It is the policy of the Employer and the Union to continue their policies not to engage in unlawful discrimination against any employee because of race, color, marital status, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical handicap. Neither will the Employer discriminate based on sexual orientation.
Sexual harassment is considered a form of sex discrimination.
No employee shall be subjected to sexual harassment by the Employer, Union or other bargaining unit members. Discipline and Discharge appeals which allege the action was taken for sexual harassment or sexual orientation reasons shall follow the appeal time frames in Article 17. All other unresolved discrimination grievances may be submitted by the Union or the grievant to the Bureau of Labor and Industries or the EEOC for resolution, if not already so filed. In the case of sexual harassment and sexual orientation grievances, the Union may proceed to arbitration per Section 5. Nothing in this Article shall preclude an employee from filing a charge of discrimination with the Bureau of Labor and Industries or the EEOC at any time.