What is the difference between a grievance and a complaint?

The difference between a grievance and a complaint lies primarily in their purpose and intended resolution. A grievance is a formal complaint filed with an employer about some form of unfair treatment or poor working conditions, usually as a result of a violation of laws or regulations set forth by the government or company itself. This process typically involves a series of steps, culminating in a hearing or meeting with a mediator to attempt to reach a resolution. A complaint, on the other hand, is a less formal means of expressing dissatisfaction, typically used to express dissatisfaction with an employer’s services or policies. The resolution is often informal and done without involving an outside mediator. Instead, a complaint may be addressed directly to an employer and may be expressed as an opinion or suggestion, rather than a formal complaint. In Kansas, the laws governing grievances are outlined in the Kansas Public Employers-Employee Relations Act. This act sets out the steps and procedures that must be taken when filing a grievance. Complaints, on the other hand, do not necessarily require such formalized procedures; they can be addressed directly to the employer and may involve an informal discussion or simply a statement of dissatisfaction.

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What is the difference between a grievance and a complaint?

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