Falls School Board Approves Employee Grievance Policy

School districts across the state are required to have an official grievance procedure in place by Oct. 1, and the Menomonee Falls School Board approved its policy on Monday.

Following passage of the , which eliminated most collective bargaining rights for public employees, grievance procedures must now be spelled out in an employee handbook, rather than in a contract between the district and its unions.

Employees used to be able to challenge a board decision through arbitration. Now, an employee can appeal a grievance to an independent hearing officer selected by administrators. The officer can schedule a hearing or bring a conclusion to a grievance based on submitted documents.

The grievance policy was brought before the various district bargaining leaders earlier this month, and was approved unanimously by the board without further discussion Monday. The district’s grievance policy outlines the process employees can take when they feel they have been wronged by the district.

The district will still need to craft a policy for a procedure used to select an hearing officer for grievance procedures.

If still unsatisfied, an employee could appeal to the board that has the final decision. Both the impartial hearing officer and the board can decide not to hear an appeal.

Unlike previous years, workplace issues at individual schools are no longer subject to the grievance procedure. Some of the issues previously subject to the grievance procedure were seniority, promotions and transfers, holidays and sick leave. Employees will need to address a workplace problem with the school administrator or central offices in the district.

Issues regarding disciplinary items, termination and workplace safety are still subject to the procedure, according to state statute.

The grievance policy approved Monday applies to all employees who aren't already bound by a contract. If under an existing contract, the existing grievance procedure will remain in place.