2006 Code of Virginia § 2.2-3000 - Policy of the Commonwealth; responsibilities of state agencies under this chapter

2.2-3000. Policy of the Commonwealth; responsibilities of state agenciesunder this chapter.

A. It shall be the policy of the Commonwealth, as an employer, to encouragethe resolution of employee problems and complaints. To that end, employeesshall be able to discuss freely, and without retaliation, their concerns withtheir immediate supervisors and management. To the extent that such concernscannot be resolved informally, the grievance procedure shall afford animmediate and fair method for the resolution of employment disputes that mayarise between state agencies and those employees who have access to theprocedure under 2.2-3001.

B. To fully achieve the objectives of this chapter and to create uniformity,each agency in the executive branch of state government shall:

1. Require supervisory personnel to be trained in the grievance procedure,personnel policies, and conflict resolution;

2. Familiarize employees with their grievance rights and promote the servicesof the Department of Employment Dispute Resolution;

3. Cooperate with investigations conducted pursuant to the authority grantedby clause (iii) of subdivision 4 of 2.2-1001;

4. Participate in the mediation program;

5. Evaluate supervisors on the effectiveness of employee relationsmanagement, including, but not limited to, their handling of grievances; and

6. Recognize the right of employees to fully participate in the grievanceprocess without retaliation.

C. The Department of Employment Dispute Resolution shall monitor agencies'activities under this section.

(1995, cc. 770, 818, 2.1-116.04, 2.1-116.05; 1996, cc. 164, 869; 1999, cc.703, 726; 2000, cc. 947, 1006; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 674.)