HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-115 Union Agrmt - IAFF
AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OREGON
and
ASHLAND FIREFIGHTER'S ASSOCIATION
LOCAL #1269
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS
July 1, 2006-June 30, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE......... ............................................................................................................ .................. 1
SCOPE OF AGREEMENT............. ........... .............. ............................. .................. ............... .......... 1
ARTICLE I - RECOGNITION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION:............................................. 1
Section 1. Recognition.......... ....................................................................... ............... ......................... 1
Section 2. No Discrimination. ............. .......... ................................... ................................. .......... ........ 1
ARTICLE II - UNION SECURITY AND CHECK-OFF: ........................................................... 2
Section 1. Union Security ............................................ ...... .................................... .............................. 2
Section 2. Check Off..... ........ ...... ............... .......... ....... ....... .................. .... ............ ..... ..... .......... .... ........ 2
Section 3. Indemnification ..... ........ .............. ....... ......... ...... ................. ...... ............. .... ....... ....... ............ 2
ARTICLE III - MANAGEMENT RIGHTS .................................................................................. 3
ARTICLE IV - STRIKE PROHIBITION: .................................................................................... 3
Section 1....... ............... ........... ....... ...... ...... .......... ........... ........ ............... ................. ......... ..... ........ ........ 3
Section 2................................................................................................................................. .............. 4
Section 3................................................................................................................................. .............. 4
ARTICLE V - HOLIDAYS: ..... ................. ....... ................ ................ ....... ...... ............ ........... ............ 4
Section 1. Recognized Holidays. ............................... ....... ....... ....... ...................... ..... .......................... 4
Section 2. Holiday Compensation..... ............. .................... ................... ........... ........... ............. ........... 4
ARTICLE VI - VACATIONS: ........................................................................................................ 5
Section 1. Eligibility ...... ......... ............. .............. ......................... .................. .................. .............. ....... 5
Section 2. Continuous Service. ............ .... ... .... ...... ....... ... ...... ......... .... ......... ............ ........ .............. ....... 5
Section 3. Accrual Limitations ... ................ ................. ........ ................. .............. ....... .......................... 5
Section 4. Scheduling .......................................................................................................................... 6
Section 5. 'Payment on Termination.............. ............... .............. ....... ........ ................................ .......... 6
ARTICLE VII - HOURS OF WORK ............................................................................................. 6
Section 1. Work Schedules. ........ ..... .............. ....... ................. ....... ........ ........ ............. ............... .... ....... 6
Section 2. Shift Transfers. ....... ....... ............ ................. .................. ..... ......... ................................. ........ 6
ARTICLE VIII - SICK LEAVE: ..................................................................................................... 7
Section 1. Accumulation.. ....... ..... ............. .................. ...... ..... ......... ..... ....... ....... .... ... ........ .... ..... .......... 7
Section 2. Utilization for Illness or Injury ........................................................................................... 7
Section 3. Integration with Worker's Compensation ......................................................................... 7
Section 4. Sick Leave Without Pay ..................................................................................................... 7
Section 5. Termination.... ........ ..... .... ....... ....... ......... ... .... ... ........ ............ ....... ......... ........ ............ ...... ...... 8
ARTICLE IX - FUNERAL LEAVE: .............................................................................................. 8
Section 1. Funeral Leave .................................................................................. ................................... 8
ARTICLE X - OTHER LEAVES OF ABSENCE: ....................................................................... 8
Section 1. Leave of Absence Without Pay.......................................................................................... 8
Section 2. Jury Duty...................... ................................... ................................................................. ..... 8
Section 3. Appearances...... ..............................;...................................................................... ............. 9
Section 4. Required Court Appearances.............................................................................................. 9
Section 5. Election Day ................. .................................................... .......... ........................................ 9
Section 6. Union Business ............................. ...... ............ .......................... ................ .......................... 9
Section 7. Educational Leave................ ........... .......... ............... ....................... ................. .................. 9
Section 8. Military Leave ...... ........... ..... ....... ....... ... .... ....... ........ ........... ....... .... ........ .......................... 10
Section 9. Failure to Return from Leave ........................................................................................... 10
ARTICLE XI - COMPENSATION: ...............................................................................................1 0
Section 1. Pay Schedule.... ................ .......... ............ ........ ............... ....... ...... ................. ........... ........... 10
Section 2. Pay Periods...... ............. ......................... ................... ............ ................... ..... ..................... 11
Section 3. Overtime ............... ........... ......... .................... ........ ...... .................. ...... ................. ........ ...... 11
Section 4. EMT Certification..... ............ ... ....... .............. ...... ..... ............. ..... .............. ................ .......... 12
Section 5 . Working Out of Classification..... ................... ..... ............ ............. ................... ............ .......13
Section 6. Educational Expense Reimbursement .............. ....... ......... ......... ............... ............. ............ 13
Section 7. Mileage ......................... ........ .................................. .................... ....................................... 13
Section 8. Haz Mat T earn ........... .................. ........ ................ ......... .......... ....... ..................... ......... ...... 13
Section 9. Field Training Paramedic Program ................................................................................... 14
