Ala. Code § 45-37A-52.190: Rights of Officers and Employees Preserved.

Nothing in this part, except as specifically provided, shall affect or impair the rights or privileges of officers or employees of the city or of any office, department, or agency existing at the time when this part shall take effect, or any provision of law in force at the time when the mayor-council form of government shall be adopted, and not inconsistent with 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, or agency thereof.