New York Consolidated Laws, General Municipal Law - GMU § 683. Basic standards and principles

1. Every public employee shall have the right to present his grievances to his employer in accordance with the provisions of this article, free from interference, coercion, restraint, discrimination or reprisal, and the grievance procedure established under this article shall provide the right to be represented at all stages thereof.

2. It shall be a fundamental responsibility of supervisors at all levels, commensurate with the authority delegated to them by their superiors, promptly to consider and take appropriate action upon grievances presented to them by employees under their supervision.  To such extent as is practicable, appropriate authority shall be delegated to such supervisors to enable them to carry out the purposes of this article.

3. It shall be the responsibility of the head of each department or agency of government to take such steps as may be necessary to give effect to the provisions of this article.