ARTICLE XII - DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE: ................................................................... 14
Section 1............. ................. ................. ......... .................... ............. .................. ........ ........... ......... ....... 14
Section 2..................................................................................................................................... ......... 14
Section 3.......................... .... ........ .... ........ ........... ..... ............. ....... ..... ............. ...................... ......... ....... 14
Section 4......... .......... .............. ........ ............ ............. ......... ............... .................. ............................. ..... 14
Section 5.. ................. ............ ........... ..... ... .... ... ....... ........... ...... ..... ... ........ ... ... ............... ...... ......... ......... 14
Section 6............................................................................................................................................ .. 15
Section 7.................................................................................................................................. ............ 15
ARTICLE XIII- SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES: ..................................................................... 15
Section 1. Grievance and Arbitration Procedure................................................................................ 15
Section 2. Stewards.. .............. ............. ........... .............. ................................ .............. .................. ....... 16
ARTICLE XIV - SENIORITY: ...................................................................................................... 16
Section 1. Seniority........ .......... ................. ..................... ............ ................................ ................ ......... 16
Section 2. Suspension of Seniority ...... ............... ......... ............................ ...................................... ..... 17
Section 3. Termination of Seniority ................................................................................................... 17
Section 4. Probationary Period ............. .............. ................... ........ ................. .......... .................... ...... 17
Section 5. Layoff and Recall ................ ...... .................................. ........ .......... .......... .................... ...... 18
ARTICLE xv - PROMOTIONS: ................... .............. ....... ..................... ........... ..................... ..... 18
Section 1. Testing...... ................................................ ............... ........ ................................. .................. 18
Section 2. Eligibility ........ ......... ....................................................... ......... .......................................... 18
Section 3. Procedure. ... .......... ..................................... .............. .... ... ......................... .... ...................... 18
Section 4. Credit for Seniority ....... ..................... .... ........... ............... ................... ................ ................ 19
Section 5. Promotional List ..... ......... ................................ ............... ..... ..... ......... ................. ......... ...... 19
Section 6. Appointment............ ..... ...... ............... ........... ........................................... .......................... 19
Section 7. Promotional Probationary Period ...................................................................................... 19
ARTICLE XVI - GENERAL PROVISIONS: .............................................................................. 19
Section 1. Bulletin Boards............. ............... ........................... ........ ................................... .......... ...... 19
Section 2. Visits by Union Representatives ....................................................................................... 20
Section 3. Solicitation.. ................... ......... ..... ................ ............. ................. ........................ ................ 20
Section 4. Existing Conditions................ .................. ....... ................... .................... .... .............,'......... 20
Section 5. Rules........................ ..... ............... ........................... ........... ........... ...................... ............... 20
Section 6. Other Employment ....... ................. ......... ........... ........... ..... ............ ............. ....... ................ 20
Section 7. Supervisory Employees ... ................................ ....................................... ................. .......... 20
Section 8. Uniforms, Protective Clothing and Devices...................................................................... 21
Section 9. Position Classification ............................ ........ ................... ....... ......................... ................ 21
Section 10. Personnel Files ....... .................. ............................. .............. ............. ........... ..................... 21
Section 11. Trade Time......... ..... ............ ...................... .............. ......... ............ ....................... ....... ...... 21
ARTICLE XVII - HEALTH AND WELFARE AND RETIREMENT:.................................... 22
Section 1. Health and Welfare. ................... ............. ....... ........ .......................... ......... ............... .......... 22
Section 2. Health and Welfare Committee .............. ............................ .......... ................... .................. 22
Section 3. Retirement..... ........ ............ ............... ... ... ..... ... .............. ..... ................. ........... ....... ........ ...... 22
Section 4. Deferred Compensation............. ...... .... ..... ........ ............ .... ........... ....... ... ... ........... .... .......... 22
ARTICLE XVIII - WORKER'S COMPENSATION:................................................................. 23
Section 1. Worker's Compensation........... ....... ............ ........ ................ ............ ..................... ...... ........ 23
Section 2. Supplementary Payment ....... .......... ......... ........ ........... .............................. ......... ..... .... ....... 23
ARTICLE XIX - LIABILITY INSURANCE: .............................................................................. 23
ARTICLE XX - SAVINGS CLAUSE AND FUNDING: ............................................................. 23
Section 1. Savings Clause. ............................. ..... ...... ................ ........... .... ................... ............... ......... 23
Section 2. Funding .............. ...................... ........................ ......................... ........ ......................... ........ 23
ARTICLE XXI - TERMINATION AND REOPENING: ........................................................... 24
APPENDIX "A" - CLASSIFICATIONS WITHIN THE BARGAINING UNIT .................... 25
APPENDIX "B" - SALARY SCHEDULE ................................................................................... 26
APPENDIX "C" - HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS...................................................... 27
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PREAMBLE
This Agreement is entered into by the City of Ashland, Oregon, hereinafter referred to as the
City, and the Ashland Firefighters Association Local #1269, International Association of
Firefighters, hereinafter collectively referred to as the Union. Unless indicated otherwise,
references to the "City" shall include the Mayor and City Councilor their designee(s) as the
officials directly responsible for the operation of the department(s) covered by this Agreement.
