Time Conditions. If the grievance is not presented by the employee within the time limits set forth above, it shall be considered waived and may not be pursued further. If a grievance is not appealed to the next step within the specified time limit or any agreed extension thereof it shall be considered settled on the basis of NCPA’s last answer. If NCPA does not answer a grievance or an appeal thereof within the specified time limits, the aggrieved employee or the union may elect to treat the grievance as denied at that step and immediately appeal the grievance to the next step.
