1-2. Recognition of UNION

No other group or organization or representative thereof shall be recognized or permitted to engage on behalf of any employees included in the UNION bargaining unit (referred to herein as “bargaining unit employees” or “bargaining unit members”) in any activities concerning wages, hours or terms and conditions of employment, including the submission of proposals, participation in hearings, conferences or meetings for any purposes and any other group or collective action dealing with above-described matters, subject to the provisions of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. However, the above provisions shall not preclude the right of an individual to present grievances on his or her own behalf or to submit suggestions to the Chief Executive Officer as individuals or to prevent groups or organizations from presenting suggestions or proposals at the annual public hearing on the budget prescribed by statute.