The purpose of this chapter is to establish consistent, basic policies and practices concerning relations between the city and its employees. This chapter establishes the formal grievance procedure available to classified employees to hear grievances with respect to demotions, dismissals and suspensions, and provides the method by which formal grievances are decided. The general provisions of this chapter apply to all city employees, except that the provisions governing merit, discipline for cause, and the grievance of disciplinary actions do not apply to unclassified employees. (Ord. 435 § 1.1, 2001)