Rockaway Youth Task Force Employee Grievance Complaint Form

Introduction:

Rockaway Youth Task Force is aware that there may be times when employees need to file an official complaint about unjust treatment, harassment, and/or health and safety concerns in the workplace. This grievance procedure policy was created to clearly outline the process for the instances to ensure all our employees are heard and treated equally.

Purpose:

The purpose of this grievance procedure policy is to (a) explain the scope and definition of grievances, (b) outline the process for reporting and closing a grievance, (c) define the company's confidentiality measures, and (d) describe the disciplinary action steps for policy violations.

Scope:

This policy is applicable to all Rockaway Youth Task Force employees, including paid interns, volunteers, and seasonal, part-time, and permanent employees. A grievance can be filed against any Rockaway Youth Task Force employee, including senior management and shareholders. Rockaway Youth Task Force defines a grievance as "Concern(s) over violation or application of personnel policies or practices; working conditions; employee-supervisor relationships; disciplinary actions, or terminations."

Before filing an official grievance complaint, Rockway Youth Task Force asks that all employees review the policy that directly impacts their complaint. For example, if an employee files a sexual harassment complaint, he/she must consult the company's Sexual Harassment policy and Board Chair to discuss the next steps.

Rockaway Youth Task Force encourages all employees to resolve minor disputes with the help of the Board Chair (if necessary) and their supervisor. When employees want to file a grievance about their supervisor they should first try to discuss the matter and resolve it between them. In that case, they're advised to request an informal meeting with all necessary parties. If the informal complaint is not fairly and constructively resolved within 20 days, employees may file a formal grievance.

Employees can file grievances when:

• They have been victims of workplace harassment
• Their health and safety have been compromised
• They've witnessed poor supervisor and/or management behavior
• There are unjust changes made to the employee agreement
• Policy guidelines are violated
• There is a dispute between coworkers, suppliers, and/or management

*Rockaway Youth Task Force also recognizes that every case is different and this list is subject to change, depending on the definition filed in the Grievance Complaint Form.*

Filing a Grievance:

When filing a grievance, employees have the option of reporting their complaints using the company's online form through JotForms or contacting their direct supervisor and Board Chair. In both cases, employees will be required to complete and file a Grievance Complaint Form.

When a grievance is filed against another employee, the accused also reserves the right to:

• View and request a copy of the official grievance complaint
• Formally respond to the complaint after consulting Supervisor and Board Chair
• Attend all formal meeting with the supervisor or witnesses
• Appeal the final decision
  
  

Company Responsibilities:

It is the Rockaway Youth Task Force's responsibility to:

• Accept and thoroughly investigate all Grievance Complaint Forms
• Ensure that the grievance is resolved within 20 days, depending on the severity of each case
• Treat both the complaintive and the accused fairly throughout the grievance process
• Adhere to the no-retaliation policy outlined in the Complaint Procedure Policy on page 14 of the Rockaway Youth Task Force Employee Handbook, when employees file a complaint against supervisors
• Organize mediation meetings with appropriate parties
• Practice a high level of confidentiality throughout the grievance process
• Accept and investigate all appeals
• Ensure that the final decision is implemented
• Maintain an accurate and comprehensive record of each grievance

Policy Violations:

If an employee is found to have violated the grievance procedure policy, they will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. The severity of each case will determine the type of disciplinary action, which may include a verbal or written warning, suspension, and/or termination.

If an employee is unequivocally proven to have committed the grievance he/she/they are being accused of, Rockaway Youth Task Force will adhere to its set of Workplace Conduct policies to ensure that the matter is justly and according to company guidelines.