(IL) Was offered a job and accepted, but other applicant filed a grievance, and now said job offer could be rescinded.

I work for a library part time. Said library is part of a union. I recently applied for a full time position and after being interviewed and offered the position, admin gave me my benefits information, and told me they would let me know of my start date. A week later a union representative called to inform me the other applicant filed a grievance with management, stating they should have been offered the job because they have worked here longer and that management violated the contract by hiring me. Our contract states when concerning a lateral move or promotion, seniority only rules IF the applicant is able and qualified. From accounts from the other applicants (OA) coworkers, OA has many complaints from customers about bad customer service, as well as difficulty working with others. It has also been said by other department managers that OA came completely unprepared for their interview and became irate during the interview process with the interviewing manager. All of this, as I was told, was gathered together to build a case against this person, as management has been looking for a way to dismiss this employee, hence why they were not offered the job. I was told I was hired for my work ethic, positive attitude, customer service skills, and rapport with our customers.

Now due to our union representing OA, they have asked suggested management “remedy the situation”, meaning to offer OA the job based on them being here longer. If the union and management, who have said they are sticking to their decision to hire me, cannot come to an agreement, the case will go to arbitration. At that point, a third party will make a decision that both the union and library have to abide by. It is a possibility that if the union pushes through with the grievance, my job offer could be rescinded and given to OA. I was offered the job on March 20th, and still haven’t not started, and cannot start until this is either over, or goes the other way, and is rescinded. A side note to mention is one of the union reps for OA has a personal grudge against our HR director, who is part of the management team defending their decision to hire me. It is widely speculated this is why they took the case.

If my job offer is rescinded, is there anything I am able to do legally? My union will not represent me in a case since they are representing OA, even though I pay union dues from my paycheck every 2 weeks for services like said representation.

This process has caused me great upset, as I was hired because I was the right person for the job, and now that could be taken away because of this. I enjoy working here, and don't want to leave if I don't have to.

Any advice would be much appreciated, especially those who better understand unions than I do.

Please let me know any clarification needed.

TIA.

Written By: Jackoff_Bauer
Source: http://bit.ly/2DqnGbh