What is the difference between a grievance and a complaint?

A grievance and a complaint are two separate and distinct legal terms when it comes to Employment Law in Florida. A complaint is usually the initial filing that someone makes when they feel they have experienced an illegal work-related situation. This could include discrimination or harassment, for example. The complaint is made to a government agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The complaint is a way of informing the agency that a possible violation has occurred and could result in an investigation if the agency believes the complaint is valid. A grievance, on the other hand, is a formal document written by an employee to their employer, typically through an employee representative, such as a union. The grievance typically outlines why the employee believes they were wronged, and often results in an appeal process. The grievance is a way of attempting to resolve a dispute with the employer without the need for legal action or a lawsuit. In summary, the main difference between a grievance and a complaint is that a complaint is usually the first step in bringing a case before a government agency, while a grievance is an attempt to resolve a dispute with an employer without legal action.

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