Problem Resolution

WVEMS is committed to providing the best possible working conditions for its employees. Part of this commitment is encouraging an open and frank atmosphere in which any problem, complaint, suggestion, or question receives a timely response from WVEMS supervisors and management.

WVEMS strives to ensure fair and honest treatment of all employees. WVEMS management, supervisors, and employees are expected to treat each other with mutual respect. Employees are encouraged to offer positive and constructive criticism.

If employees disagree with established rules of conduct, policies, or practices, they can express their concern through the problem resolution procedure. No employee will be penalized, formally or informally, for voicing a complaint with WVEMS in a reasonable, business-like manner, or for using the problem resolution procedure.

If a situation occurs when employees believe that a condition of employment or a decision affecting them is unjust or inequitable, they are encouraged to make use of the following steps. The employee may discontinue the procedure at any step.

Employee presents problem to immediate supervisor after incident occurs. Be sure to talk with your supervisor within seven working days of the incident. If supervisor is unavailable or employee believes it would be inappropriate to contact that person, employee may present problem to Executive Director or any other member of management. (If the employee reports directly to the Executive Director, then the problem may be reported by the employee directly to the President.)

Supervisor responds to problem during discussion or after consulting with appropriate management, when necessary. Response is given within 3 working days of receiving complaint. Supervisor documents discussion.

Employee presents problem to Executive Director (or to the President if the problem involves the Executive Director or has already been addressed by him) within 14 working days of the incident if problem is unresolved.

Executive Director (or President in the case of the Executive Director) counsels and advises employee, assists in putting problem in writing, visits with employee's supervisor if necessary, and directs employee to President for review of problem. These actions are taken within 3 working days of receiving complaint.

Employee presents problem to President in writing within 3 weeks of incident.

President reviews and considers problem. President informs employee of decision and forwards copy of written response to Executive Director for employee's file. The President has full authority to make any adjustment deemed appropriate to resolve the problem.

Not every problem can be resolved to everyone's total satisfaction, but only through understanding and discussion of mutual problems can employees and management develop confidence in each other. This confidence is important to the operation of an efficient and harmonious work environment, and helps to ensure everyone's job security.

WVEMS believes that the work conditions, wages, and benefits it offers to its employees are competitive with those offered by other employers in this area and in this field of work. If employees have concerns about work conditions or compensation, they are strongly encouraged to voice these concerns openly and directly to their supervisors.

Our experience has shown that when employees deal openly and directly with supervisors, the work environment can be excellent, communications can be clear, and attitudes can be positive. We believe that WVEMS amply demonstrates its commitment to employees by responding effectively to employee concerns.

Policy No.  7.18  Issued  1/1/2019  Applicable  12/13/2018