What is a personal grievance?

If you're experiencing workplace stress, bullying, or have been treated unfairly, you might be considering raising a personal grievance. Let's break down exactly what a personal grievance is.

What is a personal grievance?

A personal grievance is a formal complaint made by an employee against an employer. It can be about any aspect of the employment relationship, such as unfair treatment, harassment, discrimination, or unjustified dismissal.

When should I raise a grievance?

There are many reasons you might need to raise a grievance, such as:

• Being demoted or having your wages deducted without your agreement.

• Being bullied by a manager or co-worker.

• Receiving a warning without any good process.

• Being unfairly dismissed.

What's the most common type of grievance?

The most common type of grievance filed is related to disciplinary action taken by an employer. This may include disputes over the fairness of the disciplinary process, the severity of the penalty imposed, or the evidence used to support the disciplinary action.

What happens after I raise a grievance?

When a personal grievance is raised, your employer should investigate the matter and respond in writing. If the issue cannot be resolved through mediation or other means, you may be able to take the matter to the Employment Relations Authority for resolution.

Is a grievance confidential?

A grievance is generally treated as a confidential matter, and the details should not be shared with anyone who is not directly involved in the process. However, there may be exceptions where it is necessary to share certain information, such as in the Employment Relations Authority.

Can my employer ignore my grievance?

Technically, an employer can choose to ignore a grievance. However, doing so can lead to a breakdown in the employment relationship and may show a lack of good faith. It's in the best interests of both parties to address grievances in a timely and constructive manner.

Can my employer sack me for raising a grievance?

It is illegal for an employer to terminate your employment or treat you unfairly just because you've raised a grievance. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean it won’t affect the employment relationship.

What do I do now?

If you're experiencing employment issues and considering raising a grievance, call us now for a free chat about what this might look like and how we can help you.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up to date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact a qualified legal professional.