City Disciplinary Guidelines - Public

The Los Angeles Personnel Department developed its Guide to Disciplinary Standards so that all departments within the City would be uniform in their enforcement of discipline. Each department may modify these for situations unique to that department, but cannot make wholesale changes without justification. In addition, any changes to this guide or any department’s disciplinary procedures and guidelines is subject to the “meet and confer” process with EAA as that comprises a change in the terms and conditions of employment.

Unfortunately, the City does not provide sufficient orientation and training of new employees, particularly regarding disciplinary standards. EAA recommends that all employees visit the Personnel Department website at

City Personnel Policies and scroll down to Section 33.2 Guide to Disciplinary Standards.

Should the City wish to discipline an employee, the offense must fall into one of the categories listed in Section 33.2 or the department’s own guidelines. If the facts presented by management are altered to make the circumstances fit, the employee has a chance of winning on appeal. If the facts as presented by management are accurate, an employee may be able to negotiate the amount of discipline, based on other factors such as length of service, previous (lack of) discipline, etc. Your Labor Representative from EAA can assist in determining the best course of action should you be subjected to discipline.