ARTICLE TWENTY-ONE

Apr 10, 2007 11:54 AM

DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE

The Employer will inform in writing employees who are called to a conference which may result in disciplinary action of their right to be represented at the conference by a Union representative.  If the Employer fails to so notify the employee and/or denies the Union reasonable opportunity to participate in any such conference when requested by the employee, then any statements made at such conference shall not be used in any subsequent proceedings involving the employee.

      No employee who has completed the applicable probationary period shall be suspended, discharged, fined or otherwise disciplined except for just cause.  Further, the Employer is committed to a policy of progressive discipline and an employee who has completed the applicable probationary period will receive verbal counseling and/or a written warning before being fined, suspended and/or terminated, as the case may be provided, however, that in the event of a serious offense or an emergency, then the CWE may skip steps and terminate, for example, without prior warning or progressive discipline.

      Disciplinary actions may be challenged under the grievance procedure of this Agreement.