This procedure outlines the process to follow to lodge a grievance and the process to follow when a grievance is lodged.

A grievance is a formal complaint that is raised by an employee towards an employer within the workplace, where a violation of legalities has occurred. This means that every complaint in the workplace is not a grievance, but a complaint that is not acknowledged or acted upon can become a grievance.

Some examples of workplace grievances include issues relating to:

• Bullying and harassment
• Discrimination
• Workplace health and safety
• Work environment
• Relationships in the workplace
• Organisational changes
• Terms and conditions of employment

A grievance can be reported verbally or in writing. In the first instance, an informal meeting between the parties should be held, mediated by a disinterested third party, with the intention of settling the matter informally.

Where an informal meeting does not solve the matter, a formal grievance should be lodged in writing.

The employer will then investigate the circumstances around the grievance, speaking directly and individually with each party and other team members who may have been involved, to ascertain the circumstances of the grievance. The content of these meetings should be kept confidential by all parties.

A formal mediation session should be organized to attempt to solve the matter. Both parties are entitled to have a support person at this session.

The expected outcome is that the grievance will be solved, and may result in changes to policy or procedure, formal apology or disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Where one of the parties does not agree with the outcomes from the mediation, they may appeal the outcome in writing.

In this case, a different disinterested party should reconsider the evidence gathered and make a final ruling.

Where one of the parties does not agree with the outcomes from the review, they may have recourse through the provisions of the Fair Work Act, and they should contact the Fair Work Commission or Ombudsman for advice.