In bullet # 3 of the leaked slide it states that if you got SSL4 or 5 in 2016 with no Outstanding and Exceeds ratings in 2015/16 you are eligible for layoff. What I'm reading into is the word ratings, with an S. Is anyone else taking that as you don't need an overall O or EE for focal, but rather had an O or EE in the sub categories of your focal?
Also, what if your SSL4 wasn't given because of performance issues? Is that taken into account?
I'm fairly sure they don't give out EE/SSL4. Even if they did, the EE would protect you.
As for if your SSL4 wasn't for performance, I've heard that a documented medical issue resulting in SSL4 should be OK. Take that with a big grain of salt, but at least you should challenge if you fall into that category.
My advice to you - don't take it personally. You maybe pretty good, but still be fired because of poor management decisions.
You have a valid point. Even 2 successive SL4 does not necessarily mean a performance issue if the rating is successful. It may be that a candidate was promoted to a higher grade. For 2 years she / he probably is competing with much stronger folks in the higher grade. The EE may still come out as SL4 and be successful. It may not be appropriate to lay off someone with performance based lay-off in such scenario. If otherwise, how can the EE get a successful rating?
Comments welcome.
From my take of the explanations during last year's action, SSL4 is always considered a poor performance issue by the upper management even if your manager doesn't consider it that. Also, I think the ratings is just a poor grammar thing. Because of the AND in the middle, they pluralised the ratings. I know someone who got his only poor performance indicator in 15 years of service this year. He got SSL4 with a successful. His manager has told him already he will be walked on Monday. Remember, this action is taken at the corporate leadership level and to them each employee is just a headcount.
re: what if your SSL4 wasn't given because of performance issues? Is that taken into account?
NO, it for darn sure wasn't the last time the ax swung and caused a LOT of problems. Managers were surprised and some really good people were let go and ineligible for rehire. Branded them as sub-par when they weren't. I wasn't affect but that still frosts my *ss.