N.Y. Gen. Mun. Law § 683-a

§ 683-a. Presentation of grievance. Every public school teacher shall\nhave the right to present his grievance to his employer in accordance\nwith the provisions of this article, free from interference, coercion,\nrestraint, discrimination or reprisal, and the grievance procedure\nestablished under this article shall provide the right to be represented\nat all stages thereof and the representative shall be designated by the\npublic school teacher at the time he presents his grievance or at a\nsubsequent date.\n