Form

INFORMAL STEP A — NALC Shop Steward Completes This Section (See instructions on page 2.)

 

 

1.

Grievant’s Name (Last, first, middle initial)

 

 

 

 

2.

Grievant’s Telephone No. (Include area code)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Seniority Date (MM/DD/YYYY)

4 Status (Check one)

 

 

 

5.

Grievant’s Employee Identification Number (EIN)

 

 

 

□ FT □ FTF

□ PTR

□ PTF □ CCA

 

 

 

 

 

6.

District, Installation, Work Unit, ZIP Code®

 

 

 

 

7.

Finance No.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

NALC Branch No.

9. NALC Grievance No.

 

10. Incident Date (MM/DD/YYYY)

11.

Date Discussed With Supervisor (Filing date)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12a

Companion MSPB Appeal?

□ Yes

 

□ No

 

12b. Companion EEO Appeal?

□ Yes

□ No

13a. Supervisor’s Printed Name, Initials, and Telephone No.

 

13b. Steward’s Printed Name, Initials, and Telephone No.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FORMAL STEP A — Formal Step A Parties Complete This Section (See instructions on page 2.)

14.USPS Grievance No.: Obtain prior to Formal Step A meeting.

15.Issue Statement: Provide contract provision(s) and frame the issue(s).

16. Undisputed Facts: List and attach all supporting documents. Use additional paper if necessary. Attachments? □ No □ Yes Number ____

17. UNION’S full, detailed statement of disputed facts and contentions: List and attach all

Attachments? □ No □ Yes Number ____

supporting documents. Use additional paper if necessary.

 

18. MANAGEMENT’S full, detailed statement of disputed facts and contentions: List and attach all Attachments? □ No □ Yes Number ____

supporting documents. Use additional paper if necessary.

19a. Union Representative: Enter the remedy requested by the union.

19b.

Settlement Offer: List any settlement offers by either party on page 3.

 

20. Disposition (Check one) □ Resolved □ Withdrawn □ Not Resolved

Date of Formal Step A Meeting (MM/DD/YYYY)

21a.

USPS Representative’s Name

21b. Telephone No. (Include area code)

21c. USPS Representative’s Signature

21d. Date (MM/DD/YYYY)

22a. NALC Representative’s Name

22b. Telephone No. (Include area code)

22c. NALC Representative’s Signature

22d. Date (MM/DD/YYYY)

PS Form 8190, March 2016 (Page 1 of 3) PSN 7510-05-000-4168

Instructions

If the initial filing discussion between the steward (and/or employee) and the supervisor at Informal Step A does not resolve the grievance, the union steward may appeal the grievance by:

Completing the Informal Step A section at the top of page 1;

Obtaining the supervisor’s initials in Item 13; and

Forwarding the form along with all relevant documents that were shared and discussed at the Informal Step A meeting to union and management Formal Step A representatives within 7 days of the discussion.

INFORMAL STEP A — NALC Shop Steward Completes This Section

Item Explanation

1–9 Self-explanatory. All items are essential.

10Enter the date when the event causing the grievance occurred or when the employee or union first became aware of the event.

11Enter the date the employee and/or the union first discussed the grievance with the immediate supervisor at Informal Step A. This is the Step A filing date.

12a Determine whether the grievant has filed an MSPB appeal on the same issue. Indicate “yes” or “no.”

12b Determine whether the grievant has filed an EEO appeal on the same issue. Indicate “yes” or “no.”

13a To be completed by supervisor, whose printed name and initials confirm the date of the Informal Step A discussion.

13b To be completed by steward, whose printed name and initials confirm the date of the Informal Step A discussion.

FORMAL STEP A — Formal Step A Parties Complete This Section

Item Explanation

14Management Representative: Obtain the Grievance Arbitration Tracking System (GATS) number before the Formal Step A meeting. If necessary, call District Labor Relations for assistance. Record GATS number.

15Frame the issue statement in the form of a question. For example:

Was there just cause for the letter of warning dated 7/15/2011 issued to the grievant for unsatisfactory work performance, and if not, what is the appropriate remedy?

Did management violate Article 8.5.G when the grievant was required to work overtime on 8/15/2011, and if so, what is the appropriate remedy?

List specific contractual or handbook provisions that apply to the grievance.

If discipline is involved:

Always indicate the type of discipline (letter of warning, 7-day suspension, indefinite suspension, etc.) in the issue statement.

The union steward may write a suggested issue in Item 15 when appealing to Formal Step A. The parties at Formal Step A are responsible for defining the issue as they see fit.

Note: If the grievance is resolved at Formal Step A, skip to Item 20, note the principles of the agreement, and complete items 21–22. If the grievance is not resolved at Formal Step A, complete Items 16 through 22.

16Management and/or Union Representative: List all relevant facts not in dispute.

