Oneida Business Committee (2021)

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Oneida Nation

Oneida Business Committee

Legislative Operating Committee

000000

PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155‐0365

ONEIDA

Oneida‐nsn.gov

LEGISLATIVE OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA

Business Committee Conference Room - 2nd Floor Norbert Hill Center

November 17, 2021

9:00 a.m.

This Legislative Operating Committee meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with Oneida

Business Committee resolution BC-08-03-21-A, Setting Public Gathering Guidelines During Public

Health State of Emergency - COVID-19.

I.

Call to Order and Approval of the Agenda

II.

Minutes to be Approved

1. November 3, 2021 LOC Meeting Minutes (pg. 2)

III.

Current Business

1. Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures Emergency Amendments (pg. 4)

2. Furlough Law Amendments (pg. 81)

IV.

New Submissions

1. Tribal Sovereignty in Data Research (pg. 114)

V.

Additions

VI.

Administrative Updates

1. Legislative Operating Committee Fiscal Year 2021 Fourth Quarter Report (pg. 128)

VII.

Executive Session

VIII. Recess/Adjourn

A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.

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Oneida Nation

Oneida Business Committee

Legislative Operating Committee

PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155-0365

Oneida-nsn.gov

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ONEIDA

LEGISLATIVE OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Oneida Business Committee Conference Room-2nd Floor Norbert Hill Center

November 3, 2021

9:00 a.m.

Present: David P. Jordan, Marie Summers, Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer Webster, Kirby

Metoxen

Others Present: Clorissa N. Santiago, Kristen Hooker, Carmen Vanlanen, Brooke Doxtator,

Lawrence Barton, Carl Artman, Rhiannon Metoxen (Microsoft Teams), Justin Nishimoto

(Microsoft Teams), Michelle Braaten (Microsoft Teams), Jonas Hill (Microsoft Teams), Eric

Boulanger (Microsoft Teams), Debra Powless (Microsoft Teams), Keith Doxtator (Microsoft

Teams)

I.

Call to Order and Approval of the Agenda

David P. Jordan called the November 3, 2021, Legislative Operating Committee meeting

to order at 9:00 a.m.

Motion by Jennifer Webster to adopt the agenda as is; seconded by Marie Summers.

Motion carried unanimously.

II.

Minutes to be Approved

1. October 20, 2021 LOC Meeting Minutes

Motion by Marie Summers to approve the October 20, 2021 LOC meeting minutes and

forward to the Business Committee for consideration; seconded by Kirby Metoxen. Motion

carried unanimously.

III.

Current Business

1. Oneida General Welfare Law

Motion by Jennifer Webster to approve the updated draft, legislative analysis, and the fiscal

impact statement request memorandum and forward to the Finance Department directing

that a fiscal impact statement be prepared and submitted to the LOC by November 18,

2021; seconded by Kirby Metoxen. Motion carried unanimously.

2. Budget Management and Control Law Emergency Amendment

Motion by Jennifer Webster to approve the Budget Management and Control law

emergency amendments extensions packet and forward to the Oneida Business Committee

for consideration; seconded by Daniel Guzman King. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Kirby Metoxen to approve the draft of proposed amendments to the Budget

Management and Control law and direct that a legislative analysis be developed; seconded

by Jennifer Webster. Motion carried unanimously.

A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.

Legislative Operating Committee Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2021

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ONEIDA

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3. Oneida Nation Gaming Ordinance Emergency Amendments

Motion by Jennifer Webster to approve the Oneida Nation Gaming Ordinance emergency

amendments extension packet and forward to the Oneida Business Committee for

consideration; seconded by Marie Summers. Motion carried unanimously.

IV.

New Submissions

1. Elder Assistance Program Law

Motion by Marie Summers to add the Elder Assistance Program law to the Active Files

List with David Jordan as the sponsor; seconded by Jennifer Webster. Motion carried

unanimously.

V.

Additions

VI.

Administrative Items

VII.

Executive Session

VIII. Adjourn

Motion by Marie Summers to adjourn at 9:30 a.m.; seconded by Daniel Guzman King.

Motion carried unanimously.

Legislative Operating Committee Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2021

Page 2 of 2

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Oneida Nation

""

Oneida Business Committee

Legislative Operating Committee

=DODDOD=

PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155-0365

ONEIDA

Oneida-nsn.gov

Legislative Operating Committee

November 17, 2021

Oneida Personnel Policies and

Procedures Emergency Amendments

Submission Date: 8/18/21

LOC Sponsor: Marie Summers

Public Meeting: n/a

Emergency Enacted: n/a

Summary: This item was carried over from last term. This request for amendments to the Oneida

Personnel Policies and Procedures was added to the AFL in February 2019. The purpose of the Oneida

Personnel Policies and Procedures is to provide the various procedures and policies governing employee

related matters including recruitment, selection, compensation and benefits, employee relations, safety

and health, rules and regulations, recordkeeping, and privacy and confidentiality. The Nation’s Human

Resources Department requested amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures to

address investigative enforcement. Amendments are being sought to delegate authority to investigators to

put employees on investigative leave (as opposed to just the supervisor of the employee), and discipline

employees. An amendment was also sought so that if terminated, an employee would be ineligible for

employment with the Nation, but may request forgiveness after five (5) years. This item was added to the

AFL in conjunctions with a request for amendments to the Investigative Leave Policy and the Workplace

Violence law. On April 10, 2019, the Oneida Business Committee directed the LOC to complete the

legislative process to remove section IV(A)(5)(n) regarding Trade Back for Cash from the Personnel

Policies and Procedures. On August 18, 2021, the Legislative Operating Committee considered a request

for amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures from the Human Resources Department

to address the selection policy in an effort to update the Personnel Policies & Procedures using current

interpretations, language and technology to improve minimize the time to hire employees from post to hire

in a tight labor market. The Legislative Operating Committee determined these amendments should be

pursued on an emergency basis for the immediate preservation of the general welfare of the Reservation

population.

10/7/20 LOC: Motion by Jennifer Webster to add the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures

Amendments to the Active Files List with Marie Summers as the sponsor; seconded by Kirby

Metoxen. Motion carried unanimously.

8/18/21 LOC: Motion by Marie Summers to accept the information provided in the request [request for

amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures to address the revision of the

HRD Manager Title] as FYI; seconded by Kirby Metoxen. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Marie Summers to accept for emergency LOC process [request for amendments to

the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures to address the selection process] with Marie

Summers as the sponsor; seconded by Kirby Metoxen. Motion carried unanimously.

9/13/21:

Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Daniel Guzman King, Clorissa N. Santiago, Carmen

Vanlanen, Geraldine Danforth, Todd Vandenheuvel, Barbara Kolitsch, Josh Cottrell, Nic

Reynolds, Wendy Alvarez, Kristal Hill, Matt Denny, Rhiannon Metoxen, Melinda K.

Danforth, Rita Reiter. This was a work meeting held through Microsoft Teams. The purpose

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of this work meeting was to review and discuss the proposed emergency amendments to the

Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures submitted by the HRD Department.

9/15/21:

Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer Webster, Kirby

Metoxen, Marie Summers, Clorissa N. Santiago, Carmen Vanlanen, Rhiannon Metoxen,

Kristal Hill. This was a work meeting held through Microsoft Teams. The purpose of this

work meeting was to review and discuss the proposed emergency amendments to the Oneida

Personnel Policies and Procedures submitted by the HRD Department.

10/12/21:

Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer Webster, Marie

Summers, Clorissa N. Santiago, Carmen Vanlanen, Rhiannon Metoxen, Kristal Hill, Todd

Vandenheuvel, Josh Cottrell, Nic Reynolds, Wendy Alvarez, Matt Denny, Melinda K.

Danforth, Rita Reiter. This was a work meeting held through Microsoft Teams. The purpose

of this work meeting was to review and discuss with HRD the LOC’s proposed emergency

amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures.

10/18/21:

Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer Webster, Marie

Summers, Clorissa N. Santiago, Carmen Vanlanen, Kristal Hill, Todd Vandenheuvel, Josh

Cottrell, Wendy Alvarez, Matt Denny, Rita Reiter. This was a work meeting held through

Microsoft Teams. The purpose of this work meeting was to continue reviewing and discussing

with HRD the LOC’s proposed emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and

Procedures.

10/21/21:

Work Meeting. Present: Clorissa N. Santiago, Carmen Vanlanen, Wendy Alvarez. This was a

work meeting held through Microsoft Teams. The purpose of this work meeting was to work

on clarifying the internal job posting section of the Personnel Policies and Procedures.

10/25/21:

Work Meeting. Present: Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer Webster, Marie Summers, Clorissa N.

Santiago, Carmen Vanlanen, Kristal Hill, Todd Vandenheuvel, Josh Cottrell, Wendy Alvarez,

Dana Thyssen, Lucy Neville, Nic Reynolds. This was a work meeting held through Microsoft

Teams. The purpose of this work meeting was to review an updated draft of the proposed

emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures.

11/4/21:

Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Daniel Guzman King, Jennifer

Webster, Marie Summers, Lisa Liggins, Brandon Yellowbird Stevens, Tehassi Hill, Cristina

Danforth, Clorissa N. Santiago, Carmen Vanlanen, Kristal Hill, Rhiannon Metoxen, Todd

Vandenheuvel, Lucy Neville, Nic Reynolds, Rita Reiter, and Matthew Denny. This was a

work meeting held through Microsoft Teams. The purpose of this work meeting with the

officers of the Oneida Business Committee and Human Resources Department was to discuss

the potential for emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures and

whether the emergency legislation standard provided in the LPA has been met.

11/9/21:

Work Meeting. Present: David P. Jordan, Kirby Metoxen, Jennifer Webster, Daniel Guzman

King, Marie Summers, Clorissa N. Santiago, Kristen Hooker, Carmen Vanlanen, Kristal Hill.

This was a work meeting held through Microsoft Teams. The purpose of this work meeting

was to review the updated proposed emergency amendments.

Next Steps:

 Approve Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures emergency amendments adoption packet

and forward to the Oneida Business Committee for consideration.

A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.

Page 2 of 2

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ONEIDA

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Oneida Nation

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

RE:

"'

Oneida Business Committee

Legislative Operating Committee

000000

PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155-0365

Onelda-nsn.gov

ONEIDA

Oneida Business Committee

David P. Jordan, LOC Chairperson

November 24, 2021

Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures Emergency Amendments

Please find the following attached backup documentation for your consideration of the emergency

amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures:

1. Resolution: Emergency Amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures Selection Policy

2. Statement of Effect: Emergency Amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and

Procedures - Selection Policy

3. Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures Emergency Amendments Legislative Analysis

4. Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures (Redline)

5. Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures (Clean)

Overview

Emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures are being sought to

improve the Nation's hiring capacity and service delivery in the tight labor markets that have

resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel

Policies and Procedures will:

■

Require that all applications for employment with the Nation be submitted online;

■

Eliminate the requirement that a position vacancy be posted twice with the first posting

open to enrolled members of the Nation only and the second posting open to the general

public;

■

Require that applicants who are enrolled members of the Oneida Nation be screened and

interviewed prior to any other applicants;

■

Allow for a supervisor to choose between the next two (2) ranked applicants if the first

choice refuses the position offer;

■

Require an employee who is transfened to continue serving in their present position until

a replacement can be found, for a period up to thirty (30) days;

■

Remove the requirement that an employee completes one (1) year of service to the Nation

before being eligible for a transfer;

■

Clarify that an .employee shall be required to undergo an original probation period for three

(3) months after being hired, transfened, or reassigned to a new position;

■

Remove the provision that provided probationary employees be paid at five percent (5%)

below the posted pay rate for the position; and

■

Make other revisions throughout Section III of the Oneida Personnel Policies and

Procedures to simplify and clarify language to make the hiring selection process more

efficient.

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On March 12, 2020, Chairman Tehassi Hill signed a "Declaration of Public Health State of

Emergency" regarding the COVID-19 pandemic which declared a Public Health State of

Emergency for the Nation until April 12, 2020 and set into place the necessary authority for action

to be taken and allows the Nation to seek reimbursement of emergency management actions that

may result in unexpected expenses. The Public Health State of Emergency has since been extended

until November 25, 2021, by the Oneida Business Committee through the adoption ofresolutions

BC-03-28-20-A, BC-05-06-20-A, BC-06-10-20-A, BC-07-08-20-A, BC-08-06-20-A, BC-09-0920-A, BC-10-08-20-A, BC-11-10-20-A, BC-12-09-20-D, BC-01-07-21-A, BC-02-10-21-A, BC03-10-21-D, BC-05-12-21-A, BC-06-23-21-B, BC-07-28-21-N, and BC-09-22-21-A.

The Oneida Business Committee can temporarily enact legislation when legislation is necessary

for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare of the Reservation

population, and the amendment of the legislation is required sooner than would be possible under

the Legislative Procedures Act. [1 O.C. 109.9-5}. A fiscal impact statement and public meeting

are not required for emergency legislation. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(a)}.

The emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures are necessary for

the preservation of the general welfare of the Reservation population. The emergency amendments

simplify the Nation's hiring selection procedures so they are more effective so that the Nation can

improve its hiring capacity and service delivery during increasingly tight labor markets that have

resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, observance of the requirements under the Legislative Procedures Act for the

adoption of these amendments would be contrary to public interest. The process and requirements

of the Legislative Procedures Act cannot be completed in time to allow the Nation the ability to

adequately address its hiring selection procedures in the tight labor markets resulting from the

COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures will become

effective immediately upon adoption by the Oneida Business Committee and will remain effective

for six (6) months, with the possibility to extend for an additional six (6) months, or until the

emergency amendments expire or are permanently adopted. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(b)J.

Requested Action

Approve the Resolution: Emergency Amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and

Procedures - Selection Policy

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A good mind. A good heart. A strong fire.

