Industrial Relations Climate and Grievance Outcomes

A study examined the relationship between the climate of industrial relations and grievance outcomes. The grievance data were collected from 6 federal government organizations in western Canada. Climate questionnaires were distributed to the top management groups of all of the organizations, with 46 usable responses obtained. The results suggested that grievances are more likely to be granted under a positive industrial relations climate. The more cooperative and harmonious union-management climates are likely to increase the chances of grievances being granted or partially granted. The results showed that, in organizations that have relatively low scores on the various components of climate, grievances are more likely to be denied or withdrawn. The evidence also suggested that the industrial relations climate may be related to the levels at which grievances are granted. Under favorable climates, grievances are more likely to be granted at lower levels of the grievance process; they also are dealt with more quickly than in other situations.