Stettler District Ambulance Association Collective Agreement 2023 - 2026

Article 33: Grievance Procedure

1. Definition of Time Periods
   1. For the purpose of this Article and Article 34, periods of time referred to in days shall be deemed to mean such periods of time calculated on consecutive calendar days exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and Named Holidays specified in Article 16.
   2. Time limits may be extended by mutual agreement, in writing between the Union and the Employer.
2. Resolution of a Difference Between an Employee and the Employer
   1. Formal Discussion
      1. If a difference arises between one or more Employees and the Employer regarding the interpretation, application, operation, or alleged contravention of this Collective Agreement, the Employee(s) shall first seek to settle the difference through discussion with their Manager. If it is not resolved in this manner, it may become a grievance and be advanced to Step 1.
      2. In the event that the difference is of a general nature affecting two or more Employees, those so affected may have the Union, on their behalf, make written request to the Board that the grievance be batched and dealt with as a group grievance commencing at Step 1. A request to batch such grievances will not be unreasonably denied.
   2. Step 1
      The grievance shall be submitted in writing, and signed by the Employee, indicating the nature of the grievance, the clause or clauses claimed to have been violated, and the redress sought to the Managers, within ten (10) days of the act causing the grievance, or within ten (10) days of the time that the Employee could reasonably have become aware that a violation of this Collective Agreement had occurred. The decision of the Manager shall be made known to the Employee and the Union within seven (7) days of receipt of the written statement of grievance.
   3. Step 2
      Within seven (7) days of receipt of the decision of the Manager, the grievance may be advanced to Step 2 by submitting to the Board, or their designate, a copy of the original grievance with a letter indicating that the grievance has not been resolved. Upon receipt of this grievance, the representative of the Union shall arrange to meet with the Board or their designate to hear the details concerning the grievance. The Board or designate, shall render their decision, in writing, to the Union and the grievor within seven (7) days of receipt of the written statement of grievance.
   4. Step 3
      Should the grievance not be resolved at Step 2, the Union may elect to submit the grievance to Arbitration. In this case, the Union shall notify the Employer, in writing, within seven (7) days of the receipt of the decision of the Board or their designate, that the Union wishes to proceed to Arbitration, and at the same time, the Union shall name its appointee to the Arbitration Board. By mutual agreement between the parties, in writing, a single Arbitrator may be appointed.
   5. Employees who attend a meeting with the Employer respecting a grievance shall suffer no loss of regular earnings calculated at the Basic Rate of Pay for the time spent at such a meeting.
   6. An Employee shall be entitled to have a Labour Relations Officer and/or Job Steward from the Union present during any meeting pursuant to this grievance procedure.
   7. A dismissal grievance shall commence at Step 2.
3. Resolution of a Difference Between the Union and the Employer
   1. Formal Discussion
      In the event that a difference of a general nature arises regarding interpretation, application, operation, or alleged contravention of this Collective Agreement, the Union shall first attempt to resolve the difference through discussion with the Manager. If the difference is not resolved in this manner, it may become a policy grievance.
   2. Step 1
      A “policy grievance” is a dispute between the parties which, due to its nature, is not properly the subject of an individual or group grievance. A policy grievance shall be submitted, in writing, to the Manager or their designate and shall indicate the nature of the grievance, the clause or clauses claimed to have been violated, and the redress sought. Such grievance shall be submitted to the Manager or their designate within ten (10) days of the occurrence of the act causing the grievance or within ten (10) days of the time that the Union could reasonably have become aware that a violation of this Collective Agreement had occurred. The decision of the Manager or their designate shall be made known to the Union, in writing, within seven (7) days of the receipt of the written statement of grievance.
   3. Step 2
      Should the Union elect to submit a policy grievance as defined herein for Arbitration, it shall notify the Employer, in writing, within seven (7) days of the receipt of the decision of the Board or their designate and name its appointee to an Arbitration Board at the same time. By mutual agreement, in writing, between the parties, a single Arbitrator may be appointed.
4. Default
   1. Should the grievor fail to comply with any time limit in this grievance procedure, the grievance will be considered conceded and shall be abandoned, unless the parties to the difference have mutually agreed, in writing, to extend the time limit.
   2. Should the Employer fail to respond within the time limit set out in this grievance procedure, the grievance shall automatically move to the next step or be advanced to Arbitration on the day following the expiry of the particular time limit unless parties have mutually agreed, in writing, to extend the time limit.