Learn about Civil Service Commission appeals

San Francisco is dedicated to treating employees fairly

Our City has a merit system. It's a way to make sure that people who apply for jobs and work for the City are hired and promoted based on their knowledge, skill and ability. Our job is to make sure the City follows the rules and policies related to the merit system. 

Your right to an appeal

If you feel like the City hasn't followed the merit system when it made a decision, we can help. You can file an appeal with us.

You'll get a chance to explain why you think the decision wasn't fair. The Commission will listen to what you have to say, look at the evidence, and make a final decision.

Anyone can file an appeal

• Employees
• Job applicants
• Taxpayers
• Advocates
• Departmental representatives
• Employee organization representatives

Appeals have strict deadlines

Check the email or letter you got with the original decision that you want to appeal. It will tell you how quickly you need to file your appeal. Depending on the situation, you may only have a few days. 

If you do not file your appeal in time, you lose your chance to appeal. 

Decisions that you can appeal

You can appeal most decisions made by the:

• Human Resources Director
• Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA)
• Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission (CSC)

Many people file appeals related to:

• Civil Service Commission rules (and how they're applied)
• Discrimination complaints
• Employee separations and releases
• Examinations (including background rejections)
• Personal services contracts
• Position-based testing
• Position classifications 
• Salary (employee compensation)

Some decisions can't be appealed. If the letter or email you received says the decision is final, you cannot appeal it. 

If your appeal is accepted, you'll go to a public hearing

This is your chance to explain your side of the story in public. Members of the Civil Service Commission will listen to what you have to say and ask questions.

After the hearing, they'll make a decision about your case.