Cortez Gas CompanyPolicies & Personnel Manual

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cortez Gas Company is committed to equal employment opportunity for all job qualified persons, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual preference, marital status, religious affiliation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, or age, to the extent required by law. This applies to all employment practices, including hiring, promotions, training, disciplinary action, termination, and benefits.

We expect all employees to show respect and sensitivity toward all other employees, and to demonstrate a commitment to the company's equal opportunity objectives. If you observe a violation of this policy, you should report it immediately to your Supervisor/Management.

Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination.

Note: throughout this employee manual, masculine pronouns such as he, his, or him shall be construed to include both sexes.

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS

At the time you are employed by Cortez Gas Company, you are classified as either full-time, part-time, or temporary.  Unless otherwise specified, the benefits described in this manual apply only to full-time employees. All other policies described in this manual and communicated by Cortez Gas Company apply to all employees, except for certain wages, salary and time off limitations applying only to "Nonexempt" (see the definition that follows) employees. If you are unsure of which job classification your position fits into, please ask your supervisor.

Full-Time Employees:

An employee who has successfully completed the Introductory Period (see the Employment Policies section for definition) of employment and who works at least thirty-two (32) hours per week is considered a full-time employee.

If you are a full-time employee and have been on approved leave of absence, upon return you will be considered a full-time employee, provided you return to work as agreed in the provisions of your leave.

Part-Time Employees

An employee who works less than a regular thirty-two (32) hour work week is considered a part-time employee. If you are a part-time employee, please understand that you are not eligible for the benefits described in this manual.

Temporary Employees

From time to time, Cortez Gas Company may hire employees for specific periods of time for the completion of a specific project. An employee hired under these conditions will be considered a temporary employee. The job assignment, work schedule and duration of the position will be determined on an individual basis. Normally, a temporary position will not exceed six (6) months in duration, unless specifically extended by a written agreement. Summer employees are considered temporary employees. If you are a temporary employee, please understand that you are not eligible for benefits described in this manual, except as granted on occasion, or to the extent afforded by the company
and or required by provision of state and federal laws. Those temporary employees classified as "Nonexempt" (see the definition that follows) who are authorized to work more than forty (40) hours during any work week will receive overtime pay.

Nonexempt Employees

At the time you are hired, all employees are classified as either "exempt" or "nonexempt." This is necessary because, by law, employees in certain types of jobs are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked more than forty hours (40) per work week. These employees are referred to as "nonexempt" in this manual. This means that they are not exempt from (and therefore should receive) overtime pay.

Note: See "Wage & Salary Policies" in the "Compensation & Performance" section of this Manual for a full description of overtime payment policies.

Exempt employees are managers, executives, supervisors, professional staff, technical staff, outside sales representatives, officers, directors, and others whose duties and responsibilities allow them to be "exempt" from overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws. If you are an exempt employee, you will be advised that you are in this classification at the time you are hired, transferred, or promoted.

​

EMPLOYMENT POLICIES

One of the first things you should do is carefully read this manual. It is designed to answer many of your questions about the practices and policies of Cortez Gas Company, and what Cortez Gas Company expects from you.

Anniversary Date

The first day you report to work for our company is your "official" anniversary date. Your anniversary date is used to compute certain benefits as described later in this manual.

Aptitude & Ability Tests

Job related tests may be given to help determine your aptitude or ability to perform a specific job. Such tests may be given to candidates for job changes and promotions, as well as to new applicants. Test results will be confidential.

At Will Employment

Employment is with the mutual consent of you and the company. Consequently, both you and the company have the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. This employment at will relationship will remain in effect throughout your employment with the company unless it is specifically modified by an express written agreement signed by you and corporate management.

Company Hours

Cortez Gas Company's office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Your hours of work and the scheduling of your lunch period will be determined and
assigned by your supervisor. The company requires a 1-hour unpaid lunch period daily. Any deviation requires prior approval from your direct supervisor. Local store hours are set by the upper management.

Confidential Information

Our company customers, friends, and suppliers entrust Cortez Gas Company with important
information relating to their personal confidential concerns and companies. The nature of this relationship requires maintenance of confidentiality. In safeguarding the information received, Cortez Gas Company earns the respect and further trust of our customers, friends, and suppliers.

Your employment with Cortez Gas Company, assumes an obligation to maintain confidentiality, even after you leave our employment.

