Houston Fire Department Grievance Procedures
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Questions and Answers

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 (C)</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 (B)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A court reporter (B)</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 (B)</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 (D)</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. (A)</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 (C)</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 (C)</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 (D)</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. (A)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the written response to the firefighter be delivered?

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

Which actions are firefighters prohibited from filing grievances about?

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

What is NOT a responsibility of a Grievance Counselor?

<p>Making final decisions on grievances (B)</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 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which grievance cannot be filed due to allegations of discrimination?

<p>Claims based on race (A), Complaints related to national origin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

What type of grievances are firefighters allowed to file?

<p>Grievances regarding equal treatment (C)</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 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Grievant (D)</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 (A)</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 (A)</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 (B)</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 (D)</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. (A)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who appoints the Department Grievance Counselor?

<p>The Department Head (A)</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. (B)</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. (B)</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. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The Director. (D)</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. (C)</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. (D)</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. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To be an attorney. (C)</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 (D)</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 (A)</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 (A)</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 (A)</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 (D)</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 (D)</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 (C)</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 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Grievance

A formal complaint filed by a firefighter regarding their work at the Houston Fire Department (HFD).

Association

The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 341, International Association of Fire Fighters.

Department Head

The Fire Chief of the Houston Fire Department.

Director

The Director of the Civil Service department that oversees firefighters.

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Department Grievance Counselor

A firefighter appointed by the Department Head to handle grievances.

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Arbitration

A process where a neutral third party resolves a dispute between the firefighter and the HFD.

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Contract Grievance

A grievance related to the interpretation or application of a contract between the City and the Firefighters Association.

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Firefighter (as defined in the grievance guideline)

All classified members of the HFD, including those with permanent positions.

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Filing a Step I Grievance

A firefighter must file a written Step I grievance form within 30 days of the issue to begin the grievance process.

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Step I Meeting

The Department Grievance Counselor schedules a meeting within 30 days involving the firefighter, their supervisor, and any relevant parties.

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Supervisor's Written Response

The supervisor must provide a written response to the firefighter within 15 days, detailing their evaluation and proposed solution.

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Filing a Step II Grievance

If the proposed solution is unacceptable, the firefighter can file a Step II grievance form.

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Step II Grievance Deadline

If the firefighter fails to file the Step II form timely, the proposed solution is considered accepted.

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Grievance Restrictions (1)

A firefighter cannot file a grievance for disciplinary actions that have a formal hearing or appeal process.

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Grievance Restrictions (2)

A grievance cannot be filed for allegations of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

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Grievance Counselor

A person designated to assist firefighters in the grievance process.

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Grievance Counselor Responsibilities (1)

The counselor provides the necessary forms to initiate a grievance.

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Grievance Counselor Responsibilities (2)

The counselor accepts grievances and forwards them to the relevant authorities.

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Grievance Process Steps

The grievance process involves four steps, with the potential for involvement of supervisors at various levels.

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Supervisor Flexibility in Grievance process

The Department Head or designated representative can add or replace supervisors in the grievance process depending on the issue and the supervisor's authority.

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Step II Grievance

A grievance procedure step where the firefighter submits a form to the Department Grievance Counselor within 15 days after receiving the supervisor's response.

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Step II Grievance Response

The Department Head or their representative must provide a written response to the firefighter within 15 days after the Step II meeting.

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Unacceptable Solution

A situation where the firefighter is not satisfied with the solution proposed in the Step II response.

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Firefighter's Options After Unacceptable Solution

The firefighter can either submit a written request to appeal to an independent third party hearing examiner or file a Step III Grievance Form.

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Step III Grievance

A grievance procedure step where the firefighter submits a form to the Director within 15 days after receiving the Department Head's response.

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Step III Grievance Hearing

The Director must arrange a hearing for the firefighter and a grievance examiner within 15 working days of the Step III Grievance Form being filed.

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Informal Administrative Procedure

A type of hearing conducted in the Step III Grievance process.

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Step III Grievance Form

A grievance procedure step where the firefighter submits a form to the Director.

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Step I and II Combined

If the Department Head is the aggrieved firefighter's immediate supervisor, both Step I and Step II processes are combined, with the Department Head meeting with the firefighter directly.

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Step III Grievance: Grievance Examiner

The stage where a neutral third party, the Grievance Examiner, investigates the grievance and provides a recommendation for resolution.

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Step IV Grievance: Fire Commission

If the Department Head or the firefighter rejects the Grievance Examiner's recommendation, a Step IV Grievance is filed with the Fire Commission.

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Fire Commission Decision

The Fire Commission reviews the case, considers the transcript of the Step III hearing, and makes a final decision within 30 days. If no decision is made within 30 days, the grievance is automatically sustained.

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Burden of Proof

The burden of proving the validity of a grievance rests on the aggrieved firefighter.

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Witness Testimony Under Oath

All witnesses providing testimony during the grievance process must be sworn in under oath.

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Firefighter Representation

A firefighter can choose to have a representative during the grievance process, but the municipality doesn't have to pay for it.

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Grievance Time Off

A firefighter can take a reasonable amount of time off work to file a grievance and attend meetings or hearings. They won't be penalized for the time spent.

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Overtime for Grievances

Firefighters receive overtime pay for grievance meetings or hearings held outside of their regular work hours, only if they win the grievance.

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Director's Role in Records

The Director of Civil Service is responsible for keeping all records related to grievances.

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48-Hour Notice Requirement

A firefighter must be given 48-hour notice before any grievance meeting or hearing. If they're not, their complaint is automatically accepted with no further action needed.

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Texas Local Government Code Overrides

This grievance guideline doesn't override the rules outlined in the Texas Local Government Code.

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Reviewing the Texas Code

Firefighters should review the Texas Local Government Code's grievance procedure before proceeding to Step III or Step IV.

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Firefighter Responsibility for Deadlines

The firefighter who filed the grievance is responsible for following up on deadlines related to their complaint.

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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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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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