Guidelines for Imposing Disciplinary Action. The Employer has the right to discipline a unit member provided that the unit member will be advised of the reason or reasons for such action. The level of discipline shall be based on the nature and severity of the infraction. Disciplinary action challenged as not in conformance with this Agreement, may be grieved under Article XI, however, dismissal may only be challenged pursuant to the process specified in this Article. Prior to imposing discipline, unit members are entitled to written notice of the allegations against them which will identify the rule, policy, or performance standard violated and include an explanation of the evidence. The notice will include a description of the incident(s) involved and date(s) of occurrence as applicable. Prior to imposing discipline the unit member will additionally be entitled to an opportunity to respond to the allegations, present mitigating evidence, explain extenuating circumstances or present reasons why disciplinary action should not be taken.
