What is the difference between a grievance and a complaint?

A grievance and a complaint are two different terms used in employment law in Hawaii. A grievance is typically an internal process that employees can use to address a workplace issue or concern they have with their employer or a fellow employee. A grievance can involve a violation of an employment policy or procedure, the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, or a violation of the Hawaii labor laws. Grievances must be formally filed with a designated representative, usually a union or employee representative. A complaint, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to a dispute or issue between an employee and his or her employer or another employee. Complaints are typically informal and can be filed by an employee directly with their employer or with an external agency such as the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Complaints can involve a variety of issues, such as discrimination, wrongful termination, unpaid wages, or other forms of mistreatment in the workplace. Unlike grievances, complaints do not require a formal complaint process and cannot be pursued through a union or other designated representative.

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What is the difference between a grievance and a complaint?

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