NCJ Number
96587
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 48 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1984) Pages: 45-51
Date Published
1984
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The employee grievance procedure established in the Kentucky Bureau of Corrections has succeeded because of employee involvement in the design, implementation, and operation of the program and management support of the program.
Abstract
Other factors responsible for the program's success are the training in factfinding and mediation skills for employees elected to decisionmaking roles and a guarantee of no reprisals for challenging any action, decision, or policy. The program's goals were all based on standards of the American Correctional Association. The procedure has five levels of review. Three are within the local organization: counselor, committee, and administrator. The other two are at the top management levels: the Commissioner of the Bureau of Corrections and the Secretary of the Department of Justice. All grievances receive written responses within a reasonable time limit. The only limitations on the jurisdiction of the procedure are punitive actions appealable to the State Personnel Board and issues clearly not within the control of the Bureau of Corrections. The procedure rests on the premise that complaints should be resolved at the lowest level possible. Employees and management at all the locations where the procedure has been implemented have responded favorably to the program. A table, notes, two references, and a case example involving dress regulations are included.