(a) An employee shall initiate a grievance by submitting the grievance, in writing, to the administrative authority not later than 45 calendar days after the date on which the act or omission giving rise to the grievance occurred, or when the employee could reasonably have been expected to become aware of, or to have knowledge, that he or she had a grievance. After receipt of the grievance, the administrative authority or his or her designee shall meet with the employee for a review of the grievance. The employee may be represented by a representative of his or her choosing at this meeting, and the employee may present oral statements and written material. The administrative authority or his or her designee shall issue a written decision, and a copy of such decision shall be sent to the employee and to the Chief Administrator of the Courts.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as discouraging the informal resolution of grievances by the administrative authority or his designee.