It shall be the policy of Prince George's County to insure that all employee appeals, whether as a result of an unresolved grievance or of an adverse action taken against an employee, are expeditiously considered and equitably adjudicated. All employees are encouraged to openly and freely express their views relative to conditions of their employment and, where necessary and appropriate, to exercise their appeal rights in accordance with the procedures stipulated in this Division without fear of reprisal or recrimination. In furtherance of the foregoing, it shall be wrongful for any appointing authority, supervisor, or the Director of Human Resources Management to discipline or otherwise take any retaliatory action against any employee, or to threaten any employee with any such action, on the basis of the employee's exercise of the appeal rights granted under the provisions of this Division, or for an employee's participation as a witness in any of the proceedings authorized herein.