17Union Representative: List any facts in dispute based on your understanding of the facts. Provide concise, descriptive statements outlining the union’s position on the grievance.

18Management Representative: List any facts in dispute based on your understanding of the facts. Provide concise, descriptive statements outlining managements’ position on the grievance.

19a Union Representative: Enter the remedy requested by the union.

19b Management and/or Union Representative: On page 3, list any settlement offers made at Formal Step A.

20Management and/or Union Representative: Note whether the case is resolved, withdrawn, or not resolved. If resolved, note the principles of the agreement.

21–22 Formal Step A parties must enter names, telephone numbers, signatures, and date form is completed.

PS Form 8190, March 2016 (Page 2 of 3)

USPS-NALC Joint Step A Grievance Form

FORMAL STEP A — Formal Step A Parties Complete This Section

19b. Management Settlement Offer (if any)

19b. Union Settlement Offer (if any)

Formal Step A Parties – Provide Mailing Address

USPS Formal Step A (Print street, city, state, and ZIP Code®)

NALC Formal Step A (Print street, city, state, and ZIP Code)

NOTE: If grievance ultimately goes to arbitration, this page MUST be removed from the file prior to submitting the case to the arbitrator.

PS Form 8190, March 2016 (Page 3 of 3)

Get Va 10 0137 PDF Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Details
Purpose The VA 10 0137 form is used by employees to formalize grievances in the USPS-NALC process, helping address workplace disputes effectively.
Governance This form is governed by the National Labor Relations Act and USPS policies related to employee grievances.
Filing Timeline Grievances must be filed within 7 days from the date the issue was first discussed with the supervisor.
Key Sections The form includes an Informal Step A section, where initial discussions occur, and a Formal Step A section for detailed dispute resolution.
Essential Items Key items to complete include grievant's name, seniority date, employee ID number, and the date the incident occurred.
Disputed Facts Both union and management representatives are required to provide statements regarding disputed facts and attach relevant documents.
Companion Appeals The form allows grievants to indicate if they have filed companion appeals with the MSPB or EEO.
Settlement Offers During the Formal Step A, both parties can list any settlement offers made to resolve the grievance before moving forward.
Final Disposition The final status of the grievance must be recorded by selecting whether it was Resolved, Withdrawn, or Not Resolved.

Guidelines on Utilizing Va 10 0137

Filling out the VA Form 10-0137 is a critical step in addressing workplace grievances. Following the instructions carefully ensures all necessary information is captured. After completing the form, it should be submitted to the appropriate union and management representatives for further processing.

  1. Date Received at Step B: Enter the date when the form is received at Step B in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  2. Grievant’s Information: Fill in your name (last, first, middle initial) and telephone number including area code.
  3. Seniority Date: Input your seniority date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  4. Status: Check the appropriate box: FT, FTF, PTR, PTF, or CCA.
  5. Employee Identification Number (EIN): Write your EIN in the designated field.
  6. District, Installation, Work Unit, ZIP Code: Provide this information in the respective fields.
  7. Finance No.: Input your finance number.
  8. NALC Branch No.: Fill in your NALC branch number.
  9. NALC Grievance No.: Write in the NALC grievance number.
  10. Incident Date: Enter the date of the incident that led to the grievance in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  11. Date Discussed With Supervisor: Input the date of the initial discussion with your supervisor in MM/DD/YYYY format (this will be your filing date).
  12. Companion MSPB Appeal: Mark Yes or No regarding any MSPB appeal related to the grievance.
  13. Companion EEO Appeal: Indicate Yes or No regarding any EEO appeal concerning the same issue.
  14. Supervisor’s Information: The supervisor should print their name, initials, and telephone number.
  15. Steward’s Information: The steward will print their name, initials, and telephone number in the designated field.
  16. USPS Grievance No.: Obtain this number before initiating the Formal Step A meeting.
  17. Issue Statement: Frame the issue in a question format and list relevant contract provisions.
  18. Undisputed Facts: List all pertinent facts that both parties agree on and attach necessary supporting documents.
  19. Union’s Statement: Clearly outline any disputed facts and attach necessary documents.
  20. Management’s Statement: Management should provide their statement regarding disputed facts and attach supporting documents.
  21. Union Remedy Request: Enter the remedy or resolution being sought by the union.
  22. Settlement Offers: Record any settlement offers made by either party on page 3 of the form.
  23. Disposition: Check whether the grievance is resolved, withdrawn, or not resolved.
  24. Date of Formal Step A Meeting: Fill in the date of the meeting in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  25. USPS and NALC Representative Information: Both parties must print their names, phone numbers, and signatures, along with the date completed.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the VA 10 0137 form used for?

The VA 10 0137 form is utilized by employees and union representatives to file grievances within the United States Postal Service. Specifically, this form facilitates the resolution of disputes between employees and management regarding various workplace issues, including disciplinary actions and contract violations.

