Step 1

Appeal to immediate supervisor. An appeal must be made within 20 days of the alleged violation of the rules giving rise to the grievance.

  1. Oral Discussion - Employee brings grievance orally to immediate supervisor. (This may be accompanied by a written statement in which case "a" and "b" may be combined.)
    1. If the grievance is beyond the supervisor's jurisdiction, the supervisor shall refer it to the level where a decision can be made.
    2. Within five days, the supervisor must give the employee an answer. If a response is not received within five days, the grievant may proceed to Step 2.
  2. Written Grievance
    1. Within five days after the supervisor's response, or last day for his response, the employee may put the grievance in writing and give copies to the supervisor and the Office of Human Resources.
    2. A hearing is held within 10 days of receipt of the written grievance between the supervisor, grievant and any other employee or representative of the grievant’s choice. The supervisor is responsible for scheduling the hearing. This is an informal setting, no recording or written minutes are made.
    3. Within five days of the hearing, the supervisor must respond in writing to the employee and provide a copy to the Office of Human Resources. If a response is not received within five days, the grievant may proceed to Step 2.

Step 2

Written Appeal to Division Head.

  1. Grievant presents their written statement of grievance to the Division Head or designee with five days of response or last day for response.
  2. Within five days, the Division Head or designee must respond in writing to grievant with a copy to the Office of Human Resources. If the Division Head or designee does not do so within five days, the grievant may proceed to Step 3.

Step 3

Written Appeal to the Appointing Officer.

  1. Within days of receipt of Division Head's response, the employee may make a written appeal to the appointing officer (or designee).
  2. The appointing officer arranges a conference with parties to the grievance. The Human Resources Director may attend as a consultant.
  3. Within 10 days, the appointing officer shall notify the Human Resources Director and the grievant in writing of their decision. If the appointing officer does not do so within ten days, the grievant may proceed to Step 4.

Step 4

Appeal for Hearing by Commission.

  1. Within 15 days of receipt of the appointing officer's response or the last day for response, the grievant may request in writing a hearing of the Civil Service Commission.
  2. The Chair of the Civil Service Commission presides over the hearing. The request for hearing must be sent to the Civil Service Commission, c/o Office of Human Resources, 400 City Hall Annex, 25 West Fourth Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102.
    1. The Human Resources Director or designee acts as secretary to the Commission.
    2. A verbatim recording of the Commission proceedings is made and kept for three years.
  3. The Commission directs the Human resources Director to transmit its written decision to the appointing officer and grievant.

Last Edited: July 7, 2016