~

ONEIDA

Oneida Nation

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Post Office Box 365

Phone: (920)869-2214

Oneida, WI 54155

BC Resolution #

Emergency Amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures – Selection Policy

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WHEREAS,

the Oneida Nation is a federally recognized Indian government and a treaty tribe

recognized by the laws of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS,

the Oneida General Tribal Council is the governing body of the Oneida Nation; and

WHEREAS,

the Oneida Business Committee has been delegated the authority of Article IV, Section 1,

of the Oneida Tribal Constitution by the Oneida General Tribal Council; and

WHEREAS,

the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures (“the Law”) sets forth the Nation’s various

employment related policies and procedures; and

WHEREAS,

Section III of the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures specifically governs the hiring

selection policy for employment with the Nation; and

WHEREAS,

on March 12, 2020, Chairman Tehassi Hill signed a “Declaration of Public Health State of

Emergency” regarding COVID-19 which declared a Public Health State of Emergency for

the Nation until April 12, 2020, and set into place the necessary authority for action to be

taken and allows the Nation to seek reimbursement of emergency management actions

that may result in unexpected expenses; and

WHEREAS,

the Nation’s Public Health State of Emergency has since been extended by the Oneida

Business Committee until November 25, 2021, through the adoption of the following

resolutions: BC-03-28-20-A, BC-05-06-20-A, BC-06-10-20-A, BC-07-08-20-A, BC-08-0620-A, BC-09-09-20-A, BC-10-08-20-A, BC-11-10-20-A, BC-12-09-20-D, BC-01-07-21-A,

BC-02-10-21-A, BC-03-10-21-D, BC-05-12-21-A, BC-06-23-21-B, BC-07-28-21-N, and

BC-09-22-21-A; and

WHEREAS,

the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted many business operations and had vast effects on

employment throughout the country; and

WHEREAS,

emergency amendments to the Law are being sought to improve the Nation’s hiring

capacity and service delivery in the tight labor markets that have resulted from the COVID19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will require that all applications for employment

with the Nation be submitted online; and

WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will eliminate the requirement that a position

vacancy be posted twice with the first posting open to enrolled members of the Nation only

and the second posting open to the general public; and

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BC Resolution _____________

Emergency Amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures – Selection Policy

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WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will require that applicants who are enrolled

members of the Oneida Nation be screened and interviewed prior to any other applicants;

and

WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will allow for a supervisor to choose between the

next two (2) ranked applicants if the first choice refuses the position offer; and

WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will require an employee who is transferred to

continue serving in their present position until a replacement can be found, for a period up

to thirty (30) days; and

WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will remove the requirement that an employee

completes one (1) year of service to the Nation before being eligible for a transfer; and

WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will clarify that an employee shall be required to

undergo an original probation period for three (3) months after being hired, transferred, or

reassigned to a new position; and

WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will remove the provision that provided

probationary employees be paid at five percent (5%) below the posted pay rate for the

position; and

WHEREAS,

the emergency amendments to the Law will make other revisions throughout Section III of

the Law to simplify and clarify language to make the hiring selection process more efficient;

and

WHEREAS,

the Legislative Procedures Act authorizes the Oneida Business Committee to enact

legislation on an emergency basis when legislation is necessary for the immediate

preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare of the Reservation population,

and the adoption of the legislation is required sooner than would be possible under the

Legislative Procedures Act; and

WHEREAS,

the emergency adoption of amendments to this Law are necessary for the preservation of

the general welfare of the Reservation population in order to simplify the Nation’s hiring

selection procedures so they are more effective so that the Nation can improve its hiring

capacity and service delivery during increasingly tight labor markets that have resulted

from the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS,

observance of the requirements under the Legislative Procedures Act for adoption of the

emergency amendments to this Law would be contrary to public interest and the process

and requirements of the Legislative Procedures Act cannot be completed in time to allow

the Nation the ability to adequately address its hiring selection procedures in the tight labor

markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS,

adoption of emergency amendments to this Law would remain in effect for a period of six

(6) months, renewable by the Oneida Business Committee for an additional six (6) month

term; and

WHEREAS,

the Legislative Procedures Act does not require a public meeting or fiscal impact statement

when considering emergency legislation; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Oneida Business Committee hereby adopts the emergency

amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures effective immediately.

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Oneida Nation

Oneida Business Committee

Legislative Operating Committee

PO Box 365 • Oneida, WI 54155-0365

Oneida-nsn.gov

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ONEIDA

Statement of Effect

Emergency Amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures – Selection Policy

Summary

This resolution adopts emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Submitted by: Clorissa N. Santiago, Senior Staff Attorney, Legislative Reference Office

Date: November 10, 2021

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Office

This resolution adopts emergency amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures

(“the Law”). The Law sets forth the Nation’s various employment related policies and procedures,

with Section III specifically governing the hiring selection policy or employment with the Nation.

The emergency amendments to the Law will:

 Require that all applications for employment with the Nation be submitted online;

 Eliminate the requirement that a position vacancy be posted twice with the first posting

open to enrolled members of the Nation only and the second posting open to the general

public;

 Require that applicants who are enrolled members of the Oneida Nation be screened and

interviewed prior to any other applicants;

 Allow for a supervisor to choose between the next two (2) ranked applicants if the first

choice refuses the position offer;

 Require an employee who is transferred to continue serving in their present position until

a replacement can be found, for a period up to thirty (30) days;

 Remove the requirement that an employee completes one (1) year of service to the Nation

before being eligible for a transfer;

 Clarify that an employee shall be required to undergo an original probation period for three

(3) months after being hired, transferred, or reassigned to a new position;

 Remove the provision that provided probationary employees be paid at five percent (5%)

below the posted pay rate for the position; and

 Make other revisions throughout Section III of the Oneida Personnel Policies and

Procedures to simplify and clarify language to make the hiring selection process more

efficient.

The Legislative Procedures Act (“the LPA”) was adopted by the General Tribal Council for the

purpose of providing a process for the adoption or amendment of laws of the Nation. [1 O.C.

109.1-1]. The LPA allows the Oneida Business Committee to take emergency action where it is

necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety or general welfare of the

Reservation population and when enactment or amendment of legislation is required sooner than

would be possible under the LPA. [1 O.C. 109.9-5]. A public meeting and fiscal impact statement

are not required for emergency legislation. [1 O.C. 109.8-1(b) and 109.9-5(a)].

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On March 12, 2020, in accordance with the Emergency Management law, Chairman Tehassi Hill

signed a “Declaration of Public Health State of Emergency” which sets into place the necessary

authority should action need to be taken, and allows the Oneida Nation to seek reimbursement of

emergency management actions that may result in unexpected expenses. [3 O.C. 302.8-1]. The

Oneida Business Committee has extended this Public Health State of Emergency until November

25, 2021, through the adoption of the following resolutions: BC-03-26-20-A, BC-05-06-20-A, BC06-10-20-A, BC-07-08-20-A, BC-08-06-20-A, BC-09-09-20-A, BC-10-08-20-A, BC-11-10-20A, BC-12-09-20-D, BC-01-07-21-A, BC-02-10-21-A, BC-03-10-21-D, BC-05-12-21-A, BC-0623-21-B, BC-07-28-21-N, and BC-09-22-21-A. [3 O.C. 302.8-2]. The COVID-19 pandemic

interrupted many business operations and had vast effects on employment throughout the country.

The resolution provides that the emergency amendments to this Law are necessary for the

preservation of the general welfare of the Reservation population in order to simplify and clarify

the Nation’s hiring selection procedures so they are more effective so that the Nation can improve

its hiring capacity and service delivery during increasingly tight labor markets that have resulted

from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, observance of the requirements under the Legislative Procedures Act for the

adoption of this Law would be contrary to public interest and the process and requirements of the

LPA cannot be completed in time to allow the Nation the ability to adequately address its hiring

selection procedures in the tight labor markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The adoption of emergency amendments to this Law will take effect immediately upon adoption

by the Oneida Business Committee. The emergency amendments to the Law will remain effective

for six (6) months. The LPA provides the possibility to extend the emergency amendments for an

additional six (6) months, or until the emergency amendments expire or are permanently adopted.

[1 O.C. 109.9-5(b)].

Conclusion

Adoption of this resolution would not conflict with any of the Nation’s laws

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ONEIDA

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Analysis to Emergency Draft 1

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EMERGENCY AMENDMENTS TO

ONEIDA PERSONNEL POLICIES

AND PROCEDURES

LEGISLATIVE ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Intent of the

Proposed Amendments

Purpose

Affected Entities

Public Meeting

Fiscal Impact

Expiration of Emergency

Legislation

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Office

 Update the Nation’s Personnel Policies and Procedures using current

interpretations, language, and technology to minimize the time to hire

employees from post to hire in a tight labor market;

 Remove language stating that knowledge of Oneida culture can be

attained only by membership (or eligibility for membership) in the

Oneida Nation;

 Add language to state that the Personnel Commission is directed to

comply with the Oneida Personnel Commission Bylaws;

 Update the applications policy to require all applications for employment

vacancies to be submitted online;

 Change the guidelines for advertising position vacancies to require one

posting for position vacancies open to both enrolled Oneida members and

the general public;

 Add guidelines for screening to require applicants who are enrolled

members of the Oneida Nation to be screened and interviewed prior to

any other applicants;

 Include a definition for “conflict of interest”;

 Add language to clarify that no applicant interview shall take place

without an HRD Representative present;

 Revise the selection policy to provide the supervisor with the next two (2)

ranked candidates should the supervisor’s first choice refuse the offer;

 Revise the selection policy to remove requirement of offering chosen

candidates the position within five (5) days;

 Remove the section regarding bidding for internal job postings; and

 Remove the wage deduction for probationary employees.

To provide for the Nation’s employee related policies and procedures

including recruitment, selection, compensation and benefits, employee

relations, safety and health, program and enterprise rules and regulations, and

record keeping.

Oneida Nation employees

A public meeting is not required for emergency legislation [1 O.C. 109.81(b) and 109.9-5(a)].

A fiscal impact statement is not required for emergency legislation [1 O.C.

109.9-5(a)].

Emergency legislation expires six (6) months after adoption and may be

renewed for an additional six (6) month period.

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Analysis to Emergency Draft 1

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SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT

A. Background. The Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures provides the Nation’s employee related

policies and procedures including recruitment, selection, compensation and benefits, employee

relations, safety and health, program and enterprise rules and regulations, and record keeping.

B. Request for Emergency Amendments. On August 18, 2021, the Legislative Operating Committee

considered a request for amendments to the Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures from the Human

Resources Department to address the selection policy in an effort to update the Personnel Policies &

Procedures using current interpretations, language and technology to improve minimize the time to hire

employees from post to hire in a tight labor market. The Legislative Operating Committee determined

these amendments should be pursued on an emergency basis for the immediate preservation of the

general welfare of the Reservation population.

SECTION 3. CONSULTATION AND OUTREACH

Representatives from the following departments or entities participated in the development of this Law

and legislative analysis:

 Human Resources Department

The Legislative Operating Committee has held the following work meetings specific to the proposed

emergency amendments to this Law:

 9/13/21 – LOC work meeting with the Human Resources Department

 9/15/21 – LOC work meeting

 10/12/21 – LOC work meeting with the Human Resources Department

 10/18/21 – LOC work meeting with the Human Resources Department

 10/21/21 – Work meeting with representatives from the LRO and Human Resources

Department

 10/25/21 – LOC work meeting with the Human Resources Department

 11/4/21 – LOC work meeting with the officers of the Oneida Business Committee and the

Human Resources Department

 11/9/21 – LOC work meeting

SECTION 4. PROCESS

A. These amendments are being considered on an emergency basis. The Oneida Business Committee may

temporarily enact an emergency law where legislation is necessary for the immediate preservation of

public health, safety, or general welfare of the Reservation population and enactment or amendment of

legislation is required sooner than would be possible under this law. [1 O.C. 109.9-5].

 The emergency adoption of amendments to this Law are necessary for the preservation of the

general welfare of the Reservation population in order to simplify the Nation’s hiring selection

procedures so they are more effective so that the Nation can improve its hiring capacity and service

delivery during increasingly tight labor markets that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Observance of the requirements under the Legislative Procedures Act for adoption of the

emergency amendments to this Law would be contrary to public interest and the process and

requirements of the Legislative Procedures Act cannot be completed in time to allow the Nation

the ability to adequately address its hiring selection procedures in the tight labor markets resulting

from the COVID-19 pandemic.

B. The emergency amendments will expire six (6) months after adoption, with one (1) opportunity for a

six (6) month extension of the emergency amendments. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(b)].

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C. The Legislative Procedures Act does not require a public meeting or fiscal impact statement when

considering emergency legislation. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(a)]. However, a public meeting and fiscal impact

statement will eventually be required when considering permanent adoption of this Law.

D. On August 18, 2021, the Legislative Operating Committee considered a request for amendments to the

Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures from the Human Resources Department to address the

selection policy in an effort to update the Personnel Policies and Procedures using current

interpretations, language and technology to improve minimize the time to hire employees from post to

hire in a tight labor market.

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SECTION 5. CONTENTS OF THE LEGISLATION

A. Oneida Preference and Indian Preference Statement of Policy. The proposed amendments alter the

language of the Oneida Preference and Indian Preference Statement of Policy to state that a highly

desirable employment characteristic is knowledge of Oneida culture [Section III(A)]. Previously, this

section stated that knowledge of Oneida culture can be attained only by membership (or eligibility for

membership) in the Oneida Nation [Section III(A)].

 Effect: Language stating that knowledge of Oneida culture can only be attained by membership

(or eligibility for membership) is removed due to the belief that knowledge of the Oneida culture

may be attained in other ways.

B. Hiring Guidelines. The proposed emergency amendments add language to state that the Personnel

Commission is directed to comply with the Oneida Personnel Commission Bylaws [Section

III(B)(2)(b)(1)(a)(iii)].

 Effect: The Personnel Commission will comply with the Oneida Personnel Commission Bylaws

to represent the Oneida Community-at-large in the selection of employees of the Nation.

C. Applications. The proposed emergency amendments update the policy for applications to require all

applications to be submitted online [Section III(B)(3)(d)(2)]. Previously, hand-delivered applications

were accepted at the HRD Office until 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date [Section III(B)(3)(d)(2)].

 Effect: Applications for employment vacancies will only be accepted online in order to minimize

the time to hire employees from post to hire in a tight labor market.

D. Advertising. The proposed emergency amendments change the guidelines for advertising position

vacancies so that there is one posting for position vacancies open to both enrolled Oneida members

and the general public [Section III(B)(2)(e)(2)]. Previously, there were two separate postings; the first

post was limited to enrolled Oneida members and was required to be posted for a minimum of seven

(7) calendar days, and the second post was open to the general public and was required to be posted

for a minimum of ten (10) days [Section III(B)(2)(e)].

 Effect. Only one (1) posting for tribal members and the general public will be required for

position vacancies, unless the position is required to be filled by an enrolled member of the

Oneida Nation. This will reduce the time that position vacancies are required to be posted, thus

minimizing the time to hire employees from post to hire in a tight labor market. Position

vacancies will now be posted for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days to the general public,

rather than seven (7) calendar days for enrolled Oneida members and an additional ten (10)

calendar days for the general public.

