18.1 Complaint Defined: A complaint is a written expression of protest or dissatisfaction, which is less than a grievance as a grievance is defined in this contract.

18.2 Complaint Procedure: The Union and the District recognize that there may be employee complaints outside the scope of this contract. The parties also recognize that such complaints should be processed in a fair and timely manner and agree that the following procedure will serve that purpose. If the employee is not satisfied with attempts to resolve a complaint with his/her immediate supervisor, or for other reasons believe that additional support is appropriate to the circumstance, the following steps shall be taken:

18.2.1 Informally (verbally) present the circumstances to his/her immediate supervisor.

18.2.2 If resolution is not satisfactorily made informally, the complainant and his/her representative shall meet with the Personnel Director or designee who will initiate an appropriate plan to provide a resolution. Such resolution shall take place, whenever possible within five (5) working days.

18.2.3 Resolution may include an agreement between the complainant and an officer of the College with authority to resolve the issue.

18.2.4 Resolution may involve the determination that the complaint cannot be satisfied at a lower level, in which case it must be referred to the Superintendent/ President for final determination.