(a)
Whenever the district acquires existing facilities from a publicly or privately owned utility, either in proceedings by eminent domain or otherwise, to the extent necessary for operation of facilities, all of the employees of the utility whose duties pertain to the facilities acquired who have been employed by the utility for at least 75 days shall be appointed to comparable positions in the district without examination. These employees shall be given sick leave, seniority, and vacation credits in accordance with the records of the
acquired public utility. No employee of any acquired public utility shall suffer any worsening of wages, seniority, pension, vacation, or other benefits by reason of the acquisition.
(b)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to officers or managerial employees of the acquired utility except as designated by the board.