griev·ance /'grē-vəns/ n
1: a cause of distress (as an unsatisfactory working condition or unfair labor practice) felt to afford a reason for complaint or dispute; esp: a violation of a collective bargaining agreement usu. by the employer
2: the formal expression of a grievance brought esp. by an employee as the initial step toward resolution through a grievance procedure see also arbitration; grievance arbitration at arbitration, mediation
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.