Any violation of confidentiality seriously injures Cortez Gas Company's reputation and effectiveness. Therefore, please do not discuss Cortez Gas Company’s business with anyone who does not work for us and never discuss company transactions with anyone who does not have a direct association with the concern and or transaction. Even casual remarks can be misinterpreted and repeated, so develop the personal discipline necessary to maintain confidentiality. If you hear, see, or become aware of anyone else breaking this trust, consider what they might do with information they could receive from you.

If you are questioned by someone outside the company or your department and you are concerned about the appropriateness of giving them certain information, remember that you are not required to answer, and that we do not wish you to do so. Instead, as politely as possible, refer the request to your Supervisor/Management.

No one is permitted to remove or make copies of any company records, reports, or documents without prior management approval.

Because of its seriousness, disclosure or unauthorized use of confidential information could lead to dismissal and legal action.

Customer Relations

The success of Cortez Gas Company depends upon the quality of the relationships between Cortez Gas Company, our employees, our customers, friends, suppliers, and the general public. Our customers’ impression of Cortez Gas Company is greatly formed by the people who serve them. In a sense, regardless of your position, you represent Cortez Gas Company so always put your best foot forward.

Here are several things you should do to demonstrate proper conduct and exceptional service that represents Cortez Gas Company:

1. Act competently and deal with people in a courteous and respectful manner.

2. Communicate pleasantly and respectfully with management, other employees, customers, and the general public at all times.

3. Follow up on company orders, inquiries, personal and/or confidential concerns and requests, promptly and in an orderly and professional manner.

4. Take immense pride in your work and enjoy doing your absolute best to represent the company.

These are the building blocks for you and Cortez Gas Company's continued success. Thank you for your support and potential accomplishments.

Dress Code I Personal Appearance

As a company employee, you are expected to dress and groom yourself in accordance with accepted social and company standards, particularly if your job involves dealing with the public in person. While taste is an individual matter, there are basic rules for dress that apply. Skimpy, body-clinging, revealing, and bareback attire is not allowed. In addition, men's undershirts, and shorts, for men or women, are not appropriate. Uncovered halters, leotards, camisoles, tank tops, tube tops or other non-shoulder tops. Vulgar, inappropriate, or distasteful messages on t-shirts are prohibited.

A neat tasteful appearance contributes to the positive impression you make on the public and fellow employees. You are expected to be suitably attired and groomed during working hours and when representing Cortez Gas Company Your supervisor will inform you of the dress regulation required for your specific job. A good clean appearance bolsters your own poise and self-confidence and greatly enhances the company's image.

Personal appearance should be a matter of concern for each employee. If your supervisor feels your attire is out of place, you may be asked to leave your workplace until you are properly attired. You will not be paid for the time you are off the job for this purpose. Your supervisor has the sole authorization to determine an appropriate dress code, and anyone who violates this standard will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Driver's License & Driving Record

Employees whose work requires operation of a motor vehicle must present and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to our insurer. You will be asked to submit a copy of your driving record to Cortez Gas Company from time to time. Any changes in your driving record must be reported to the Management immediately. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including a possible dismissal.

Note: See "Traffic Violations" and "Use of Company Vehicle" in the "Other Policies" section of this manual for further information.

Employee Purchases

At no time may personal merchandise be charged to the company’s account without prior verifiable approval from Corporate Management. Without approval, it is considered theft. Such action shall be grounds for dismissal.

Employee Referral | Recruitment

Staff vacancy announcements can be listed in the company bulletin, local newspapers, or other media. You are encouraged to recommend and refer qualified candidates for employment to the Management of Cortez Gas Company If you know of someone who would like to work here, we will be glad to consider them for appropriate openings. Notify management and be sure the individual mentions your name when contacting the company.

Employment of Minors

If you are not at least 18 years old, you are required by law to provide a valid work permit, a High School Diploma, or a Certificate of Proficiency, before you will be allowed to work full time.

The employment of minors is restricted by the terms and conditions of the work permit as well as the provisions of state and federal law and/or insurance requirements.

Exit Interviews

An exit interview will be conducted by the management and/or the Payroll Office on the last day of work to cover insurance coverage, timecards, keys, credit cards, uniforms, computer passwords and any other pertinent company information.