Who should complete the VA 10 0137 form?

The form is primarily completed by the NALC shop steward at the informal Step A stage. It captures essential details about the grievant, the nature of the grievance, and any discussions that occurred between the grievant and the supervisor. Both union and management representatives fill in parts of the form as the grievance progresses through the formal Step A process.

When must the VA 10 0137 form be filed?

The form should be filed within seven days of the initial discussion of the grievance at the informal Step A stage. This timely filing is crucial to ensure that the grievance process moves forward and that any disputes are addressed promptly.

What information is required on the form?

Essential details such as the grievant’s name, contact information, seniority date, employee identification number, incident date, and dates of discussions with the supervisor must be filled out. Additionally, the union and management must provide their statements of fact and contention, along with any supporting documentation to substantiate their positions.

What happens if the grievance is not resolved at Step A?

If the grievance remains unresolved after the formal Step A process, the parties may proceed to arbitration or further dispute resolution methods. The VA 10 0137 form thus serves as a critical record of discussions, claims, and positions that can aid in future proceedings.

Can additional documents be attached to the VA 10 0137 form?

Yes, when necessary, additional documents can and should be attached to the VA 10 0137 form. Supporting documents help clarify the facts of the case and establish evidence for the union or management's respective statements.

What should I do if my grievance involves multiple issues?

In cases where multiple issues are present, it's advisable to frame each issue clearly within the Issue Statement section. The union steward should detail each concern while linking them to specific contractual provisions or facts. This clarity will assist in resolving the grievances effectively during the resolution process.

Is there a required format for submitting the VA 10 0137 form?

While the form itself provides a structured layout for capturing necessary information, it is essential to ensure that all sections are filled out clearly and accurately. The inclusion of supporting documents and detailed statements is encouraged to fortify the grievance, but no specific external format is mandated.

Common mistakes

Filling out the VA Form 10-0137 can be a daunting task, and many individuals make mistakes that can delay the process or lead to the denial of their claims. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid when completing this important form.

One major error is not providing accurate dates. Each date field, from the date of the incident to the dates of discussions with supervisors, is critical. Incorrect or missing dates can confuse review processes and may even result in the dismissal of your grievance.

Another common mistake is failing to include essential identifiers, such as the grievant's Employee Identification Number (EIN) or the NALC Grievance Number. These identifiers are crucial for accurately tracking and processing the form. Always double-check that you have included all the identifying information required in the form.

It's also important to ensure that the issue statement is clear and correctly framed. This statement should outline the main concern driving the grievance in a concise manner. A vague or overly complicated issue statement may lead to misunderstanding by management, complicating potential resolutions.

In addition, people often forget to document all undisputed facts and attach supporting documents. Including relevant documents not only strengthens your case but also provides context to your claims. Failing to attach these documents can make it difficult for reviewers to understand the full scope of the issue.

Additionally, many mistakenly overlook the necessity of confirming discussions with supervisors. Missing signatures or initials from supervisors can create confusion about whether the grievance has been properly pursued. It’s important to get validation from all involved parties.

Finally, some individuals neglect to check their selected options in various sections, such as the status selection (full-time, part-time, etc.) or any confirmations regarding appeals. Each checkbox should be carefully reviewed to ensure that it matches the situation accurately. Oversights in these areas can lead to administrative delays or misclassification of the grievance.

Taking the time to carefully review and fill out the VA Form 10-0137 can make a significant difference in the efficiency and success of your grievance process. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your form is processed smoothly and that your concerns are heard.

Documents used along the form

The VA Form 10-0137 is a vital document used in the grievance process for postal workers. When filing a grievance, various forms and documents may accompany it to support the process and clarify the issues at hand. Below is a list of commonly used documents that often accompany the VA Form 10-0137, each serving a specific purpose in the grievance procedure.

  • PS Form 8190: This is the USPS-NALC Joint Step A Grievance Form, which outlines the grievance process and general procedures. It's essential for documenting discussions at different steps of the grievance process.
  • Employee Handbook: This document contains guidelines and rules for employees. It can provide context for the grievance by detailing policies that may have been violated.
  • Incident Report: A report detailing the specific incident that led to the grievance. This can help clarify the nature of the issue being addressed.
  • Union Representation Form: This form establishes who will represent the grievant during proceedings. It ensures that the grievant has support throughout the process.
  • Correspondence with Supervisors: Any emails or letters exchanged between the grievant and their supervisor related to the grievance can be vital. These documents provide a record of communication and attempts to resolve the issue informally.
  • Management's Response: A document outlining management's position regarding the grievance. This can help define the disputed issues between the parties involved.
  • Witness Statements: Statements from individuals who observed the incident or have relevant information can be crucial in supporting the grievant's claims.
  • Settlement Offers: Any documented settlement proposals made during the grievance process. These are important for tracking attempts at resolution before escalation.
  • MSPB Appeal Form: If there is an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board, this form will accompany the grievance. It can highlight overlapping issues between complaints.
  • EEO Appeal Form: If there are allegations of discrimination, this form is essential in noting grievances that have been escalated to Equal Employment Opportunity claims.

