Ala. Code § 45-8-120.13
An appointing authority may take disciplinary action against any employee assigned to his or her department so long as the action is taken in accordance with the guidelines established by the board and this article. If the appointing authority's action involves the dismissal, demotion, or suspension without pay of a regular status classified service employee, the appointing authority shall ensure that a pre-determination hearing is held between the employee and appointing authority before the action is taken against the individual. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with guidelines as established by the board. The appointing authority shall, also, submit a written report to the board within five working days of the effective date of such disciplinary action giving the reason for the dismissal, demotion, or suspension without pay. A regular status classified service employee may appeal his or her dismissal, demotion, or suspension without pay to the board in accordance with Section 45-8-120.15 and guidelines as established by the board.
Ala. Code § 45-8-120.13 (1975)