§12–101.

    (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.