An employee who is promoted must advance to a step of the range for the new class that is nearest to five percent above their prepromotional salary, not to exceed step M of the salary range. If the employee's prepromotional salary is set above the maximum of the salary range in accordance with WAC 357-28-040, the promotional increase will be based off of the maximum of the salary range of the class the employee is promoting from. The employer may grant a higher increase if:

(1) Significant increases in duties and responsibilities, as documented by the employer, warrant greater compensation;

(2) The increase is necessary for internal salary alignment, retention of the employee or other documented business needs in accordance with WAC 357-28-090; or

(3) The increase is necessary to bring the employee to the minimum of the salary range for the position.