Arizona Changes State Employees to “At Will”

Stateline’s 2012 Legislative Review looks at various labor issues state legislatures addressed this year and highlights several new changes affecting public employees.  In particular, Arizona enacted new legislation moving its state employees from a civil service system to an “at will” system in which managers will have the flexibility to hire and fire employees as they choose and grant bonuses and pay increases without legislative approval.  

Historically, civil service systems were put in place to shield public employees from political influence and help maintain stability whenever a shift in political party control occurred.  However, opponents argue that the rules protect unproductive workers and make it difficult to hire and retain a talented workforce.

Under Arizona’s legislation, all new hires are ineligible for the civil service protections given to current state employees, including the ability to file grievances and appeal disciplinary actions.  Current employees will convert to “at will” status whenever they accept a raise, promotion, or transfer.