TABLE OF CONTENTS Article Subject Page 1 Preamble and ...

ARTICLE 24DISCIPLINESection 1. The parties agree that discipline is the responsibility of the Employer. All disciplinaryactions will be based on just cause, will be consistent with applicable laws and regulationsgoverning such actions, and will be fair and equitable. It is the policy of the Employer thatdiscipline will be administered as a corrective rather than a punitive measure except whereotherwise provided by AR 690-700, Chapter 751.Section 2.a. For the purposes of this agreement, disciplinary actions are:(1) Letters of reprimand(2) Suspensions of fourteen (14) calendar days or less(3) Suspensions of more than fourteen (14) calendar days, and removals, reductions inpay and reductions in grade which are effected under 5 U.S.C. 5712 for disciplinary reasons.b. If a bargaining unit employee desires to contest by means of the negotiated grievanceprocedure a disciplinary action administered by the Employer, he/she will initiate the grievance inwriting at Step 3 of the negotiated procedure contained in Article 11, Section 8 of this agreement.Such a grievance must be initiated not later than fifteen (15) workdays from the date of theemployee's receipt of the decision letter.Section 3. An employee affected by an adverse action under Section 7512 may at his/her optionappeal the matter to MSPB, under the appellate procedures of 5 U.S.C. 7701, or may grieveunder the negotiated grievance procedure, but not both.Section 4. Prior to the initiation of disciplinary action the initiating official will conduct suchinvestigation of the alleged offense as he/she deems necessary. The Union shall be given theopportunity to be represented at any examination of a bargaining unit employee by the initiatingofficial in connection with the investigation if the employee reasonably believes that theexamination may result in disciplinary action against the employee and the employee requestsrepresentation. If the employee requests such Union representation, he/she will be afforded anopportunity to obtain such representation before further examination of the employee occurs.The Employer agrees to conduct an expeditious investigation of any alleged employee offense,and to initiate timely action following the investigation.Section 5. Any written notice of proposed discipline shall inform the bargaining unit employee ofthe following matters required by law and regulations:51