E. Screening. The proposed emergency amendments add guidelines for screening so that applicants who

are enrolled members of the Oneida Nation shall be screened and interviewed prior to any other

applicants. If the screening and interviewing of the applicants who are enrolled members of the

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Oneida Nation did not result in the position vacancy being filled, then all other applicants may be

screened and interviewed [Section III(B)(2)(f)(1)].

 Effect. Applicants who are enrolled members of the Oneida Nation will be given priority over the

general public to be screened and interviewed for vacant positions.

F. Definition for “Conflict of Interest”. The proposed emergency amendments include a definition for

“conflict of interest”, as defined in the Conflict of Interest law. Conflict of interest is defined as: a) Any

interest, real or apparent, whether it be personal, financial, political, or otherwise, held by an elected

official, officer, political appointee, employee, consultant, or appointed or elected member. b)

Immediate family members, friends or associates, or any other person with whom they have contact,

that conflicts with any right of the Nation to property, information. c) Any other right to own and

operate activities free from undisclosed competition or other violation of such rights of the Nation. d)

This is not an all-inclusive list [Section III(B)(2)(f)(3)].

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 Effect. The definition for “conflict of interest” is added, as defined in the Conflict of Interest Law.

G. Applicant Interviews. The proposed emergency amendments add language to state that no interview

shall take place without an HRD Representative present [Section III(B)(2)(g)(2)].

 Effect. Interviews will not take place without an HRD Representative present to ensure all

procedures are followed.

H. Selection. The proposed emergency amendments change the language of the selection policy to state

that the HRD Office will notify and offer the position to the selected candidate, and should the

supervisor’s first choice refuse the offer, the HRD Office will provide the supervisor with the next two

ranked candidates to choose from [Section III(B)(h)(1)(c)]. The proposed emergency amendments also

remove the requirement to list all newly hired employees in the HR newsletter. Previously, the policy

stated that the HRD Office will notify the selected candidate and offer the candidate the job within five

(5) working days of the selection decision by the supervisor, and should the supervisor’s first choice

refuse the office, the HRD Office will offer the job to the second ranked candidate [Section

III(B)(h)(1)(c)]. All newly hired employees were listed in the HR newsletter [Section III(B)(h)(4)].

 Effect. The HRD Office will not be required to offer the chosen candidate the job within five (5)

working days of the selection decision by the supervisor. Should the supervisor’s first choice refuse

the offer, the HRD Office will provide the supervisor with the next two ranked candidates rather

than automatically offering the job to the second ranked candidate.

I. Bidding. The proposed emergency amendments remove the section regarding bidding for internal job

postings. Previously, Oneida Nation employees could bid for transfers by notifying their immediate

supervisor and submitting an Application Form to the HRD Office [Section III(C)(a)(3)].

 Effect. Employees will not be able to bid for transfers.

J. Interim Position Reassignments. The proposed emergency amendments add a section regarding

interim position reassignments. Interim position reassignments may be processed to fill a position in

which the previous employee is in the appeals process, on a leave of absence, or for a vacant position

[Section III(C)(2)(c)(1)].

 Effect: Supervisors may fill vacant positions through interim position reassignments.

K. Status as a Probationary Employee. The proposed emergency amendments eliminate the wage

deduction for probationary employees. The proposed amendments also eliminate the section stating

that employees who are terminated during the probation period will receive credit for accrued

vacation/personal days in their final paycheck. Previously, employees were paid at five percent (5%)

below the posted pay rate for the position during their probationary period [Section III(D)(b)(a)]. New

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employees hired under a negotiated salary received a salary one step below the agreed upon salary

during the probationary period [Section III(D)(b)(a)(1]. Employees who were terminated during their

probationary period received credit for accrued vacation/personal days during their final paycheck

[Section III(D)(3)(b)].

 Effect. Employees will receive their full wage during their probationary period. Employees that

are terminated during their probationary period will not receive credit for accrued

vacation/personal days in their final paycheck.

L. Minor Drafting Changes. Minor drafting and formatting changes have been made throughout the

Personnel Policies and Procedures including the following:

 References to “American Indian Nation” were changed to “federally recognized tribe”;

 The section on conflict of interest and nepotism was moved to later in the document;

 Some references to the “HRD Manager” were changed to “HR Representative”;

 Internal HR information that was not needed for an employee manual was removed;

 Some references to “will” were changed to “shall”;

 A reference to “tribal employees’ were changed to “employees of the Nation”;

 Inquiries to job applications were updated so that they would be responded to with an application

and/or resume rather than an application form;

 The section on advertising was reformatted;

 Some references to “candidates” were changed to “applicants”; and

 References to “transferred or promoted” were changed to “job reassigned”.

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SECTION 6. EXISTING LEGISLATION

A. Related Legislation. The following laws of the Nation are related to the emergency amendments to this

Law:

 Legislative Procedures Act. The Legislative Procedures Act was adopted by the General Tribal

Council on January 7, 2013, for the purpose of providing a standard process for the adoption

of laws of the Nation which includes taking into account comments from members of the

Nation and input from agencies of the Nation. [1 O.C. 109.1-1, 109.1-2].

 The Legislative Procedures Act provides a process for the adoption of emergency

legislation when the legislation is necessary for the immediate preservation of the

public health, safety, or general welfare of the Reservation population and the

enactment or amendment of legislation is required sooner than would be possible under

this law. [1 O.C. 109.9-5].

 The Legislative Operating Committee is responsible for first reviewing the

emergency legislation and for forwarding the legislation to the Oneida

Business Committee for consideration. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(a)].

 The proposed emergency legislation is required to have a legislative analysis

completed and attached prior to being sent to the Oneida Business Committee

for consideration. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(a)].

a. A legislative analysis is a plain language analysis describing the

important features of the legislation being considered and factual

information to enable the Legislative Operating Committee to make

informed decisions regarding legislation. A legislative analysis

includes a statement of the legislation’s terms and substance; intent of

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the legislation; a description of the subject(s) involved, including any

conflicts with Oneida or other law, key issues, potential impacts of the

legislation and policy considerations. [1 O.C. 109.3-1(g)].

 Emergency legislation does not require a fiscal impact statement to be

completed or a public comment period to be held. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(a)].

 Upon the determination that an emergency exists the Oneida Business

Committee can adopt emergency legislation. The emergency legislation

becomes effective immediately upon its approval by the Oneida Business

Committee. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(b)].

 Emergency legislation remains in effect for a period of up to six (6) months,

with an opportunity for a one-time emergency law extension of up to six (6)

months. [1 O.C. 109.9-5(b)].

 Adoption of these proposed emergency amendments would conform with the

requirements of the Legislative Procedures Act.

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SECTION 7. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

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A. Deadline for Permanent Adoption of Legislation. The adoption of emergency amendments to the

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Oneida Personnel Policies and Procedures will expire six (6) months after adoption. The emergency

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legislation may be renewed for an additional six (6) month period.

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 Conclusion: The Legislative Operating Committee will need to determine if the adoption of these

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amendments is necessary on a permanent basis, and if so, develop the permanent amendments to

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this Law within the next six (6) to twelve (12) months.

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B. Fiscal Impact. A fiscal impact statement is not required for emergency legislation.

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 Under the Legislative Procedures Act, a fiscal impact statement is required for all legislation except

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emergency legislation [1 O.C. 109.6-1].

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r'\.

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=DDDDDD=

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ONEIDA

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ONEIDA NATION

PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

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Table of Contents (Last update 12/06/19)__/__/__)

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SECTION I INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 2

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SECTION II ‐ RECRUITING ...................................................................................................................... 3

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SECTION III – SELECTION POLICY........................................................................................................... 6

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SECTION IV – COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS .................................................................................... 13

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SECTION V – EMPLOYEE RELATIONS ................................................................................................... 19

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SECTION VI – SAFETY AND HEALTH..................................................................................................... 28

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SECTION VII – PROGRAM/ENTERPRISE RULES & REGULATIONS .......................................................... 29

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SECTION VIII ‐ RECORDKEEPING ......................................................................................................... 30

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SECTION IX – PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF EMPLOYEE RECORDS ............................................. 31

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SECTION I – INTRODUCTION

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Welcome to the Oneida Nation. We are pleased to have you join us as a partner on a team of

individuals dedicated to providing quality service that enhances the quality of life of the Oneida

community. The role you play in your position is important to the overall effort required by your

department to meet the goals and objectives of the Oneida Nation. We encourage you to take

advantage of the opportunities presented to you, as an employee, to grow and develop both

personally and professionally.

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The purpose of this "Employee Manual" is to provide you with a ready source of information about

employee related Oneida Nation policies and procedures. Although we have tried to make this

manual as comprehensive as possible; it does not, and cannot, include policies which address

every situation that may arise. The Oneida Nation reserves the right to modify, alter, change or

cancel existing policies and procedures or adopt new procedures and policies at any time.

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The policies and procedures set forth in this manual apply to all employees. As an employee of the

Oneida Nation, you are required to know and abide by these policies and procedures. Oneida

Nation departments may have specific and additional procedures enhancing the general policies

stated in this manual. Each employee is expected to learn his/her department’s procedures and

comply with them. In the event of any conflict between policies in this manual and departmental

procedure, the policies in this manual supersede. Each employee is also expected to conform to

the professional standards of his/her occupation. Questions regarding this manual, or any

employee related policies, should be directed to your supervisor, department head, or to the

Human Resources Department at (920) 496-7900.

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The Oneida Nation is proud to have you on our staff and we look forward to a fulfilling and

successful team relationship.

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SECTION II - RECRUITING

A. RECRUITING

1. Recruiting Strategy

a. The Oneida Nation shall implement a Recruiting Strategy to increase the potential for

hiring the best-qualified and most capable employees possible.

1) The Recruiting Strategy shall target, as the first priority, applicants in accordance

with the Oneida and Indian Preference Policy.

2) The Recruiting Strategy shall have a nationwide focus and will use:

a) The Kalihwisaks (national distribution);

b) The Oneida Higher Education Office's network of post-secondary school

students;

c) Local and regional media and public employment agencies.

2. Applicant Pool

a. The Oneida Nation shall establish and maintain an Applicant Pool consisting of

individuals who have expressed an interest in working for the Oneida Nation.

1) The Applicant Pool will consist of files containing:

a) An Oneida Nation Application Form;

b) A summary of career goals and job preferences.

2) The Applicant Pool will be regularly reviewed to:

a) Update individual files:

b) Remove files where indicated.

3) The Applicant Pool will be cross-referenced by job preferences.

a) Notices of job vacancies and an Application Form will be sent to all Applicant

Pool members as appropriate.

4) All Applicant Pool members shall have the right to review and update their file

upon request.

5) Applicant Pool members shall be apprised of the Nation's Indian Preference

Policy.

B. LABOR POOLS

1. Supervisors that wish to establish a job classification as a Labor Pool Position will work

with the HRD to establish the job classification.

2. Each Labor Pool Position shall be advertised as on-going recruitment pool. The HRD shall

maintain an updated list of qualified candidates for each Labor Pool Position.

3. The HRD will accept all job applications and verify that each applicant is qualified

according to the established job description. All qualified applicants will then be placed

in a pool according to the Nation's Oneida and Indian Preference Policy and the date the

application was received. All applicants will be notified of acceptance into or rejection

from the pool.

a. PRESCREENING OF LABOR POOL POSITIONS (HR Interpretation 11-13-12) Applicants who

were previously employed by the Oneida Nation and were terminated for reasons of

misconduct or performance issues will be screened out for a period of twelve (12)

months following the date of discharge.

4. The HRD will keep an updated list of qualified applicants for each job position.

5. When a vacancy occurs in a Labor Pool Position, the supervisor will notify the HRD of the

position to be filled. The HRD Office shall then refer the top three (3) applicants to the

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immediate supervisor. The top three applicants shall be based first on the Oneida and

Indian Preference Policy and, second, the date an application was received. The

immediate supervisor will notify the HRD of their selection and the HRD will then offer

the position to the applicant. After the position is filled, all ranked candidates will move

up on the list. (HR Interpretation 7-11-13)

6. If the applicant refuses the position, the HRD Office will then offer it to the next applicant

until the position is filled.

7. If the applicant refuses the job, the applicant may withdraw from the Labor Pool or, if he

or she declines to withdraw from the Labor Pool, the date of refusal will be considered

the date the application was received and the applicant will be placed in the Labor Pool

list according to B.3.

8. Indian (Oneida) Preference will be adhered to in all hiring decisions.

C. EMERGENCY/TEMPORARY POSITIONS

1. The HRD will periodically recruit individuals who are interested in filling temporary

positions which consist of the following classifications:

a. Emergency/Temp

b. Limited Term

c. Seasonal

d. Substitute/Relief

e. Youth Worker

f. Student/Intern

2. Creation of Positions

a. Creation of positions in the above Temporary Employee Classifications will require

that these positions be budgeted for the current fiscal year, or proof through

documentation that the budget is adequate to incorporate these positions.

b. The positions must be developed in conjunction with the HRD; assuring that all

Policies and Procedures are adhered to. Creation of temporary classification requires

the approval of the Director, Area Manager, and HRD Manager, or elected official of

the Oneida Nation.

c. All newly created temporary positions must be processed through the Wage and

Salary system before a position can be filled with a temporary employee.

3. Recruitment/Selection

a. Recruitment/selection of applicants for all temporary positions requires a completed

Temporary Personnel Requisition form with an updated job description attached.

b. The HRD will provide a list of qualified candidates according to the job descriptions

to the immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor will select from the approved

list adhering to Indian Preference.

c. The HRD will contact the selected candidate and offer the position, following the

proper procedures to put the incumbent on payroll.

d. The selected candidate will sign a statement accepting conditions of temporary

employment, and length of employment where applicable.

e. Temporary employees will be paid within the Grade in which the job is classified and

salary will be negotiated within the first three (3) steps of respective grade.

1) Any negotiated salary beyond step three will require written justification and

approval from the respective General Manager. (H.R. Interpretation, 12-8-16)

f. Temporary employees are welcome to apply for any regular position within the

Nation that becomes available during the term of their employment.

g. Temporary employees that are terminated due to documented cause will have the

right to the appeal process as outlined in the Personnel Policies and Procedures.

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h. All temporary employees are subject to lay-off based upon department job needs

and budgets. (HR Interpretation – 11-25-13)

i. Supervisors are required to do proficient planning within their respective span of

control; as such they must also enforce separation dates and will be monitored by

HRD for compliance.

j. Supervisors must select the most appropriate category of classification for the job.

1) Moving from one classification to another is prohibited.

