Philadelphia Federation of Teachers School District of Philadelphia

XV. Dispute Resolution
2. Wherever the term “school” is used, it is to include any other work location
or functional division or group in which a grievance may arise. Wherever
the term “Principal” is used, it is to include the administrator of any such other
work location or functional division or group. Wherever the term “employee” is
used, it is to include any member or members of the bargaining units. Wherever
the singular is used, it is to include the plural. Wherever the term “Federation
representative” is used, it is to mean the Federation Building Representative or
his/her employee designee or, where there is no Federation member, any other
employee representative designated by the Federation.
3. Nothing within this procedure shall be construed to deny to any employee
his/her rights under any applicable law.
B. Procedure for Adjustment of Grievances
1. Grievances and problems shall be presented and adjusted in accordance
with the following procedure: the employee having a grievance, complaint or
problem shall first discuss the matter with the Principal, either directly or
accompanied by another employee in the school, or by the Federation Building
Representative, with the objective of resolving the matter informally.
2. Step 1
(a) In the event the matter is not resolved informally, the grievance stated in
writing may, except as hereinafter otherwise provided, be lodged with or submitted
to the Principal of the school in which the grievance arises within twenty (20)
school days following the discussion with the Principal. The written grievance
shall state whether there was an oral discussion of the matter with the
Principal.
(b) The grievance may be lodged and thereafter discussed with the
Principal:
(1) By an employee accompanied by a Federation representative, if the
employee so requests;
(2) Through a Federation representative, if the employee so requests;
(3) By a Federation representative in the name of the Federation;
(4) By an employee in person on his/her own behalf, provided, however,
that the Federation representative is given an opportunity to be present at such
discussion; or
(5) By an employee accompanied by any other employee in the same
school provided, however, that the Federation representative is given an opportunity
to be present at such discussion.
(c) Whenever a decision on a grievance which has been lodged and is sought
to be adjusted by an employee on his/her own behalf or while accompanied by
any employee in the school, other than the Federation representative, would
involve the application or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement or
of any policy or could be deemed a precedent as to the working conditions, or
welfare of employees in the bargaining unit, the Principal shall give to the appropriate
Federation representative under Step 1a the opportunity to state the views
of the Federation as to the adjustment sought by the employee and that proposed
by the Principal.
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