(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Employer” means one or more of the following:
(1) an employee’s appointing authority;
(2) an employee’s principal unit; or
(3) the Department of Budget and Management.
(c) “Exclusive representative” has the meaning stated in § 3–101 of this article.
(d) (1) “Grievance” means a dispute between an employee and the employee’s employer about the interpretation of and application to the employee of:
(i) a personnel policy or regulation adopted by the Secretary;
(ii) any other policy or regulation over which management has control; or
(iii) any term or condition of a memorandum of understanding between the State and the exclusive representative.
(2) “Grievance” does not include a dispute about:
(i) a pay grade or range for a class;
(ii) the amount or the effective date of a statewide pay increase;
(iii) the establishment of a class;
(iv) the assignment of a class to a service category;
(v) the establishment of classification standards;
(vi) a mid–year performance appraisal; or
(vii) an oral reprimand or counseling.