Article 15: Career Ladder Promotions

Section 1

While promotions within career-ladders are neither automatic nor mandatory, career advancement is the intent and expectation in the career-ladder system.

Section 2

A. A career ladder is a series of positions of increasing difficulty in the same line of work through which an employee may progress from the entry level to the full performance level.

B. The full performance level is the highest grade level to which an employee may be promoted non-competitively within a career ladder.

Section 3

A. An employee is eligible for a career-ladder promotion provided all of the following conditions have been met:

1. the employee has demonstrated the ability to perform the higher grade level duties;

2. the employee has completed at least one (1) year in the current grade;

3. there is sufficient work at the higher grade level position;

4. sufficient funds are available; and

5. the employee's current written performance appraisal is acceptable.

B. The Employer normally will complete its review and approval of an employee's eligibility for a career-ladder promotion on or before the thirtieth (30th) day after the employee has completed one (1) year in their current grade. If the review and approval are delayed beyond the thirtieth (30th) day, and it is determined that the employee qualified for a career ladder promotion, the promotion will be effective retroactively as permitted by law, rules, and regulations to the earliest date that the employee met the foregoing conditions, as determined by the Employer.  If the Employer determines that the requirements in paragraph A. above have not been met, an employee not promoted will be notified of the reason(s) for the decision.  Upon the employee's written request, the reasons will be provided in writing.

C. No later than six (6) months after the notification in Subsection B. above, the Employer will conduct another review of whether an eligible employee meets the requirements in Subsection A. above.  If it is determined that the employee should receive a career-ladder promotion, the promotion will be effective no later than thirty (30) days after the review.  An employee not promoted will be notified of the reason(s) for the decision.  Upon the employee's written request, the reasons will be provided in writing.

D. The employer will conduct subsequent reviews at six-month intervals, and promote or notify the employee, consistent with Subsection C. above. An employee not promoted will be notified of the reason(s) for the decision. Upon the employee's written request, the reasons will be provided in writing.