The State Human Resources Director must approve the amount of back pay due to an employee in a reversed disciplinary action resulting from the agency internal grievance procedures, appeals at the state level or any other time a disciplinary action is reversed. This includes back pay following an employee’s return to work from a suspension pending investigation. See State Human Resources Regulations Section 19-719.01.

Appeals that have met jurisdictional requirements for the following adverse employment actions are forwarded to an arbitrator if the appeal is not resolved through mediation:

• Lack of promotional consideration
• Punitive reclassifications
• Suspensions for 10 days or less
• Involuntary reassignments more than 30 miles

To learn more, view An Appeal in the Mediation Arbitration Process Flowchart (.pdf).

The General Assembly finds harmonious relations between public employers and public employees are a necessary and most important factor in the effective and efficient operation of government, and that a proper forum for the understanding and resolution of employee grievances will contribute to the establishment and maintenance of harmony, good faith, and the quality of public service.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Program assists agencies and citizens with issues involving the State Employee Grievance Procedure Act and appeals to the State Human Resources Director. Assistance is also provided to agencies interested in using the services of a mediator through the Statewide Mediators Pool.

Notice for State Employees

The Governor, in coordination with state emergency management officials, will determine whether to close state government offices in Richland and Lexington counties due to hazardous weather. This includes the state-supported colleges, universities, and technical colleges located in those two counties.

The Division of State Human Resources (DSHR) works with agency customers to ensure excellence in human resources through providing guidance on HR-related matters, delivering resources that encourage effective workforce planning and organizational development and overseeing the state’s Alternative Dispute Resolution process. Additionally, DSHR leads state recruiting efforts to attract top talent to careers in state government.