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Bureau of Human Resources: State of Maine

Beginning September 8, 2025, current State employees should apply for new open positions through PRISM using the "Find Jobs" report within the system. More information on how to apply for jobs in PRISM can be found on the PRISM Learning page under "Job Aids." Please note: Employees must use a State device to access the internal PRISM Learning SharePoint page.

Home → State HR Professionals → Rules & Policies → Policy & Practices Manual → 10.5 Promotion, Demotion, Transfer From Layoff

10.5 Promotion, Demotion, Transfer From Layoff

Questions have emerged with respect to the appropriate method to calculate the rate of pay when an employee promotes, demotes, or transfers, but remains in layoff status from a higher classification. For example, an employee is laid off from a Grade 24 job and demotes in lieu of layoff to a Grade 20 job; the employee then promotes to a Grade 22 job. 

The question: Is the rate of pay calculated as a promotion from Grade 20 to Grade 22 or is the rate of pay calculated as another demotion from Grade 24 to Grade 22?

The answer: As long as the employee is in layoff status from the higher classification, the rate of pay is calculated both ways; whichever methodology results in the higher rate of pay is implemented.

This matter was specifically addressed in Human Resources Memorandum 14-96 (11/20/96) which addressed a number of layoff-related questions in a question-and-answer format.


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