SECTION 1. The Union agrees to accept employees of the unit as members without discrimination as to race, creeds color, marital status, sex, age, physical handicap, national origin, or lawful political affiliation, or preferential or non-preferential Civil Service Status.

SECTION 2. The Union shall be given the opportunity to be represented at formal discussions between management and one or more employees or their representatives concerning any grievance or conditions of employment of employees in the unit. No meeting established for these purposes will be delayed in excess of three (3) calendar days in order for a union representative to attend nor will overtime be authorized.

SECTION 3. An employee may handle his/her own grievance, or may be represented by the Union or by an individual approved by the Union. However, the Union shall be given the opportunity to be represented at discussions between management and employees or employee representatives concerning the grievance resolution and at the appropriate time to make the view of the Union known. The right of the union to be present does not extend to informal discussions of personal problems between the employee and supervisory officials. However, if such discussions involved decisions on personnel policies or other matters which management is obligated to discuss or negotiate with an employee organization designated as exclusive representative, such decisions will not be made by management until this obligation is discharged, and such decisions will not conflict with the basic agreement with the Union.

SECTION 4. The Union shall not call or engage in a strike, work stoppage or slow down, or condone any such activity.

SECTION 5. It is mutually agreed that all officials of the Union and Management will endeavor to settle differences informally at the lowest level of authority possible.

SECTION 6. The Union shall be entitled to act for and to negotiate agreements covering all eligible unit employees in the negotiation and administration of this Agreement and shall be responsible for representing the interests of all unit employees without discrimination and without regard to Union membership.

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