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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the grievance procedure?
What is the primary purpose of the grievance procedure?
What happens if the grievance is denied in the initial response?
What happens if the grievance is denied in the initial response?
Who is responsible for enforcing the collective bargaining agreement?
Who is responsible for enforcing the collective bargaining agreement?
What is the final step in the grievance procedure?
What is the final step in the grievance procedure?
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What is the goal of dispute resolution?
What is the goal of dispute resolution?
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What is one of the employee's rights according to the collective bargaining agreement?
What is one of the employee's rights according to the collective bargaining agreement?
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What is the role of the arbitrator in the arbitration process?
What is the role of the arbitrator in the arbitration process?
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What happens if the grievance is still unresolved after arbitration?
What happens if the grievance is still unresolved after arbitration?
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What is the purpose of contract enforcement?
What is the purpose of contract enforcement?
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What is the first step in the grievance procedure?
What is the first step in the grievance procedure?
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What is considered good cause for disciplinary action against an employee?
What is considered good cause for disciplinary action against an employee?
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What is the definition of 'habitual' in the context of using alcoholic beverages to excess?
What is the definition of 'habitual' in the context of using alcoholic beverages to excess?
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What is an example of 'negligence' in the care and handling of City property?
What is an example of 'negligence' in the care and handling of City property?
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What is an example of 'incompetence' in the context of disciplinary action?
What is an example of 'incompetence' in the context of disciplinary action?
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What is an example of 'offensive conduct or language'?
What is an example of 'offensive conduct or language'?
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What is the maximum duration of suspension for an employee who loses their driving privileges?
What is the maximum duration of suspension for an employee who loses their driving privileges?
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What is the consequence for an employee at pay grade 1U.F. Step A or B who loses their driving privileges?
What is the consequence for an employee at pay grade 1U.F. Step A or B who loses their driving privileges?
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What happens to an employee's leave schedule if they lose their driving privileges for more than 180 days?
What happens to an employee's leave schedule if they lose their driving privileges for more than 180 days?
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What is the exception to the termination rule for losing driving privileges?
What is the exception to the termination rule for losing driving privileges?
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What is the responsibility of the immediate supervisor regarding tardiness?
What is the responsibility of the immediate supervisor regarding tardiness?
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What is the maximum period for which an employee can be suspended without pay?
What is the maximum period for which an employee can be suspended without pay?
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What happens to a written reprimand that is more than two years old?
What happens to a written reprimand that is more than two years old?
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What must be provided to an employee prior to a demotion?
What must be provided to an employee prior to a demotion?
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What is the purpose of transmitting a copy of Section 2 to the Human Resources Department?
What is the purpose of transmitting a copy of Section 2 to the Human Resources Department?
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What is the purpose of the provision that allows an employee to present their side of the story?
What is the purpose of the provision that allows an employee to present their side of the story?
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What is the purpose of counseling in the context of employee discipline?
What is the purpose of counseling in the context of employee discipline?
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What happens to an employee's counseling document after they sign it?
What happens to an employee's counseling document after they sign it?
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What is the procedure for an employee who wants to inspect their personnel file?
What is the procedure for an employee who wants to inspect their personnel file?
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What happens to a counseling document that is greater than one year old?
What happens to a counseling document that is greater than one year old?
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What is the purpose of the 'Removed Disciplinary Actions File'?
What is the purpose of the 'Removed Disciplinary Actions File'?
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How much notice must the employee receive before being questioned regarding a matter that may result in discipline?
How much notice must the employee receive before being questioned regarding a matter that may result in discipline?
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How often must the employee be allowed a break during the interrogation session?
How often must the employee be allowed a break during the interrogation session?
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What is a restriction on the way the City can conduct an interrogation?
What is a restriction on the way the City can conduct an interrogation?
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What is one of the employee's rights regarding their official Personnel file?
What is one of the employee's rights regarding their official Personnel file?
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What is a restriction on what the City can do with the name of the employee involved in the interrogation?
What is a restriction on what the City can do with the name of the employee involved in the interrogation?
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What is the time period for which a counseling can be used as evidence for impeachment?
What is the time period for which a counseling can be used as evidence for impeachment?
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What happens if an employee answers 'no' to the question about past counseling, written reprimand, or suspension?
