In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Employer” means one or more of the following: an employee’s appointing authority; an employee’s principal unit; or the Department of Budget and Management. “Exclusive representative” has the meaning stated in § 3–101 of this article. “Grievance” means a dispute between an employee and the employee’s employer about the interpretation of and application to the employee of: a personnel policy or regulation adopted by the Secretary; any other policy or regulation over which management has control; or any term or condition of a memorandum of understanding between the State and the exclusive representative. “Grievance” does not include a dispute about: a pay grade or range for a class; the amount or the effective date of a statewide pay increase; the establishment of a class; the assignment of a class to a service category; the establishment of classification standards; a mid–year performance appraisal; or an oral reprimand or counseling.