Department of State Civil Service Streamlining Commission Civil Service & Employee Benefits Advisory Group September 8, 2009 Partnering for a Better Louisiana www.civilservice.la.gov
Overview • Department of State Civil Service Overview • Myths about Civil Service • Preliminary Response - HCR 6
Department of State Civil Service Department Overview • Established by Article X of the Louisiana Constitution • Provides a merit based human resource program for classified state employees
Civil Service principles • Equal pay for equal work • Equal opportunity • Ability based employment • Performance based promotion • Accountability for results
Department of State Civil Service Mission Statement To provide human resource services and programs that enable state government to attract, develop and retain a productive and diverse workforce that excels in delivering quality services to the citizens of Louisiana.
Myths about Civil Service 1. Louisiana has a traditional Civil Service system. 2. Civil Service controls the number of state employees. 3. The Civil Service pay system is inflexible. 4. Poor performers cannot be fired.
Myths about Civil Service Myth #1: Louisiana has a traditional Civil Service system “Traditional civil service*” • Rigid, slow hiring • Inflexible pay • Inability to fire poor performers • Seniority-based layoffs * Reinventing Government by David Osborne
Fact: Louisiana has a modern, progressive HR management system. 2000-2009: HCR 34 and ASCEND 2020 2008: La’s HR Program rated in top 10 states by the Pew Center on the States
Effect of Civil Service Reforms • Created a partnership between Civil Service and state agencies • Created an Agency Service Center to provide consulting services • Created an Accountability Division to evaluate outcomes
Major Accomplishments of Reform • Internet Job-Posting Website • Flexible and Competitive Pay Tools • Simplified Layoff Process • Enhanced Training Program • Streamlined Appeals Process • Workforce Planning Tools
Louisiana’s Reform compares very favorably to that in other states, such as Florida , Georgia and Virginia (See attached state to state comparison)
Myth #2: Civil Service controls the number of state employees Fact: The Department of State Civil Service has no authority or control over the number of positions created in state government.
• Funding controls the number of employees in an agency. • Agencies create the positions they need • The Department of State Civil Service records and reports employee data.
Myth #3: Civil Service’s pay system is inflexible Fact: Louisiana’s pay system offers a menu of flexibilities
Pay Options • Extra Duties • Proficiency in a Job • To Retain an Employee • When a Pay Inequity Exists • Reward for Performance • To Recruit an Employee • Educational Achievement • Any Other Rational Business Reason
Myth #4: Poor performers cannot be fired Fact: Poor performers can and are fired
• Probation Period 6-24 months • Limited Appeal Rights • Progressive discipline not required
Discipline Process • Give the employee notice of action proposed and reasons for the action • Allow the employee to respond • Give written notice w/reasons for action
Employee Appeals Statistics Permanent Employees Fired: 442 Employees Who Appealed:86 Employees Who Won Appeal: 1 Appeals in FY 07/08
Preliminary Report on Actions Taken in Response to HCR 6
Overview HCR 6 Initiatives Initiative 1 – Revise layoff rules Initiative 2 – Tie supervisor pay raises to PPR responsibilities Initiative 3 – Review pay bands, classifications and reorganization flexibilities Initiative 4 – Revise compensation system
HCR 6 Initiative 1 Revise Layoff Rules June 2009 Layoff Rules • Agency determines positions to be cut • Poor performers laid-off first • Exceptions based on business needs • Bumping eliminated • Enhances Transparency
HCR 6 Initiative 2 Tie Supervisor Pay Raises to PPR Responsibilities • June 2009 –supervisors no longer eligible for pay increases if they fail to perform their PPR Responsibilities
HCR 6 Initiative 3 Review Pay Bands, Classifications and Reorganization Flexibilities • June 2009 Implemented a new Business Reorganization Process • Reviewing Classification & Pay Systems • Analyzing the current structure • Studying market data • Comparing practices of other states
HCR 6 Initiative 4 Revise the Compensation System Complete revision of Pay Rules including adoption of Pay for Performance Scheduled for consideration Nov 09 (See separate handout)
Contact Information Shannon S. Templet, Director (225) 342-8272 Partnering for a Better Louisiana www.civilservice.la.gov
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