Common use of Employee Representation Clause in Contracts

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. ‌ A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. ‌ A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department agency or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads Agency Heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration arbitration, and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. ‌ A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. ‌ A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department Department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads Department Head of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. ‌ A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department agency or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads Agency Heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration arbitration, and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. ‌ A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department Department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads Department Head of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's GE – 71 interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/agency department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads AgencyDepartment Heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration arbitration, and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations Human Resources Department quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations Human Resources Department quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads Department Heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration arbitration, and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. GE - 84 A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads Department Heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration arbitration, and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. ‌ A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department departmentdepartment or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department departmentdepartment heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department Department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads Department Head of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.

Employee Representation. ‌ A. An employee may represent himself or herself or may be represented by OCEA in the formal grievance/appeal procedure. An employee is not entitled to be represented by privately retained counsel during the grievance process or arbitration hearing. Provided, however, an employee eligible for Legal Defense Fund coverage (LDF) under PORAC or any other OCEA-OCEA- approved LDF provider shall be entitled to be represented by privately reained retained counsel obtained through that coverage during the grievance process and/or arbitration hearing. B. Authorized grievance/appeal representatives shall be regular employees in the same agency/department or Representation Unit as the grievant/appellant who are members of and are designated by OCEA to represent employees for purposes of the grievance/appeal procedure. OCEA shall notify agency/department heads of the names and titles of such representatives and send a copy of such notice to the Chief of Employee Relations quarterly. C. If an employee chooses not to be represented by OCEA, OCEA may have staff representatives present at Step 2 of the grievance/appeal procedure and/or arbitration and, if necessary, shall have the right to present OCEA's interpretation of provisions of this Agreement at issue. Such presentation shall not include comments regarding the merits of the grievance. The decision of the arbitrator in such a case shall not be precedent setting and shall not be admissible in any subsequent dispute between the County and OCEA.