Marion introduces Employee Handbook

Oct 9, 2019

MARION — In an effort to improve consistency in work contracts and compensation for town employees, Town Administrator James McGrail presented the Board of Selectmen with the town’s first ever Employee Handbook on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The comprehensive handbook includes an in-depth personnel policy with pay grade classifications and benefits, as well as official policies on sexual harassment, and social media.

McGrail’s handbook separates all non-union town positions into seven categories from A to G. The lowest pay rates start in Grade A, and increase at each level from there.

Examples of grade A jobs include custodians and van drivers, while Grade G jobs include the Director of Public Works and Town Accountant. Employees also have the ability to earn incremental “step” raises based on performance. 

A Grade A employee at step 1 earns $15 per hour, but at step 15 (the highest step) they earn $19.79. A Grade G employee earns $47.91 per hour, at step 15 they earn $63.24.

Employees who regularly work at least 20 hours per week are entitled to twelve paid holidays per year. Employees are also eligible for vacation time, professional development, and paid bereavement leave.

The handbook notes that the town “takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously” and will promptly respond to complaints of sexual harassment with a “fair and expeditious” investigation. In the case that an employee commits an act of sexual harassment disciplinary actions such as counseling, or firing the employee will be taken.

The handbook also says that “the use of social media presents certain risks, and carries with it certain responsibilities.” 

Town employees are prohibited from posting to personal social media during work time, posting confidential documents, or using town e-mails to register on social networks.

The Board of selectmen approved of McGrail’s handbook, with the recommendations that page numbers be added to the table of contents, and employees be given the chance to sign off, indicating that they have read the book.