A grievance is a dispute of one or more employees, or a dispute between the State and AFSCME, involving the interpretation, application, or enforcement of the express terms of this Agreement.

Each party involved in a grievance shall act quickly so that the grievance may be resolved promptly. Every effort should be made to complete action within the time limits contained in the grievance procedure. However, with the mutual consent of the parties, the time limitation for any step may be extended.

At any step of the grievance procedure, the State representative may determine it desirable to hold a grievance conference. If a grievance conference is scheduled, the grievant or an AFSCME steward, or both, may attend without loss of compensation.