The purpose of this Agreement is to set forth the full and complete agreement between the
parties on matters pertaining to rates of pay, hours of work and other conditions of employment.
SCOPE OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall apply to those employees of the Ashland Fire and Rescue Department,
Ashland, Oregon, as listed in "Appendix A" but excluding volunteer firefighters, part-time
employees, seasonal and temporary employees' .
Where the term "employee" is used, it shall mean regular employees or probationary employees
within the bargaining unit, as the same are defined in Article XIV of this Agreement.
"Part-time employee" shall mean persons working a fraction of the normal working week or
shift, but normally following a predetermined pattern of working hours.
"Seasonal employee" shall mean persons working for summer employment, not exceeding four
(4) consecutive months.
"Temporary employee" shall mean persons appointed for a limited period of time, not to exceed
one (1) year, e.g. college "sleepers", or student firefighters.
ARTICLE I
RECOGNITION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
Section 1. Recognition.
The City recognizes the Union as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for the purposes of
establishing rates of pay, hours of work and other conditions of employment for all employees in
the bargaining unit described immediately above.
Section 2. No Discrimination.
The provisions of this Agreement shall be applied equally to all employees in the bargaining unit
without discrimination as to race, religion, creed, color, sex, age or national origin, sexual
orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or other protected status, unless based
upon a bona fide occupational qualification in accordance with applicable law. The Union shall
share equally with the City the responsibility for applying the provisions of this Section. All
reference to employees in this Agreement designate both sexes, and whenever the male gender is
used, it shall be construed to include the male and female employees.
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Employees shall have the right to form, join, and participate in the activities of the Union or any
other labor organization, or to refrain from any or all such activities, and there shall be no
discrimination by either the City or the Union by reason of the exercise of such right, except as
specifically provided in this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as
precluding or limiting the right of an individual employee to represent himself in individual
personal matters.
ARTICLE II
UNION .SECURITY AND CHECK-OFF
Section 1. Union Security.
The terms of this Agreement have been made for all employees in the bargaining unit and not
only for the members of the Union. Accordingly, it is fair that each employee in the bargaining
unit pay his/her own way and assume his/her obligation along with the grant of equal benefits.
Any bargaining unit employee who has not joined the Union within thirty (30) days of becoming
a regular or probationary employee shall, as a condition of employment, pay to the Union an
amount equal to the uniform dues of members of the Union.
Any individual employee objection based on bona fide religious tenets or teachings of a church
or religious body of which such employee is a member will require such an employee to inform
the City and the Union of his/her objection. The employee will meet with representatives of the
Union and establish a satisfactory arrangement for distribution of a contribution of an amount of
money equivalent to regular Union membership dues to a non-religious charity.
Section 2. Check Off.
Upon receipt of a lawfully executed authorization from an employee, the City agrees to deduct
the regular initiation fee and regular dues uniformly required of members of the Union, and remit
such deduction within fifteen (15) days after the conclusion of the regularly scheduled
twenty-seven (27) day pay period, to the official designated by the Union in writing to receive
deductions. The Union will notify the City in writing of the exact amount of such initiation fee
and regular membership dues to be deducted. Authorization by the employee shall be on forms
approved by the City and may be revoked by the employee upon written request. Upon written
notification by the Union of a check-off error, the City will make adjustments within sixty (60)
days following such notification.
Section 3. Indemnification.
The Union agrees to indemnify and hold the City harmless against any and all claims, orders or
judgment brought or issued against the City as a result. of any action taken or not taken by the
City under the provisions of Article II, Section 2.
