(a) Layoff. Whenever it may be necessary to reduce the working force in the classified service of the City, the appointing authority shall act in the inverse order of original appointment in department, division or other appropriate classification. As between higher and lower ranks or classes, the person holding the higher rank or class shall be given precedence in the order of retention. Any person retained in service by operation of this section, may be assigned to a lower rank or class, provided however, that such reduction in rank or class shall be in order of seniority as to all members of any such rank or class.
(b) Placement on Eligible Candidate List. Upon any reduction in force, all persons laid off shall have their names placed at the head of any eligible candidate list for the classification from which such layoff is made, and in order of original appointment. Such persons shall be eligible for recertification and re-appointment for a period of three years thereafter.