4. Benefits

a. The following employee classifications will be eligible for benefits as defined in the

section of the Personnel Policies and Procedures as medical, dental, vacation and

personal accrual, holiday pay, premium pay.

1) Limited Term

2) Seasonal

b. The following employee classifications will be eligible for benefits as defined in this

section of the Personnel Policies and Procedures as Mandatory Benefits and Holiday

pay.

1) Emergency/Temporary

2) Substitute/Relief

3) Seasonal Worker (only during their first season)

c. The following employee classifications will be eligible for benefits as defined in this

section of the Personnel Policies and Procedures as Mandatory Benefits.

1) Youth Worker

2) Student/Intern

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SECTION III – SELECTION POLICY

A. ONEIDA PREFERENCE AND INDIAN PREFERENCE STATEMENT OF POLICY

Federal policy since 1834 accords hiring preference to Indians. The purpose of this

preference is threefold: 1) to give Indians a greater participation in self-government; 2)

to further the Government's trust obligation; and 3) to increase the positive effect of

having Indians administer matters that affect Indian tribal life. (GTC Resolution – 5-23-11-A)

More recently, legislation such as the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Education

Amendments of 1972 (passed after the Equal Employment Opportunity Act) continued

to specifically provide for preferential hiring of Indians by Indian Nations.

As an employer, the Nation seeks to employ individuals who possess the skills, abilities

and background to meet the employment needs of the Nation.

As a sovereign Indian Nation and a unique cultural group, the Oneida Nation has

determined that a highly desirable employment characteristic is knowledge of Oneida

culture that can be attained only by membership (or eligibility for membership) in the Oneida

Nation. . Further, the Nation recognizes the unique, shared culture of Native American

Indians and has determined that a desirable employment characteristic is status as a

member of an American Indian Nation.or descendant of a federally recognized tribe. At a

minimum, the Nation has determined that some knowledge of Indian culture is a

desirable employment characteristic.

Accordingly, the Oneida Nation establishes the following policy in regard to Indian

Preference for selecting employees to provide services that meet the needs of the

Oneida people. This Indian Preference policy shall be specific to staffing decisions made

under the Personnel Policies and Procedures and shall not be construed to have an

application outside of these policies and procedures.

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The Oneida Nation is an equal employment opportunity employer and follows nondiscriminatory policies and procedures in personnel decisions (HR Interpretation 5-19-14)

However, theThe Oneida Nation exists to serve the needs of the Oneida people and

therefore accords Oneida Preference to enrolled members of the Oneida Nation

Members where such preference is not otherwise prohibited. All General Managers and

top administrative positions, as defined by HRD in a standard operating procedure, shall

be held by enrolled Tribal members. of the Oneida Nation. In all other instances, the

Nation applies the following priorities of Indian Preference in staffing decisions:

Enrolled members of the Oneida Tribal memberNation;

Oneida IndiansIndividuals eligible for enrollment in the Oneida Nation;

Documented first generation descendants of the Oneida descendantNation;

Other Native American Indian;

Members or descendants of a federally recognized tribe;

Other (non-Indian). (HR Interpretation – 6-24-11)

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This policy willshall apply in decisions where the basic requirements for employment are

met.

B. HIRING PROCEDURE

1 Statement of Policy

a. The Oneida Nation is an equal employment opportunity employer and follows

nondiscriminatory policies in hiring.

b. The Oneida Nation is a firm advocate of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (as amended) and

the 1968 Indian Civil Rights Act (as amended) and will make every effort to ensure

compliance with each Act; however:

c. The Oneida Nation follows the principles of Indian Preference in the implementation

of hiring practices (see the Oneida Preference and Indian Preference Statement of

Policy).

2. The membersHiring Guidelines

d. All Supervisors of the Personnel Commission and all Oneida Nation employees who

supervise other Oneida Nation employees shall undergo periodic training in EEO

and Tribal laws, rules, and regulations.

1) Training will be knowledge - and skills-based

2) All Personnel Commission members and Tribal supervisors will undergo periodic

re-training in EEO and Tribal laws, rules and regulations

e.a. No person shall be recommended for a position if a conflict of interest or

nepotism is created. Nepotism is created by the following relationships: (HR

Interpretation 08-13-12)

Nation.

a) Father

i)

Father-in-law

b) Mother

j)

Mother-in-law

c) Husband

k)

Brother-in-law

d) Wife

l)

Sister-in-law

e) Brother

m)

Son-in-law

f) Sister

n)

Daughter-in-law

g) Son

o)

Grandparent

h) Daughter

p)

Grandchild

3. Hiring Procedures

a. HRD Office Responsibilities

1) Unless specifically noted, the HRD Office will have responsibility for

implementing the policies and procedures guiding the selection of Tribal

employees.

b. Personnel Commission Role

1) The Oneida Nation established the Personnel Commission to represent the

Oneida Community-at-large in the selection of tribal employees of the Nation.

a) The Personnel Commission is directed to:

i. Seek out the best-matched applicants for each available position;

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ii. Consider only job-related factors (such as education, experience, past job

performance, skills and abilities, and compatibility with the position and

potential co-workers) when selecting candidates.; and

iii. Comply with the Oneida Personnel Commission Bylaws.

c. Identification of Vacancies and Development of JobPosition Descriptions (Work Standard,

11-16-11)

1)

Supervisors may inform the HRD Office of pending vacancies as soon as they are

identified.

2) For new and existing positions, the HRD Manager (or designate),Representative,

the supervisor and the Area Manager (at his/hertheir option) willshall review the

jobposition description to ensure compliance with:

a) The Nation’s jobemployment structure; and

b) The needs and requirements of the job.

3) For new positions, the HRD Manager, the appropriate Area Manager, and the

supervisor shall develop the job description. (HR Interpretation, 12-8-16)

a) The new job description shall conform to the Oneida Nation job structure.

b) The new job description will be reviewed by the General Managerposition.

4) All jobposition descriptions shall containfollow the following information:

a) Job title, division/department, location, supervisor's title;

b) Posting date, application deadline, preferred starting date, date of job,

description review;

c) Pay level (grade, step, hourly rate);

d) A brief job summary;

e) Duties and responsibilities;

f) Qualifications;

g) Inquiry address;

h)3) Statement of compliance with EEO and Indian Preference policiesoutlined

structure.

d. Applications

1) All inquiries for jobposition vacancies willshall be responded to with an Oneida

Nation Application Form which will consist of:application.

a) Job vacancy title;

b) Applicant biographical data;

c) A request for a resume (where applicable).

2) The Application Form shall be accompanied by a Statement of Policy regarding

Oneida Preference and Indian Preference.

2) Hand-delivered applications will be accepted at the HRD Office until 4:30 p.m. on

the deadline date; mailedAll applications shall be submitted online.

3) All applications must be postmarked on or before the deadline date.

4)3)

All applications willshall be acknowledged.

e. Advertising

1) Position vacancies willshall be advertised as widely as possible including.

Advertising efforts may include, but not be limited to the following:

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a) The Kalihwisaks;

b) The Oneida Nation website;

c) Oneida Nation social media platforms;

d) Electronic communications or alerts;

e) Mailings;

b)f) Statewide, through print and electronic media and public employment

agencies;

c)g) Through targeted recruiting efforts including:

i. Major metropolitan areas (i.e. Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis, etc.)

ii.i. The Bureau of Indian Affairs;

iii.ii.

The Oneida Higher Education Office.

d)h) Other postings targeted toward special recruiting categories (such as

professions) shall be carried out at the discretion of the HRD Office with the

advice and consent of the affected department.

2) Unless otherwise prohibited by external grant source or federal law, the first

posting for aA position vacancy shall be limited to enrolled Oneida members

and shall be posted for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days.

3)2) The second posting for a position vacancy shall be posted for a minimum of ten

(10) calendar days and shall be open to the general public, unless the position

mustis required to be filled by an enrolled Oneida Nation member. (HR

Interpretation 8-9-11)

f.

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4)3) All vacancies requiring re-posting shall be referred back to B-2.c (Identification of

Vacancies and Development of JobPosition description) to begin the re-posting

process.

Screening of Applicants (HR Interpretation 11-16-12) (HR Interpretation 10-22-12)

1) Applicants who are enrolled members of the Oneida Nation shall be screened

and interviewed prior to any other applicants. If the screening and interviewing

of the applicants who are enrolled members of the Oneida Nation did not result

in the position vacancy being filled, then all other applicants may be screened

and interviewed.

1)2)

A Screening Committee consisting of the HRD Manager (or

designate),Representative, the position supervisor, the Area Manager (at

his/hertheir option), and a member of the Personnel Commission shall be

convened to conduct the screening of applicants. The Screening process willshall

begin as soon as practical following the closing of the position. ThisThe

Screening Committee willshall:

a) Verify that all applications are complete, are accurate and were submitted on

time.

i.b) Applications that are incomplete, inaccurate, or were not submitted on or

before the posted deadline date may be screened out.

b)c) Analyze the jobposition description to establish screening criteria. These

criteria willshall include qualifications listed on the jobposition description

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determined by the supervisor and Area ManagerHRD Representative to be

essential to the jobposition. (T.O.E. WS - 5-6-13)

c) Screen verified applications

d) Recommendand identify a list of applicants to be interviewed.

2) The HRD Office shall notify screened outEnsure there are no applicants within

five (5) working days after the initial screening and reserve these applications in

the general recruiting pool.

3) The HRD Office will arrangeineligible for interviewsemployment with the listed

candidates.

g. Candidate Interviews

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1)e) An Interview Committee will be convened and will consist of the members of

the Screening Committee except that the HRD Manager will be

replacedNation due to termination or resignation in accordance with a

second member of the Personnel Commission. The Interview Committee

will:the applicable standard operating procedure developed by HRD.

3) ConstructNo person shall be recommended for a position if nepotism is created.

Nepotism is created by the following relationships that are created by birth,

marriage, or through another legally recognized means:

a) Spouse;

b) Child;

c) Parent;

d) Sibling;

e) Grandparent;

f) Great-grandparent;

g) Grandchild; and

h) Guardian.

4) No person shall be recommended for a position if a conflict of interest is created.

Conflict of interest is defined as:

a) any interest, real or apparent, whether it be personal, financial, political, or

otherwise, in which an elected official, officer, political appointee, employee,

contractor, or appointed or elected member, or their immediate family

members, friends or associates, or any other person with whom they have

contact, have that conflicts with any right of the Nation to property,

information, or any other right to own and operate activities free from

undisclosed competition or other violation of such rights of the Nation.

b) any financial or familial interest an elected official, officer, political appointee,

employee, contractor, or appointed or elected member or their immediate

family members may have in any transaction between the Nation and an

outside party

a)5) The HRD Representative and supervisor shall construct an interview format

consisting of:

i.a) A set of questions related to the screening criteria qualifications; and

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ii.b) An interview rating scale designed to objectively evaluate each

candidate'sapplicant’s qualifications.

6) The HRD Office shall arrange for interviews with the listed applicants.

g. Applicant Interviews

b)1)

An Interview candidatesCommittee shall be convened consisting of the

members of the Screening Committee and a second member of the Personnel

Commission. The Interview Committee shall interview applicants and evaluate

each individually.

2) No interview shall take place without an HRD Representative present.

2)3)

The HRD Manager (or designee) willRepresentative shall total the

evaluation rating scale to rank order of the candidatesapplicants.

h. Selection (HR Interpretation - Disqualification of Applicant 10-24-13)

1) The supervisor shall select one of the top two (2) candidatesapplicants as ranked

through the rating scale. (HR Interpretation - 10-17-12)

a) The supervisor may conduct an additional personalfollow-up interview with

the top two (2) candidatesapplicants.

b) The selection decision shall be governed by the Oneida Preference and

Indian Preference Policy. (HR Interpretation - 6-6-11)

c) The HRD Office willshall notify the selected candidate and offer the

candidate the job within five (5) working days of the selection decision by

the supervisor.position to the selected applicant.

i.

Should the supervisor's first choice refuse the offer, the HRD Office will

offershall provide the job tosupervisor with the secondnext two (2)

ranked candidateapplicants to choose from.

2)ii. Should both of the top two ranked candidates(2) chosen applicants

refuse the jobposition offer, the supervisor may:

a)1. Repeat the hiring selection process outlined in B.2.h.1. above with

the remaining candidates; or

b)2. Re-post the position.

3)2) The HRD Office willshall notify those candidatesapplicants interviewed but not

selected of the decision to hire the best-qualified candidate.

4) All newly hired employees will be listed in the HR newsletter.

C.

TRANSFERS AND PROMOTIONS POLICY

INTERNAL POSITION POSTING - The Oneida Nation encourages transfers and

promotionsmovement within and among units in order to make the best possible use of

human resources to meet the Oneida NationNation’s goals and objectives. Supervisors and

employees are encouraged to work together to create an environment in which employees

constantly strive to improve their skills and abilities and mangersmanagers constantly seek

to provide challenging and rewarding work experiences.

1. Procedure

a. Internal Position Posting and Bidding

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1) Open positions as determined by a supervisor and his/hertheir Area Manager

willmay be posted internally for a position transfer for a minimum of five (5)

working days. This internal posting will be concurrent with the external (public)

posting of positions.

a) Positions will be posted in prominent locations in each Oneida Nation

building

2) Oneida Nation employees may bid for transfers by notifying their immediate

supervisor and submitting an Application Form to the HRD Office.

a) The HRD Manager will inform all affected Area Managers of each transfer

bid.

3)2) At the end of the five (5) day minimum internal posting period, the HRD

Manager will Representative shall schedule a conferencescreening with the

open position's supervisor and the Area Manager. (at their option).

a) The conference committee will consist of the supervisor, the Area Manager

and the HRD Manager (or designate) acting as this Committee will:

i. Establish selection criteria; and

ii. Review each bid.

b) The Committee may select the best-qualified applicant but is not required to

choose an applicant to fill the open position from those employees who

have submitted an application for a transfer or promotion.

c) If the Committee does not fill the position from the transfer/promotion

process, the process will continue through the full advertising, screening and

interview steps.

i. Any decision will be governed by the Indian Preference Policy.

4)3) Employees who are transferred or promoted will shall not lose any benefits;

however:

a) An employee may be required to continue serving in his/hertheir present

position until a replacement can be found;, for a period up to thirty (30) days.

b) An employee who is transferred to a position lower on the Oneida Nation

JobPosition Structure willshall be paid at the grade level corresponding to

the new position;.

c) An employee must have completed one year of service to the Nation before

being eligible for a promotion or transfer (requestsRequests for transfers for

documented medical conditions will be handled on a case -by -case basis

and only when in the best interests of both the employee and the Nation);.

d) The newly transferred or promoted employee shall be required to complete

a three (3) month probation period (all. All conditions of the Nation's

Original Probation Policy shall apply).

b. Applicant Pool Process

1) New and vacant positions will be advertised through the Tribal Applicant Pool.

