2016 US Code
Title 22 - Foreign Relations and Intercourse
Chapter 52 - Foreign Service
Subchapter XI - Grievances
Sec. 4139 - Relationship to other remedies

(a)(1) A grievant may not file a grievance with the Board if the grievant has formally requested, prior to filing a grievance, that the matter or matters which are the basis of the grievance be considered or resolved and relief be provided under another provision of law, regulation, or Executive order, other than under section 1214 or 1221 of title 5, and the matter has been carried to final decision under such provision on its merits or is still under consideration.

(2) If a grievant is not prohibited from filing a grievance under paragraph (1), the grievant may file with the Board a grievance which is also eligible for consideration, resolution, and relief under chapter 12 of title 5 or a regulation or Executive order other than under this subchapter. An election of remedies under this subsection shall be final upon the acceptance of jurisdiction by the Board.

(3) This subsection shall not apply to any grievance with respect to which subsection (b) applies.

(b)(1) With respect to a grievance based on an alleged violation of a law, rule, regulation, or policy directive referred to in section 4131(a)(1)(H) of this title, a grievant may either—

but not both.

(2) A grievant shall be considered to have exercised the option under paragraph (1) as soon as the grievant timely either—

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1109, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2148; Pub. L. 101–12, §9(a)(3), Apr. 10, 1989, 103 Stat. 35; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §153(d)(1), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 673.)

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–138, §153(d)(1)(A), (B), redesignated former subsec. (a) as par. (1), redesignated former subsec. (b) as par. (2) of subsec. (a) and substituted "paragraph (1)" for "subsection (a) of this section" and "under this subsection" for "under this section", and added par. (3).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–138, §153(d)(1)(C), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (a)(2).

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–12 substituted "1214 or 1221" for "1206".

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–138 not applicable with respect to any grievance, within the meaning of section 4131 of this title, arising before Oct. 28, 1991, see section 153(f) of Pub. L. 102–138, set out as a note under section 4115 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–12 effective 90 days following Apr. 10, 1989, see section 11 of Pub. L. 101–12, set out as a note under section 1201 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.