What to do when someone files a grievance against you?

Asked by: Wyman Hermann  |  Last update: October 28, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (45 votes)

What should I do if someone raises a grievance against me? You should remain calm and professional. Allow the formal grievance process to proceed, listen to the concerns raised, and respond objectively during any meetings or investigations. Avoid reacting emotionally or confronting the complainant directly.

How do you respond to a grievance against you?

In non-unionized workplaces, it's recommended to respond to a grievance letter by holding a resolution meeting within five business days after receiving the grievance, ensuring timely acknowledgment and addressing the issue promptly and fairly.

What happens when someone files a grievance on you?

Grievance Procedure

Supervisor reviews formal grievance and makes a decision. If unresolved, Manager reviews formal grievance and makes a decision. If unresolved, applicable Deputy Director, with the assistance of the LRO, reviews grievance and makes a decision. The LRO frequently writes the decision.

How do you deal with grievances against you?

Steps to address grievances
  1. Understand the issue. Identify all affected parties and gather relevant information, including dates, individuals involved, and reasons for dissatisfaction. ...
  2. Explore solutions. ...
  3. Evaluate solutions. ...
  4. Clearly state the grievance. ...
  5. Present the grievance. ...
  6. Seek a response. ...
  7. Further action. ...
  8. Declare a dispute.

How do you settle a grievance?

The key steps include encouraging the employee to address the issue informally first, followed by a formal grievance letter if the matter remains unresolved. The employer must then investigate the grievance, hold a grievance hearing, and make a decision.

Making Grievances in the Workplace-What You Should Know

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Can you sue after a grievance?

Once you've exhausted any internal grievance procedures you have access to, you have 6 months to file a claim against the union. If your issue wasn't resolved because your union failed to adequately represent you, you may also file a claim against your employer.

How to win a grievance?

Five Steps To Winning Grievances
  1. Listen carefully to the facts from the worker. Listening is a lot harder than most people realize. ...
  2. Test for a grievance. You already know the five tests for a grievance. ...
  3. Investigate thoroughly. ...
  4. Write the grievance. ...
  5. Present the grievance in a firm but polite manner.

How serious is a grievance?

Grievances in the workplace are serious matters that can have legal or financial implications. This guide will help you to understand what a grievance is and what the different types of grievances are. It also covers what you should do if one of your employees has a grievance.

What is a malicious grievance against me?

If you believe the grievance is false or malicious, raise this concern with HR or the investigating manager during the process. Employers are responsible for handling grievances fairly and will consider all evidence before reaching a decision.

Can I sue for grievance?

If you have exhausted your employer's internal grievance system and the problem has not been handled satisfactorily, you may choose to consider bringing a lawsuit. However, it is crucial to highlight that suing your company is a significant move.

Can a grievance get you fired?

No, an employee cannot be fired for filing a grievance. That is considered retaliation and is illegal. In addition to not firing them, an employer cannot demote or deduct pay from the employee for filing the grievance.

What are the outcomes of a grievance?

Sometimes, where the grievance is not upheld, the employee will resign and may claim constructive unfair dismissal. Another common outcome is that both employer and employee recognise that it is best for the employee to leave and the employee receives some compensation via a settlement agreement.

Do I have a right to know who filed a complaint against me?

Virtually all employers keep this confidential , all you will get is the nature f the complaint not who made it. There is no law that requires them to disclose this to employee.

How quickly should a grievance be dealt with?

When an employee raises a formal grievance, the employer should hold a meeting with them. A grievance meeting is sometimes called a 'hearing'. The employer should hold the meeting 'without unreasonable delay' – ideally within 5 working days. They should allow employees enough time to prepare for the meeting.

What to do when someone files an HR complaint against you?

You should answer honestly during the investigation: You should answer questions honestly during the investigation, and tell the truth about any facts related to the investigation. If you provide false information, it could negatively impact the outcome of the investigation.

Who do you speak to first if you have a grievance?

If there is no organisation grievance procedure, the employee should approach their line manager first. If they do not feel comfortable doing that, they should approach someone else they feel comfortable talking to, for example another manager or someone in HR.

Can you be punished for filing a grievance?

Participating in a complaint process is protected from retaliation under all circumstances. Other acts to oppose discrimination are protected as long as the employee was acting on a reasonable belief that something in the workplace may violate EEO laws, even if he or she did not use legal terminology to describe it.

What is a disguised grievance?

Disguised Grievances: Sometime the grievances take place but the employees do not know the reasons of grievances. The causes of grievances are unknown. These are called disguised grievances. This type of grievances take place due to mental pressure or frustration due to other factors and not related to work.

What is a frivolous grievance?

A "frivolous" claim or complaint is one that has no serious purpose or value. Often a frivolous claim is one about a matter that is so trivial, meritless on its face, or without substance that investigation would be disproportionate in terms of time and cost.

Can you get money from a grievance?

As an employee, you have the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination in the workplace. This includes the right to file a grievance and seek compensation for harm or mistreatment endured.

How long does it take to settle a grievance?

There isn't a set length of time a grievance procedure should take. Complex situations that require extensive investigation or mediation could take months. If the employee files an appeal, this extends the process. Initiate the grievance procedure as soon as an employee files a complaint to get things moving quickly.

What are the disadvantages of grievance?

The downsides of standard grievance procedures:
  • Grievances focus on what has gone wrong and contain allegations and legal threats – for example, bullying, discrimination, whistleblowing, unfairness. ...
  • An employer's most common reaction is to defend itself. ...
  • Grievances often entrench the dispute or ratchet up the tension.

What is the burden of proof in a grievance?

Burden of proof is defined as the responsibility placed upon one party to prove to the arbitrator the truth of an allegation it has made. Stated at its most simple: “You said it, so you have to prove it.” Therefore, the burden of proof falls on the moving party in the dispute.

How do you argue a grievance?

Collect all the facts you can. You may not use them all, but the more you have, the more choices you have for creating a strong argument. Likewise, do not ignore facts that don't support your position. The other side may use those facts in their case.

How to investigate a grievance?

How to investigate a grievance
  1. Select an appropriate manager to investigate the situation.
  2. Create an investigation plan.
  3. Develop investigation meeting questions (more on these further below).
  4. Conduct interviews.
  5. Gather all other available information.
  6. Hold a grievance hearing.
  7. Close the investigation.