Grievances (Public Service Employees)

As a civilian employee of the Department of National Defence (DND), you have the right to file a grievance as prescribed in Section 208 of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act.

The type of grievance that you may choose to file depends on your professional circumstances:

• Individual and Group Grievances: You may file an individual or group grievance if you believe that the terms and conditions of your employment violate those defined in your Collective Agreement and applicable National Joint Council Directives.

• Policy Grievances: Your union may file a policy grievance if it believes that an action or a failure or refusal to act on the part of your workplace management violates your collective agreement in a way that could affect you and all other DND employees who are covered by that agreement.

• Classification Grievances: You may file a classification grievance if you disagree with the classification of the work that your manager assigns to you in light of your current job description.

What is the process for filing an individual grievance?

You should attempt to resolve conflict early and informally. Your attempts will not limit your future options for contacting Conflict Solutions and Services should you choose to do so.

You may file an individual grievance if you disagree with managerial actions in any one of the following three circumstances:

• the employer’s interpretation or application of a statute, regulation, direction, or other aspects of the terms and conditions of your employment, with the exception of classification process issues;
• the employer’s interpretation or application of your collective agreement or arbitral award; or
• any occurrence or matter affecting your terms and conditions of employment.

The individual grievance allows you to seek redress if you disagree with how your employer acts or applies laws and agreements in ways that affect your working conditions.

Learn more about grievances by consulting the Labour Relations (LR) recourse options  and the Labour Relations (mil.ca) pages that are available only on the Defence Team Intranet. You should also contact your union representatives for support during the grievance process.

What We Do

The Office of the Ombudsman does not replace the grievance processes. You must first attempt to resolve your concerns through existing mechanisms.

We do not have the power to change the final decision you receive. However, If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in the processing of a grievance, contact our office. We will review your concerns to ensure that the administrative process treated you fairly and equitably.

If there are exceptional reasons that prevent you from addressing any concerns through regular channels, such as time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns, you or any member of your family may contact our office by telephone or in writing. In cases where compelling circumstances exist, our office ensures that all relevant parties know about your circumstances.

While you are pursuing a grievance and once you have received a decision, be it positive or negative, be sure to prioritize your well-being. Don’t hesitate to seek support, if necessary. As a DND employee, you have access to the Employee Assistance Program and health insurance that covers various types of mental health practitioners. This will ensure you may obtain the resources you need.

Find out more about how we can help.

Related documents

• Workplace conflict, discrimination, harassment and violence recourse mechanisms for National Defence public service employees
• Labour Relations (mil.ca)
• DAOD 5026-0, Civilian Grievances
• Collective agreements for the public service