What is a personal grievance, and how do I write one?
A personal grievance is a formal complaint by an employee or former employee. Examples are unfair dismissal, unfair treatment at work, discrimination, sexual harassment or racial harassment. To write one, say clearly what you are complaining about and why. Give enough detail so your employer can respond. It is best to do it in writing and keep a copy. The Employment New Zealand website has a sample letter.
Official figures
- Time limit for a personal grievance
- Within 90 days of the problem happening or of you finding out about it (whichever is later), raised with your employer. If you were dismissed, the 90 days start from the end of your employment.1
- Time limit for a sexual harassment grievance
- Within 12 months of it happening or of you finding out about it (whichever is later)1
- Time limit to take a grievance to the ERA
- Within 3 years of first raising the personal grievance with your employer1
- Asking for written reasons after dismissal
- You can ask within 60 days of finding out you were dismissed. Your employer must give the reasons in writing within 14 days.1
- High-income employees
- Different rules apply to unfair dismissal grievances for employees earning NZ$200,000 or more a year1
Official sources
- Personal grievancesEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- MediationEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- FeesEmployment Relations Authority · era.govt.nz
- Labour Inspectorate complaintsEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Work disputes and unpaid wages →
People also ask
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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