Level III – Grievance Panel. In the event the grievant is not satisfied with the decision at Level II, the grievant may within ten (10) work days submit the grievance to the Grievance Panel. The grievant must have the grievance heard at Level III – Grievance Panel before going to Level IV – Arbitration. The intent of the Grievance Panel is to provide problem-solving and resolution between the grievant, the Association and the District.
Level III – Grievance Panel. If the parties are unable to reach a mutually satisfactory accord in Level II on any grievance, that arises and is presented during the term of this Agreement, either party shall have fifteen (15) working days to request, in writing, that the grievance be scheduled for a Grievance Panel. The Grievance Panel will be convened within thirty (30) working days of receipt of the timely request for a Grievance Panel. The Grievance Panel shall be comprised of a mediator from the State Mediation and Conciliation Service, one (1) Union representative and one (1) representative of the District. The representatives from the respective groups (VEA & District) will not have any direct connection with the grievance. In addition, the grievance shall be presented by representatives other than the panel members. The proceedings of the Grievance Panel shall remain confidential. The Grievance Panel’s decision shall neither be made public nor be introduced into any other grievance level by either party. The decision of the Grievance Panel shall be rendered by the members of the panel at the conclusion of the mediation session. The decision shall be provided in written form within two (2) days. The decision of the Grievance Panel shall be advisory only.