2) The job description will be sent to persons whose applications are maintained in

the Applicant Pool.

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a) The Tribal Applicant Pool will consist of open (unspecified) applications from

Tribal members who wish to be considered for employment by the Nation.

b)d) Advertising through the Tribal Applicant Pool will follow the format and

time conditions set forth in the Hiring Policy during that period.

Reassignments

a. Title Reassignments

1) Title Reassignments may be made by supervisors to:

a) More accurately describe or define an existing jobposition; or

b) Make minor adjustments in jobspositions within a unit or operating division.

2) Title Reassignments may be made at any time with the approval of the Area

Manager and HRD ManagerRepresentative.

b. JobPosition Reassignments

1) JobPosition Reassignments may be made by supervisors to make more efficient

and effective use of human resources.

2) JobPosition Reassignments may be supervisor-initiated or employee-initiated but

must be made in the best interests of the operating unit.

3) JobPosition Reassignments may be made at any time with the approval of the

Area Manager and after a review of each affected job by the Personnel

Evaluation CommitteeHRD Manager.

c. Interim Job Reassignments (Work Standard 7-11-13)

c. Interim Position Reassignments.

1) Interim position reassignments may be processed to fill a position in which the

previous employee is in the appeals process, on a leave of absence, or for a

vacant position.

D. ORIGINAL PROBATION

1. The first three (3) months after an employee's starting date after being hired,

transferred, or reassigned shall be considered a period of probation. At the end of six

(6) weeks, the employee's performance shall be reviewed with him/herthem by the

supervisor by completing an employee evaluation.

a.

At the end of the three-month probation period, a second performance evaluation

willshall be conducted. This evaluation willshall recommend the end of probation and regular

status for the employee, an extension of probation, or termination for cause.

2.1.

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Status as a Probationary Employee

a. Probationary employees will be paid at five percent (5%) below the posted pay rate

for the position.

1) New employees hired under a negotiated salary will receive a salary one step

below the agreed upon salary during the probationary period.

b.a. Probationary employees willshall accrue vacation/ and personal days during the

probation period and willshall receive holiday pay.

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c.b. Probationary employees may be terminated for cause at any time during the

probation period. Cause must consist of a violation of policies or the documented

inability of the employee to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

This termination is subject to appeal. (BC Action 3-20-92)

3. Completion of Probation Period

a. Satisfactory completion of probation will result in the employee receiving the regular

salary for the position.

b. Employees who are terminated during the probation period will receive credit for

accrued vacation/personal days in their final paycheck.

c. Extensions of probation periods will not affect accrual of or use of benefits as

explained under D.2.

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SECTION IV - COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A. SALARY

1. Oneida Nation Job and Salary Structure

a. An ongoing plan will be instituted based on standard employee grades and step

levels to assure that a uniform approach is taken to establish equitable salary and

wage levels.

b. Employee performance evaluations will be a resource in determining whether an

employee receives an increase in pay for the upcoming year. An overall satisfactory

rating must be attained in order to be granted an increase in pay.

c. Merit increase shall be granted upon the recommendation of the supervisor, the

Area Manager, the HRD Manager and the General Manager.

2. Workday (Work Standard, 10‐17‐12)

a. The regular Tribal workday is from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an hour for lunch. The

exception to these hours occurs only if the program/enterprise hours must vary for

the purpose of providing service (such as retail hours beyond 4:30 p.m.). Shifts will

be developed as needed, and the shift hours will then become the regular workday

for assigned employees for that program/enterprise.

b. Employees are expected to be at work each scheduled work day.

1) Employees who do not report for work because of inclement weather or

unforeseen circumstances will not be paid for that day. Employees may elect to

use personal day(s) to cover this absence. (W.S. Closures Multiple/Individual Depts.7-28-2017)

(W.S. Closures Non-Critical Departments/Divisions 7-28-2017)

2) In case of an unavoidable delay or absence, the supervisor must be notified no

later than thirty (30) minutes after the scheduled starting time. Employees are

encouraged to notify their supervisor before their scheduled starting time.

i. Employees failing to report to their assigned jobs or failing to call in within the

thirty (30) minute time allowed will be subject to disciplinary action.

ii. Permission to leave early must be obtained by the employee from his/her

supervisor.

3. Overtime

a. Any and all overtime will be kept to a minimum and must be approved by the

Supervisor and Area Manager.

1) In the case of potential overtime that may occur at night, on holidays or on

weekends, supervisors will delegate this authority to a specific employee and

outline specific situations and actions that warrant overtime.

b. All overtime must be reported to the supervisor for evaluation.

c. Overtime will be approved only if the program or enterprise budget is capable of

paying it.

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d. Overtime will be approved only for hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours per

week. Personal/vacation days and holidays will not count toward the forty (40) hour

requirements.

e. Tribal employees are expected to work overtime if required. Time and one-half will

be paid for this overtime.

f. Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime.

1) The HRD Office will maintain a list of exempt employees.

4. Holidays (Work Standard, 11-7-14)

a. Tribal holidays consist of the following:

1) One-half Day Christmas Eve

2) Christmas Day

3) New Year's Day

4) Memorial Day

5) Veteran's Day

6) Independence Day

7) Labor Day

8) Thanksgiving Day

9) Indian Day (day after Thanksgiving)

10) One-half day Good Friday

11) Code Talker’s Day (Oneida Day, Friday prior to Memorial Day)

(BC Resolution – 12-11-13A)

b. To be eligible for a paid holiday, employees must work the preceding and following

scheduled work days (except for employees who are on a prescheduled work leave

or an approved extended sick leave.) Employees who are granted a sick day directly

prior to a holiday must certify that they were capable of working the holiday in order

to qualify for a paid holiday.

c. All regular employees will be given holiday pay for the maximum pay of eight (8)

hours per day.

d. Holidays falling on a Saturday will be observed the preceding Friday; holidays falling

on a Sunday will be observed on the following Monday. (2019 Holiday Observance Calendar)

(2018 Holiday Observance Calendar)

e. The Oneida Nation acknowledges its responsibility to make a reasonable

accommodation to employees who wish time off to observe religious holidays.

Requests for such time off will be granted where possible, based on the scheduling

and staffing needs of affected departments. Employees wishing to take time off work

for religious observances should inform their supervisor as early as possible.

Employees may use personal time for such requests if eligible; otherwise the time off

will be treated as unpaid leave.

5. Vacation/Personal Days

a. Every Oneida Nation employee, except temporary employees, shall be allowed

personal and vacation days with pay to the extent that personal days and vacation

are accumulated.

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b. The amount of personal and vacations days shall be determined by continuous

service for the Nation. A "lay-off" from Oneida Nation employment shall not be

considered an interruption in continuous service where the lay-off is in accordance

with the Nation's Layoff Policy, nor shall a preapproved leave of absence. (HR

Interpretation, 3-6-12)

c. Except as provided for in section g, the accrual of personal days shall be as follows:

(BC Resolution – 4-11-13-F)

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1) 0-3 years of service - 6 days per year;

2) 4-7 years of service - 8 days per year;

3) 8-14 years of service - 10 days per year;

4) 15+ years of service - 12 days per year;

Except as provided for in section g, the accrual of vacation days shall be as follows:

1) 0-3 years of service - 12 days per year

2) 4-7 years of service - 15 days per year;

3) 8-15 years of service - 20 days per year;

4) 15+ years of service - 25 days per year.

Part-time employees accrue personal and vacation days for time actually worked at a

ratio of a full-time employee.

Service is defined as working for Programs/Enterprises which are contracted by the

Nation or specifically sponsored by the Nation.

Vacation and personal days shall be capped at 280 hrs. An employee shall cease to

accrue vacation and personal hours when he or she has reached 280 total hours.

Supervisors shall notify their employees when said employees have accumulated 200

total hours of vacation and personal time. (GTC Resolution, 7-2-12A)

1) An employee may trade back accumulated vacation and personal hours in

accordance with Section IV.A.5.n. below. (GTC Resolution, 5-23-11-B)

Upon termination from Oneida Nation employment, employees will be paid for any

unused personal and/or vacation days.

1) Employees who have used the Oneida Nation-sponsored loan program will be

required to honor the terms of the loan agreement.

Personal Days can be used for any reason so long as the request is approved by the

employee's supervisor at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance (unless the absence

is due to illness or unforeseen circumstances).

1) In the case of illness or unforeseen circumstance, the supervisor shall be notified

no later than fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled starting time.

2) Programs and enterprises may institute stricter standards of notification. These

standards will be submitted to and approved by the Personnel Department.

An employee shall notify his/her supervisor of an intent to use personal days in the

following ways:

1) Three (3) to five (5) days - one (1) week advance notification

2) Six (6) days or more - two (2) weeks advance notification.

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k. An employee shall notify his/her supervisor one (1) day in advance if he/she will take

off one (1) or two (2) days of vacation. Programs and enterprises may institute

stricter standards of notification.

1) Three (3) to five (5) days of vacation require a one (1) week advance notification.

2) Six (6) or more days of vacation require at least two (2) weeks advance

notification.

l. The burden shall be on the supervisor to show that a denial of a personal day or a

vacation day is based upon interference with the business of the Nation.

m. Personal or Vacation Days can be taken when an employee is on probation. (GTC

Resolution 5-23-11-B, HR Interpretation 5-8-17)

n. Trade-back for Cash - Each fiscal year, the Oneida Business Committee shall analyze

fiscal conditions to determine whether employees may trade back personal and/or

vacation hours for cash that fiscal year.

1) If the Oneida Business Committee approves trade-back for cash, they shall also

determine whether (i) and/or (ii) applies: (See Revision)

i. All employees will have the opportunity to trade-back hours one time that

year.

1. By August 15, each employee who has accumulated twenty-four (24)

hours or more of vacation and/or personal days may opt to trade in

his/her hours for cash.

2. Employees will receive their trade back on or before September 30 of

that year.

ii. Only those employees who are unable to utilize their personal and/or

vacation time due to working conditions, such as a shortage in staffing, as

determined by the HRD Manager or designee, will have the opportunity to

trade back hours on a quarterly basis.

1. Employees will receive their trade back within sixty (60) days after

opting to trade back hours.

2) When trade-back for cash is approved by the Oneida Business Committee, the

following standards shall apply:

i. Employees must decide which status (vacation or personal or both) from

which their trade back will be drawn.

ii. Employees may not trade for cash more than eighty (80) hours in one year.

(GTC Resolution, 5-23-11-B)

o. Additional Duties Compensation

p. Travel Time Compensation (Work Standard , 3-20-13)

B. INSURANCES (see separate publication) for information on Oneida Nation Insurance plans.

C. RETIREMENT PLAN (See separate publication for information on Tribal Retirement Plan).

(Separating Employees WS 5-6-13)

D. LEAVES

1. Meeting Attendance

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a. Approval for attending any meetings inside normal working hours must be approved

in advance by the employee's immediate supervisor. (BC Action, 5-16-89)

b. Employees who receive stipends or honoraria in excess of $50.00 for attending

meetings during working hours will forfeit the amount in excess of $50.00 from their

regular paycheck. Stipends for travel or per diem will not be deducted if

accompanied by receipts for such expenses.

c. Stipends or honoraria for intra-tribal meetings during normal working hours will

results in the employee's paycheck being reduced by the full amount of the stipend.

2. Funeral Leave (Work Standard, 8-2-11)

a. All regular employees will be given a three (3) day leave without loss of pay for

funeral services for immediate family. Immediate family includes:

Husband

Mother

Brother

Great-grandparent

Wife

Father

Sister

Great-grandchildren

Mother-in-law

Son

Grandparent Spouse’s great-grandparents

Father-in-law

Daughter

Grandchild

Spouse’s grandparents

Daughter-in-law Sister-in-law Brother-in-law

b. Three (3) day leave for other persons will be given only if the employee is responsible

for making funeral arrangements, subject to prior approval of supervisor.

c. All other funeral leave will be limited to no more than one (1) day with pay subject to

the notification and approval of the immediate supervisor.(Mgmt Directive, 12-17-2009)

3. Leave of Absence (Work Standard, 6-10-14)

a. A leave of absence without pay may be granted to employees for a justifiable reason

(including caring for a child, spouse or parent with a serious health condition) and

when in the best interest of the Nation.

1) Leaves of absence will not exceed three (3) months.

i. All leaves of absence must be approved by the Supervisor, Area Manager,

HRD Manager and General Manager. (HR Interpretation, 12-8-16)

ii. Requests must be documented and submitted to the supervisor with as much

advance notice as possible.

iii. Disposition of requests will be made on the basis of staffing requirements.

2) Upon returning, the employee will be reinstated in the former position with full

status and benefits. Holiday, vacation, and sick leave will not be accrued during

the leave of absence.

3) No later than fifteen (15) working days prior to the expiration of the leave period

the employee must give notice in writing of his/her intent to return to the

position. Notice must be presented to the supervisor.

i. Failure to provide written notice will be interpreted to mean that the

employee does not intend to return following the leave. The position will be

posted and filled through the selection process. (HR Interpretation, 11-21-11)

4. Maternity Leave

a. Maternity leave will be granted for a period of six (6) weeks without pay.

1) An employee may elect to cover any portion of this time by using accumulated

sick days.

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2) Any maternity-related absences for longer than six (6) weeks must be taken as a

medical leave of absence.

Military Leave

a. In addition to the following provisions, the Nation's Military Service Protection Act

shall govern Military Leave.

b. A Military Leave of Absence is afforded employees entering active duty without

accumulation of holiday, vacation or personal time during the period of leave. Any

accumulated benefits prior to leave will be maintained for the employee.

c. Time off for inactive duty training, examinations to determine fitness for duty and

funeral honors duty shall be afforded to employees without the accumulation or loss

of holiday, vacation or personal time. An employee will receive pay from the Nation

for any hours work that the employee was required to miss due to reservist training.

1) Any pay received for performing any of the above duties shall be deducted from

the employee's pay. (GTC Resolution, 1-26-08A)

Jury Duty

a. During a period of jury duty, an employee will receive pay from the Nation for any

hours of work missed due to jury duty.

1) Jury duty pay will be deducted from the employee's paycheck when determining

the amount of pay

2) No overtime will be allowed in determining employee pay while serving on jury

duty.

