Except as specifically provided otherwise by charter or ordinance, any reference to cause and hearing in this Part only applies to an employee who has completed a reasonable probation period established by the municipality. Periods of probation may not exceed 6 calendar months or the length of time in effect in a municipality on January 1, 1984, whichever is greater, except in the case of police officers, who upon being hired shall complete an employment probationary period that lasts for at least one year after graduation from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy or the date the board waives the basic training requirement.   [PL 1993, c. 744, §15 (AMD).]

During the probationary period, an employee may be dismissed, suspended or otherwise disciplined without cause. Dismissal, suspension or any other disciplinary action against an employee during the probationary period is not subject to the grievance and arbitration provision of the collective bargaining agreement.   [PL 2021, c. 601, §12 (NEW).]