Common use of General Grievance Procedures Clause in Contracts

General Grievance Procedures. The purpose of this Procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible level, equitable solutions to the problems which may, from time to time, arise affecting unit members. These proceedings will be kept informal and confidential as appropriate at any level in the procedure. A. Each level should be processed as rapidly as possible. The number of days indicated for settlement or appeal at each level should be considered a maximum. The time limits can be extended by written mutual consent of the parties involved at any level. B. The district recognizes the unit member’s right to grievance representation by the Association. C. There shall be no restraint, interference, discrimination, or reprisal exerted on a unit member concerned with the resolution of grievances. D. Failure at any level by the grievant to appeal a grievance to the next level within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision rendered at that level. Failure at any level to communicate the decision in writing on a grievance within the specified time limits shall permit the grievant to proceed to the next level. E. All documents, communications, and records during the processing of a grievance shall be filed separately from the district personnel files of the participants. F. Forms for processing grievances shall be prepared by the superintendent in cooperation with the Association and shall be printed and given appropriate distribution by the parties so as to facilitate operation of the procedure. A copy of the grievance form is attached as Appendix I. G. Every attempt shall be made to avoid interruption of classes as a result of implementing the Procedure. Should the investigation or processing of a grievance require that a unit member and/or the Association representative be released from their regular assignment, with permission from the administrator, the unit member and/or representative shall be released without loss of pay or benefits. H. Involvement of students in all phases of the Procedure will be avoided. However, names of students shall be made available when their testimony as witnesses to the event in question becomes essential in the grievance proceedings. I. Grievances above Level One will be processed after the regular working day unless an exception is mutually agreed to by the Association and the district. J. In the event a grievance is filed at such time that it cannot be processed through all the levels in the Procedure by the end of the school year, and if left unresolved until the beginning of the following school year could result in irreparable harm to a party, the time limits set forth herein shall be reduced so that the Procedure shall be exhausted prior to the end of the school year or as soon thereafter as practicable. K. Grievants may be represented at all stages of the Procedure by themselves or may determine their own representatives, which at their option may be the Association. The Association shall have the right to be present and to state its view at all stages of the Procedure. L. All meetings and hearings under this Procedure shall be conducted in private, unless otherwise requested by the grievant. Parties and their designated representatives shall be present. M. Any levels may be waived with the mutual agreement in writing of both parties. N. Any individual(s) acting as Hearing Officer(s) shall not have previously been involved in the events leading to the grievance. O. Both parties shall have the opportunity to present arguments and evidence orally, as well as in writing, and to bring forward witnesses who have information relevant to the grievance. P. The determination of the grievance shall rest solely on the evidence adduced at the hearing, including testimony and cross examination from a witness unable to be present, as stipulated in paragraph O above.

General Grievance Procedures. The purpose of this Procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible level, equitable solutions to the problems which may, from time to time, arise affecting unit members. These proceedings will be kept informal and confidential as appropriate at any level in the procedure. A. Each level should be processed as rapidly as possible. The number of days indicated for settlement or appeal at each level should be considered a maximum. The time limits can be extended by written mutual consent of the parties involved at any level. B. The district recognizes the unit member’s right to grievance representation by the Association. C. There shall be no restraint, interference, discrimination, or reprisal exerted on a unit member concerned with the resolution of grievances. D. Failure X. Xxxxxxx at any level by the grievant to appeal a grievance to the next level within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision rendered at that level. Failure at any level to communicate the decision in writing on a grievance within the specified time limits shall permit the grievant to proceed to the next level. E. All documents, communications, and records during the processing of a grievance shall be filed separately from the district personnel files of the participants. F. Forms for processing grievances shall be prepared by the superintendent in cooperation with the Association and shall be printed and given appropriate distribution by the parties so as to facilitate operation of the procedure. A copy of the grievance form is attached as Appendix I. G. Every attempt shall be made to avoid interruption of classes as a result of implementing the Procedure. Should the investigation or processing of a grievance require that a unit member and/or the Association representative be released from their regular assignment, with permission from the administrator, the unit member and/or representative shall be released without loss of pay or benefits. H. Involvement of students in all phases of the Procedure will be avoided. However, names of students shall be made available when their testimony as witnesses to the event in question becomes essential in the grievance proceedings. I. Grievances above Level One will be processed after the regular working day unless an exception is mutually agreed to by the Association and the district. J. In the event a grievance is filed at such time that it cannot be processed through all the levels in the Procedure by the end of the school year, and if left unresolved until the beginning of the following school year could result in irreparable harm to a party, the time limits set forth herein shall be reduced so that the Procedure shall be exhausted prior to the end of the school year or as soon thereafter as practicable. K. Grievants X. Xxxxxxxxx may be represented at all stages of the Procedure by themselves or may determine their own representatives, which at their option may be the Association. The Association shall have the right to be present and to state its view at all stages of the Procedure. L. All meetings and hearings under this Procedure shall be conducted in private, unless otherwise requested by the grievant. Parties and their designated representatives shall be present. M. Any levels may be waived with the mutual agreement in writing of both parties. N. Any individual(s) acting as Hearing Officer(s) shall not have previously been involved in the events leading to the grievance. O. Both parties shall have the opportunity to present arguments and evidence orally, as well as in writing, and to bring forward witnesses who have information relevant to the grievance. P. The determination of the grievance shall rest solely on the evidence adduced at the hearing, including testimony and cross examination from a witness unable to be present, as stipulated in paragraph O above.