Houston Fire Department Grievance Procedures
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What is the time frame within which a firefighter must file a Step II Grievance Form after receiving the supervisor's response?

  • 15 calendar days (correct)
  • 10 calendar days
  • 30 calendar days
  • 20 calendar days

    • Who must be present in the meeting arranged by the Department Grievance Counselor for a Step II grievance?

  • The firefighter and two other supervisory personnel
  • The firefighter, the immediate supervisor, and the Department Head or representative (correct)
  • Just the firefighter and the Department Head
  • Only the Department Head

    • What must the Department Head or representative do within 15 calendar days after the grievance meeting?

  • Mail the response to the firefighter's home address only
  • Provide verbal feedback to the firefighter
  • Arrange a follow-up meeting
  • Provide a written response (correct)

    • What happens if a firefighter fails to timely file a Step III Grievance Form?

    <p>The proposed solution is considered accepted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Director in the Step III grievance process?

    <p>To arrange a hearing with a grievance examiner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of procedure is a hearing under Step III grievance process considered?

    <p>An informal administrative procedure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who records the hearing that takes place in the Step III grievance process?

    <p>A court reporter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be included when the firefighter's proposed solution is not acceptable?

    <p>A written request for an independent third-party hearing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first action a firefighter must take to initiate a grievance?

    <p>File a complete written Step I grievance form</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of not filing the grievance form within 30 days?

    <p>The grievance is officially waived.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who arranges the meeting between the firefighter and the supervisors after a grievance is filed?

    <p>The Department Grievance Counselor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum time frame allowed for scheduling the Step I meeting after a grievance is filed?

    <p>30 calendar days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be included in the written response provided to the firefighter after the grievance meeting?

    <p>The supervisor's evaluation and proposed solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the proposed solution to the grievance is found unacceptable?

    <p>The firefighter can file a Step II Grievance Form.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the timeframe for the immediate supervisor's response after the grievance meeting occurs?

    <p>15 calendar days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can the written response to the firefighter be delivered?

    <p>By certified mail-return receipt requested</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which actions are firefighters prohibited from filing grievances about?

    <p>Promotional pass-over</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a responsibility of a Grievance Counselor?

    <p>Making final decisions on grievances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the grievance process, who can replace a firefighter's immediate supervisor if necessary?

    <p>The Department Head or designated representative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which grievance cannot be filed due to allegations of discrimination?

    <p>Claims based on race</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is included in the Grievance Process outlined in the guidelines?

    <p>Four-step resolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which role is responsible for forwarding a grievance to the Director?

    <p>The Department Grievance Counselor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of grievances are firefighters allowed to file?

    <p>Grievances regarding equal treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who organizes the meetings between a firefighter and their Department Head during the grievance process?

    <p>The Grievance Counselor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the individual who submits a grievance for arbitration?

    <p>Grievant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which position in the Houston Fire Department is responsible for administering the grievance procedure?

    <p>Department Grievance Counselor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is classified as a contract grievance within the context of the grievance guidelines?

    <p>A dispute involving the interpretation of agreements between the City and the Association</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following grievances would a firefighter NOT typically submit under these guidelines?

    <p>Personal grievances unrelated to employment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is indicated to have lawful jurisdiction over grievances relating to the firefighter’s employment aspects?

    <p>The Civil Service Commission of the municipality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the grievance guideline as established?

    <p>To regulate the filing, handling, and final disposition of firefighter grievances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'arbitration' in the context of grievances?

    <p>The hearing and determination of a case by an appointed authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who appoints the Department Grievance Counselor?

    <p>The Department Head</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the obligation of the municipality regarding representation during the grievance process?

    <p>The municipality may provide representation but is not obligated to.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition will a firefighter be compensated for attending a grievance meeting?

    <p>The meeting is scheduled outside of their normal working hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a firefighter does not receive 48-hour notice for a grievance meeting?

    <p>The grievance shall be automatically sustained.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the official final custodian of all records involving grievances?

