F.A.Q.

Q: How do I file a complaint that does not involve discrimination?

A: If your complaint concerns disciplinary action, contact the Human Resources Department as soon as possible, because the time for filing an appeal is strictly limited. See Personnel Guideline 807 “Employee Conduct and Discipline.”

If your complaint does not concern disciplinary action, but involves an action that you believe is an improper interpretation and application of the personnel policies and guidelines, unsafe or unhealthy working conditions or any other job-related matter, you may file an Employee Fair Treatment Request.

If you feel your position is not properly classified, you may request reclassification by following the procedures set forth in Personnel Guideline 206 “Job Analysis Procedures for Position Classifications.” Copies of Guideline 206 are available at the Human Resources Department.

Q: Who will make the decision on my discrimination complaint?

A: The Compliance Officer will investigate your complaint and report her conclusions and recommendations to the City Administration, which will make the final decision and notify you of the results.

Q: Will my complaint be kept confidential?

A: The Compliance Officer will maintain the investigation file regarding your discrimination complaint as confidential as possible.

To a limited extent, information (including the alleged discriminator’s name) may be revealed in order to conduct a proper investigation and to take appropriate corrective action. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, the Compliance Officer may be compelled by law to disclose all or part of the file after the investigation is concluded.

The potential disclosure of information may make some complainants uncomfortable or embarrassed. Nevertheless, they are still obligated to report the discrimination. If the discrimination is not reported to the Compliance Officer, the City cannot investigate or take corrective action.

You are encouraged to discuss any concerns about confidentiality with the Compliance Officer.

Q: Can I be retaliated against for complaining about discrimination?

A: Any employee who feels he or she has been retaliated against must contact the Compliance Officer immediately to allow the City to investigate and take prompt, corrective action.

Retaliation against an employee for filing a discrimination complaint, protesting discrimination, or reporting discrimination will not be tolerated. Any person who retaliates against a subordinate in violation of this prohibition shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

However, nothing in this prohibition precludes or limits management’s ability to make employment decisions that adversely affect an employee who previously filed a discrimination claim, so long as management’s actions are legitimate, non-retaliatory, and consistent with actions taken regarding other employees who have not filed such claims.