Understanding these accompanying documents can enhance the effectiveness of the grievance process. Each serves a purpose in establishing facts, clarifying positions, or facilitating communication among involved parties. Knowing how to use them properly can greatly benefit both employees and their unions during disputes.

Similar forms

  • Form SF-50: Notification of Personnel Action - Similar to the VA 10-0137, Form SF-50 documents actions related to an employee's position, including grievances and formal disputes. Both forms capture essential identifiers, such as employee name and position status, which ensure clear documentation of the individual’s circumstances within their employment context.

  • EEO Complaint Form - The EEO Complaint Form is used for reporting workplace discrimination claims, much like the VA 10-0137 addresses grievances. Both forms require specific details about the incident, including dates and descriptions, highlighting the importance of clarity and accuracy in formal complaints.

  • MSPB Appeal Form - The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Appeal Form serves to contest personnel actions or claims of unfair treatment in employment, paralleling the function of the VA 10-0137 in preventing workplace injustices. Each form demands documentation of the issue and relevant facts, facilitating a structured approach to resolve employee disputes.

  • Union Grievance Form - This type of form is employed by unions to officially document disputes between employees and management. Similar to the VA 10-0137, it outlines the grievance, specific incidents, and desired remedies, allowing for a formal process to address employee concerns within the workplace.

  • Disciplinary Action Report - The Disciplinary Action Report is utilized to document formal disciplinary steps taken against an employee. Like the VA 10-0137, it requires detailed information about the incident leading to the discipline, providing a clear record of actions taken and preventing misunderstandings between employees and management.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the VA Form 10-0137, attention to detail is critical. Here are nine recommendations to guide the process effectively:

  • DO ensure all personal information is accurate, including your name, contact details, and employee identification number.
  • DO provide clear and specific issue statements that frame the situation and highlight relevant contract provisions.
  • DO indicate all significant dates, including the incident date and when the issue was discussed with a supervisor.
  • DO attach supporting documents that back up your claims and assist in clarifying the grievance.
  • DO confirm with the supervisor that you have discussed the grievance before submitting the form.
  • SHOULDN'T leave any required fields blank. Each section is essential for processing your grievance.
  • SHOULDN'T include unnecessary details that do not pertain to the grievance issue, keeping the focus on factual statements.
  • SHOULDN'T forget to check the appropriate boxes for processing your grievance, such as the type of status or attachment.
  • SHOULDN'T assume that verbal agreements or discussions are sufficient. All statements and agreements should be documented on the form.

Following these guidelines will enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your grievance submission.

Misconceptions

Misconception 1: The VA 10 0137 form is only for employees with serious grievances.

This form is designed for all types of grievances, not just serious issues. Employees can use it for a range of workplace concerns, from minor disputes to major conflicts.

Misconception 2: The form must be completed in one sitting.

You do not have to fill out the VA 10 0137 form all at once. Take your time to gather necessary information. Ensure all details are accurate before submission.

Misconception 3: Submitting the form guarantees a resolution.

Misconception 4: I can't include additional documents with my form.

You should attach any relevant documents that support your grievance when submitting the form. This information can help clarify your case and strengthen your position.

Misconception 5: It's too late to file once I learn about the grievance.

Misconception 6: The form is not needed for informal discussions.

Misconception 7: I can file a grievance without involving a union representative.

Key takeaways

Here are key takeaways for filling out and using the VA 10 0137 form:

  • Understand the Purpose: The form is used to document grievances between union employees and management.
  • Complete Informal Step A First: Before advancing to Formal Step A, all informal discussions and attempts to resolve the grievance must occur.
  • Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that all sections, especially personal details like the grievant’s name and identification number, are filled out correctly.
  • Be Timely: Submit the form within 7 days of the informal discussion with management.
  • Include All Relevant Facts: Attach supporting documentation for both undisputed and disputed facts.
  • Frame the Issue Clearly: An effective issue statement should specify the relevant contractual provisions and what the grievance seeks to resolve.
  • Document Communication: Obtain and record the supervisor’s initials and signatures confirming discussions held.
  • Review Settlement Offers: If either party proposes a settlement, it should be documented thoroughly in the designated section.
  • Final Disposition Must Be Noted: Clearly indicate whether the grievance was resolved, withdrawn, or remains unresolved.
  • Keep Records Organized: If the grievance goes to arbitration, the specific pages related to Formal Step A must be removed from the final submission.

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