Educational Leave (BC Action, 5-4-90)

a. A leave of absence for education purposes will not exceed one (1) year.

Parent Policy Leave (BC Action, 3-2-94A) (Parental Leave Policy, 11-3-17)

a. Employees who are parents, guardians, or those individuals specifically referred to as

“immediate family” as defined in Section IV, page 6 of these Personnel Policies and

Procedures which includes husband, wife, mother, father, brother, sister, son,

daughter, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandparent and grandchild may request to

participate in their child(ren)’s educationally sanctioned events not to exceed four (4)

hours per employee per month

1) These four (4) hours shall not accumulate.

b. Approval to utilize the four (4) hours must be obtained from the supervisor.

1) An employee shall request his/her supervisor to utilize this leave with a minimum

of twenty-four (24) hours’ notice.

2) The Supervisor may request verification of

i. Guardianship of the child(ren) and/or

ii. The attendance of the employee at their child(ren)'s educationally sanctioned

event.

c. The burden shall be on the supervisor to show that a denial of the Parent Policy

Leave which is based upon interference with the business of the Nation.

d. This leave shall not be paid as overtime. The supervisor may have the option to use

flex time to cover this time off to attend their child(ren)'s educationally sanctioned

events.

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e. All employees, except Emergency/Temporary, Youth Workers, Student Interns, and

Seasonal Workers during their first season, and Substitute Reliefs are eligible to

participate in this benefit.

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SECTION V – EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

A. ORIENTATION POLICY

The Oneida Nation reflects the unique culture and character of our Nation. The Oneida Nation

recognizes that this may present special problems and difficulties for a new employee. The

Nation therefore provides an Orientation Program designed to ease the new employee’s

transition into a job and enable the new employee to become effective and productive as

quickly as possible.

1. Orientation Program Outline

a. Overview

b. Tribal Government and Procedures

c. Key Policies and Procedures

d. Benefits

e. Safety, Health and Security

f. Departmental Orientation

2. Responsibilities

a. The HRD Office will administer the General Orientation Program

1) The HRD Office will assist Divisions in administering Departmental Orientation

Programs.

b. The HRD Office will develop and establish an Employee Mentor Program with each

Division.

1) Employee Mentors will be responsible for conducting the Departmental

Orientation.

2) Employee Mentors will assist new employees throughout their probation period

as a source of references and referrals.

c. The HRD Office will annually review the General Orientation Program and each

Departmental Orientation Program to:

1) Evaluate the effectiveness of each Program,

2) Modify programs as necessary.

3) Requirements

a) The HRD Office will provide a copy of the Employee Policy and Procedures

Manual to new employees before (if possible) the scheduled starting date.

b) The General Orientation Program will be completed in appropriate stages

within the first month of the new employee’s starting date.

i.

The Departmental Orientation will be completed within the first week of

the starting date.

c) The HRD Office will administer a NEW Employee Reporting Form to provide

information for the purposes of maintaining a Nation-wide skills assessment

inventory and a management succession plan.

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B. EVALUATIONS

1. Evaluation reports will be used in determining all promotions, transfers and salary

adjustments.

2. Annual evaluation reports for each employee will be submitted to the HRD Office by

August 1 of each year. (Work Standard, 6-23-15)

a. Evaluation reports will be retained in each employee’s personnel file.

3. All Oneida Nation employees will be evaluated at least once a year.

a. Employee performance evaluations will be conducted by each employee’s immediate

supervisor. The Business Committee will conduct the performance evaluation of the

General Manager. (HR Interpretation, 12-8-16)

b. The supervisor will discuss the evaluation with each employee. The evaluation will

then be signed by the employee and the supervisor and forwarded to the HRD

Office.

4. Satisfactory evaluations may result in the employee receiving an increase in pay within

their grade level provided that the employee has not attained the highest step within the

grade.

a. Unsatisfactory evaluations will result in probation status for the employee. The

supervisor shall provide documentation to the Area Manager and to the employee

detailing the deficiency(s). A repeat evaluation will be conducted three (3) months

after the unsatisfactory evaluation. This second evaluation will result in the

employee:

1) Being removed from probation and receiving a salary increase if the second

evaluation results in an overall satisfactory rating; or

2) Receiving appropriate disciplinary actions if the second evaluation also results in

an unsatisfactory rating.

b. Employees may appeal unsatisfactory evaluations to the HRD Manager. The HRD

Manager will consult with the supervisor and the employee to negotiate an

appropriate resolution (Work Standard, 12-8-16)

C. CAREER DEVELOPMENT

1. Oneida Nation employees are encouraged to develop their skills and abilities by

pursuing education at a local educational institution. (BC Action, 9-9-92)

a. Oneida Nation employees must provide a general Career Development Plan to the

supervisor listing the goals and objectives of the training and education to be

undertaken.

2. Oneida Nation employees may be eligible for assistance for one (1) course per semester.

The employee must attempt to arrange to take the class outside his/her normal working

hours.

a. Where a class conflicts with the employee’s work schedule, the needs of the Tribal

unit take precedence; however, the supervisor shall attempt to accommodate the

employee’s request.

b. In no case shall the accommodation exceed actual class hours plus reasonable travel

time.

c. Employees must obtain the approval of their immediate supervisor to take a course

on work time.

3. The supervisor’s approval and estimated cost must be submitted to the HRD Office, the

Area Manager and the General Manager. (HR Interpretation, 12-8-16)

4. The cost of the books, tuition and fees for the course shall be paid by the Nation through

funds budgeted in programs or through the Higher Education program.

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a. Reimbursement for books, tuition and fees is contingent upon the employee

receiving at least a C (2.0 on a 4.0 point scale).

b. Employees who receive less than the required grade point will be required to

reimburse the program for whatever costs were incurred.

D. COMPLAINTS, DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, AND GRIEVANCES

Disciplinary procedures provide a systematic process for handling problem employees.

Disciplinary procedures serve to correct unacceptable behavior and to protect the Nation.

Grievance procedures provide a systematic process for hearing and evaluating job related

disputes. Grievance procedures serve to protect employees from inconsistent and unfair

treatment. In all cases of grievance and discipline, supervisors are enjoined to use common

sense, discretion and judicious good sense to resolve complaints between employees,

exercise disciplinary prerogatives, and handle grievances.

(HR Interpretation, 2-4-13) (HR Interpretation, 1-29-14)

1. Complaints

a. Should an employee have a disagreement with another employee, he/she may

lodge an informal (verbal) or formal (written) complaint with the employee’s

supervisor.

b. The supervisor will investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve the

disagreement.

c. If the employee lodging the complaint is dissatisfied with the attempted resolution,

he/she may ask the Area Manager to attempt a resolution.

d. There is no further appeal of this process.

2. Disciplinary Actions

a. Disciplinary actions will be initiated by an immediate supervisor for the purpose of

correcting unacceptable work performance. The supervisor will always discuss the

action with the employee being disciplined to ensure that the employee:

1) Understands the reason for the disciplinary action;

2) Understands the expected work performance in light of the disciplinary action;

3) Understands the consequences of continued unacceptable behavior.

b. A supervisor shall initiate disciplinary actions commensurate with the seriousness of

the unsatisfactory performance. A supervisor must consider each disciplinary action

in progressive order and justify a deviance from that recommended progression.

c. The actions listed below are examples of unacceptable work performance and do

not constitute a comprehensive or exhaustive list. The actions in parentheses are

guidelines for a supervisor to use in administering disciplinary actions. (W = written

warning; S = suspension; T = termination):

1) Work Performance

a) Insubordination (including disobedience) or failure/refusal to carry out

assignments or instructions. (W/S/T)

b) Loafing, loitering, sleeping or engaging in personal business. (W/S/T)

c) Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information or records. (S/T)

d) Falsifying records or giving false information to departments and/or

employees responsible for Recordkeeping. (S/T)

e) Failure to provide accurate and complete information where such

information is required by an authorized person. (S/T)

f) Failure to comply with health, safety and sanitation requirements, rules and

regulations. (W/S/T)

g) Negligence in the performance of assigned duties. (W/S/T)

2) Attendance and Punctuality

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a) Failure to report promptly and observe work schedules (such as starting time,

quitting time, rest and meal breaks) without the specific approval of the

supervisor. (W/S/T)

b) A pattern of unexcused or excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness. (W/S/T)

3) Use of Property

a) Unauthorized or improper use of Oneida Nation property or equipment (for

example, Oneida Nation vehicles, telephone, mail services, etc.) (W/S/T)

b) Unauthorized possession, removal or willful destruction of Oneida Nation or

another employee’s property (including improper use of possession of

uniforms, identification cards, badges, permits or weapons). (Willful

destruction of property may subject the violator to applicable liability laws.)

(T)

c) Unauthorized use, lending, borrowing or duplicating of Oneida Nation keys.

(T)

d) Unauthorized entry of Oneida Nation property, including unauthorized entry

outside of assigned hours of work or entry into restricted areas without prior

supervisory approval. (S/T)

e) Theft or property shall include theft, embezzlement, cheating, defrauding,

pilfering, robbery, extortion, racketeering, swindling or any of these actions,

or conspiracy to commit such actions with Oneida Nation employees or other

persons against the Nation, its guests, employee, members, customers and/or

clients while on or about Tribal premises. (S/T) (BC Action, 12-2-88)

4) Personal Actions and Appearance

a) Threatening, attempting, or doing bodily harm to another person. (T)

b) Intimidating, interfering with or using abusive language toward customers,

clients, co-workers or others. (S/T)

c) Making false or malicious statements concerning other employees,

supervisors or program heads. (W/S/T)

d) Use of alcohol or illegal controlled substances during work hours. (S/T)

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(GTC Resolution, 01-05-09A)

e) Reporting for work under the influence of alcohol or illegal controlled

substances. (S/T) (GTC Resolution, 01-05-09A)

f) Failure to immediately report any work-related injuries to the immediate

supervisor. (W/S)

g) Direct involvement in political campaigning during scheduled work hours.

Violations include:

i. Use of Oneida Nation employment title in Oneida Nation campaign

activities. (W/S/T)

1. Political materials include: leaflets, brochures, etc. which solicit support

for candidates for office.

2. Resolutions or petitions which propose that a political action be

initiated.

3. Leaflets, newsletters, or other written materials the purpose of which

is to espouse political views or opinions.

h) The acceptance of gifts or gratuities for personal gain in the course of official

duties. (Customers are allowed to tip Bingo workers, Oneida Tobacco

Enterprise workers, and Museum Workers.) (W/S/T)

i) Inappropriate dress or personal hygiene which adversely affects the proper

performance of duties or constitutes a health or safety hazard. (W/S)

j) Failure to exercise proper judgment. (W/S/T)

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k) Failure to be courteous in dealing with fellow employees or the general

public. (W/S/T)

l) Any of the following acts by employees: Arson, bribery, perjury, obstruction

or interference with an investigation authorized by the Oneida Nation. (S/T)

(BC Action, 12-2-88)

m) The use, possession, selling or purchasing of, or attempt to sell or purchase

alcohol, and/or controlled substances on or about Oneida Nation premises.

(S/T)

(BC Action, 12-2-88)

n) Any violation of duly adopted Oneida Nation ordinances. (W/S/T) (BC Action, 122-88)

5) Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the Oneida Nation’s Policy that all employees have a right to work in an

environment free of discrimination which includes freedom from harassment,

more specifically sexual harassment. The Oneida Nation considers sexual

harassment, in whatever form, in the workplace to be a serious violation of an

individual’s dignity and personal rights. In all matters, where complaint of sexual

harassment is lodged against an employee, the Oneida Nation has a duty and

obligation to conduct a thorough investigation using discretion, good judgment

and the principles and practice of strict confidentiality. If sexual harassment has

been committed, the progressive disciplinary process is as follows (W/S/T).

Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual

favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (1)

submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or

condition of an individual’s employment, (2) submissions to or rejection of such

conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting

such individuals, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially

interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating,

hostile, or offensive work environment.

a) Sexual Harassment (W/S/T)

i. Procedure

a. Should an employee have a complaint, he/she should file a formal

(written) complaint with the Human Resources Department.

b. The Human Resources Department is obligated to investigate the

complaint which is to be held in the strictest confidence. This

investigation shall be done within five (5) working days from

receiving the formal written complaint.

c. After investigating the complaint and the Human Resources

Department finds cause to take disciplinary action due to sexual

harassment violation, the employee will be disciplined accordingly

by their supervisor. This disciplinary action shall be initiated within

five (5) working days from the date the supervisor receives the

report from the Human Resource Department. (BC Actions, 7-16-93)

3. Accumulated Disciplinary Actions Warranting Termination (HR Interpretation,1-29-14) (Provided

that the Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy shall govern disciplinary actions

warranting termination for drug and alcohol related violations.) (GTC Resolution, 01-05-09A)

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a. The accumulation of three (3) upheld warning notices within any twelve (12) month

period. (T)

b. The accumulation of two (2) upheld suspensions within any twelve (12) month

period. (T)

c. The accumulation of three (3) of any combination of upheld warning notices and/or

upheld suspensions within any twelve (12) month period. (T)

4. Substance Abuse Disciplinary Procedure - Section was deleted. (GTC Resolution, 01-05-09-A)

Click here for Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.

5. Disciplinary Procedure (Disciplinary Flowchart)

The following procedure shall be adhered to whenever disciplinary action is taken.

a. Supervisor becomes aware of unsatisfactory work performance or violation.

1) Supervisor investigates through a meeting with the employees and determines

whether disciplinary action is warranted.

b. If disciplinary action is warranted, within five (5) working days the supervisor will fill

out the five (5) part disciplinary action form stating the behavior for which the action

is being taken, the time and date of its occurrence, and the specific policy section

under which action is being taken.

c. The form will be discussed with the employee and a corrective action will be

identified.

d. The employee being disciplined will sign the form.

1) Should an employee being disciplined refuse to discuss the action with his/her

supervisor, the supervisor shall so note this, with date of refusal, on the form and

distribute as in 5.e.

e. Copies will be given to the employee, the HRD Manager, the supervisor, the Area

Manager and General Manager within twenty-four (24) hours of the conference with

the employee. (HR Interpretation, 12-8-16)

f. Should a disciplinary action result in the suspension or termination of an employee,

the following guidelines shall apply:

1) The supervisor shall consult with the HRD Manager to mutually determine the

length of the suspension.

a) Suspensions will be limited to a maximum of three (3) weeks.

b) Suspension/terminations that are overturned in the appeal process shall

result in the employee receiving back pay for the days he/she was

suspended/terminated.