Former Employees

Depending on the circumstances, Cortez Gas Company may consider a former employee for re-
employment. Such applicants are subject to Cortez Gas Company 's usual pre-employment procedures. To be considered, an applicant must have been in good standing at the time of their previous termination of employment with Cortez Gas Company and must have provided at least two weeks advance notice in writing of their intention to terminate their employment with Cortez Gas Company

Reinstatement of Benefits (Bridging)

In the event you return to work for Cortez Gas Company, regardless of the length of your previous employment and the length of time since you terminated your employment with Cortez Gas Company, your benefits shall accrue as if you were a new / first-time employee.

Harassment:

Cortez Gas Company intends to provide a work environment that is pleasant, healthful, comfortable, and free from intimidation, hostility or other offenses which might interfere with work performance. Harassment of any sort, verbal, physical, visual, will not be tolerated.

What is Harassment?

Harassment can take many forms. It may be, but is not limited to words, signs, jokes,
pranks, intimidation, physical contact, or violence. Harassment is not necessarily sexual in nature.

Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other verbal, or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an intimidating environment, prevents an individual from effectively performing the duties of their position, or when such conduct is made a condition of employment or compensation, either implicitly or explicitly. Examples of sexual harassment including unwelcome sexual flirtations advances or propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; subtle pressure or requests for sexual activities; unnecessary or unwelcomed touching of an individual; graphic comments about an individual's body; a display in the workplace of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; sexually explicit or offensive jokes; or physical assault. Sexual harassment knows no gender- it can occur between two men, two women, or a man and a woman all the same. It will not be tolerated in any form.

Responsibility

As an employee of Cortez Gas Company, you are responsible for keeping our work environment free of harassment. Any employee who becomes aware of an incident of harassment, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it in writing immediately to a supervisor or a member of the Corporate Management Team of Cortez Gas Company with whom you feel comfortable. When Cortez Gas Company becomes aware that harassment might exist, it is obligated by law to take prompt and appropriate action, whether or not the victim wants the company to do so.

Reporting

If you feel that you have experienced harassment, report the incident immediately to the
management of Cortez Gas Company with whom you feel comfortable. Appropriate investigation and disciplinary action will be taken. All reports will be promptly investigated with due regard for the privacy of everyone involved. Any employee found to have harassed a fellow employee or subordinate will be subject to severe disciplinary action or possible discharge. Cortez Gas Company will also take any additional action necessary to appropriately correct the situation. Cortez Gas Company will not retaliate against any employee who makes a good faith report of alleged harassment, even if the employee was in error.

Cortez Gas Company accepts no liability for harassment of one employee by another employee. The individual who makes unwelcome advances, threatens or in any way harasses another employee is personally liable for such actions and their consequences, Cortez Gas Company will not provide legal, financial or any other assistance to an individual accused of harassment if a legal complaint is filed.

Introductory Period

Your first ninety (90) days of employment at Cortez Gas Company are considered an introductory period, and during that period you will not accrue benefits described in this manual unless otherwise required by law. This introductory period will be a time for getting to know your fellow employees, your supervisor, and the tasks involved in your job position, as well as becoming familiar with Cortez Gas Company's business and operations. Your supervisor and/or the management will work closely with you to help you understand the needs and processes of your job.

This introductory period is a try-out time for both you, as an employee, and Cortez Gas Company, as an employer. During this introductory period, Cortez Gas Company will evaluate your suitability for employment, and you can evaluate Cortez Gas Company as well. At any time during these ninety (90) days, you may resign without any detriment to your record. If, during this period, your work habits, attitude, attendance, or performance do not measure up to our standards, we may release you. If you take approved time off in excess of five workdays during the introductory period, the introductory period may be extended by that length of time.

At the end of the introductory period, your manager/supervisor will discuss your job performance with you. This review will be much the same as the normal job performance review that is 'held for regular full-time or part-time employees on an annual basis. During the course of the discussion, you are encouraged to give your comments and ideas as well.

Please understand that completion of the introductory period does not guarantee continued employment for any specified period of time, nor does it require that an employee be discharged only for "cause."

A former employee who has been rehired after a separation from Cortez Gas Company is considered an introductory employee during the first ninety (90) days following rehire.  

Health Examinations

Your employment with Cortez Gas Company may be contingent on passing a physical/health examination at Cortez Gas Company's expense; with a doctor possibly selected by Cortez Gas Company Also, at any point during your employment, you may be asked to undergo a health examination on company time and at Cortez Gas Company’s expense. This may be necessary to ensure that you are physically and/or mentally capable of handling the tasks involved in your job position safely and without possible harm to yourself and others.

