PUC §12164: Within five days after the mailing of written notice of removal, discharge, or suspension, any employee may file a written request with the general manager for an opportunity to be heard in his own de

Within five days after the mailing of written notice of removal, discharge, or suspension, any employee may file a written request with the general manager for an opportunity to be heard in his own defense or, at the employee’s option, may utilize a grievance procedure if the district and a recognized employee organization have agreed after meeting and conferring in good faith pursuant to Section 3505 of the Government Code that a grievance procedure may be used in disciplinary proceedings involving removals, discharges, and suspensions as an alternative to the procedure provided for in Sections 12165 and 12166.