If you encounter a problem concerning a condition of employment or treatment by management or other employees, bring the matter to the attention of your manager. If you are unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction after informal discussion, you may investigate the possibility of using the company’s grievance procedure. Access to the grievance procedure (except for discrimination complaints) is limited to merit employees who have completed their initial 12-month probationary period.
The grievance procedure consists of a series of meetings with various levels of management in an attempt to resolve the complaint. Grievances that are not handled to your satisfaction within your department can go to the Civil Service Commission for hearing.
Not all matters are covered by the grievance procedure. Some nongrievable issues include the contents of personnel regulations and ordinances and the setting of wages, salaries, and benefits.
Timeliness of filing complaints is critical. In most cases, the grievance must be initiated within 20 business days of the event. Instructions on the grievance procedure, as well as the appropriate forms, are available online and from the Employee Relations Division of Human Resources or the Office of Equity Programs.
Discrimination complaints are filed with the Office of Equity Programs. Merit employees, including those who are probationary, are eligible to grieve discrimination based on age, sex, sexual harassment, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, and political or union affiliation. These complaints may also be filed with the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).