(1) It is the policy of the executive branch of Montana state government that:

(a) state employees who fail to perform their jobs in a satisfactory manner or whose behavior interferes with or disrupts agency operations be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge;

(b) disciplinary action be administered for just cause, as defined in this policy;

(c) management inform employees of the just cause for formal disciplinary actions; and

(d) management offer employees the opportunity to respond to formal disciplinary actions.

(2) It is the objective of this policy to establish procedures for implementing informal and formal disciplinary actions.

(3) Management may implement disciplinary actions under this policy regardless of whether a performance evaluation has been completed.

(4) Agencies shall follow this policy unless it conflicts with negotiated labor contracts or specific statutes, which shall take precedence to the extent applicable.