Appeals Process

Exercise Civil Service Rights Through the Appeals Process

Seattle City Charter and ordinances give employees in civil service positions the following rights: 

• Open and competitive hiring processes, and freedom from political coercion in hiring
• Limited probationary periods
• Just cause and due process for disciplinary actions, including termination
• The right to appeal higher levels of discipline (suspensions, demotions, and terminations) and other covered policy violations
• Continued employment (with limited exceptions) 

Employees can exercise their civil service rights by filing an appeal or making a political patronage complaint (related to hiring) to the Civil Service Commission (CSC). See our FAQs below for more information about filing an appeal with the CSC, and our forms and information web page.

Filing an appeal is a time-sensitive process, and employees must first try and resolve their concern through the grievance procedure before moving forward with their appeal. If you cannot resolve your issue through the grievance process and want to file and appeal, complete the CSC appeal form (or your own document including the same information) within 20 days of your Step 3 grievance response and email to civilservice@seattle.gov.

The Civil Service Department (CIV) does not have a process to receive appeals filed in-person.

Civil Service Appeals Process FAQ

What is an appeal? 

City departments are required to follow the Personnel Rules and applicable municipal laws. If an employee believes that these were not properly applied, they may file a grievance. If the issue is within the CSC's jurisdiction, the employee may then appeal the CSC to review the department's decisoin or action.  

Who may file an appeal? 
Any employee covered by civil service may file an appeal. Your offer letter should indicate whether your position is civil service covered. If you’re unsure of your civil service status, contact your HR Representative or email civilservice@seattle.gov for confirmation.  

What may be appealed? 
Employees may file appeals if they believe they have been wrongfully:

• Disciplined; this includes suspension, demotion, or termination; or
• Subjected to  a violation of Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 4.04, orthe  Personnel Rules.

If you have questions about whether your matter is appealable, contact the Civil Service Department. 

What are the steps for pursuing an appeal? 

1. Understand your rights and obligations 

If you’re in a union, consult your collective bargaining agreement and consider reaching out to your union representative. 

If you’re in the civil service, review applicable rules and policies. 

• • Personnel Rule 1.3 describes the City’s progressive discipline process, which applies to employees in the civil service.
  • Other Personnel Rules may be relevant to your issue.
  • CSC Rules of Practice and Procedure explain how the CSC operates, including public meetings, definitions, appeal hearings, and how to request a review of decision by the CSC or Executive Director.

If you are a member of a union and the civil service, you may choose either the union grievance process or the civil service grievance and appeal path, not both.  Consult with your union representative to understand your options. 

2. Complete the grievance process.

• • Read Personnel Rule 1.4, and the Employee Grievance FAQs to learn how to file a grievance. 
  • A grievance must be filed within 20 days of the event that allegedly violated a policy.
  • The employee grievance procedure is complete when the department head sends a letter accepting or denying your grievance ("Step 3 letter"), and informs you of your civil service appeal rights.

3. File your appeal with the Civil Service Commission

• • Complete and submit the CSC Appeal form to civilservice@seattle.gov within 20 days of receiving the Step 3 letter from your department head. 
  • “Days” are calendar days; holidays and weekends are included.
  • An appeal filed on the 21st day after the Step 3 response will be denied as not timely.
  • Failure to complete the grievance process and/or file a timely appeal with the CSC will result denial/dismissal of the appeal by the Civil Service Commission. Reach out to Civil Service staff with questions about the appeal process at civilservice.gov@seattle.gov or (206) 586-1991.

The CSC does not give legal advice. The information on this web site is for informational purposes only.