[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of East Bloomfield 7-29-1996.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
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.
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.
A.
The grievance procedures set forth in this chapter are
applicable only to eligible employees.
B.
This grievance procedure shall not be used in addition
to other grievance procedures as may be in effect through the governing jurisdiction.
Under no circumstances shall more than one procedure be used to redress the
same grievance, although use of this or other procedures does not preclude
employees from seeking legal remedies as appropriate.
C.
The town retains the right under applicable laws and
regulations to direct employees in the performance of their duties; to take
the necessary means to achieve the proper ends under emergency situations;
and to hire, promote, transfer and assign employees as well as to suspend,
demote, discharge or take disciplinary action against such employees for just
cause.
D.
This grievance procedure is not applicable to matters
for which an appeal process is otherwise provided and may not be used in addition
to or in replacement of those processes.
E.
The scope of the employee grievance must:
(1)
Clearly define the situation in question through a written
allegation of the specific wrongful act or situation, the harm done and the
facts upon which it is based;
(2)
Arise out of an act or failure to act that directly relates
to the working conditions of the eligible employee or to the employee's
employment relationship;
(3)
Define a matter within the control of the department;
and
(4)
State such relief sought that is within the power of
the department to grant.
A.
The grievance procedure established by the town consists
of two steps for appeal, each of which must be utilized in turn before appeal
is made to the next step, unless otherwise specified in this chapter:
(1)
Step One - Immediate Supervisor. An employee who believes
that elements of his working environment are unsatisfactory and can be made
more effective should take the following measures:
(a)
Discuss the specific problem with his immediate supervisor.
A problem that results from a specific event or action must be presented within
seven days. The supervisor's decision regarding the matter shall be rendered
in writing to the employee within seven calendar days following the conference.
The employee has the right to the presence of a representative of his choosing
during this conference.
(b)
If the problem cannot be resolved through the conference
and/or the employee wishes to document the grievance for further action, he
may submit a formal written grievance to the Town Supervisor.
(2)
Step Two - Town Supervisor. If the matter is not satisfactorily
resolved in Step One, the problem may be presented, in writing, to the Town
Supervisor on the designated form, together with a copy of all preceding responses,
within seven days following the response of the employee's supervisor.
The grievance must:
(a)
Be submitted within seven days following receipt of the
immediate supervisor's response;
(b)
Include a copy of the immediate supervisor's decision
and justification;
(c)
Specify the employee's grievance and the specific
remedy requested; and
(d)
Provide a response to the immediate supervisor's
decision within seven days of receipt.
(3)
The Town Supervisor shall meet with the affected employee
and a representative of his choosing if so desired. A written response will
be provided to the employee within seven days after receipt of the appeal
from the employee.
B.
Written responses to grievances. Written responses to
grievances shall include the following:
C.
Time limits. If a grievance is not processed by the aggrieved
employee within the specified time limits provided in this chapter, the grievance
shall be considered void. If the department fails to process a grievance within
the time limits specified, the employee may initiate action by proceeding
to the next step. However, employees are encouraged to make a reasonable attempt
to determine the reason for the delay.
D.
Time extensions. All times specified in this procedure
are subject to scheduled vacations, sick leave or other authorized leave necessary
for the proper conduct of departmental business. Additionally, involved parties
may request one extension not to exceed seven days by providing written notice
to the other parties prior to the expiration of the time limit established
for that step.
E.
Withdrawal of grievance. At any time during the grievance
process, the employee may withdraw the grievance by making written notification
of the withdrawal available to all parties involved in the grievance process.
F.
Coordination of grievance procedures. The Town Supervisor
shall designate an officer who shall coordinate the town's grievance
procedures as established with these guidelines. This officer shall also be
responsible for:
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.
