NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Gov. Bill Haslam is refusing to grant pay raises to hundreds of state workers who have been disciplined during the past year.

The increases of 1.6 percent for an estimated 42,000 executive branch workers went into effect July 1.

Most were implemented, but the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that the governor and top officials excluded employees who have "been demoted, suspended or received more than one written warning in the past year."

Haslam spokesman David Smith says the "administration believes the increase should be provided to state employees that are adequately doing their jobs."

Tennessee State Employees Association leaders call the move "mean-spirited" and say they are exploring legal action.

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