Dispute resolution. The Town Board has established
a set of procedures to provide for the orderly resolution of differences
in a fair and equitable manner at the earliest possible stage and
to promote a harmonious and cooperative relationship between employees,
Department Heads and members of the Town Board which will enhance
the overall operation of the Town.
Definition of grievance. For the purpose of this Employee
Handbook, a grievance will mean a claimed violation, misinterpretation
or inequitable application of the provisions of this Employee Handbook.
An employee who claims to have a grievance may present
the grievance to the employee's immediate supervisor. The grievance
must be submitted, in writing or verbally, within seven calendar days
following knowledge of the event(s) which caused the grievance or
when the employee should have had knowledge.
Within seven calendar days after receiving the grievance,
the employee's immediate supervisor will meet with the employee to
discuss and attempt to resolve the matter.
In the event that the informal grievance is not adjusted
at step one, the employee may submit the matter to the employee's
department head. The grievance must be submitted, in writing, within
seven calendar days from receiving the step one response or when the
response should have been received.
Within seven calendar days after receiving the grievance,
the department head will meet with the employee to discuss and attempt
to resolve the matter. Within seven calendar days from the meeting,
the department head will issue a written response which will be given
to the Town Supervisor and the employee.
In the event that the employee is not satisfied with
the response at step two, the employee may submit the matter to the
Town Supervisor. The grievance must be submitted, in writing, within
seven calendar days from receiving the step two response or when the
response should have been received.
At this step, the grievance will specify the nature
of the grievance, including the provision of the Employee Handbook
that was allegedly violated and a statement of facts, times, dates
and the remedy sought.
Within seven calendar days after receiving the grievance,
the Town Supervisor will investigate the matter and issue a written
response, which will be given to the employee.
In the event that the employee is not satisfied with
the response at step three, the employee may submit the matter to
the Town Board by filing a request for hearing with the Town Clerk.
The request for hearing must be submitted, in writing, within seven
calendar days from receiving the step three response or when the response
should have been received.
Time limits. The employee must adhere to the time
limits set forth in this grievance procedure. In the event that the
employee does not advance the grievance to the next step within the
established time limit, the grievance will be considered withdrawn
and no further appeal will be accepted. The time limits may be extended
by mutual agreement, provided that the extension is in writing, dated
and signed by the employee and the official who is to receive the
grievance.