2.82.100 Progressive discipline.
Progressive discipline relates to defective work, job performance, safety, lateness, housekeeping, disobedience, or other unsatisfactory conduct in the workplace.
A. Policy. If, in the opinion of the employee’s department head, disciplinary action is necessary with respect to the employee’s conduct in the workplace, the department head, or supervisor, may begin disciplinary action at any of the following steps, depending on the seriousness of the conduct:
1. Verbal warning;
2. Written reprimand;
3. Suspension;
4. Demotion;
5. Dismissal.
B. Procedure. In the case of most disciplinary problems, discipline shall progress from one step to the next as follows:
1. Verbal Warning. A verbal warning is given explaining to the employee what the employee did wrong and what must be done as a corrective measure. The employee must also be advised that if there is a repetition, a written reprimand will be given. The department head shall complete a written record of the verbal warning which shall be placed in the employee’s personnel file;
2. Written Reprimand. A written reprimand is issued if there is a repetition of the conduct within a six-month period from the date on which the verbal warning was given and shall be placed in the employee’s personnel file;
3. Suspension. A second repetition of the conduct within a further six-month period from the date of the written reprimand results in suspension;
4. Demotion.
5. Dismissal. A third repetition of the conduct within a further six-month period after suspension is imposed results in dismissal.
C. Removal of Action. A verbal warning, or a written reprimand, may, at the department head’s discretion, be removed from the employee’s personnel file after a period of six months, provided there was not a recurrence of the conduct on which the warning or reprimand was based.
D. Notwithstanding the order and timing of the steps described in subsection (B) of this section, appropriate disciplinary action in a particular case is at the discretion of the department head and need not be progressive or consecutive unless the manager directs otherwise.
E. The manager and mayor shall be kept apprised of any disciplinary action taken against an employee.