6. Grievance (Grievance Flowchart)

An employee who receives a disciplinary action which he/she believes is unfair may

grieve the action. The Grievance process (including appeals of disciplinary action) shall

be conducted with utmost consideration for due process (within the time limits set forth

herein) but will allow and account for recognized Tribal holidays and unforeseen

circumstances (such as illnesses, deaths in the immediate family of principals, etc.). The

HRD office will make every attempt to ensure that grievance procedures are concluded

within forty-five (45) workings days; however, extensions granted for reasonable

unforeseen circumstances (as determined by the HRD Manager) may extend the process

The Grievance process will be governed by the following guidelines: (HR Interpretation, 8-192011)

(HR Interpretation, 1-29-2014)

a. For all disciplinary actions, regardless of severity:

1) The employee (petitioner) must file an appeal in writing.

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a) The employee may seek the assistance of a spokesperson or advocate at any

time after the disciplinary action has been issued in order to aid in the

resolution of the grievance process.

b) The appeal must be filed with the Area Manager and the HRD Manager (or

designee) within ten (10) working days from the day the employee receives

the disciplinary action.

2) The Area Manager, for all disciplinary action investigations, will have ten (10)

working days from the receipt of the employee’s appeal to complete the

investigation. One extension of no more than five (5) working days may be

requested of and granted by the HRD Manager (or designee) at his or her

discretion.

3) The Area Manager will do one of the following:

a) Uphold the disciplinary action; or

b) Modify the disciplinary action; or

c) Overturn the disciplinary action. If a suspension or termination is overturned,

the employee (petitioner) shall be reinstated with full back pay.

4) The Area Manager will file a decision with the employee and the HRD Manager

(or designee) and will include a reason for the decision, an explanation of the

decision and the action to be taken as a result of it.

Filing a Complaint (BC Resolution, 3-18-19)

1) An employee may appeal the Area Manager’s decision to the Oneida Personnel

Commission by filing a complaint with the Human Resources Department on

behalf of the Oneida Personnel Commission.

a) The employee shall file the appeal within ten (10) working days from the

employee’s receipt of the Area Manager’s decision

2) The Human Resources Department shall notify the Human Resources

Department Manager of receipt of the appeal within one (1) business day of

receipt of the appeal.

Collection of Information

1) The Human Resources Department shall collect all information the Area Manager

used in making the decision to uphold the disciplinary action.

Review of the Complaint

1) The Human Resources Department shall provide the information obtained to the

Oneida Personnel Commission members selected to serve as the hearing body

for the complaint, and the Oneida Personnel Commissioners shall review all the

information submitted by the Petitioner and the Human Resources Department

to determine if one or both conditions exist;

a) The decision of the Area Manager is clearly against the weight of the

evidence; and/or

b) Procedural irregularities were exhibited during the appeal process that were

harmful to one of the parties to the grievance.

2) If Oneida Personnel Commission members selected to serve as the hearing body

for the complaint find one or both conditions exist, the Human Resources

Department shall convene the Oneida Personnel Commission to hear the

grievance.

3) If the Oneida Personnel Commission members find that neither condition exists,

the Oneida Personnel Commission will deny the appeal for a hearing and affirm

the decision of the Area Manager.

Convening a Hearing

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1) The Human Resources Department shall schedule a time and location for the

grievance hearing and shall confirm the participation of the Oneida Personnel

Commission members selected to serve as the hearing body for the complaint.

2) The Human Resources Department shall send notice of the hearing to the

petitioner, respondent, and Oneida Personnel Commission members at least five

(5) working days prior to the hearing date.

3) The Human Resources Department shall provide copies of all information on the

subject case upon which the disciplinary action was upheld to the members of

the Oneida Personnel Commission at least two (2) working days prior to the

appeal date.

4) The Human Resources Department shall allow the petitioner and respondent

access to this information in the Human Resources Department Office at least

two (2) days prior to the appeal date.

Hearing Procedure

1) The order of presentation for the hearing shall be:

a) Petitioner’s opening statement;

b) Respondent’s opening statement;

c) The Petitioner’s case;

d) The Respondent’s case;

e) Petitioner’s closing statement

f) Respondent’s closing statement

2) The petitioner shall have the right to be represented by an advocate, at his or her

own expense. The respondent and/or area manager who is party to the

grievance action shall have access to an advocate for consultation and/or

representation. Should the petitioner engage outside professional legal

representation, the respondent and/or area manager shall have access to the

professional legal representation.

a) Should the petitioner and his or her representative both fail to appear for any

scheduled hearing without justifiable cause, the decision of the Area

Manager shall be upheld, and the grievance dismissed.

b) Should the respondent and his/her representative both fail to appear for any

scheduled hearing without justifiable cause, the decision of the Area

Manager shall be overturned.

3) If new evidence which was previously unavailable is introduced at any point

during the hearing process, the Oneida Personnel Commission hearing shall be

suspended, and the case will be remanded to the Area Manager for

reconsideration.

a) The Area Manager shall reconsider the decision in light of the new evidence

and issue a decision within three (3) working days.

b) This procedure may be invoked only once.

c) Thereafter, the appeal process shall continue to a conclusion based on the

information originally presented and the newly introduced evidence.

i.

If the Area Manager overturns his or her decision, the case would not

come back for a hearing.

ii.

If the Area Manager affirms his or her decision, then the case will come

back to the Oneida Personnel Commission to complete the hearing.

4) The Oneida Personnel Commission’s decision shall be based solely on the

information presented to them before the appeal hearing, the record of the prior

proceedings, and any new evidence if introduced appropriately.

5) The Oneida Personnel Commission may:

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a) Uphold the disciplinary action; or

b) Overturn the disciplinary action and:

i.

Reinstate the employee (petitioner) with full back pay for any lost time; or

ii.

Reinstate the employee (petitioner) without back pay.

6) The Oneida Personnel Commission shall provide notification of the final decision

within five (5) working days following the hearing. Notification of the final

decision shall include;

a) The final decision;

b) The reason(s) for the final decision; and

c) The action to be taken as a result of the final decision.

7) The Human Resources Department shall keep records of the hearing, and

provide copies of administrative advocacy rules, procedural rules, and time line

rules to interested parties.

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SECTION VI – SAFETY AND HEALTH

A. POLICY

The personal safety and health of each employee, customer and client of the Oneida Nation is

of primary importance. The prevention of injuries and illnesses is of such importance that it will

take precedence over operating productivity whenever necessary.

The Oneida Nation will maintain a safety and health program conforming to the best practices

available. To be successful, this program will work to develop the proper attitudes toward onthe-job injury and illness prevention on the part of supervisors and employees. This program will

strive to develop a high level of cooperation in all safety and health matters between supervisors

and employees and among employees.

The objective of this program is a safe and healthy environment that will reduce the number of

job-related injuries and illnesses to an absolute minimum. The Nation's goal is zero

accidents and illnesses.

B. PROCEDURES

The Oneida Nation Safety Committee will adopt and enforce through the Personnel

Department procedures related to the education of the Nation’s work force in matters

of safety and health. These procedures will include all education and prevention

activities, assessments and evaluations, and reporting.

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SECTION VII – PROGRAM/ENTERPRISE RULES & REGULATIONS

A. Enterprises and programs may establish internal rules and regulations to facilitate the

administration of Oneida Nation Personnel Policies and Procedures.

1. In no case will these internal rules and/or regulations conflict with or take the

place of Oneida Nation Personnel Policies and Procedures.

2. Enterprises and programs which establish internal rules and regulations will

file a copy of the rules and regulations with the Personnel Department.

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A. PERSONNEL OFFICE

1.

Basic records to be retained include:

a. Reference Data

b. Job Descriptions

c. Resumes and Applications

d. Interview notes/selection information

e. Resignations

f. Employee tax exemption claims

g. Disciplinary action information

h. Performance evaluations

i. Insurance coverage/changes

j. Transfers

2.

The Personnel Office shall keep and maintain a complete record of each employee

throughout his/her term of employment.

a. Oneida Nation employees shall have access to their employment file.

b. Employment files kept by the Personnel Office shall be considered confidential

information. Release of any information to a third party must have the consent

of the employee in writing.

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B. ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT

1.

Basic records to be retained include:

a. Attendance records

b. Employee Time Sheets

c. Earnings - in the form of computer printouts

d. Travel - in the form of complete travel authorization forms.

1) Time sheets and travel reports shall be filled out by every employee for pay

period, collected by the program head, and forwarded to the Department.

2.

The Accounting Department shall retain all records for a period of seven (7)

years. (BC Action, 10-14-09B)

SECTION VIII – RECORDKEEPING

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SECTION IX – PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF EMPLOYEE RECORDS

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The Human Resources Department of the Oneida Nation collects information from employees in

order to make decisions regarding personnel actions including hiring, transfers and promotions,

training, compensation and benefits, disciplinary actions and other job opportunities. This

information is maintained by the Human Resources Department in individual files for as long as

the person is an employee of the Oneida Nation.

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A. STATEMENT OF POLICY

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As a general rule, the Oneida Nation considers all information contained in these files to be

private and confidential. No information of any type shall be released to any person or agent of

any organization without the written consent of the employee except under the conditions

outlined herein.

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B. EMPLOYEE ACCESS

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In addition, the Oneida Nation recognizes that the information contained in each employee’s

file is personal and that the lives of its employees are subject to changes. Therefore, the Oneida

Nation provides for employee access to his/her personnel file. Employees are allowed to review

their file and submit a statement of amendment should their review uncover any inaccurate,

obsolete or irrelevant information. Should any information come into dispute, an employee’s

statement of dispute will be accessed into the file.

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C. RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO THIRD PARTIES

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The Oneida Nation is obligated by law to release certain information to outside parties. Such

parties include the State of Wisconsin’s Unemployment Compensation Department and its

Workers Compensation Division and the United States Social Security Administration. Any

additional information released to a third party by the Human Resources Department related to

employee records shall consist of summary information and will not include any identifying

personal information. (Such information may be total numbers of males and females in the

workforce, mean, median and average age of the workforce, etc.)

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The Oneida Nation will release personal information on employees when a request is

accompanied by a written release signed by the employee. The Human Resources Department

will make every effort to validate this request by contacting the employee. In no case shall the

Oneida Nation release personal information from an employee’s file without this consent.

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r'\.

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=DDDDDD=

2

ONEIDA

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ONEIDA NATION

PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

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Table of Contents (Last update __/__/__)

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SECTION I INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 2

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SECTION II ‐ RECRUITING ...................................................................................................................... 3

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SECTION III – SELECTION POLICY........................................................................................................... 6

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SECTION IV – COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS .................................................................................... 13

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SECTION V – EMPLOYEE RELATIONS ................................................................................................... 19

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SECTION VI – SAFETY AND HEALTH..................................................................................................... 28

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SECTION VII – PROGRAM/ENTERPRISE RULES & REGULATIONS .......................................................... 29

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SECTION VIII ‐ RECORDKEEPING ......................................................................................................... 30

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SECTION IX – PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF EMPLOYEE RECORDS ............................................. 31

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SECTION I – INTRODUCTION

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Welcome to the Oneida Nation. We are pleased to have you join us as a partner on a team of

individuals dedicated to providing quality service that enhances the quality of life of the Oneida

community. The role you play in your position is important to the overall effort required by your

department to meet the goals and objectives of the Oneida Nation. We encourage you to take

advantage of the opportunities presented to you, as an employee, to grow and develop both

personally and professionally.

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The purpose of this "Employee Manual" is to provide you with a ready source of information about

employee related Oneida Nation policies and procedures. Although we have tried to make this

manual as comprehensive as possible; it does not, and cannot, include policies which address

every situation that may arise. The Oneida Nation reserves the right to modify, alter, change or

cancel existing policies and procedures or adopt new procedures and policies at any time.

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The policies and procedures set forth in this manual apply to all employees. As an employee of the

Oneida Nation, you are required to know and abide by these policies and procedures. Oneida

Nation departments may have specific and additional procedures enhancing the general policies

stated in this manual. Each employee is expected to learn his/her department’s procedures and

comply with them. In the event of any conflict between policies in this manual and departmental

procedure, the policies in this manual supersede. Each employee is also expected to conform to

the professional standards of his/her occupation. Questions regarding this manual, or any

employee related policies, should be directed to your supervisor, department head, or to the

Human Resources Department at (920) 496-7900.

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The Oneida Nation is proud to have you on our staff and we look forward to a fulfilling and

successful team relationship.

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SECTION II - RECRUITING

A. RECRUITING

1. Recruiting Strategy

a. The Oneida Nation shall implement a Recruiting Strategy to increase the potential for

hiring the best-qualified and most capable employees possible.

1) The Recruiting Strategy shall target, as the first priority, applicants in accordance

with the Oneida and Indian Preference Policy.

2) The Recruiting Strategy shall have a nationwide focus and will use:

a) The Kalihwisaks (national distribution);

b) The Oneida Higher Education Office's network of post-secondary school

students;

c) Local and regional media and public employment agencies.

2. Applicant Pool

a. The Oneida Nation shall establish and maintain an Applicant Pool consisting of

individuals who have expressed an interest in working for the Oneida Nation.

1) The Applicant Pool will consist of files containing:

a) An Oneida Nation Application Form;

b) A summary of career goals and job preferences.

2) The Applicant Pool will be regularly reviewed to:

a) Update individual files:

b) Remove files where indicated.

3) The Applicant Pool will be cross-referenced by job preferences.

a) Notices of job vacancies and an Application Form will be sent to all Applicant

Pool members as appropriate.

4) All Applicant Pool members shall have the right to review and update their file

upon request.

5) Applicant Pool members shall be apprised of the Nation's Indian Preference

Policy.

B. LABOR POOLS

1. Supervisors that wish to establish a job classification as a Labor Pool Position will work

with the HRD to establish the job classification.

2. Each Labor Pool Position shall be advertised as on-going recruitment pool. The HRD shall

maintain an updated list of qualified candidates for each Labor Pool Position.

3. The HRD will accept all job applications and verify that each applicant is qualified

according to the established job description. All qualified applicants will then be placed

in a pool according to the Nation's Oneida and Indian Preference Policy and the date the

application was received. All applicants will be notified of acceptance into or rejection

from the pool.

a. PRESCREENING OF LABOR POOL POSITIONS (HR Interpretation 11-13-12) Applicants who

were previously employed by the Oneida Nation and were terminated for reasons of

misconduct or performance issues will be screened out for a period of twelve (12)

months following the date of discharge.

