On the basis of data dealing with the processing of labor grievances by state institutions in Chile in the period of 1970-1972, the author argues that litigiousness—the propensity to pursue grievances—was growing during that time. This increased litigiousness may be traced to the overall process of rapid sociopolitical change, in particular the growing political awareness of certain sectors of wage earners. The Labor Inspectorate responded positively to increased demand for justice, and encouraged socially well-focused grievance behavior by providing more adequate remedies. The labor courts, in contrast, were insensitive to the process of change. They showed no interest in developing an institutional assertiveness, either favoring or impeding aggrieved workers filing suit. Developments in litigiousness and litigation rates are analyzed in the light of the macro-social process of change that took place at the time.