(a) An appointing authority, the head of a principal unit, or the Secretary may consolidate multiple grievances filed by one employee and process the grievances in a single proceeding.

(b) If the grievants agree, an appointing authority, the head of a principal unit, or the Secretary may consolidate similar grievances and process the grievances together in a single proceeding.

(c) The Office of Administrative Hearings may consolidate and process in a single proceeding multiple grievances filed by one employee or similar grievances filed by more than one grievant.