Lesson 5: Stage three in the grievance process
Stage three in the grievance process is usually the final stage in the internal process. If stage two in the process does not yield the desired outcome or fails to adhere to the implementation timeline, the aggrieved employee will need to escalate the grievance to the next level of management.
At this stage in the process the Dean or Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) or Vice Chancellor (VC) are involved and will be required to facilitate a formal grievance meeting.
As this is the final stage in the internal process, a non-resolution will require the aggrieved employee to explore external mediation options such as the Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Scroll down to learn more about the steps in stage three in the process.
Lesson 5.1: Stage three and step one in the grievance process
If stage two in the process, i.e., the formal grievance hearing, failed to resolve the grievance or the matter was not resolved within the prescribed or specified or agreed timeframe, the grievant may within three (3) days of having received the HoD or Director’s proposed solution or outcome, escalate the grievance to the Dean or DVC or VC.
At this stage, the aggrieved employee will complete PART 1 of GF 3.
Scroll down to learn how to complete this part of GF 3.
Completing Part 1 of GF 3
The aggrieved employee needs to complete Part 1 of grievance form GF 3, providing details of the incident and any related information.
The outcome or proposed solution as communicated in writing during stage two is documented on this form.
The date of the communication of the outcome of the proposed solution is included.
The aggrieved employee signs and dates the form and submits it to the ER specialist or manager.
The ER specialist or manager is responsible for completing Part 2 of GF 3 before communicating it to the relevant Dean or DVC or VC.
Scroll down to learn what details are completed by the ER Specialist / Manager.
Completing Part 2 of GF 3
Part 2 of GF3 is completed by the ER Specialist / Manager. This stakeholder would either have been present during stage two in the grievance process, i.e., the formal grievance hearing, or they received GF 2 that detailed the proposed solution(s) or outcome at stage two of the process.
They will include an account of the proposed recommendation on the form and the date on which the recommendation was communicated to the relevant Dean or DVC or VC.
The form is then signed and dated and communicated to the Dean or DVC or VC before the application of stage three in the grievance process.
