Suspension Without Pay and Involuntary Demotion

The third step in the disciplinary process could be Suspension Without Pay and Involuntary Demotion.

Legal Authority:

• OKDHS:2-1-10

Purpose

A suspension without pay or involuntary demotion is taken when lower forms of discipline are unsuccessful or for serious performance or behavior problems. For the purposes of OKDHS:2-1-10 one day equals eight working hours.

Notice

The notice of suspension without pay or involuntary demotion is issued only by a chief officer, division director, or designee. Notice of the action is provided to an employee in person. In the event that an appointing authority is not able to provide the notice in person, the appointing authority provides the notice by certified mail and through acceptable electronic means. The notice of a suspension without pay or involuntary demotion includes:

1. identification of the employee and the date the employee was informed of the suspension without pay or involuntary demotion;
2. the statute, rule, policy, practice, or procedure regarding work performance or behavior that was violated and cause for the suspension without pay or involuntary demotion;
3. a statement of the act, incident, or omission that is cause or reason for the suspension without pay or involuntary demotion;
4. a citation of any employee engagement or disciplinary actions that were used in the decision to administer the suspension without pay or involuntary demotion;
5. effective date, the total number of days, and the date(s) of the suspension without pay, or the effective date of the involuntary demotion, and the new job level and pay;
6. steps that may be taken to resolve the problem, including a corrective action plan;
7. consequences of repeated infractions or continuing deficient performance or behavior;
8. a statement that the employee has the opportunity to respond in writing and that the response will be attached to the corresponding discipline and included in the employee’s disciplinary file;
9. a statement of the employee’s right to file a complaint with the Civil Services Division (CSD) within 10-business days of the date of action; and
10. a copy of the CSD complaint petition.

Distribution

The local administrator provides a copy of the Notice to:

1. the employee;
2. Legal Services;
3. the Human Resource Management (HRM) corrective discipline manager;
4. the HRM personnel analyst;
5. the HRM disciplinary file; and
6. HRM Talent Management.