Should differences arise between the Employer and the Union as to the meaning or application of the provisions of this Agreement, there shall be no suspension of work or slowdown by employees, nor any lockout by the Employer, but an earnest effort shall be made to settle such differences promptly by the following procedure:
Step 1. The grievance shall be presented promptly so that the facts can be readily obtained. The time shall be established as within seven (7) working days of the occurrence that caused the grievance. The grievance should first be submitted to the immediate supervisor of the grievant.
Step 2. If the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved pursuant to Step 1, the grievance shall be reduced to writing and submitted to the Director within seven (7) days. The Director shall meet with the grievant, and Union Representative within seven (7) days of the receipt of the written grievance. The Director will hear the grievance and secure any other evidence he deems appropriate. Within seven (7) days of the meeting, he shall forward a written response to the grievant and Union regarding his findings.
Step 3. If the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved either party shall notify the other in writing of its intent to seek arbitration within fourteen (14) days following receipt of the Step 2 written response from the Employer.
After submitting notification of an intent to arbitrate to either party, the Employer and/or the Union shall file a request to the Illinois Department of Labor to appoint an Arbitrator within seven (7) days.
The decision of the Arbitrator shall be final and binding on both parties. Costs of arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties.