What happens if an employee answers 'no' to the question about past counseling, written reprimand, or suspension?
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What is the consequence of failing to promptly report the loss of an EMT certificate?
What is the consequence of failing to promptly report the loss of an EMT certificate?
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What is the maximum pay reduction for an employee who loses their EMT certificate?
What is the maximum pay reduction for an employee who loses their EMT certificate?
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What is the time period for which a written reprimand can be used as evidence for impeachment?
What is the time period for which a written reprimand can be used as evidence for impeachment?
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What happens if an employee has a past counseling, written reprimand, or suspension of the same or similar nature to the discipline and answers 'yes' to the question?
What happens if an employee has a past counseling, written reprimand, or suspension of the same or similar nature to the discipline and answers 'yes' to the question?
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What is the maximum suspension period for an employee who loses their EMT certificate?
What is the maximum suspension period for an employee who loses their EMT certificate?
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What is the consequence of being reassigned by the Fire Chief?
What is the consequence of being reassigned by the Fire Chief?
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What is the time period for which a suspension can be used as evidence for impeachment?
What is the time period for which a suspension can be used as evidence for impeachment?
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What is the requirement for holding a sworn position in the Fire Department?
What is the requirement for holding a sworn position in the Fire Department?
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What happens to the disciplinary file of an employee who has been disciplined and signs a written approval?
What happens to the disciplinary file of an employee who has been disciplined and signs a written approval?
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What is the time limit for initiating disciplinary action against an employee?
What is the time limit for initiating disciplinary action against an employee?
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What happens to a witness who is interviewed in a disciplinary investigation?
What happens to a witness who is interviewed in a disciplinary investigation?
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What is the consequence of not reporting the loss of driver's license?
What is the consequence of not reporting the loss of driver's license?
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How long can an employee who loses their driver's license be accommodated by the City?
How long can an employee who loses their driver's license be accommodated by the City?
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Study Notes
Article 6: Grievance Procedures and Contract Enforcement
Grievance Procedures
- A grievance is a claim by an employee or the union that the employer has violated the collective bargaining agreement.
- The grievance procedure is the process for resolving disputes between the employer and the union or employee.
- Typical steps in the grievance procedure:
- Step 1: Written Grievance: The employee or union submits a written grievance to the employer, specifying the issue and desired resolution.
- Step 2: Initial Response: The employer responds in writing, either resolving the grievance or denying it.
- Step 3: Appeal: If the grievance is denied, the employee or union can appeal to the next level of management.
- Step 4: Arbitration: If the grievance is still unresolved, it proceeds to arbitration.
Contract Enforcement
- The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) outlines the terms and conditions of employment.
- The union and employer are responsible for enforcing the CBA.
- Contract enforcement involves ensuring that the employer complies with the CBA's provisions.
Arbitration Process
- Arbitration is a neutral, third-party process for resolving disputes.
- The arbitrator reviews evidence and testimony from both sides and makes a binding decision.
- Arbitration outcomes can be appealed to a higher authority, if specified in the CBA.
Dispute Resolution
- Dispute resolution involves resolving conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.
- The goal is to find a mutually acceptable solution that respects the rights of all parties.
Employee Rights
- Employees have the right to:
- A safe and healthy work environment
- Fair treatment and equal opportunity
- Freedom from discrimination and harassment
- Representation by the union in matters related to the CBA
- Due process and a fair hearing in disciplinary actions
Grievance Procedures
- A grievance is a claim that an employer has violated the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and can be filed by an employee or the union.
- The grievance procedure is a process for resolving disputes between the employer and the union or employee.
Steps in Grievance Procedure
- Written Grievance: The employee or union submits a written grievance to the employer, specifying the issue and desired resolution.
- Initial Response: The employer responds in writing, either resolving the grievance or denying it.
- Appeal: If the grievance is denied, the employee or union can appeal to the next level of management.
- Arbitration: If the grievance is still unresolved, it proceeds to arbitration.
Contract Enforcement
- The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) outlines the terms and conditions of employment.
- The union and employer are responsible for enforcing the CBA.
Arbitration Process
- Arbitration is a neutral, third-party process for resolving disputes.
- The arbitrator reviews evidence and testimony from both sides and makes a binding decision.
- Arbitration outcomes can be appealed to a higher authority, if specified in the CBA.
