Page 38 - Thomas Franks Handbook

9. GRIEVANCE & DISCIPLINARY
• Some locations will operate differing procedures. If this applies at your location, you will be told by your line manager who will provide a further copy of the process to follow.
• Where there is a recognised Trade Union on site, a Union Member (or affected group) can request the assistance of their Union Representative to present their case. A non-Union person or affected group or people, have the right to invite another Thomas Franks colleague to support them, or in the case of a group, to nominate a representative, to assist in presenting the grievance at all stages.
• If the persons immediate line manager is the subject of the grievance, they may choose, if they so wish, for the matter to referred immediately to step 2 of the procedure.
ii. The Grievance Procedure : Step 1
In the case of an individual issue, you should first discuss the matter, in confidence, with your immediate line manager, or if you prefer you can put it in writing giving full details of the case and sufficient time to consider the facts. The line manager will consider the matter and suggest a solution. If the parties fail to agree a solution at this stage, the issues will be referred to Step 2 of the procedure.
iii . The Grievance Procedure : Step 2.
The second stage of the process is to refer the matter to the next level of management or if appropriate, a Director. The matter should preferably be put in writing, within seven days, stating the main details of the original grievance/ dispute and reasons the issue remains unresolved. If appropriate, a full-time trade union official or fellow colleague may accompany you in any meeting and assist in the presentation of your case. The matter will be investigated and in most circumstances the issue should be resolved within 14 days of the matter being received in writing. A Director’s decision will be final. No further right of appeal will be available. (The Director may, at their sole discretion, in some circumstances suggest the matter be referred to binding arbitration or dispute resolution involving ACAS: The Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service).
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