Reclassification Instructions

The Process

The Reclassification Committee meets on a quarterly basis to determine whether there has been significant change to Local 153 positions which affects the level of responsibility, level of difficulty, and/or scope of work required. The Committee is composed of two administrative representatives and two Local 153 representatives. The Committee determines whether changes to a position are substantive enough to warrant a grade increase or a decrease. Employees may not request a reclassification due to utilization of new technology and/or additional work volume.

All reclassification submissions must be received and accepted by Human Resources by one week prior to the scheduled meeting date or they will not be reviewed until the following quarter’s meeting  (see scheduled meeting dates and submission deadlines). Results are emailed to employees and to supervisors within one week of each meeting. If a position is upgraded as a result of a reclass request, the effective date of the upgrade will be the first day of the month following accepted submission (i.e.: submission received and accepted by HR March 2, upgrade effective April 1).

Please remember that a change in a position’s responsibilities will not necessarily result in an upgrade. In some cases, the reclassification may result in the position being placed in a lower grade.  Positions are valued based on responsibilities and requirements. Each salary grade accommodates a variety of skill levels, knowledge requirements and responsibilities. Thus, while the type of work and responsibilities of a position may have changed, the position may remain in the same grade after the Reclassification Committee’s review.

Employee: 

• In conjunction with your supervisor, consider your position’s major duties, responsibilities and requirements and revise the Job Description form as appropriate. Remember, this is an evaluation of the position, not an assessment of your background, experience and/or work performance in the position.
• Consider routine assignments and usual responsibilities over the course of a complete year. Do not record duties performed during unusual circumstances, absences, or short, one-time assignments. Accuracy in describing your responsibilities is critical to this process.

Some questions may ask you to select a single answer to a question where more than one answer may seem applicable. In such cases, choose the one best answer to the question. Complete all fields labeled “examples required.” Do NOT change the wording for any of the fields or responses.  Additional comments are welcome on the last page of the form.

When you have finished revising the Job Description form, complete the Request for Reclassification Cover Sheet. Be as thorough as possible in answering the Cover Sheet questions. Both forms must be signed by the employee, immediate supervisor, department head, dean and vice president.

All forms must be typed for consideration.

Supervisor:

• Carefully review the completed Job Description form, Request for Reclassification, and Cover Sheet for accuracy and completeness.
• Discuss and resolve any questions and uncertainties with the employee before signing and submitting the forms.

Appeals:

Employees and supervisors may request to appeal the Reclassification Committee’s decision by submitting a written request to Human Resources by no later than ten business days after notification of the initial determination.

Appeals must be signed by the employee, supervisor, and dean or vice president. Appeals must point out specific information contained in the reclassification request to support the appeal. Information not contained in the employee’s initial reclassification request may not be presented. Please remember that reclass submissions and appeals should state the ways in which a position has changed and should not reference an incumbent’s performance.  Again, a change in a position’s responsibilities will not necessarily result in a change in the position’s grade. Positions are valued based on responsibilities and requirements.

Appeals will be reviewed by representatives of the administration and Local 153 within thirty days of the appeal deadline. Employees and supervisors will be notified of the results within one week of the meeting. All decisions made by the appeals board are final. A request for reclassification may be re-submitted after four months or more following an original determination.