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ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
Union recognizes that it is the prerogative of the City to operate and manage its affairs in all
respects in accordance with its responsibilities. The powers or authority which City has not
expressly abridged, delegated or modified by this Agreement are retained by the City. It is
understood and agreed that the City possesses the sole and exclusive right to operate the City
through its City Administrator and department heads, but such rights must be exercised
consistent with the other provisions of this Agreement. Those rights include, but are not limited
to, the following:
1. To determine the mission of its constituent departments, commissions and boards.
2. To set standards of services.
3. To direct its employees.
4. To discipline or discharge regular employees for just cause and probationary
employees at its discretion.
5. To relieve its employees from duty because of lack of work, finances or other
legitimate reasons.
6. To maintain the efficiency of governmental operations.
7. To determine the methods, means and personnel by which government operations
are to be conducted.
8. To determine the content of job classifications.
9. To take all necessary action to carry out its mission in emergencies; and
10. To exercise complete control and discretion over its organization and the
technology of performing its work.
ARTICLE IV
STRIKE PROHmITION
Section 1.
The Union and its members, as individuals or as a group, will not initiate, cause, permit or
participate or join in any authorized strike, work stoppage, or slowdown, picketing, or any other
restriction of work at any location in the City. Employees in the bargaining unit, while acting in
the course of their employment, shall not honor any picket line established in the City by the
Union or by any other labor organization when called upon to cross picket line in the line of
duty. Disciplinary action, including discharge may be taken by the City against any employee or
employees engaged in a violation of this Article. Such disciplinary action may be undertaken
selectively at the option of the City and shall not preclude or restrict recourse to any other
remedies, including an action for damages which may be available to the City.
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Section 2.
In the event of an unauthorized strike, work stoppage, slowdown, picketing, observance of a
picket line, or other restriction of work in any form, either on the basis of individual choice or
collective employee conduct, the Union will, immediately upon notification, attempt to secure an
immediate and orderly return to work. This obligation and the obligations set forth in Section 1
above shall not be affected or limited by the subject matter involved in the dispute giving rise to
the stoppage or by whether such matter is or is not subject to the grievance and arbitration
provision of this Agreement.
Section 3.
The City agrees not to engage in a lockout of any Union member of the Ashland Fire Department
as a consequence of a dispute arising during the period of this Agreement.
ARTICLE V
HOLIDAYS
Section 1. Recognized Holidays.
The following shall be recognized as holidays:
New Years Day (January 1)
Lincoln's birthday (1st Mon. in Feb.)
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday (3rd Mon. in Jan.)
Washington's Birthday (3rd Mon. in Feb.)
Memorial Day (last Mon. In May)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.)
Veterans Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.)
Christmas Day (December 25)
Any day declared to be a holiday by the President, Governor or Mayor.
Whenever a holiday shall fall on Sunday, the succeeding Monday shall be observed as the
holiday. Whenever a holiday shall fall on Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as the
holiday. If an employee is on authorized vacation, sick leave, or other leave with pay when a
holiday occurs, such holiday shall not be charged against such leave.
Section 2. Holiday Compensation.
All regular employees shall receive in addition to their regular pay, eleven and two-tenths (11.2)
hours pay for each of the holidays in the fiscal year as listed above at their regular straight time
rate of pay. The additional compensation shall be paid on the first paycheck of the month of
December. In no instance shall the holiday compensation be paid later than December 15th. In
the event an employee leaves the City's employment before the end of the fiscal year for which
holiday pay is granted, eleven and two-tenths (11.2) hours pay shall be deducted from his/her
final paycheck for each holiday which has not yet occurred. Personnel on a forty (40) hour
workweek shall receive all recognized holidays off.
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ARTICLE VI
VACATIONS
Section 1. Eligibility.
An shall employee be eligible to take accrued vacation time off with pay after one (1) full year of
continuous service with the City. Vacation time off with pay shall be accrued on a monthly basis
in accordance with the following schedule:
· Employees with less than four (4) full years of continuous service shall accrue fourteen
(14) hours of vacation credit for each full calendar month worked
· Employees with more than four (4), but less than nine full years of continuous service,
shall accrue eighteen (18) hours of vacation credit for each full calendar month worked.
· Employees with more than nine (9), but less than fourteen full years of continuous
service, shall accrue-twenty-two (22) hours of vacation credit for each full calendar
month worked.
· Employees with more than fourteen (14), but less than nineteen (19) full years of
continuous service, shall accrue twenty-six (26) hours of vacation credit for each full
calendar month worked.
· Employees with more than nineteen (19), but less than twenty-four (24) full years of
continuous service, shall accrue twenty-eight (28) hours of vacation credit for each full
calendar month worked.
· Employees with more than twenty-four (24) full years of continuous service shall
accrue thirty (30) hours of vacation credit for each full calendar month worked.
Section 2. Continuous Service.