Job Descriptions

A job description outlines the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of a position and are discussed at the time of hiring.  All job descriptions are not exhaustive, meaning the list of duties is not complete.  All job roles can adjust the task and the employees who fill them must have flexibility.  This means the employer can change the duties at any time to adapt to changing business needs or project requirements. All job descriptions start with “job duties include but are not limited to:”   

Layoff & Recall

In the unlikely event of a reduction in the workplace, employees may be laid off based on the necessity of that position, the fiscal operations of the specific department, less skills and abilities, or any other factors.

However, when it is necessary to recall employees from layoff status, recall will be made by mail to your last known address or by telephone call. Failure to respond to the recall within three (3) working days of notice will be considered disinterested in recall (to work). Laid off employees must keep Cortez Gas Company informed of any change in mailing address or telephone number.

If you leave the area, plan to leave the area, or you are unreachable for a period of time, please feel free to contact your manager/supervisor to let us know you are interested in returning to work.

Conflict of Interest Employment

Full-time employees are prohibited from engaging in outside employment or other activity that causes a conflict of interest with the company. Including starting your own business.

Personal Phone Calls & Mail:

From time to time, it may be necessary for employees to make and receive personal calls on company phones. However, these calls should be limited to no more than 5 minutes in length, and should be made, whenever possible, during scheduled breaks and meal periods. No personal long-distance phone calls are allowed on the company office phone lines. Employees are expected to use good judgment and common sense when it comes to personal phone calls. Abuse of this privilege is subject to disciplinary action and possible termination.

Do not use Cortez Gas Company as a personal mailing address, and do not put personal mail in the stacks that are to be run through the postage meter. Although the amount may seem small, it is still considered theft.                             

Cell phone use is prohibited during business hours. If a call or text must be made, they should be made during scheduled breaks or kept very brief. Excessive cell phone usage during business hours will be cause for disciplinary action.

Personnel File
The task of filing confidential personnel records and related personnel administration functions at Cortez Gas Company has been assigned to the Payroll Office. Questions regarding insurance, and wages may be directed to the HR Dept/Payroll Dept/Supervisor.

Keeping your personnel file up to date can be important to you with regard to pay,

deductions, benefits, and other matters. If you have a change in any of the following items, please be sure to notify the Payroll Office/Management in writing within five (5) calendar days:

1.  Legal name

2.  Home address

3.  Home telephone number

4.  Email address

5.  Person to call in case of emergency

6.  Number of dependents

7.  Marital status

8.  Change of beneficiary

9.  Driving record or status of driver's license if you operate any company vehicles

10.  Military or draft status

11.   Exemptions on your W-4 form

Coverage or benefits that you and your family receive under Cortez Gas Company 's benefits package could be negatively affected if the information in your personnel file is incorrect.

Since Cortez Gas Company refers to your personnel file when we need to make decisions in
connection with promotions, transfers, layoffs, and recalls, it is to your benefit to be sure your personnel file includes information about completion of educational or training courses, outside civic activities, and areas of interest and skills that may not be part of your current position here.

Your personnel file and its related documents are the property of the company
and cannot be copied, borrowed, or removed from the Payroll Office. The review of your
personnel file must be in the presence of the Payroll Office/Management and during office hours only.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship and/or Right to Work

Federal regulations require that before becoming employed, all applicants must complete and sign Federal Form 1-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form; and 2) all applicants who are hired need to present documents of identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Cortez Gas Company is committed to full compliance with the federal immigration laws and will not knowingly hire or continue to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to work in the United States. As an ongoing condition of employment, you may be required to provide documentation verifying your identity and legal authority to work in the United States.

Relatives

If you and members of your immediate family are employed by Cortez Gas Company, one may or may not be permitted to supervise the other nor work in the same department, unless authorized by the Senior Management. If relatives of employees were to develop problems of an unworkable solution-the Management of Cortez Gas Company will determine which employee could be transferred to another position or department, or possibly terminated because of company concerns regarding employee morale, security, or other legitimate reasons. For purposes of this section, your immediate family includes your spouse, your children, your siblings, your parents, your grandparents, and your spouse's children, siblings, parents and grandparents.

Should two present employees marry or otherwise become closely related, the Management will determine if they may work in the same department.

