Principles of Progressive Discipline
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The Maine Maritime Academy will follow the principles of
progressive discipline for minor health and safety violations prior to effecting
a discharge or suspension without pay of any employee. These principles, as
outlined in the various collective bargaining agreements, include counseling,
oral warning, written warning, suspension without pay and discharge. For
example, an employee is initially asked to put on his safety glasses in
adherence to a written Academy policy. This verbal request is documented. The
next time the employee is found in violation of the safety policy, he is warned
to put on the safety glasses or to face a more severe punishment. This is also
documented. The third time the employee is found not adhering to the safety
policy, he is given a written warning explaining that any subsequent violation
will result in a suspension without pay. If the employee violates policy again,
he will receive one day off without pay. And, should the employee decide to
continue not to wear the safety glasses in violation of the Academy’s written
policy after these prior steps have been completed, he may be permanently
discharged. The important operative issue is to resolve and maintain compliance
without having to resort to these punitive measures. The Academy retains the
option to accelerate this process should the health and safety violation be of
such a severe nature as to seriously endanger the health and well-being of the
staff, faculty, students or visitors..
Reporting Findings
Any violations resulting in disciplinary action must be reported to the Safety Committee. The identity of the disciplined individual(s) will not be included in any information reported to the committee. The Safety Committee will use this historical information to ensure consistency in responding to future safety violations.