Continuous service, for the purpose of accumulating vacation leave credit, shall be based on the
time spent by an employee in active employment or on paid leave. Time spent on leaves which
are not paid by the City will not be counted as a part of continuous service for accrual purposes,
but employees returning from such leaves and from layoff status shall be entitled to credit for
service prior to the leave.
Section 3. Accrual Limitations.
Accumulation of vacation time off with pay is limited to twenty-four (24) months of accrued
vacation credit at the applicable rate. The City shall establish a procedure to notify an employee
thirty (30) days in advance of impending loss of accrued vacation time. Any employee who is
about to lose vacation credit because of accrual limitations may, by notifying his supervisor
fifteen (15) days in advance, absent himself/herselfto prevent such loss. Such action taken by the
employee shall not constitute a basis for disciplinary action, or loss of pay. If an employee does
not take his or her accrued vacation leave after proper notification by the City, such vacation
credit shall be deemed forfeited, unless the failure to take vacation is caused by the City's
insistence that the employee be at work during a scheduled vacation period.
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Section 4. Scheduling.
Vacation times shall be scheduled by the City based on its judgment as to the needs of efficient
operations and the availability of vacation relief. Subject to the foregoing, employees shall have
the right to be granted vacation times. off in accordance with the following: Employees shall be
permitted to request vacation time off either on a split or an entire basis. Vacation shall be
selected on the basis of seniority; provided, however, employees will be permitted to exercise
their right to select vacations by seniority only once annually. The vacation schedule shall be
posted annually as of December 1 st and employees shall exercise their choice by bidding in
seniority. There may be up to a total of two (2) employees on vacation or compensatory time off
at any given time. The list shall be closed as of January 1 st and subsequent changes shall be
made only by mutual consent of the parties. Scheduling of vacation periods, to the extent
consistent with operation requirements of the City and vacation credits of the employee, shall be
in units of not less than one shift (24 hours), and may be scheduled at any time with at least
forty-eight (48) hours notice, subject to the operational needs of the department.
Section 5. Payment on Termination.
In the event of death, termination or other separation of employment of an employee during the
initial twelve (12) months of his employment, vacation is not considered earned and no payment
in lieu of vacation shall be made. In the event of death, retirement, termination or other
separation of employment after an employee has served for twelve (12) continuous months, and
is otherwise eligible for vacation credits, the employee shall be entitled to payment for accrued
vacation leave at the rate as of the date of eligibility. In the event of death, earned but unused
vacation leave shall be paid in the same manner as salary due the deceased employee.
ARTICLE VII
HOURS OF WORK
Section 1. Work Schedules.
Employee working hours will be scheduled consistent with the operating needs of the Fire
Department. Shift employees will be assigned to work regular shifts totaling a maximum of 204
straight-time hours over a twenty-seven (27) day cycle. Consistent with operating requirements,
shift employees shall be scheduled to work on regular work shifts, during this twenty-seven=(27)
day cycle and each shift shall have regular starting and quitting times.
Work schedules showing the employee's shifts, workdays and hours shall be posted on
Department bulletin boards for thirty (30) days prior to their effective date. Except for
emergency situations and for the duration of the emergency, changes in work schedules shall be
posted seven (7) days prior to the effective date of the change.
Employees on a forty (40) hour workweek shall be scheduled to work forty (40) hours within
each seven (7) day period beginning on Monday at 8:00 a.m. and ending the following Monday
at 8:00 a.m.
Section 2. Shift Transfers.
No regular employee shall suffer a loss of pay, due to a lesser number of scheduled hours of
work as a result of an involuntary transfer from one shift to another shift.
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ARTICLE VIII
SICK LEAVE
Section 1. Accumulation.
Sick leave shall be earned by regular and probationary shift employees at the rate of twelve (12)
hours for each calendar month of service. Sick leave may be accumulated to a total of twelve
hundred and forty-eight (1,248) hours and must be taken for purposes specified. in Section 2
below, as a condition to any sick leave payment. Personnel regularly assigned to a forty (40)
hour workweek shall accumulate eight (8) hours for each calendar month of service to a
maximum of seven hundred twenty (720) hours.
Section 2. Utilization for Illness or Injury.
Employees may utilize their allowance for sick leave when unable to perform their work duties
by reason of illness or injury. A maximum of forty-eight (48) hours sick leave per calendar year
may also be used when the employees absence is needed to care for an ill or injured immediate
family member as defined by the Oregon Family Leave Act. In such event, the employee shall
notify their immediate supervisor of absence due to illness or injury, and the nature and expected
length of the absence as soon as possible prior to the beginning of his scheduled regular work
shift, unless unable to do so because of the serious nature of injury or illness. A physician's
statement of the nature and identity of the illness, the need for the employee's absence and the
estimated duration of the absence may be required at the option of the City, for absences of over
one shift (two work days for forty hour personnel) prior to payment of any sick leave benefits
and/or prior to allowing the employee to return to work. If the Fire Chief has reason to believe
sick leave is being abused, a physician's statement may be required as a prerequisite to payment
of sick leave for one shift (two work days for forty hour personnel), provided the employee has
been advised in advance of this requirement. In the event of the latter requirement, the City shall
bear the cost of sending the employee to a physician designated by the City or to a physician
mutually agreed upon by the employee and the City. In emergency cases, employees may be
granted sick leave for doctor or dental appointments, if approved by the Fire Chief.
