Update on Job Classification Changes

February 2004

One goal of civil service reform is to make the state personnel system more efficient by consolidating more than 2,400 job classes into fewer, broader classes.

The initial plan was to implement all of the job classification changes on July 1, 2005, the same date that most other Washington Works components become effective. This timeline now is being revised to give agencies and employees more time for a smoother transition.

As the full magnitude of the coming changes became more clear, agency managers and human resource staff expressed concern about the logistics and timing involved in implementing all of the Washington Works components at the same time. The classification system is one component that can be implemented in phases, rather than all at once.

In response, the Department of Personnel and the state's Labor Relations Office are developing a revised timeline for transitioning to new, consolidated job classes. Some consolidation will be done before July 2005. Further consolidation will take place in stages starting after July 2005. The timeline for transitioning to new occupational categories is still being developed.

The revised timeline will allow managers and human resource staff to better support agencies and their employees during the transition to the new system. It also will minimize the cost impact to the state, by stretching it out over time.

Both the Department of Personnel and the Labor Relations Office are committed to the shared goal of streamlining the civil service system to allow better management of state government. The Department of Personnel will continue to listen and respond to feedback on the job classification proposal.