Suspension Pending Proceedings. It is understood that the Employer retains the sole right to determine in any particular case and subject to the right of the employee to file a formal grievance under Article 3, that the matter is sufficiently serious to warrant immediate disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. In such cases, where suspension or discharge is contemplated, the Employer will first suspend the employee without pay. The employee shall be advised in writing, upon suspension, of the reasons for the disciplinary action, and a copy of the letter shall be sent to the Union. The letter shall also advise the employee of the right to request re- consideration of the decision and of the right to Union representation and/or participation if a meeting to re-consider is requested. If the employee requests a re-consideration of the decision, the employee and/or the Union shall contact the authorized representative of the Department of Human Resources, who shall arrange for a meeting to be held within one (1) week. If the decision to discipline is reversed, pay for the period of suspension shall be restored and all documentation concerning the matter shall be destroyed. If the decision to suspend or discharge is sustained, the employee and the Union will be so advised, and pay will continue to be withheld (as appropriate). If the decision is to reduce an initial suspension to a shorter period, the appropriate amount of pay will be restored.
