§ 6.01. Civil service established.

There is hereby established a civil service system of personnel administration based on merit principles and scientific methods governing the appointment, promotion, transfer, layoff, demotion, dismissal, suspension, removal and discipline of certain of its officers and employees.

The civil service system established herein shall be based upon principles that provide for: Recruitment from all segments of society and selection and advancement on the basis of relative ability, knowledge, and skill under fair and open competition; fair and equitable treatment in all personnel management matters without regard to politics, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or handicapping condition and with proper regard for constitutional and statutory rights of individual privacy; fair and equitable compensation, considering the local (and national where applicable) rates paid by public and private employers, with incentives and recognition for excellent performance; high standards of integrity and conduct and concern for the public interest; efficient and effective use of the city work force; retention of employees who perform well, correction of performance of those whose work is inadequate, and separation of those who cannot or will not meet required standards; improved performance through effective education and training; protection of employees from arbitrary action, personal favoritism or political coercion; and protection of employees against reprisal for lawful disclosures of information.

The civil service system shall not be abolished or substantially modified except upon approval by referendum vote. All of the benefits accruing to employees under former civil service provisions inure to their benefit, except as herein provided and changed.

The civil service system and the personnel rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto shall not apply to nor be maintained for regular employees in the classified service who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.