Grievance Process
NEA-Jurupa is here to support you. If you believe your rights under the Collective Bargaining Agreement have been violated, you have the right to file a grievance. Learn how the process works and how to get help.
A grievance is a formal, written allegation that you have been adversely affected by a violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of a provision of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Other claims and allegations are handled through the District Complaint Procedure (Policy 4144, 4244, and 4344). A "day" for purposes of the grievance procedure means any day you are scheduled to give service to the District.
How the Grievance Process Works
Talk to Your Site Rep
Your first step is always to contact your NEA-Jurupa site representative. They will help you determine whether a CBA violation has occurred, identify the specific contract language involved, and advise on next steps. Many issues can be resolved informally at this stage.
Informal Level — Attempt Resolution
Before filing a formal grievance, you may attempt informal resolution in a conference with the appropriate administrator, either individually or accompanied by your Association-designated representative. This step is encouraged but not required.
Level I — Immediate Supervisor (30-day deadline)
Within 30 days of when you learned (or should have learned) of the violation, submit a written grievance on the District form to your immediate supervisor. The grievance must include: the specific Article(s) or Section(s) violated, the circumstances involved, the date of any informal conference, and the remedy sought. A conference must be scheduled within 5 days if requested. Your supervisor must respond in writing within 6 days of receiving the grievance.
Level II — Superintendent or Designee (6-day appeal window)
If you are not satisfied with the Level I decision, you may appeal to the Superintendent or their designee within 6 days using the appropriate District form. The appeal must include a copy of the original grievance, the Level I decision, and a clear statement of the reason(s) for appeal. A conference must be scheduled within 5 days if requested. The Superintendent or designee must respond in writing within 6 days of receiving the appeal.
Level III — Optional Mediation (by mutual agreement)
Within the time limits for appeal to Level IV, the District and the grievant may mutually agree to submit the grievance to mediation through the California State Conciliation Service. Mediation is limited to 8 hours unless both parties agree to a continuance. The mediator cannot impose a settlement. Statements made during mediation are confidential and not admissible in future proceedings. If mediation does not resolve the grievance, the Association may appeal to Level IV within 10 days of the last mediation session.
Level IV — Binding Arbitration (10-day appeal window)
If the grievance remains unresolved, the Association may submit written notice of intent to arbitrate within 10 days of receipt of the District's reply. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator within 3 days, the California State Conciliation Service will provide a list of 7 arbitrators; the parties will alternate striking names until one remains. The arbitrator's decision is final and binding on both the District and the grievant. Arbitration costs are shared equally by the District and the Association.
Grievance Forms
Download the official NEA-Jurupa grievance forms packet. Print, complete, and submit to your site rep or union leadership.
Your Rights Under the Contract
Right to Representation
No party of interest at any stage of the grievance procedure will be required to meet with any administrator concerning the grievance without a representative present. You also have the right to call and question witnesses.
No Retaliation
No reprisals of any kind will be taken by any unit member, administrator, Board representative, or the Association against any grievant, party in interest, or other participant in the grievance procedure by reason of such participation.
Timelines Matter — Act Quickly
You must file at Level I within 30 days of learning of the violation. If management fails to respond within the specified time, you may proceed to the next level. If you miss a deadline, the grievance is considered resolved at the last completed level.
Release Time for Grievance Meetings
Association representatives designated to attend a grievance meeting or hearing during the workday shall be released without loss of pay, upon notice to their supervisor by the Association President. Unit members called as witnesses are accorded the same right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help? Contact Your Site Rep Today.
If you believe your rights have been violated, don't wait. Reach out to your NEA-Jurupa site representative or contact the union office. We are here to support you.