If you are a non-exempt, non-probationary employee of the Commonwealth of Virginia, you may initiate a grievance by filling out the “Grievance Form A.” The Grievance Form A is provided by the Department of Human Resources (DHRM) and available at: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/docs/default-source/edrdocuments/grievance-forms/form-a-202095c368872ae443c1a7762f3dc3753369.pdf?sfvrsn=dc4c883a_2
The Grievance Form A must explain your management’s actions or omissions. You must include the facts in support of the grievance and state your requested relief. If you are unable to include all the facts on the Grievance Form A, then you may include an attachment.
You must then submit the Grievance Form A and any attachments to your employer, according to your policy. The person you submitted your Form A to is called the first step-respondent and is usually your direct supervisor. Your completed Form A must be received within 30 calendar days of the date the you knew or should have known of the management action or omission being grieved. Once the grievance is initiated, you may not add additional grievance issues.
Your grievance should be an issue that arose in the agency in which you work; pertain directly to your own employment; not have been filed to impede the efficient operations of government; is not a matter which has already been grieved; and, has not been pursued through another state process.
For more information about the grievance procedure for state employees:
https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/docs/default-source/edrdocuments/grievance-forms/gpm-2020-final.pdf
Consult Attorney David L. Ostwinkle for more information about initiating a grievance under the Virginia State Grievance Procedure.