Grievance Flow Chart
- Definition: An allegation by an individual covered by the MOU that the City has violated: (a) an expressed term of the MOU; (b) a written personnel rule or regulation in the city; or (c) an established City policy governing personnel practices or working conditions.
- Exclusions: Disciplinary actions (including without limitation dismissals, reprimands, suspensions, demotions, or disputes concerning pay increases), performance appraisals and layoffs.
- Steps in grievance procedure: It is the intent to deal with and settle grievances informally, promptly and fairly, and at the lowest practical organizational level. The grieving member, or members, shall make efforts to resolve the grievance informally with their immediate fire supervisor within 20 calendar days following the occurrence of the events which the grievance is based on.
1. First Step: If a mutual solution of the grievance is not reached with the immediate supervisor, the grieving member shall submit a formal written grievance with the immediate fire supervisor within 10 calendar days. The immediate fire supervisor must submit a written response within 10 calendar days.
2. Second Step: If the grieving member is not satisfied with the fire supervisor’s response, the grievant(s) may advance the grievance to the shift Battalion Chief within 10 calendar days. The shift Battalion Chief shall consider the matter and submit a written response within 10 calendar days after receiving the grievance.
3. Third Step: If the grievant is not satisfied with the shift Battalion Chief’s response, the grievant may advance the grievance to the Fire Chief within 10 calendar days after receiving the shift Battalion Chief’s response. The Fire Chief (or designee) shall consider the matter and submit a written response within 10 calendar days after receiving the grievance.
4. Fourth Step: If the grievant is not satisfied with the Fire Chief’s response, the grievant may advance the grievance to the City Manager within 10 calendar days after receiving the Fire Chief’s response. The City Manager (or designee) shall consider the matter and may hold a hearing in his/her discretion. The City Manager will submit the matter to mediation if requested by either party (with expenses to be borne equally among the parties). The City Manager shall issue the final decision and submit a written response within 20 calendar days after receiving the grievance. - Requirements for Written Grievances: The Grievant’s name, signature, and classification; a list of those specific policies or MOU provisions alleged to have been violated; a statement of the facts and circumstances supporting the grievance; a description of all relief requested; and the address where the grievant wishes grievance responses to be postmarked.
- Receipt of Grievance: Shall be considered “received” within 5 days of being postmarked to the address specified by the grievant.
- Advancement: With the written consent of the Department Head or City Manager, grievances may be submitted directly at Step 3 or 4 of the grievance Procedure.