Members have a right to file a grievance, but not the right to pursue a grievance all the way to arbitration.  The Union’s elected officers, lawyers and staff, will decide if the grievance has any prospect for success based on merits of the grievance.  Sometimes members will disagree with our decision – at which point they may appeal the decision and appear before the Executive Board to present their case.  At that time, the Union may seek an opinion from the National Union on the prospects of success for the grievance, which will also be made available to the Executive Board.  This is a change in policy to our past procedures where the members could appeal the decision not to proceed with a grievance directly to the membership of the Union.  This exposes the grievance to possible violations of privacy regulations and also makes the process subject to a popularity contest of who can bring more supporters to the Union meeting.  Having the Executive Board instead make the decision assures a more level-headed decision that protects the membership from costly and lengthy arbitrations and other legal proceedings that may not be just or would be an unnecessary cost with no prospects for success.