(A) Policy. It shall be the policy of the Town of Ellettsville to provide all employees the opportunity to air complaints, clarify misunderstandings and seek redress where the employee feels he or she has been unfairly treated regarding his or her employment with the town.
(B) Procedure. Whenever an employee feels that he or she has been aggrieved or otherwise treated unfairly, the employee shall follow the grievance procedure as delineated herein. It should be noted that failure to comply with the specific time limitations noted herein shall be grounds to dismiss the grievance due to lack of procedural compliance hereto. All written documentation shall be made a part of the employee's personnel file.
(C) Discussion with Department Head. Any employee who believes that he or she has suffered a grievance may discuss the matter with his or her supervisor in an attempt to arrive at a satisfactory settlement. The employee shall present the grievance, in writing, to the supervisor within five working days of the alleged act or occurrence which is the basis of the grievance. The supervisor shall make his or her decision known, in writing, within five working days thereafter.
(D) Appeal to Town Manager.
(1) If no satisfactory settlement is reached at the discussion with the supervisor the grievance shall be reduced to writing, in duplicate and signed by the employee and the supervisor and forwarded to the Town Manager within five working days from the receipt of the supervisor's decision. The Town Manager shall indicate receipt of the written grievance by signing, dating and indicating the time of day on both copies, returning one copy to the employee.
(2) The Town Manager shall attempt to resolve the grievance. The Town Manager will render his or her decision, in writing, within five working days from receipt of said grievance. If the grievance is complicated and requires more time for a lengthy investigation, the Town Manager shall have an additional ten working days to complete the investigation. If the grievance is successfully settled at this point, no further action shall be forthcoming.
(E) Appeal to Town Council.
(1) If no satisfactory settlement is reached at the appeal to the Town Manager, the employee may appeal the decision to the Town Council. Said grievance shall be reduced to writing, in duplicate and presented to the Council President within three working days of the Town Manager's decision. Said grievance shall be signed and dated by the Council President. At its discretion, the Council may choose to hold a hearing and shall notify the employee of the date, time and place.
(2) The hearing shall be held within 21 working days from the receipt of the said grievance. If a conflict of schedules occurs, the hearing shall be set as soon as possible following the receipt of said grievance.
(3) The Town Council shall be provided with copies of all decisions from this grievance process and any other necessary information pertaining to said grievance. The Town Council hearing shall be an informal process.
(4) The Town Council shall act as a final tribunal, which shall render a written decision of its findings of facts and judgment with ten working days of the Town Council hearing.
(Ord. 2015-05, passed 5-26-2015)