Delegates and Organizers. The right of the Union to appoint a reasonable number of delegates is recognized. The delegates appointed shall have completed their initial probationary period. Delegates are Union stewards as that term is generally used. In addition to their regular work duties, the duties of the delegates during work time shall be limited to the investigation and presentation of bargaining unit employees’ grievances and representing said employees in meetings with the Agency. Delegates/organizers may receive and discuss complaints and grievances of employees on the premises and time of the Agency provided it does not interfere with the necessary operation of the facility. Delegates may use a reasonable amount of time to perform delegate duties. Delegates shall notify their supervisors when working on authorized Union business. Before a delegate takes time away from his/her job duties to administer the Agreement, the delegate must inform his/her supervisor or designee of the approximate duration of time the delegate expects to be away from his/her job duties and, if the delegate is leaving the work area, the duration of time expected to be away from the work area. The notification shall be given as far in advance as is practical, according to the circumstances. Any disputes between the Agency and the Union as to whether any organizer or delegate is spending an unreasonable amount of time in any work site conducting authorized Union business shall be resolved by the Union and the Agency appointing authority or designee. If the question cannot be resolved at this level, it shall be submitted to the Deputy Director of the Office of Collective Bargaining for resolution. Employees having a legitimate need for the services of their delegates/organizers shall notify their supervisor. Delegates/organizers will, upon entering any work area other than their own and prior to engaging in any representative duties, report to the supervisor involved. The Union will provide written notification to the Agency of the appointment of all delegates/organizers. No appointment will be recognized until such notification is received by the Agency. The Employer and the Union recognize the value of having an adequate number of delegates to provide representation within their appropriate jurisdiction. The Union further agrees to provide leadership development to its members for the purposes set forth in this Article with the goal of increasing Union participation and member/delegate representation...