Resignation

While we hope both you and Cortez Gas Company will mutually benefit from your continued
employment, we realize that it may become necessary for you to leave your employment with Cortez Gas Company If you anticipate having to resign your position with Cortez Gas Company, you are expected to notify the Company Management in writing, at least two (2) weeks in advance of the date that you must leave. Failure to provide this written notice two weeks before the resignation date will result in the forfeiture of any vacation pay remaining. Vacation days and sick days are not allowed in lieu of working. The entire two-week notice must be fully worked, or you become ineligible for rehire without supervisor approval. 

Security Checks

Cortez Gas Company will exercise its right to inspect all purses, bags, backpacks, pieces of mail, packages, parcels, or any suspicious items entering and leaving our premises, or items located within the company facilities. Cortez Gas Company reserves the right to inspect any personal vehicle on company property if deemed necessary or suspected violations of company policy have occurred. By parking your privately owned vehicle on company property you willingly submit to this policy.

We Need Your Ideas

Ask any of our employees who have worked with us for a long time and they will probably tell you of the many transitions and improvements that have come about in their departments since they first joined us. If you think of a better way of doing your job or the job of a fellow employee, discuss it with your Supervisor/Management, who will welcome your suggestions and ideas.

Remember, there may be areas in Cortez Gas Company 's operation that can be improved. These could be in service, production methods, equipment, communications, safety, ways to reduce costs, losses, and/or waste, or other areas that you may see a need or way for improvement. Please let your supervisor know of any ideas you may have in these areas.

Standards Of Conduct

Whenever people gather together to achieve goals, some rules of conduct are needed to help everyone work together efficiently, effectively, arid harmoniously. Some people have problems with "rules" and "authority figures," and past experience may have justified these thoughts and feelings; however, at Cortez Gas Company, we hold ourselves to a high standard of quality where the rules and authority figures simply assure that quality is maintained.

By accepting employment with us, you have a responsibility to Cortez Gas Company and to your fellow employees to adhere to certain rules of behavior and conduct. The purpose of these rules is not to restrict your rights, but rather to be certain that you understand what conduct is expected and necessary. When each person is aware that he or she can fully depend upon fellow workers to follow the rules of conduct, then our organization will be a better place to work for everyone.

Grievances & Suggestions

An efficient, successful operation and satisfied employees go hand in hand. Employee grievances/suggestions are of concern to Cortez Gas Company, regardless of whether the problems or ideas are large or small.

In order to provide for prompt and efficient evaluation of and response to grievances/
suggestions, Cortez Gas Company has established a formal Grievance/Suggestion Procedure for all employees. It will always be Cortez Gas Company's policy to give full consideration to every employee's opinion. There will be no discrimination against or toward anyone for his or her part in presenting grievances/suggestions.

Under this policy, grievance is defined as any event, condition, rule, or practice which hinders the employee from completing their job and responsibilities. This covers a wide range of circumstances, everything from the workplace, the environment, and other working conditions to policies or practices which interfere with or hinder his or her performance. A grievance may also deal with an attitude, a statement, or an opinion held by a supervisor or a fellow employee.

Talking things over usually helps. When you have a grievance or other problem, the person you report to is the person to see first. If this does not settle the matter, you are entitled to go to the Management to see what can be done. Never leave your work area without notifying your supervisor first.

Unacceptable Activities

We expect each person to act in a mature and responsible way at all times. However, to avoid any possible confusion, some of the more obvious unacceptable activities are noted below. Your avoidance of these activities will be to your benefit as well as the benefit of Cortez Gas Company If you have any questions concerning any work or safety rules, or any of the unacceptable activities listed, please see your supervisor for an explanation.

Occurrences of any of the following violations, because of their seriousness, may result in immediate dismissal without warning:

• Willful violation of any company rule; any deliberate action that is extreme in nature and is obviously detrimental to Cortez Gas Company's efforts to operate responsibly.

• Willful violation of security or safety rules or failure to observe safety rules or safety practices; failure to wear required safety equipment; tampering with
  equipment or safety equipment.

• Negligence, or any careless action, which endangers the life or safety of another person.

• Being intoxicated or under the influence of controlled substance drugs while at work; use or possession or sale of controlled substance drugs in any quantity while on company premises except medications prescribed by a physician.

• Unauthorized possession of dangerous or illegal firearms, weapons, or explosives on company property or while on duty.  No guns in our buildings.

• Engaging in criminal conduct or acts of violence or making threats of violence toward anyone on company premises or when representing Cortez Gas Company i.e., fighting, or horseplay or provoking a fight on company property, or negligent damage of property.

