It is the purpose of this chapter to provide a procedure whereby employees
may resolve disputes or complaints concerning the terms or conditions of their
employment.
The Town of East Bloomfield recognizes that every employee has the right
to be treated fairly in matters arising from employment by the town; that
each employee should have the opportunity to be heard fully any time his right
to fair treatment has been violated; and that a carefully designed grievance
process can help to reduce personnel dissatisfaction, increase morale, identify
problems in the organization and increase the positive perception employees
have of their employment with the town. Therefore, whenever an employee believes
that he has been treated unfairly with regard to the terms and conditions
of his employment, he may initiate proceedings as specified in this chapter
in order to resolve those matters.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated.
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE
All permanent, probationary or regular part-time employees. "Regular
part-time employees" are those who work 20 hours per week or more on a continuous
basis for at least six months.
Once the department's grievance procedure has been exhausted, an
employee and his representative have the right to explain and argue the grievance
before an appeal panel. The panel consists of appointed representatives from
the Town Board, a departmental representative who is responsible for explaining
the department's position and any other town employee who the aggrieved
employee may select as his representative. The hearing is informal and no
record will be kept of the proceedings, although there is a right to cross-examination.
Findings of the appeal panel shall be rendered within 15 days of the hearing
and are binding upon all parties involved.