Employees of the municipality, freely and without fear of penalty
or reprisal, shall have the right to organize, join and participate
in, or to refuse to join and participate in, any employee organization
for the purpose of collective negotiations through representatives
of their own choosing on terms and conditions of employment subject
to the provisions of law. Nothing contained in this section shall
preclude the right of an employee from submitting an appeal in accordance
with other provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 11-11-1985 by Ord. No. 1424; 8-11-1986 by Ord. No. 1440]
A. The appointment to municipal service, or the retention in municipal
service, shall not be based upon the political activities or affiliations
of an employee. Municipal employees are expected to exercise their
rights as electors and citizens of the municipality and may engage
in normal political activities; except that employees, other than
elected officials, shall not engage in political activity while on
the job or use their position as a municipal employee in any way for
or against any candidate for local, state or federal office. Willful
violation of this provision by an employee shall constitute grounds
for suspension and/or dismissal from the service. In no case shall
the penalty for willfully engaging in prohibited political activities
be established as less than 60 calendar days' suspension from duty
without pay.
B. No municipal employee shall be required by any person or organization
to make any contribution of services or money to the campaign of any
political party or of any candidate for public office.