ITA employees must use the Department's administrative grievance system, prescribed in DAO 202-771, "Employee Grievances."

The administrative grievance system allows employees to request personal relief in a matter of concern or dissatisfaction regarding their employment, that is subject to the control of Department of Commerce management officials. Generally, one utilizes the grievance system in lieu of other complaint or review processes.

The grievance system is a two-stage process, consisting of the informal procedures (See Section 5 of DAO 202-771) and the formal procedures (Section 6). In almost every case, one must begin with the informal procedures (See Section 5.02 for the two exceptions).

Don't start writing yet! The grievance system has certain constraints. Before proceeding, review the four items below. If the answer to any of the questions in these items is "No", seek clarification from the Office of Human Resources Management before proceeding.

1. Am I an individual covered by the grievance system? (See Section 3.01)

2. Is the matter I wish to grieve:

1. Subject to the control of a DOC management official?
2. Related to my employment with DOC?
3. Covered by the grievance system? (See Section 3.02b for matters excluded from coverage)
4. Void of allegations of prohibited discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or physical or mental handicap? (NOTE: A matter based upon such allegations must be processed under the Department's discrimination complaint procedures).

3. Is the resolution that I am seeking "personal relief" (i.e. a specific remedy directly benefiting the grievant? - See Section 2.01i) A request for disciplinary action or other action affecting another DOC employee is not personal relief.

4. Will I comply with the attached time limits for filing? (A grievance results from a particular act or occurrence, or, in rare instances, a continuing practice or condition).

* Note: Seek confirmation of this from the Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Services. Matters of concern are almost always based upon a particular act or occurrence.

Now that you are aware of the constraints and ready to prepare a grievance, it must clearly state the basis and contain a request for relief. A helpful HINT: You should use facts to show why you should get relief. Explain why you are right, not why others are wrong.

For additional information contact: Mike Stein at (202) 482-2274 or e-mail Mike_Stein@ita.doc.gov.