• Insubordination or refusing to obey instructions properly issued by your supervisor pertaining to your work; refusal to help on a special assignment.

• Threatening, intimidating, or coercing fellow employees on or off the premises at any time, for any purpose.

• Engaging in an act of sabotage; willfully or with gross negligence causing the destruction or damage of company property of fellow employees, members, suppliers, or visitors in any manner.

• Occurrences of any of these activities, as well as violations of any of Cortez Gas Company's rules or policies, may be subject to disciplinary action, including possible immediate dismissal. This list is not all-inclusive, and, notwithstanding this list, all employees remain employed "at will."

• Posting defamatory statements about the company or fellow employees on social media. Employees engaging in this behavior can be sued for libel.

• Theft of company property or the property of fellow employees; unauthorized possession or removal of any company property, including documents, from the premises without prior permission from management; unauthorized use of company equipment or property for personal reasons; using company equipment for profit.

• Dishonesty; willful falsification or misrepresentation on your application for employment or other work records; lying about sick or personal leave; falsifying reason for a leave of absence or other data requested by Cortez Gas Company; alteration of company records or other company documents.

• Malicious gossip and/or spreading rumors; engaging in behavior designed to create discord and lack of harmony; interfering with another employee on the job; willfully restricting work output or encouraging others to do the same.

• Immoral conduct or indecency on company property.

• Engaging in lottery or gambling while you are on shift.

• Unsatisfactory or careless work; failure to meet production or quality standards as explained to you by your manager; mistakes due to carelessness or failure to get necessary instructions.

• Any act of harassment, sexual, racial, or other; telling sexist or racial-type jokes; making racial or ethnic slurs.

• Leaving work before the end of a workday or not being ready to work at the start of a workday without the approval of your manager/supervisor; stopping work before time specified for such purposes.

• Sleeping on the job; loitering or loafing during working hours.

• Excessive use of the company's telephone for personal calls.

• Cell phone for personal use while on the clock.

• Smoking, e-cig, or vaping at any time on company premises in other than designated areas.

• Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.

• Posting, removing, or altering notices on any bulletin board on company property without the permission of the management of Cortez Gas Company

• Failure to report an absence or late arrival, excessive absence, or tardiness.

• Buying personal merchandise on the company's account.

• Obscene or abusive language toward any supervisor, employee, or member; indifference or rudeness towards a member or fellow employee; any disorderly/antagonistic conduct on company premises.

• Speeding or careless driving of any company vehicle.

• Failure to immediately report damage to, or an accident involving company equipment.

• Soliciting during working hours and/or in working areas; selling merchandise or collecting funds of any kind for charities or others without authorization during company hours, or at a time or place that interferes with the work of another employee on company premises.

• Failure to maintain a neat and clean appearance in terms of the standards established by the company; any departure from accepted conventional modes of dress or personal grooming; wearing improper or unsafe clothing.

• Failure to use your timecard; alteration of your own timecard or records or attendance documents; punching or altering another employee's timecard or records or causing someone to alter your timecard or records.

• Failure to notify receptionist before leaving the building during scheduled work hours, of necessity to be away from required duties.

• Doing personal work or chores during business hours.

• Performing background checks on fellow employees

• Stalking or harassing customers, clients, or fellow employees on social media

Disciplinary Actions

Unacceptable behavior, which does not lead to immediate dismissal, may be dealt with in the following manner:

• Verbal Warning

• First Written Warning

• Second Written Warning

• Dismissal

Written warnings will include the reasons for the supervisor's dissatisfaction and any
supporting evidence. You will have an opportunity to defend your actions and rebut the opinion of your supervisor at the time the warning is issued. The first written warning may result in a 3-day suspension without pay; a second written warning will result in a one-week suspension without pay. Disciplinary actions may also include fines, suspensions or other measures deemed appropriate to the circumstances.

All pertinent facts will be carefully reviewed, and the employee will be given a full
opportunity to explain his or her conduct before any decision is reached. Management will give a second opinion concerning the unacceptable behavior before dismissal occurs.

Dismissal

Employment and compensation with Cortez Gas Company is "at will" in that an employee can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of Cortez Gas Company, except as otherwise provided by law.

If your performance is unsatisfactory due to lack of ability, failure to abide by Cortez Gas Company rules or failure to fulfill the requirements of your job, you will be notified of the problem. If satisfactory change does not occur, you may be dismissed. Some incidents may result in immediate dismissal.