Section 3. Integration With Worker's Compensation.
When an injury occurs in the course of employment, the City's obligation to pay under this sick
leave article is limited to the difference between any payment received for time loss benefits
under Worker's Compensation laws and the employee's regular pay. In such instances, one third
(1/3) charges will be made against accrued sick leave.
Section 4. Sick Leave Without Pay.
Upon application by the employee, sick leave without pay may be granted by the City for the
remaining period of disability after accrued sick leave has been exhausted. The City may require
that the employee submit a certification from a physician periodically during the period of such
disability, and before returning to work. After accrued sick leave has been exhausted, an
employee may elect to use accrued vacation and/or compensatory leave for sick leave. The City
shall notify an employee approximately 30 calendar days before paid sick leave is exhausted. An
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employee must file a written request for sick leave without pay to the Fire Chief, fourteen (14)
calendar days before paid leave is exhausted, otherwise he shall be considered as having resigned
his position with the City.
Section 5. Termination.
Sick leave is provided by the City in the nature of insurance against loss of income due to the
illness or injury. No compensation for accrued sick leave shall be provided for any employee
upon his death or termination or other separation of employment for whatever reason, except as
provided in ARTICLE XVII, Section 2. Sick leave shall not accrue during any period of leave of
absence without pay.
ARTICLE IX
FUNERAL LEAVE
Section 1. Funeral Leave.
An employee shall be granted one working shift (two work days for forty hour personnel) funeral
leave with regular pay in the event of death in the immediate family of the employee. The
immediate family shall be defined as spouse, parents, grandparents, children, brothers and sisters
of the employee and the parents, children, brothers, sisters and grandparents of the employee's
spouse. The employee will be paid his regular hourly rate for any such days of excused absence
which occur only during his assigned workweek. An additional working shift shall be granted, if
the funeral is over 500 miles from Ashland, one way. Leave with pay of up to four (4) hours may
be granted when an employee serves as a pallbearer, irrespective of whether the deceased is an
immediate family member.
ARTICLE X
OTHER LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Section 1. Leaves of Absence Without Pay.
Leaves of absence without pay, not to exceed one (1) year, may be granted upon establishment of
reasonable justification and where the Fire Chief or his designee has determined that the
operation of the Department will not be negatively impacted by the temporary absence of the
employee. Requests for such leaves must be in writing, and submitted to the Fire Chief or his
designee thirty (30) days prior to the requested leave date.
Section 2. Jury Duty.
Employees shall be granted leave with pay for service upon a jury, provided, however, that the
regular pay of such an employee for the period of absence shall be reduced by the amount of
money received by him for such jury service. Upon being excused from jury service for any day
an employee shall immediately contact his supervisor for assignment for the remainder of his or
her regular workday.
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Section 3. Appearances.
Leave with pay shall be granted for an appearance before a court, legislative committee, judicial
or quasi-judicial body as a witness in response to a subpoena or other direction by proper
authority; provided, however, that the regular pay of such employee shall be reduced by an
amount equal to any compensation he may receive as witness fees.
Section 4. Required Court Appearances.
Leaves of absence with pay shall be granted for attendance in court in connection with an
employee's officially assigned duties, including the time required for travel to the court and
return to the employee's headquarters. The regular overtime rate, if applicable, shall apply to
employees who are off duty, provided that any compensation he may receive as witness fees
shall be paid over to the City.
Section 5. Election Day.
Employees shall be granted two (2) hours to vote on any election day only if, due to scheduling
of work, they would not otherwise be able to vote.
Section 6. Union Business.
Employees elected to any legitimate full time paid Union office which takes them from their
employment with the City, shall upon written request of the Union and the employee, be granted
a leave of absence of up to one (1) year without pay, renewable upon application. Employees
selected by the Union to attend conventions and related union activities shall, upon written
request of the Union and the employee, be granted a leave of absence of up to thirty (30) days
without pay.
Employees selected by the Union to attend collective bargaining sessions between the Union and
the City shall not suffer a loss of payor benefits as a result of attendance at such meetings.
However, all efforts shall be made to schedule such meetings so as not to affect the staffing or
operation of the Department. Not more than three (3) members shall be allowed this time off for
anyone meeting.
