A grievance is simply a formal process to resolve issues where there is disagreement between teachers and school boards concerning the application of provisions of the collective agreement. If the grievance is not resolved at the local level, the grievance is then referred to the BCTF for consideration for arbitration. The BCTF then makes a decision about whether or not the grievance should be advanced to arbitration.
Arbitration is the final stage of the grievance process.
A n arbitration is a quasi-judicial process. The union and the employer both present their cases to an independent arbitrator agreed to by both sides. Witnesses can be called and cross-examined. At the end of the hearing the arbitrator makes a ruling. The decision of the arbitrator is final and binding on both parties.