COMDTINST 12771.1A — Administrative Grievance Procedure

COMDTINST 12771.1A governs administrative grievance policy and procedures for workplace disputes involving Coast Guard civilian employees.

Search COMDTINST 12771.1A

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 12771.1A
  • Title: ADMINISTRATIVE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
  • Date: 12/8/2021
  • Proponent: CG-124

View COMDTINST 12771.1A on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes a process for employees or groups of employees to request personal relief for employment-related dissatisfaction subject to supervisory control. It addresses coverage, grievance subjects, employee rights, time limits, formal filings, fact-finding, travel expenses, combining grievances, and cancellation.

Applies to: This Instruction applies to all appropriated-fund non-bargaining unit civilian employees including those holding part-time, probationary, temporary, and excepted appointments. It also applies to appropriated-fund bargaining unit employees who are not covered under a negotiated grievance procedure.

Topics covered

  • Administrative grievances
  • Civilian employee coverage
  • Grievance subject matter
  • Employee representation rights
  • Grievance time limits
  • Formal grievance filings
  • Fact-finding
  • Grievance cancellation

Questions and answers

Can an employee present a grievance without representation?

An employee may present a grievance with or without representation.

How much duty time can be used to prepare and present a grievance?

The amount of duty time will be determined solely by management, but shall not exceed a total of eight (8) hours each for the Grievant and his/her representative (if an employee of the Coast Guard) per grievance.

What must a formal grievance be submitted on?

Be submitted on Administration Grievance, Form CG-12771.

When must a formal grievance be submitted after an informal decision?

If any issue(s) from the informal grievance remains unresolved, a formal grievance must be submitted to the Deciding Official noted in the informal decision within 10 calendar days of the Grievant’s receipt of the informal decision.

Can similar grievances be combined?

When two or more employees within a Coast Guard command have similar or identical grievances (i.e., the dissatisfaction expressed and the relief requested are similar or identical), the grievances may be combined and processed as one group grievance at the Grievance or Deciding Official’s discretion.

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