4. The HRD will keep an updated list of qualified applicants for each job position.

5. When a vacancy occurs in a Labor Pool Position, the supervisor will notify the HRD of the

position to be filled. The HRD Office shall then refer the top three (3) applicants to the

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immediate supervisor. The top three applicants shall be based first on the Oneida and

Indian Preference Policy and, second, the date an application was received. The

immediate supervisor will notify the HRD of their selection and the HRD will then offer

the position to the applicant. After the position is filled, all ranked candidates will move

up on the list. (HR Interpretation 7-11-13)

6. If the applicant refuses the position, the HRD Office will then offer it to the next applicant

until the position is filled.

7. If the applicant refuses the job, the applicant may withdraw from the Labor Pool or, if he

or she declines to withdraw from the Labor Pool, the date of refusal will be considered

the date the application was received and the applicant will be placed in the Labor Pool

list according to B.3.

8. Indian (Oneida) Preference will be adhered to in all hiring decisions.

C. EMERGENCY/TEMPORARY POSITIONS

1. The HRD will periodically recruit individuals who are interested in filling temporary

positions which consist of the following classifications:

a. Emergency/Temp

b. Limited Term

c. Seasonal

d. Substitute/Relief

e. Youth Worker

f. Student/Intern

2. Creation of Positions

a. Creation of positions in the above Temporary Employee Classifications will require

that these positions be budgeted for the current fiscal year, or proof through

documentation that the budget is adequate to incorporate these positions.

b. The positions must be developed in conjunction with the HRD; assuring that all

Policies and Procedures are adhered to. Creation of temporary classification requires

the approval of the Director, Area Manager, and HRD Manager, or elected official of

the Oneida Nation.

c. All newly created temporary positions must be processed through the Wage and

Salary system before a position can be filled with a temporary employee.

3. Recruitment/Selection

a. Recruitment/selection of applicants for all temporary positions requires a completed

Temporary Personnel Requisition form with an updated job description attached.

b. The HRD will provide a list of qualified candidates according to the job descriptions

to the immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor will select from the approved

list adhering to Indian Preference.

c. The HRD will contact the selected candidate and offer the position, following the

proper procedures to put the incumbent on payroll.

d. The selected candidate will sign a statement accepting conditions of temporary

employment, and length of employment where applicable.

e. Temporary employees will be paid within the Grade in which the job is classified and

salary will be negotiated within the first three (3) steps of respective grade.

1) Any negotiated salary beyond step three will require written justification and

approval from the respective General Manager. (H.R. Interpretation, 12-8-16)

f. Temporary employees are welcome to apply for any regular position within the

Nation that becomes available during the term of their employment.

g. Temporary employees that are terminated due to documented cause will have the

right to the appeal process as outlined in the Personnel Policies and Procedures.

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h. All temporary employees are subject to lay-off based upon department job needs

and budgets. (HR Interpretation – 11-25-13)

i. Supervisors are required to do proficient planning within their respective span of

control; as such they must also enforce separation dates and will be monitored by

HRD for compliance.

j. Supervisors must select the most appropriate category of classification for the job.

1) Moving from one classification to another is prohibited.

4. Benefits

a. The following employee classifications will be eligible for benefits as defined in the

section of the Personnel Policies and Procedures as medical, dental, vacation and

personal accrual, holiday pay, premium pay.

1) Limited Term

2) Seasonal

b. The following employee classifications will be eligible for benefits as defined in this

section of the Personnel Policies and Procedures as Mandatory Benefits and Holiday

pay.

1) Emergency/Temporary

2) Substitute/Relief

3) Seasonal Worker (only during their first season)

c. The following employee classifications will be eligible for benefits as defined in this

section of the Personnel Policies and Procedures as Mandatory Benefits.

1) Youth Worker

2) Student/Intern

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SECTION III – SELECTION POLICY

A. ONEIDA PREFERENCE AND INDIAN PREFERENCE STATEMENT OF POLICY

Federal policy since 1834 accords hiring preference to Indians. The purpose of this

preference is threefold: 1) to give Indians a greater participation in self-government; 2)

to further the Government's trust obligation; and 3) to increase the positive effect of

having Indians administer matters that affect Indian tribal life. (GTC Resolution – 5-23-11-A)

More recently, legislation such as the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Education

Amendments of 1972 (passed after the Equal Employment Opportunity Act) continued

to specifically provide for preferential hiring of Indians by Indian Nations.

As an employer, the Nation seeks to employ individuals who possess the skills, abilities

and background to meet the employment needs of the Nation.

As a sovereign Indian Nation and a unique cultural group, the Oneida Nation has

determined that a highly desirable employment characteristic is knowledge of Oneida

culture. Further, the Nation recognizes the unique, shared culture of Native American

Indians and has determined that a desirable employment characteristic is status as a

member or descendant of a federally recognized tribe. At a minimum, the Nation has

determined that some knowledge of Indian culture is a desirable employment

characteristic.

Accordingly, the Oneida Nation establishes the following policy in regard to Indian

Preference for selecting employees to provide services that meet the needs of the

Oneida people. This Indian Preference policy shall be specific to staffing decisions made

under the Personnel Policies and Procedures and shall not be construed to have an

application outside of these policies and procedures.

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The Oneida Nation is an equal employment opportunity employer and follows nondiscriminatory policies and procedures in personnel decisions (HR Interpretation 5-19-14) The

Oneida Nation exists to serve the needs of the Oneida people and therefore accords

Oneida Preference to enrolled members of the Oneida Nation where such preference is

not otherwise prohibited. All General Managers and top administrative positions, as

defined by HRD in a standard operating procedure, shall be held by enrolled members of

the Oneida Nation. In all other instances, the Nation applies the following priorities of

Indian Preference in staffing decisions:

Enrolled members of the Oneida Nation;

Individuals eligible for enrollment in the Oneida Nation;

Documented first generation descendants of the Oneida Nation;

Members or descendants of a federally recognized tribe;

Other (non-Indian). (HR Interpretation – 6-24-11)

This policy shall apply in decisions where the basic requirements for employment are

met.

B. HIRING PROCEDURE

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Statement of Policy

a. The Oneida Nation is an equal employment opportunity employer and follows

nondiscriminatory policies in hiring.

b. The Oneida Nation is a firm advocate of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (as amended) and

the 1968 Indian Civil Rights Act (as amended) and will make every effort to ensure

compliance with each Act; however:

c. The Oneida Nation follows the principles of Indian Preference in the implementation

of hiring practices (see the Oneida Preference and Indian Preference Statement of

Policy).

2. Hiring Guidelines

a. All Supervisors of the Oneida Nation shall undergo periodic training in EEO and laws,

rules, and regulations of the Nation.

b. Personnel Commission Role

1) The Oneida Nation established the Personnel Commission to represent the

Oneida Community-at-large in the selection of employees of the Nation.

a) The Personnel Commission is directed to:

i. Seek out the best-matched applicants for each available position;

ii. Consider only job-related factors (such as education, experience, past

performance, skills and abilities, and compatibility with the position and

potential co-workers) when selecting candidates; and

iii. Comply with the Oneida Personnel Commission Bylaws.

c. Identification of Vacancies and Development of Position Descriptions (Work Standard, 1116-11)

1)

Supervisors may inform the HRD Office of pending vacancies as soon as they are

identified.

2) For new and existing positions, the HRD Representative, the supervisor and the

Area Manager (at their option) shall review the position description to ensure

compliance with:

a) The Nation’s employment structure; and

b) The needs and requirements of the position.

3) All position descriptions shall follow the outlined structure.

d. Applications

1) All inquiries for position vacancies shall be responded to with an application.

2) All applications shall be submitted online.

3) All applications shall be acknowledged.

e. Advertising

1) Position vacancies shall be advertised as widely as possible. Advertising efforts

may include, but not be limited to the following:

a) The Kalihwisaks;

b) The Oneida Nation website;

c) Oneida Nation social media platforms;

d) Electronic communications or alerts;

e) Mailings;

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f) Statewide, through print and electronic media and public employment

agencies;

g) Through targeted recruiting efforts including:

i. The Bureau of Indian Affairs;

ii. The Oneida Higher Education Office.

h) Other postings targeted toward special recruiting categories (such as

professions) shall be carried out at the discretion of HRD with the advice and

consent of the affected department.

2) A position vacancy shall be posted for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days and

shall be open to the general public, unless the position is required to be filled by

an enrolled Oneida Nation member.

3) All vacancies requiring re-posting shall be referred back to B-2.c (Identification of

Vacancies and Development of Position description) to begin the re-posting

process.

Screening (HR Interpretation 11-16-12) (HR Interpretation 10-22-12)

1) Applicants who are enrolled members of the Oneida Nation shall be screened

and interviewed prior to any other applicants. If the screening and interviewing

of the applicants who are enrolled members of the Oneida Nation did not result

in the position vacancy being filled, then all other applicants may be screened

and interviewed.

2) A Screening Committee consisting of the HRD Representative, the position

supervisor, the Area Manager (at their option), and a member of the Personnel

Commission shall be convened to conduct the screening of applicants. The

Screening process shall begin as soon as practical following the closing of the

position. The Screening Committee shall:

a) Verify that all applications were submitted on time.

b) Applications that are incomplete or were not submitted on or before the

posted deadline date may be screened out.

c) Analyze the position description to establish screening criteria. These criteria

shall include qualifications listed on the position description determined by

the supervisor and HRD Representative to be essential to the position. (T.O.E.

WS - 5-6-13)

d)

e)

Screen and identify a list of applicants to be interviewed.

Ensure there are no applicants ineligible for employment with the Nation

due to termination or resignation in accordance with the applicable

standard operating procedure developed by HRD.

3) No person shall be recommended for a position if nepotism is created. Nepotism

is created by the following relationships that are created by birth, marriage, or

through another legally recognized means:

a) Spouse;

b) Child;

c) Parent;

d) Sibling;

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e) Grandparent;

f) Great-grandparent;

g) Grandchild; and

h) Guardian.

4) No person shall be recommended for a position if a conflict of interest is created.

Conflict of interest is defined as:

a) any interest, real or apparent, whether it be personal, financial, political, or

otherwise, in which an elected official, officer, political appointee, employee,

contractor, or appointed or elected member, or their immediate family

members, friends or associates, or any other person with whom they have

contact, have that conflicts with any right of the Nation to property,

information, or any other right to own and operate activities free from

undisclosed competition or other violation of such rights of the Nation.

b) any financial or familial interest an elected official, officer, political appointee,

employee, contractor, or appointed or elected member or their immediate

family members may have in any transaction between the Nation and an

outside party

5) The HRD Representative and supervisor shall construct an interview format

consisting of:

a) A set of questions related to the screening criteria qualifications; and

b) An interview rating scale designed to objectively evaluate each applicant’s

qualifications.

6) The HRD Office shall arrange for interviews with the listed applicants.

g. Applicant Interviews

1) An Interview Committee shall be convened consisting of the members of the

Screening Committee and a second member of the Personnel Commission. The

Interview Committee shall interview applicants and evaluate each individually.

2) No interview shall take place without an HRD Representative present.

3) The HRD Representative shall total the evaluation rating scale to rank order of the

applicants.

h. Selection (HR Interpretation - Disqualification of Applicant 10-24-13)

1) The supervisor shall select one of the top two (2) applicants as ranked through

the rating scale. (HR Interpretation - 10-17-12)

a) The supervisor may conduct an additional follow-up interview with the top

two (2) applicants.

b) The selection decision shall be governed by the Oneida Preference and

Indian Preference Policy. (HR Interpretation - 6-6-11)

c) The HRD Office shall notify and offer the position to the selected applicant.

i.

Should the supervisor's first choice refuse the offer, the HRD Office shall

provide the supervisor with the next two (2) ranked applicants to choose

from.

ii. Should the top two (2) chosen applicants refuse the position offer, the

supervisor may:

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2)

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1. Repeat the hiring selection process outlined in B.2.h.1. above with

the remaining candidates; or

2. Re-post the position.

The HRD Office shall notify those applicants interviewed but not selected of the

decision.

INTERNAL POSITION POSTING - The Oneida Nation encourages movement within and

among units in order to make the best possible use of human resources to meet the Oneida

Nation’s goals and objectives. Supervisors and employees are encouraged to work

together to create an environment in which employees constantly strive to improve their

skills and abilities and managers constantly seek to provide challenging and rewarding

work experiences.

1. Procedure

a. Internal Position Posting

1) Open positions as determined by a supervisor and their Area Manager may be

posted internally for a position transfer for a minimum of five (5) working days.

2) At the end of the five (5) day minimum internal posting period, the HRD

Representative shall schedule a screening with the open position's supervisor

and the Area Manager (at their option).

3) Employees who are transferred shall not lose any benefits; however:

a) An employee may be required to continue serving in their present position

until a replacement can be found, for a period up to thirty (30) days.

b) An employee who is transferred to a position lower on the Oneida Nation

Position Structure shall be paid at the grade level corresponding to the new

position.

c) Requests for transfers for documented medical conditions will be handled on

a case-by-case basis and only when in the best interests of both the

employee and the Nation.

d) The newly transferred employee shall be required to complete a three (3)

month probation period. All conditions of the Nation's Original Probation

Policy shall apply during that period.

2. Reassignments

a. Title Reassignments

1) Title Reassignments may be made by supervisors to:

a) More accurately describe or define an existing position; or

b) Make minor adjustments in positions within a unit or operating division.

2) Title Reassignments may be made at any time with the approval of the Area

Manager and HRD Representative.

b. Position Reassignments

1) Position Reassignments may be made by supervisors to make more efficient and

effective use of human resources.

2) Position Reassignments may be supervisor-initiated or employee-initiated but

must be made in the best interests of the operating unit.

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3) Position Reassignments may be made at any time with the approval of the Area

Manager and HRD Manager.

c. Interim Position Reassignments.

1) Interim position reassignments may be processed to fill a position in which the

previous employee is in the appeals process, on a leave of absence, or for a

vacant position.

D. ORIGINAL PROBATION

The first three (3) months after an employee's starting date after being hired, transferred, or

reassigned shall be considered a period of probation. At the end of six (6) weeks, the

employee's performance shall be reviewed with them by the supervisor by completing an

employee evaluation. At the end of the three-month probation period, a second performance

evaluation shall be conducted. This evaluation shall recommend the end of probation and

regular status for the employee, an extension of probation, or termination for cause.

1. Status as a Probationary Employee

a. Probationary employees shall accrue vacation and personal days during the

probation period and shall receive holiday pay.

b. Probationary employees may be terminated for cause at any time during the

probation period. Cause must consist of a violation of policies or the documented

inability of the employee to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. (BC

Action 3-20-92)

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