During collective bargaining sessions, bargaining team members may trade time without the
application of ARTICLE XVI, Section 11, parts (d) and (e), and further without any records
being kept by the City as to trade time debts between employees during such sessions.
Section 7. Educational Leave.
After completing one (1) year of continuous service, an employee, upon written request, may be
granted a leave of absence without pay by the City for the purpose of upgrading his/her
professional ability through enrollment in education courses directly related to employment at an
accredited school or course of study. The period of such leave of absence shall not exceed one
(1) year, but may be renewed or extended upon request of the employee and approval by the
Fire Chief or his designee. One year leaves of absence, with requested extensions, for
educational purposes may not be provided more than once in any three (3) year period.
Replacements shall be considered temporary employees. Employees shall also be granted time
off with pay for educational purposes, for reasonable lengths of time, to attend conferences,
seminars, briefing sessions, training programs, and other programs of a similar nature that are
intended to improve or upgrade the employee's skill and professional ability, when ordered or
approved by the Fire Chief or his designee.
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Section 8. Military Leave.
Military leave shall be granted in accordance with state and federal law. The City shall recognize
the military year October 1 to September 30 for all employees.
Section 9. Failure to Return from Leave.
Any employee who is granted a leave of absence and who fails to return to work at the expiration
of said leave of absence, shall be considered as having resigned his position with the City, and
his position shall be declared vacated; except and unless the employee, prior to the expiration of
his leave of absence, has requested an extension and furnished evidence that he is unable to work
by reason of sickness, physical disability, injury or other legitimate reason beyond his control.
ARTICLE XI
COMPENSATION
Section 1. Pay Schedule.
Employees shall be compensated in accordance with the pay schedules attached to this
Agreement and marked "Appendix B" which is hereby incorporated into and made a part of this
Agreement.
Both engineer and captain pay will be calculated based upon Top Step Firefighter EMT-Basic
pay. Appendix B will reflect the following:
(a) Engineers will receive an additional:
3% for the first year (Step 1)
6% for the second year (Step 2)
9% thereafter (Top Step)
(b) Captains will receive an additional:
14% for the first year (Step 1)
19% for the second year (Step 2)
24% thereafter (Top Step)
When any position not listed on the pay schedule is established, the City shall designate a job
classification and pay rate for the position. The Union shall be notified and the pay rate
established by the City shall be considered tentative until the Union has been afforded the
opportunity to meet and discuss the matter. If the Union does not agree that the classification or
pay rate is proper, the Union may submit the issue as a grievance according to the grievance
procedure or pursue dispute resolution procedures pursuant to ORS as appropriate.
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Section 2. Pay Periods.
Employees shall be paid twice for every twenty-seven (27) day cycle.
(a) The first payday of the cycle will be a draw, and will reflect no more than one-
half of the pay for regular scheduled hours for the full twenty-seven (27) day
cycle. The first payday will be on the twentieth (20th) day of the cycle, unless
such day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday, in which case the payday will be
the preceding work day.
(b) The second payday of the cycle will reflect the total hours worked in the twenty-
seven day cycle, less the draw amount paid in (a) above and all deductions, plus
additions for premium pay (overtime, call-back, etc.) The second payday will be
on the sixth (6th) day following the close of the twenty-seven day cycle, unless
such day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday, in which case payday will be on
the preceding work day.
(c) A schedule showing all scheduled paydays shall be posted on Department bulletin
boards, each fiscal year.
Section 3. Overtime.
(a) The City has the right to assign overtime work as required in a manner most
advantageous to the City and consistent with the requirements of municipal
service and the public interest. Except as provided in Article XVI, Section 11,
shift employees shall be compensated at the rate of one and one-half times their
regular rate for work performed outside their regularly scheduled straight-time
shifts of204 hours during a twenty-seven (27) day cycle as set forth in ARTICLE
VII, Section 1. Forty (40) hour personnel shall be compensated at overtime rates
for all hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours within each workweek as
defined in ARTICLE VII Section 1.
For shift employees, overtime may result from scheduled overtime, as well as
call-backs and hold-overs as follows:
Call-Back Overtime. Employees called back to work shall receive overtime
pay with a guaranteed minimum of one (1) hour at double time for the work for
which they are called back. All additional hours worked and annexed to the one
(1) hour call-back shall be paid at the overtime rate of time- and- one-half (1-1/2)
the regular rate of pay until the beginning of the employee's regular scheduled
work shift.
