(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.