An administrative grievance in the federal government, is a systematic agency procedure for the resolution of grievances from employees who are not members of a bargaining unit.
Use of the grievance system is a protected activity. Restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal against an employee or an employee's designated representative because of the filing of a grievance is legally prohibited. Employees who provide information concerning matters related to grievances are similarly protected. An individual who engages in restrictive activities may be committing a prohibited personnel practice which could warrant serious disciplinary action.
Some examples of agency grievance procedures include:
Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)
The MSPB is the proper appeal forum if the employee has been the subject of an adverse action such as a suspension for more than 14 days, a demotion, or a removal. It is also the proper forum if the employee alleges an employment action was based on his/her whistle-blowing or other protected activity.
Office of Special Counsel (OSC)
The OSC is the proper forum if a personnel action (appointment, promotion, adverse action, disciplinary or corrective action, detail, transfer, reassignment, reinstatement, restoration, reemployment, some performance evaluations, decision concerning pay or benefits, decision to order examination, or any other significant change in duties, responsibilities or working conditions) has been threatened, proposed, taken, or not taken allegedly because of the employee's whistle-blowing or other protected activity. Call 1-800-872-9855 to seek advice.
Office of the Inspector General (OIG) - Ethics and Conduct
This process deals with possible violation(s) of law, rules or regulations; mismanagement; gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; or danger to the public health and safety. The OIG normally does not act on matters for which there is another complaint process that handles the issue; however, investigations may be conducted on the basis of matters referred by OSC or MSPB.
