Step I 18.3.1.1 An employee may present the grievance orally either directly or through the Union representative to the immediate supervisor. The grievance must be presented within ten (10) working days following the event or events on which the grievance is based. The immediate supervisor shall make whatever investigation is necessary to obtain the facts pertaining to the grievance. Within ten (10) working days after receiving the oral grievance, the immediate supervisor shall give the employee an oral reply. 18.3.1.2 If the employee is not satisfied with the reply of his/her immediate supervisor, he/she may appeal the grievance to Step II.
STEP II If the grievance is not resolved at Step I then the Association may refer the grievance to the superintendent or the superintendent’s official designee within ten (10) days after receipt of the Step I answer. The superintendent shall arrange with the Association representative for a meeting to take place within five (5) days of the superintendent’s receipt of the appeal. Each party may include in its representation such witnesses and counselors as it deems necessary. Within five (5) days of the meeting, the Association shall be provided with the superintendent’s written response, including the reasons for the decision.
Step III 21.5.1 If the employee desires to appeal the grievance to Step III, the employee shall indicate in writing the reason for the appeal and present it along with the original written grievance to the Municipal Employee Relations Officer or designee within ten (10) working days following receipt of the written decision at Step II. 21.5.2 Within ten (10) working days after receipt of the appeal to Step III, the Municipal Employee Relations Officer or designee shall schedule a meeting with the employee, the appropriate Union representative, and the Department Director or designee to discuss the matter. A written decision shall be given to the employee or the appropriate Employee Organization representative within ten (10) working days following the meeting. 21.5.3 If the decision of the Municipal Employee Relations Officer or designee is unsatisfactory, the appropriate Employee Organization representative may appeal the grievance to Step IV - Arbitration.
Step 4 In the event the dispute is not resolved at Step 3 above, either party may serve upon the other and the COORDINATOR written notice by certified mail, within five (5) working days, requesting that the dispute be resolved by arbitration. If such a written notice is served, the parties shall jointly request the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to submit the names of five (5) qualified arbitrators, from which list the UNION and the EMPLOYER shall alternately strike names until only one name is left, which person shall hear and resolve the dispute. A hearing shall be conducted by the arbitrator, at which time the parties to the dispute shall be given the opportunity to appear and offer evidence in support of their positions. A decision by the arbitrator shall be rendered in writing within a reasonable time, not to exceed ten (10) days after the conclusion of the hearing. The decision by the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon the parties; provided, however, that the arbitrator shall not have the authority to alter or amend the provisions of this AGREEMENT in any way. The reasonable expenses and fees of the arbitrator shall be borne equally by the parties.
STEP IV If the Association is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Step III, the Association may submit the grievance to final and binding arbitration through the American Arbitration Association, which shall act as the administrator of the proceedings. If a demand for arbitration is not filed within thirty (30) days of the day for Step IV answer, then the grievance shall be deemed withdrawn. a. The arbitrator shall have no power to alter the terms of the agreement.