A grievance means any complaint by an employee concerning any matter relating to the employment of the employee; by the Union concerning any matter relating to the employment of any employee; or by any employee(s), the Union or the Administration concerning the effect, interpretation or breach of a bargaining agreement or a claimed violation, misinterpretation or misapplication of any law, rule or regulation affecting conditions of employment.

Upon filing a grievance, an employee may elect to be self-represented or represented by a Union representative. The Union has the right to be present during any proceeding. When the grievant elects Union representation, meetings and communications with regard to the grievance attempts at resolution should be made through the Union representative.

Step 1
A grievance must be submitted in writing and presented to the Step 1 management official (immediate supervisor). Within ten working days after the receipt of the grievance, the Step 1 official must hold a meeting or, if one is not requested, issue a decision in writing. If the meeting is held after the fifth workday, the Step 1 official must issue a decision within five working days after the meeting. The decision will either grant, partially grant, or deny the relief sought. The grievance may be appealed to the Step 2 official within five working days after receipt of the Step 1 decision. The Step 1 official will forward the grievance material to the Step 2 official.

Step 2
If the Step 2 official is located in the same installation as the grievant, the grievant shall have five workdays to make an oral and/or written presentation. If the Step 2 official is not in the same installation as the grievant, the grievant shall have ten workdays to make an oral and/or written presentation. The Step 2 official will attempt to resolve the grievance and will, within ten workdays after the presentation date give a written decision containing the reasons for the decision. The grievance may be appealed to the Step 3 official within five workdays after receipt of the Step 2 decision. The Step 2 official will forward the appropriate grievance material to the Step 3 official.

Step 3
If the Step 3 official is located in the same installation as the grievant, the grievant shall have five working days to make an oral and/or written presentation. If the Step 3 official is not located in the same installation as the grievant, the grievant shall have ten workdays to make an oral and/or written presentation. The Step 3 official or designee will attempt to resolve the grievance and will within ten workdays after the Step 3 presentation date give a written decision containing the reason for the decision. If the decision is not acceptable, the Union may refer it to arbitration

*Due to slight variations, please refer to the Grievance Procedure Article in your agency’s negotiated agreement.