Nothing in this part contained, except as specifically provided, shall affect or impair the rights or privileges of officers or employees of the city or of any office, department, board, or agency existing at the time when this part shall take effect, or any provision of law in force at the time when the council-manager form of government shall be adopted and not inconsistent with the provisions of this part, in relation to the personnel, appointment, ranks, grades, tenure of office, promotion, removal, pension and retirement rights, civil rights, or any other rights or privileges of officers or employees of the city or any office, department, board, or agency thereof.
Alabama Legal Code