(a) In the event an existing position becomes vacant, in a classification represented by Local 7, it shall be filled by an employee working in a classification covered by this collective bargaining agreement in accordance with the following priorities before being filled from outside the bargaining unit.
(1) Recall of permanent employees who are laid off or displaced in accordance with recall procedure as set forth in 2117.48, “Recall Procedure”.
(2) Reappointment of employees reclassified to a lower level as set forth in 2117.49, “Reappointment”.
(3) Promotion as set forth in 2117.50, “Promotions”.
(4) Transfer as set forth in 2117.51, “Transfers”.
(5) Voluntary Demotion as set forth in 2117.52, “Voluntary Demotions”.
(6) Reinstatement of permanent employees in conformance with the procedure set forth in 2117.54, “Reinstatement”.
(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.