Employee Dispute Resolution Policy - 63.13
College Procedure Number/Title:
Howard Community College (HCC) promotes relationships between the college and its employees based on common interest and mutual trust and encourages employees to attempt to resolve disputes between themselves in a professional and civil manner. In the event employees are unable to resolve disputes, this policy and the associated procedures provide a method and process for resolving unresolved disputes that may occur between employees and their supervisors or between employees.
Budgeted employees or temporary employees with benefits may file a written grievance or complaint and seek resolution of the grievance in accordance with the processes described in procedures 63.13.01 and 63.13.02. The college will handle such grievances or complaints accordingly.
Adjunct faculty and hourly/temporary employees may also file a written grievance or complaint with their supervisor or the office of human resources; however, these grievances are not resolved in accordance with 63.13.01 or 63.13.02. These grievances are resolved by the supervisor or office of human resources as they deem appropriate in their discretion.
A grievance may only be filed over job assignments, working conditions, or other management actions or decisions affecting workplace conditions. Non-grievable issues include performance counseling, disciplinary actions, expiration of contracts, or general wage, benefit, and staffing issues affecting the college as a whole. Complaints that allege discrimination based on a protected status such as age, race, or gender should be filed in accordance with procedure 63.01.01, Discrimination Complaint. Appeals of performance appraisals are handled under policy 63.05; suspensions and dismissals are handled under policy 63.12.
Employees filing grievances are protected against reprisals by actions that are appropriate to the circumstances. However, an employee who files a grievance is not immune from receiving disciplinary action or being subject to dismissal or other employment action that is warranted simply because they have filed a grievance.
Effective Date: 06/09/22
President's Office Use: CHRO