9.30.100 Grievance proceeding (alternative to filing a written, internal complaint).
(a) The grievance procedure set forth in this chapter is required by state law and replaces the grievance procedure set forth in any collective bargaining agreement.
(b) Informal Discussion. Before initiating a grievance procedure, a WSSC employee (the “grievant”) shall present the matter orally to the employee’s supervisor or manager for informal discussion and final resolution, if possible.
(c) Step One: Initiation of Grievance Proceeding.
(1) Initiation. If the informal discussion in subsection (b) of this section fails, a grievant may initiate a grievance proceeding by filing a written grievance with the grievant’s supervisor or manager. The grievant may be represented during the grievance process by any person the employee chooses.
(2) Time Limitations. The grievant must initiate a grievance procedure within 20 days after grievant first knew of or reasonably should have known of the act that allegedly violated WSSC 9.30.050.
(3) Conference. Within 10 days after receiving a grievance, the supervisor or manager shall hold a conference with the grievant to attempt to resolve the grievance.
(4) Decision and Grant of Remedy. Within 20 days after the conference, the supervisor or managers shall issue a written decision to the grievant and may grant any appropriate remedy under subsection (f) of this section.
(d) Step Two: Appeal to Director.
(1) In General.
(i) Within 10 days after receiving a decision under subsection (c) of this section, a grievant or a grievant’s representative may appeal the decision in writing to the employee’s Director.
(ii) An appeal shall include a copy of the written decision being appealed.
(2) Duty of Director. Within 10 days after receiving an appeal, the Director shall:
(i) Review the grievance record; and
(ii) Confer with the grievant to attempt to resolve the grievance.
(3) Decision and Grant of Remedy. Within 10 days after the conference, the Director shall issue a written decision to the grievant and may grant any appropriate remedy under subsection (f) of this section.
(e) Step Three: Appeal to the General Manager/CEO.
(1) In General.
(i) Within 10 days after receiving a decision under subsection (d) of this section, a grievant or a grievant’s representative may appeal the decision in writing to the General Manager/CEO.
(ii) An appeal shall include a copy of the decision being appealed and any prior decisions.
(2) Duty of General Manager/CEO. Within 30 days after an appeal is received, the General Manager/CEO shall:
(i) Review the grievance record; and
(ii) Issue a formal decision on the grievance.
(f) Remedies Available to Grievants. The remedies available to a grievant are limited to restoration of the rights, back pay, status, or benefits to which the grievant would have been entitled if no reprisal in violation of WSSC 9.30.050 had occurred. (Document dated July 1, 2020)