Dispute Resolution
- Dispute resolution involves resolving conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.
- The goal is to find a mutually acceptable solution that respects the rights of all parties.
Employee Rights
- Employees have the right to a safe and healthy work environment.
- Employees have the right to fair treatment and equal opportunity.
- Employees have the right to freedom from discrimination and harassment.
- Employees have the right to representation by the union in matters related to the CBA.
- Employees have the right to due process and a fair hearing in disciplinary actions.
Disciplinary Actions and Counseling
- Disciplinary actions are considered good cause for:
- Habitual use of alcoholic beverages to excess or any use of narcotics
- Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or infamous conduct
- Partaking of intoxicating beverages or intoxication while on duty
- Abusive or improper treatment to a person in custody
- Insubordination
- Incompetence to perform duties
- Negligence in handling City property
- Violation of official regulations
- Commission of acts unbecoming an officer
- Willful violation of rules
- Inducing or attempting to induce an officer to commit an illegal act
- Solicitation or receipt of gifts or favors
- Absence from duty without leave
- Counseling is not considered disciplinary action
Disciplinary Actions
- Reprimand:
- May be written or verbal
- Written reprimand must be transmitted to employee and Human Resources Department
- Employee may appeal written reprimand to Personnel Board
- Suspension:
- May be without pay for up to 20 working days for suppression duties or 32 working days for non-suppression duties
- Written notice must be given to employee, including reasons and duration of suspension
- Demotion:
- May be for cause
- Written statement of reasons must be transmitted to employee and Human Resources Department
- Discharge:
- May be for cause
- Written statement of reasons must be transmitted to employee and Human Resources Department
- Employee may present their side of the facts to an impartial City decision maker
Firefighter's Bill of Rights
- Prior to questioning, employee shall receive written notice of circumstances of proposed discipline
- Employee shall have right to:
- Be informed of the name and rank of persons conducting the interrogation
- Have a Union representative present during interrogation
- Be compensated for time spent in interrogation
- Have a reasonable break during interrogation
- Not be subjected to offensive language or intimidation
- Not be promised or rewarded for answering questions
- Review their official personnel file
- File a written response to any adverse comment in their file
Other Provisions
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Disposition of investigation shall be noted on the Notification of Disciplinary Interview form
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Employee has right to review their complete disciplinary file with Union approval
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After disciplinary action, employee shall be entitled to discovery of information under Nebraska state law
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Witnesses in disciplinary actions shall not have the right to a Union representative during interrogation
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Disciplinary action must be initiated within 35 working days of incident, unless mutually waived or extended
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Captain or Acting Captain not responsible for accidents unless negligent in operation or supervision of apparatus### Disciplinary Actions
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Sixth offense: 5-day suspension with loss of pay and/or termination
Counseling
- Formalized employee counseling instituted by the City
- Counseling is not considered a form of discipline
- Interviews conducted on an as-needed basis to address unacceptable job performance or failure to follow instructions
- Documented in writing on a provided form, signed by the employee
- Original form maintained in the employee's personnel file, with a copy given to the employee
Employee Rights
- Employee can inspect their Departmental personnel file at reasonable times and places determined by the Fire Chief
- Employee can request an administrative review by the Fire Chief or Labor Relations Director/Human Resources Director if they believe their file contains erroneous information
- Employee can request removal of counseling older than 1 year, except as provided in Section 13
Removal of Counseling, Reprimand, and Suspension
- Removed documents are maintained in a generic Personnel file ("Removed Disciplinary Actions File") with no notation in the employee's file
- Removed documents can be used for litigation purposes or impeachment in appeals, arbitration, or litigation relating to employee discipline
Special Disciplinary Procedures for Employee Loss of EMT Certificate
- Loss of EMT certificate must be promptly reported to the supervisor, with failure to report resulting in discipline and/or termination
- If an employee loses their EMT certificate for less than 1 year and promptly reports it:
- May be suspended for up to 7 working days
- Pay will be reduced to the next lower pay level (not exceeding 10% reduction)
- May be reassigned by the Fire Chief
- Leave schedule may be changed at the discretion of the Fire Chief for 1 year
- If the loss is permanent or exceeds 1 year, the employee is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination
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Description
Understand the process of resolving disputes between employers and unions/employees through grievance procedures, including written grievances and steps for resolution.