We mutually agreed that there was no interpretive dispute between the parties at the national level as to the meaning and intent of Article 17 of the National Agreement as it relates to rights of union stewards to interview witnesses. Article 17, Section 3, of the National Agreement stipulates in part that stewards "shall have the right to interview the aggrieved employee(s), supervisors and witnesses during working hours. Such requests shall not be unreasonably denied." It is the understanding of the parties that requests to interview witnesses must be reasonable as to the number required and specific as to who is required. Also their involvement or input must be relative to the dispute. From the information in this file, we are unable to determine whether the steward's request for witnesses was reasonable, specific and relevant. This dispute can best be processed at the lower levels. Accordingly, as further agreed, this case is hereby remanded to step 3 for further processing by the parties at that level.
Document Type: Step 4 Agreement
APWU National Grievance Number: H8C4EC28547
Craft: Clerk