    <p>The Director.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following members must provide their own representation?

    <p>Members NOT part of IAFF Local 341.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the responsibility of a firefighter who has filed a grievance?

    <p>To follow up and keep track of all date and time deadlines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which section of the Texas Local Government Code should firefighters be aware of when proceeding to a Step III or Step IV Grievance?

    <p>Sections 143.127 to 143.134.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is not a requirement for a representative during the grievance process?

    <p>To be an attorney.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum time frame for the Grievance Examiner to provide written findings and a recommendation after the hearing concludes?

    <p>15 calendar days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If either the firefighter or the Department Head fails to file a Step IV Grievance Form on time, what is the consequence?

    <p>The proposed solution is deemed accepted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Commission in the grievance process following a Step III hearing?

    <p>To review findings, consider transcripts, and render a decision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the Commission does not render a decision within 30 days of receiving the transcript?

    <p>The firefighter's grievance is sustained</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition can the Department Head not appoint a representative during Steps I and II?

    <p>If the firefighter's supervisor is the Department Head</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following items is NOT considered during the Commission's decision-making process?

    <p>Testimonies from Step I and II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must occur if the proposed solution to a grievance is rejected?

    <p>A Step IV Grievance Form must be filed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is still required after the Step III hearing concludes for the grievance to be reviewed by the Commission?

    <p>The transcript of the hearing must be filed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Houston Fire Department Grievance Procedures

    • Purpose: To establish a grievance guideline based on Texas Local Government Code 143.127.
    • Objectives: To govern filing, handling, and final disposition of firefighter grievances.
    • Definitions:
      • Arbitration: Hearing and determination of a case by a chosen person.
      • Association: Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 341.
      • Department Grievance Counselor: Appointed by the Department Head.
      • Department Head: Fire Chief.
      • Director: Director of firefighters' Civil Service.
      • Firefighter: Applies to all classified members of the Houston Fire Department.
      • Grievance: A cause for complaint or resistance.
      • Grievant: Person submitting a grievance for arbitration.

    Scope

    • Guideline applicable to all firefighters (classified members).

    Responsibilities

    • Employee Responsibilities:
      • Firefighters can file grievances related to employment aspects under Civil Service jurisdiction (reprimands, transfers, job performance reviews, assignments).
      • Contract grievances (involving interpretation, application, or alleged violations of agreements) are to be arbitrated by the Association.

    Grievance Procedures

    • Steps:

      • Step I: Written grievance submitted within 30 days, meeting with immediate supervisor. Response submitted within 15 calendar days, including proposed solutions. Firefighter can then file Step II.
      • Step II: If Step I solution unacceptable, a Step II grievance form is filed within 15 days. A meeting between the firefighter, their supervisor and the Department Head occurs, or their designated representative. A written response within 15 calendar days is required. The firefighter can then choose to either appeal to an independent third party or file Step III.
      • Step III: If a Step II solution isn't acceptable, Step III grievance form is filled within 15 days of the initial response. Department head or representative and grievance examiner will convene a hearing with the firefighter within 15 days of submission. Outcome reviewed for Step IV considerations.
      • Step IV: If Step III conclusion is unaccepted, the Step IV grievance (reviewed by commission) must be completed within 15 calendar days. The grievance examiner's report, findings & recommendation is reviewed within 30 days.

    • Grievance Counselor's Responsibilities: Providing appropriate forms, handling grievances, assisting, forwarding, and arranging meetings.

    • Additional Provisions: Firefighter time off for grievance proceedings, grievance record keeping, 48-hour notice for meetings and hearings, using Texas Local Government code for further grievance procedure guidance , member or their representative can act as representation.

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    Related Documents

    Houston Fire Department Grievances (Classified Members) PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the grievance procedures established by the Houston Fire Department according to Texas Local Government Code 143.127. It includes definitions and responsibilities for filing and handling grievances by classified firefighters. Test your understanding of these guidelines and their application within the department.

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