Problem-solving process
Problem-solving process: What to expect
Level 0
You will explain the issue to your campus grievance chair and identify the best ways to remedy the issue. Your campus grievance chair may reach out to appropriate administrators to explain the issue and the remedy you desire. You may have a conversation with administrators to find a mutually agreeable resolution and figure out how to implement this resolution. AFT’s aim is to resolve all workplace issues at Level 0 whenever possible.
Level 1
If it is impossible to achieve an informal resolution through Level 0, the grievance chair will discuss the possibility of filing a formal grievance. In order for an issue to be resolved through the grievance process, something about your situation must violate the AFT Contract. If you and the grievance chair determine your situation violates the contract, the grievance chair will ask whether you want to file a grievance and, if so, work with you to prepare the written document and send it to the College President, with a copy to your dean. According to the contract, a Level 1 Grievance must be filed within 30 working days of when you knew about the issue and its “aggrieving nature.”
Once the College President receives the written grievance, they must schedule a grievance meeting, to take place within 7 days. Ordinarily, you and the grievance chair will both attend the meeting with the College President. The AFT Executive Secretary may attend as well. The President will hear your description of what has happened and may ask questions. Then you will all discuss possible remedies.
Within 10 working days of the meeting, the College President will send you their decision in writing. They will say whether they see your situation as a violation of the AFT Contract and what remedies they are granting.
Level 2
If you are not satisfied with the College President’s decision and/or remedies, you and the grievance chair will discuss the possibility of filing a Level 2 Grievance with the Office of the Chancellor. A Level 2 Grievance must be filed within 10 working days of when you receive the College President’s Level I decision. If you file a Level 2 Grievance, you may request a conference with the Chancellor or his designee, to be held within 10 working days. The Chancellor or designee will render a decision within 10 working days of this conference. If you do not request a conference, the Chancellor or designee will render a decision within 10 working days of receiving the Level 2 Grievance.
Level 3
If you are not satisfied with the Chancellor’s decision and/or remedies, the AFT Contract offers the possibility of bringing the matter before a third-party arbitrator. The process can be very time-consuming and has both pros and cons, which AFT officers will discuss with you. Few grievances reach this stage.
Level 4
After arbitration, either District administrators or AFT may appeal the arbitrator’s decision and/or award. Similarly to Level 3, few grievances reach Level 4.