Section 120. Complaints

A. This section is not applicable to any complaint concerning discrimination or other equal employment opportunity matters; all such complaints must be submitted, processed, and resolved in accordance with applicable provisions of the Virginia State Plan for Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship.

B. Except for matters described in subsection A of this section, any controversy, difference, or discrepancy arising under an apprenticeship agreement that cannot be adjusted, abated, or otherwise resolved locally by the parties and that is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, may be submitted by an apprentice or the apprentice's authorized representative to the department for review. Matters covered by a collective bargaining agreement are not subject to such review.

C. The complaint must be in writing and signed by the complainant or authorized representative and must be submitted within 60 days of any final local decision. It must set forth the specific matter complained of, together with relevant facts and circumstances. Copies of pertinent documents and correspondence must accompany the complaint.

D. The department will render an opinion within 90 days after receipt of the complaint, based upon such investigation of the matters submitted as may be found to be necessary and the record before it. During the 90-day period, the department will make reasonable efforts to effect a satisfactory resolution between the parties involved. If so resolved, the parties will be notified that the case is closed. Where departmental efforts yield no resolution, an opinion is rendered and disseminated to all interested parties.

E. A party dissatisfied with the opinion of the department may file a petition for review with the Office of Apprenticeship, USDOL, specifically identifying the controversy, difference, discrepancy, or decision that is at issue. A copy of the petition for review must be concurrently sent to the department.

F. Nothing in this section precludes an apprentice from pursuing any other remedy authorized under another federal, state, or local law.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 31, Issue 01, eff. October 8, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§ 40.1-118 of the Code of Virginia.