Page 78 - Employee Handbook 1-2015 rev9

 Coerce or compel contributions for political or partisan purposes by any other
employee of the City, or use official authority or influence to coerce the political
action of any person or party;
 Use any supplies or equipment of the City for political purposes;
 Be a candidate for political or partisan elective office, unless on unpaid leave of
absence authorized by the City Manager for such purpose.

It is improper for any employee of the City of Winston-Salem to file and/or campaign for
a public elective office while actively serving as a City employee.

Any employee who wishes to run for public elective federal, state, county or City office
may request permission from the City Manager to be placed in unpaid leave of absence status for
the duration of the campaign. Violations of any of these prohibitions may result in loss of
employment.

Employees holding federally-funded positions may be subject to the provisions of the
Hatch Act which regulates political activities by federal or federally funded employees.

Whistleblower Protection

City employees are encouraged to report, verbally or in writing, to their supervisor,
department head, the City’s ethics officer, Human Resources Director or other appropriate
authorities, evidence of any activity by a city employee, officer or agent constituting:

 A violation of local, state or federal law, rule or regulation;
 Fraud;
 Misappropriation of City resources;
 Substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety; or
 Gross mismanagement, a cross waste of monies, or gross abuse of authority.

It is the City’s policy that all employees be free of intimidation or harassment when
reporting such matter of public concern to the appropriate oversight personnel or agency,
including testimony to or before the same. No City official shall recommend or approve adverse
employment action against any employee’s status, compensation, terms, conditions, locations or
privileges of employment in retaliation against an employee acting under the assumption that the
information reported was true and accurate to the best of their knowledge at the time of report.
This policy does not provide protection for employees who knowingly and/or willingly report
false accusations.

B. Gift Cards

The use of gift cards is generally discouraged since they are taxable income to the
recipient. Gift cards given to employees should not be given in denominations less than $25.00
in order to comply with applicable local and federal regulations. A list of all employees
receiving gift cards should be given to the Payroll Supervisor before giving them away, and a

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City of Winston-Salem Employee Handbook (January 2015 Revision)