ADS 486 - Grievances - Foreign Service

The chapter outlines the primary responsibilities of various entities, including the American Foreign Service Association, supervisors, office heads, and the Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Human Resources (DAA/OHR) or designee. The Foreign Service Grievance System is governed by the policies and essential procedures contained in 3 FAM 4400. The Agency shall adhere to these policies and procedures, which are outlined in the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended. The grievance system is designed to provide a mechanism for resolving disputes and addressing grievances related to employment in the Foreign Service. The primary responsibilities of various entities in the grievance system are as follows: the American Foreign Service Association represents unit employees filing grievances, while the supervisor or responsible officer provides an initial written response, including a proposed resolution. The office head reviews and decides appealed grievances that were not resolved by the supervisor or responsible officer. The Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Human Resources (DAA/OHR) or designee reviews and decides grievances at the Agency level. The Foreign Service Grievance Board reviews and decides Agency level decisions appealed by the grievant. The chapter also includes mandatory references, including external and internal mandatory references. External mandatory references include 3 FAM 4400 and the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended. Internal mandatory references include definitions of terms and concepts related to the grievance system, such as "bureau," "days," "foreign affairs agency," "grievance," "Grievance Board," "grievant," "implementation disputes," "labor organization," "party," and "service." The definitions of these terms are incorporated into the ADS Glossary, which provides a comprehensive list of terms and definitions used in the Agency's administrative directives. The definitions are based on relevant statutes, regulations, and Agency policies, and are intended to provide clarity and consistency in the use of terminology related to the grievance system. Overall, ADS Chapter 486 provides a framework for resolving grievances and addressing disputes related to employment in the Foreign Service. The chapter outlines the primary responsibilities of various entities, including the American Foreign Service Association, supervisors, office heads, and the Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Human Resources (DAA/OHR) or designee. The chapter also includes mandatory references and definitions of terms and concepts related to the grievance system.