(a) In the event an existing bargaining unit position becomes vacant, it shall be filled in accordance with the following priorities.
(1) Recall of permanent employees within the bargaining unit first who are laid off or displaced in accordance with recall procedure as set forth in 2115.47, “Recall Procedure”.
(2) Reappointment of employees within the bargaining unit first employees reclassified to a lower level as set forth in 2115.48, “Reappointment”.
(3) Promotion of employees within the bargaining unit as set forth in 2115.49, “Promotions”.
(4) Transfer of employees within the bargaining unit first as set forth in 2115.50, “Transfers”.
(5) Voluntary Demotion of employees within the bargaining unit first as set forth in 2115.51, “Voluntary Demotion”.
(6) Reinstatement of permanent employees within the bargaining unit in conformance with the procedure set forth in 2115.53, “Reinstatement”.
(7) Current Local 7 employees, in another Bargaining Unit, who meet the preferred qualifications as outlined in the Class Specification for Communications Operator, in order of preference outlined in Section 2115.46, “Vacancies”, of the Local 7 contract.
(8) Non Local 7 employees, including new hires, who meet the preferred qualifications as outlined in the Class Specification for Communications Operator.
(9) Local 7 employees from outside the Bargaining Unit who do not meet the preferred qualifications as outlined in the Class Specification for Communications Operator.
(10) New hires who do not meet the preferred qualifications as outlined in the Class Specification for Communications Operator.
(b) If the City intends to leave the vacancy unfilled, or intends to defer filling the vacancy until some time certain, the City shall so notify the Union within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of the vacancy. Failure to comply with this provision shall require the City to fill the vacancy immediately, in accordance with the above procedures.