NATCA Bookshelf

2016 CBA Tentati ve Agreement Page 15 of 217 shall mutually agree on the scope, content, development and arrangements for delivery of any joint problem solving training under this Article. Section 4. Official time, travel and per diem shall be granted to Union representatives to attend jointly agreed upon training/briefings on joint problem solving techniques. ARTICLE 9 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Section 1. A grievance shall be defined as any complaint: a. By any employee concerning any matter relating to the employment of the employee; b. By the Union concerning any matter relating to the employment of any unit employee; or c. By a unit employee or either Party concerning any claimed violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of any law, rule, regulation, or this Agreement affecting conditions of employment. The Agency recognizes that employees are entitled to file and seek resolution of grievances under the provisions of the negotiated grievance procedure. The Agency agrees not to interfere with, restrain, coerce, or engage in any reprisal against any employee or Union representative for exercising rights under this Article. Section 2. This procedure provides for the timely consideration of grievances. Exce pt as limited or modified by Sections 3, 4, and/or 5, it shall be the exclusive procedure available to the Parties and the employees in the unit for resolving grievances. Any employee, group of employees or the Parties may file a grievance under this proce dure. The Parties shall cooperate to resolve grievances informally at the earliest possible time and at the lowest possible supervisory level. Section 3. This procedure shall not apply to any grievance concerning: a. Any claimed violation of subchapter III of Chapter 73, Title 5 USC (relating to prohibited political activities); b. Retirement, life insurance or health insurance; c. A suspension or removal under Section 7532, Title 5 USC (relating to national security matters); d. Any examination, certification or appointment (Title 5 USC 7121 (c)(4)); e. The classification of any position which does not result in the reduction - in - grade or pay of any employee; f. The removal of probationers. Section 4. An employee, who believes that discriminatory practices have result ed in a prohibited personnel practice/action, as set forth in Article 4 of this Agreement and applicable statutes, regulations or orders/directives, shall have the option of utilizing this grievance procedure or any

• Cover