R137-1-15. Procedure for Appealing Disciplinary Action Imposed by Department Head

  (1) An aggrieved employee who has been demoted or dismissed by their respective department head (i.e., executive director or commissioner) may appeal the department head's action directly to the CSRO at the evidentiary step 4 level.

  (a) An appeal from discipline imposed by the department head is distinguishable from a grievance.

  (b) A grievance is filed at step 1 and proceeds through steps 2 and 3.

  (c) When an appeal from discipline imposed by a department head occurs at the step 3 level, it may be appealed directly to the CSRO.

  (2) When appealed to the CSRO, the appeal must be filed within 30 working days from the date an aggrieved employee receives written notification from the department head who imposed the disciplinary action.