Common use of Investigating and Processing Grievances Clause in Contracts

Investigating and Processing Grievances. 1. A Chief Xxxxxxx shall be allowed a reasonable amount of time without loss of pay to investigate a grievance pending at Step One (1) or Step Two (2) of the grievance procedure when such absence will not substantially interfere with the Employer's operations. a. The total amount of time which may be used by Chief Stewards for investigating grievances shall not exceed four (4) hours in a pay period. If the Chief Xxxxxxx is going to visit another work area, approval for such visit must also first be obtained from the appropriate supervisor of the work area to be visited. The Chief Xxxxxxx shall be required to report to his/her supervisor immediately upon his/her return. If the investigation requires travel to another work site the Employer shall not be responsible for compensating the Chief Xxxxxxx for time in travel. b. A form for recording and authorizing time spent investigating grievances will be provided by the Employer for the accounting of such time. To secure release and pay for time off during the employee's regularly scheduled working hours, the Chief Xxxxxxx will be required to complete the form. The Chief Xxxxxxx shall include the need for investigation or identification of the grievance and the estimated period of time he/she will be away from the work station. c. The Employer will not be required to release or pay for Chief Xxxxxxx time off in accordance with this Article where the Chief Xxxxxxx has failed to follow the provisions contained in this Article. d. Such activities shall be conducted with the intention of minimizing loss of work time. Any alleged abuse of this provision shall be a proper subject for review by the Employer and the International Union. 2. Whenever possible, the grievant or group grievance representative(s) and the designated Union Representative(s) shall utilize non-work time to consult and prepare. When such preparation is not possible, the grievant or group grievance representative(s) and the designated Union Representative(s) will be permitted a reasonable amount of time, normally not to exceed one-half (1/2) hour without loss of pay, for consultation and preparation immediately prior to any scheduled grievance step meeting during their regularly scheduled hours of employment. Overtime is not authorized.