When to Make a Complaint
Just about everyone has issued some sort of complaint in the past. At its core, a complaint is simply a statement that a given situation or set of circumstances is unsatisfactory and that some sort of corrective action is in order. Complaints come in many forms and are found in the workplace, in the neighbourhood and even in the courtroom. While many types of complaints can be resolved amicably, some require the intervention of the legal system before they can be settled.
Workplace Complaints
Formal complaints are common in the workplace. Employees who feel that some action or event is improper will seek to lodge a complaint with the proper authority. That authority may be a manager or supervisor. At other times, the issue is taken directly to a human resources manager.
The nature of workplace complaints will vary. Some will have to do with working conditions while others may focus on poor work habits of co-workers that in turn generate additional work for the other employees. At times, the issues may focus on a breach of company policy or even governmental regulations that have to do with harassment in the workplace.
The time to make this type of complaint is when you feel that the actions of a co-worker have seriously affected your ability to be productive on the job. Typically, the HR manager will attempt to investigate the reported issue and determine if the complaint is fit for purpose, meaning that it has merit. If so, then action is taken to correct the situation and restore harmony in the workplace. This can include measures such as having the offender undergo additional training. Measures such as suspension without pay and even termination may be in order, depending on the nature of the offense.
Neighbourhood Complaints
Complaints related to the home front are also common. Typically, local law enforcement is contacted regarding some sort of disturbance or on-going activity in the area. For example, complaints about noise are usually referred to the police, who then investigate the situation. If someone is playing music too loudly or arguing loud enough for the neighbours to hear, they are usually visited and urged to keep it down. If they persist, the police may choose to arrest the offending parties and charge them with disturbing the peace.
If there are activities that are interfering with your ability to function in your home or that make you feel unsafe, the time has come to call the police. Many municipal police forces operate confidential hot lines that allow citizens to report suspicious activity taking place in a neighbourhood. This in turn allows the police to investigate the situation and determine if the complaint has any merit. If so, then arrests can occur and charges can be filed.
Legal Complaints
When issues cannot be resolved amicably, they are often escalated to the court system. At this juncture, varying forms of legal representatives, such as employment and family solicitors will file formal complaints on behalf of their clients. Those complaints pave the way for petitioning the courts for some sort of relief for their clients. Many complaints of this type end up in a civil court, allowing a judge or a jury to consider the circumstances and decide if some sort of compensation is justified. Depending on the circumstances, a criminal complaint may also be filed, paving the way for the court to consider some sort of punitive action, up to and including time spent in jail.
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