Nothing in this Charter contained, except as specifically provided, shall affect or impair the rights or privileges of officers or employees of the city or of any office, department, board, commission, or agency existing at the time when this Charter shall take effect, or any provision of the law in force at the time when this Charter shall take effect and not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter, in relation to the personnel, appointment, ranks, grades, tenure of office, promotion, removal, pension and retirement rights, civil rights, or any other rights or privileges of officers, or employees of the city or any office, department, board, commission, or agency thereof.