Sec. 9-1. - Appointment and removal of subordinate officers and employees.

(1)

In the event that any employee, excepting department heads, is suspended, demoted, transferred or discharged, he or she shall be informed in writing of the reasons therefor and he or she may appeal in writing to the Mayor, who shall within ten (10) days give the person so suspended, demoted, transferred or discharged the opportunity to be heard, which hearing shall be public at the option of the employee.

(2)

If the former employee is not reinstated to his or her former position by the Mayor, such employee may appeal the decision of the Mayor to a hearing board composed of qualified electors of the city, and such employee shall have a right of appeal therefrom to a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with law. The hearing board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor, subject to Council approval, at least one (1) member to be a resident of each ward in the city.

(3)

The City of East Providence, in accordance with all applicable state or federal laws as either may be amended from time to time, shall not unlawfully harass or discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment.