Human Resources and Employment Law
Elena Branzaru, DOTD Employment Attorney
Candace Rustad, DOTD Employee Relations Supervisor
Common Civil Service Myths
and Beliefs
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: I can’t be terminated!! Civil Services
protects me.
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: Performance adjustments are automatic.
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: All employees must be treated the same.
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: I have a grace period to get to work on
time.
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: Promotions are based solely on seniority.
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: I’ve earned that leave and I can take it
whenever I want!
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: An agency cannot change my shift or
where I work!
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: Letters of counseling, warning, and
reprimand and supervisory plans
performance improvement plans) are
disciplinary actions.
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
MYTH: My supervisor can’t make me do that!
It’s not in my job description.
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
• Miscellaneous Myths:
– I can accumulate breaks and lunch for OT or to leave early or
come in late
– I was off-duty, you can’t discipline me for that
– I can have my attorney present in all meetings you want to have
with me
– I can report something and remain anonymous
– I don’t have to participate in investigations
– I don’t have to pay attention to morning meetings
– I can record all meetings you have with me or with the gang
– I can plead the 5th Amendment
Common Civil Service
Myths and Beliefs
What myths have you heard?
Any questions?
Candace Rustad 225-379-1239
Elena Branzaru 225-379-1026