Describe the various steps to a grievance process in a typical union contract.

The typical grievance procedure has four steps. The first step involves discussions between the employee (grievant) and the supervisor administering disciplinary action. If the grievance cannot be resolved at this stage, it can be appealed to step 2, at which time a union representative and a higher level manager (usually the supervisor's boss or the HR manager) will attempt to resolve the issue. The employee, if still unsatisfied with the outcome, can appeal to step 3 which usually involves an upper-level manager and union official. Finally, if no satisfactory settlement can be reached, the grievance can be appealed to final and binding arbitration.