STEP INCREASES UNDER GRADES AND STEP Sample Clauses

STEP INCREASES UNDER GRADES AND STEP. A. A CORE who is not already at the highest step of his or her current grade may be advanced to the next higher step at the conclusion of the waiting period assigned to their current rate. 1. While FEMA’s Xxxxxxxx Act authorities permit FEMA the authority to compensate without regard to Title 5, FEMA agrees to adopt the waiting periods for advancement to the next highest step established by 5 U.S.C. § 5335 and its implementing regulation at 5 C.F.R. § 531.405 as a matter of policy for all COREs paid via grades and steps. 2. A CORE is not automatically entitled to receive a step increase at the conclusion of his or her waiting period. To receive the step increase, the CORE’s supervisor of record must certify that the CORE: a. Has completed the requisite waiting period; b. Has not received an equivalent increase during the waiting period; and c. His or her summary rating level for the most recent performance was at least “Achieved Expectations” or equivalent. 3. If a supervisor determines that a CORE’s performance is not at an acceptable level, the CORE will receive a notification stating that the CORE’s next step increase is being withheld, the reason for the negative determination, and what the CORE must do to improve his or her performance to be granted the step increase. The notification will include a notice that bargaining unit employees can consult with a Union representative. X. Xxxxx to the completion of the requisite waiting period, a supervisor may recommend one additional step increase if warranted by the CORE’s performance.