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Pilot program addresses quick resolve of grievances
By DEBORAH A. MILES
To provide an expedited process for reviewing the backlog of PS&T Article 34
contract grievances currently pending with the Governor’s Office of Employee
Relations, PEF and the state entered a memorandum of understanding and agreed to
implement a pilot program, which began in March for triage and expedited
arbitration.
“We are optimistic this process can successfully address pending contract
grievances in which resolution is long overdue,” said PEF President Roger
Benson.
Employees with grievances on pay issues, time and attendance, overtime meal
allowances, counseling or seniority cases — uncomplicated issues — will have
their grievances presented to a single “select” arbitrator who will help the
parties develop a mutual resolution.
“If settlement is not possible, the select arbitrator will decide the grievance
after an expedited hearing — resolving the grievance more quickly than would
otherwise be possible,” said Elizabeth Hough, PEF associate counsel.
“There is a backlog of cases, and this is a way to revive a procedure to handle
grievances and come to a resolution in a timely manner,” added PEF associate
counsel Lisa Newmark.
Newmark said older cases would take priority. The plan is to review several
cases within one agency that could create a potential for settlement. The
arbitrator will hear eight grievances in one session, with two sessions held per
month until April 1, 2007.
“Supporting documents will be allowed at the sessions, so the arbitrator may be
able to decide a case right then and there,” Newmark said.
“Our hope is the arbitrator will get a grasp of the process, so people can get
their grievance heard and resolved more quickly. I want to emphasize a speedy
resolution will not compromise justice or a fair hearing,” she said. “The
arbitrator was selected for his neutrality and reputation for integrity.”
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The Communicator April 2006
Features
Agencies wastes $ on
consultants
Members
work to stop bad budget
DOT members
meet lawmakers
PEF gets
support in stopping cuts
DOT members
tell all at hearing
New program
addresses grievances
Battle for
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Departments
President's Message
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Retirees In Action
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Probation
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Parole
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Performance
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Progress: Stop Workplace Violence
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