On conclusion of each step of a grievance proceeding, a copy of the grievance and its disposition shall be given to the grievant or grievant’s representative or both. Similar grievances may be consolidated and processed in a single proceeding. The parties may agree to waive any time limitation specified in this title. On the informal presentation of a grievance or the initiation of a grievance proceeding, an employee designated as a grievant’s representative may not lose pay for investigating, processing, or testifying at any stage of the grievance proceeding. An employee shall be granted release time from the employee’s normal work schedule to attend a grievance conference or hearing as a witness. Expenses incurred in connection with attendance by an employee at grievance conferences or hearings, whether as a grievant, as a grievant’s representative, or as a witness, shall be borne by that employee’s unit.