Step I – Supervisory. An employee who has a grievance should make every effort to discuss the problem informally and orally with his/her immediate supervisor, who will make every effort to reach a satisfactory solution to the problem. Most problems are solved at this level. The grievance must be presented to the Supervisor within fifteen (15) working days of its occurrence. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to act on the problem and respond to the employee orally within five (5) working days after receiving the grievance. However, if the employee is not satisfied with the decision of the Supervisor, he/she may proceed to the next step. A grievance may not be adjusted by an employee’s immediate supervisor if that supervisor is a member of the bargaining unit. If the employee’s supervisor is a member of the bargaining unit, the grieving employee must discuss the problem with the supervisor, but the supervisor must refer the employee to the next level supervisor.
