The grievance procedure is a process through which a JMU employee can bring workplace concerns to upper levels of management. This process is more formal than mediation and requires that rules be followed strictly. The Grievance Procedure Manual lists the rules that must be followed. Failure to follow these strict procedures will forfeit your right to this process.
A grievance can have up to four phases:
- the management resolution steps;
- qualification for hearing;
- hearing; and
- review of the hearing decision
Not all grievances are qualified for hearing. For example, under the grievance statues, grievances that relate solely to layoffs, transfers, assignments, or the content of personnel policies, cannot proceed on to a hearing. On the other hand, some issues are automatically qualified for hearing, such as formal discipline or dismissal for unsatisfactory performance. Attorneys serving as Administrative Hearing Officers conduct hearings in qualifying grievances.
Even if your concern is about an issue that cannot be qualified for hearing, it is important to note that many grievances result in resolution during the management steps, without a grievance hearing. For more information regarding the grievance process contact your HR Consultant or the EEDR AdviceLine at 1-888-23-ADVICE (1-888-232-3842).
