1. Every non-probationary employee shall have the right to appeal a disciplinary action, a performance evaluation, or a denial of a salary increase to the Executive Director within ten (10) calendar days of the occurrence of the action being appealed and containing the employee’s reason for appealing the action.

2. Probationary employees who allege discrimination or harassment shall be allowed the same right to appeal as provided in this policy to regular status employees.

3. Grievances are defined as acts, omissions, applications, or interpretations alleged to be violations of the terms or conditions of these personnel policies and procedures, unjust or inequitable acts, or personnel action alleged to be arbitrary or contrary to law or rule, or taken for political reasons.

4. Grievances must be initiated within thirty (30) calendar days of the time the grievant knows, or by reasonable diligence should have known, of such acts and omission and shall be processed pursuant to these personnel policies and procedures.

5. The Executive Director must receive a copy of all grievances within eight (8) hours of initiation of the grievances. The Executive Director must personally discuss the grievance with the employee, providing ample opportunity for the employee to present his/her case. Within fifteen (15) calendar days, the Executive Director must submit a written statement to the employee, either granting or denying the appeal and stating the reasons for such decision.

6. If the grievance is not resolved through the provisions outlined herein, the employee may file the grievance with the President for determination within fifteen (15) calendar days after receiving the grievance. The President shall respond within fifteen (15) calendar days.

7. If the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved by the President through the provisions outlined herein, the grievance may be submitted to the Cabinet. Within fifteen (15) calendar days of the receipt of the grievance, the Cabinet shall set a date for a grievance hearing, at which the employee may be accompanied by an official representative. The proceedings of the hearing must be conducted in Executive Session and all records are to be confidential. Within seven (7) calendar days of the hearing, the Cabinet must submit a written statement of the employee, either granting or denying the appeal and stating the reasons for such a decision.

8. If the Executive Director initiates the grievance, the responsibilities delegated to the Executive Director in the grievance process shall be assumed by the President of the association.

9. The Cabinet shall be the final authority in the internal appeals process. In the case of the Executive Director, the GC shall be the final authority in the internal appeals process.