Scheduled Overtime. Scheduled overtime is defined as required overtime work
for which the employee received notification no less than ten (10) hours prior to
the reporting time specified, and shall be compensated at one and one-half (1-1/2)
times his regular rate of pay. Scheduled overtime also includes work performed
in excess of 204 hours in a twenty-seven (27) day cycle that is scheduled by the
Department. Such time worked shall also be compensated at one-and-one-half (1-
1/2) times an employee's regular rate.
Hold-Over Overtime. Hold-over overtime is defined as required overtime work
for which an employee is required to remain at work beyond his regular work
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shift or workday and shall be compensated at one and one-half (1-1/2) times the
employee's pay.
In no event shall overtime compensation be received twice for the same hours worked.
(b) Compensation for authorized overtime shall be paid in the form of pay at the
applicable rate or banked as compensatory time off. All overtime shall be
recorded by the employee and must be approved by the Fire Chief or designated
supervisor.
(c) For purposes of the Company overtime under the Federal Fair Labor Standards
Act and state statute only, authorized leave with pay shall be considered hours
worked.
(d) Overtime may be taken in the form of compensatory time off in lieu of paid
compensation. Such time off shall be approved by the Fire Chief and shall not be
unreasonably withheld. The Fire Chief may withhold approval when the
complement of employees has been temporarily reduced due to scheduled
vacations, or other previously approved leaves for other employees on that shift.
There may be up to a total of two (2) employees on compensatory time off or
vacation, at any given time. Permission for such time off must be requested from
the affected shift's Captain at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time
off. Such time off must be taken in increments of not less than two (2) hours, and
shall not interfere with the operations of the Fire Department. Provided, however,
that the compensatory time off may not be taken by virtue of hours worked in
excess of 53 and less than 57 in a work week. The maximum compensation time
that may be accrued is 112 hours (80 hours for 40-hour employees).
Section 4. EMT Certification.
The City and the Union recognize the need to have highly trained employees to operate the
City's rescue equipment and to respond to medical emergencies. To this end, the City and the
Union agree as follows:
Emergency Medical Technician-B (EMT-B) certification shall be the mandatory minimum level
of certification required for all positions in the bargaining unit.
(a) The employee shall be responsible for continuing to maintain the required level of
EMT certification as a condition of continued employment.
(b) The City will pay expenses associated with mandatory EMT recertifications and
other mandatory certifications. Such expenses may include transportation and
travel costs, application and test fees, registration fees, etc. The City will decide
how many employees will be involved at anyone time due to budgeting and
staffing requirements.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, certified Emergency Medical
Technicians (EMT's), shall be compensated as follows:
EMT 'I'
EMT 'P'
3.0% of Top Step Firefighter EMT-Basic pay
7.25% of Top Step Firefighter EMT-Basic pay
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All the above amounts shall be incorporated into the base wage schedule set forth in Appendix
B. If any individuals achieve a higher level of certification, the City will pay the premium pay
for the higher level.
Section 5. "Working Out of Classification."
When an employee is required to work in a higher job classification for at least two (2) hours or
more, he/she shall receive the pay rate for the higher classification for time worked in a higher
classification until the return to their previous job classification. If an employee takes vacation,
sick leave or other paid time off while working in a higher classification and returns to the higher
classification, he/she shall be paid their regular position's salary rate for such vacation and sick
leave. The Fire Chief may assign an employee to acting-in assignments. Subject to the foregoing,
the rate of pay shall be the entry level salary established for the higher position or the next level
salary if the entry level salary is less than the rate of pay earned in the lower classification.
Section 6. Educational Expense Reimbursement.
The City shall pay the cost of books and tuition for successfully completed, job-related courses
which have been approved in advance by the Fire Chief. In the event that an employee leaves
City service sooner than two years after completion of the course(s), the amount paid by the City
will be deducted from the employee's final paycheck to the extent the deduction does not reduce
the employee's wages below legal minimums. If the deduction is not sufficient to fully reimburse
the City, the employee shall be responsible to make a direct payment in the amount of the
differential.
Section 7. Mileage.
An employee required to report for special duty assignment at any location other than their
permanent reporting location and who is required to use their personal automobile for
transportation to such location shall be compensated at the rate established by the City, for the
use of such automobile directly in the line of duty.
Section 8. Haz Mat Team.
Should the City participate in the regional haz-mat program, each member of the Haz-Mat Team
who maintains membership status on the response team, shall be compensated as follows:
(a) Each team member shall be paid an incentive of $500.00 per year for maintaining
their required membership status. Payment shall be made in December for the
next calendar year. Should the team member not complete an entire year, then the
City shall be reimbursed on a monthly prorated basis.
(b) Team members shall receive time and one-half their regular pay when involved in
a state approved Hazardous Materials Team Activity, or off-duty training required
by the Fire Chief.
(c) Team members shall receive double their regular pay when activated for response
to a Hazardous Materials incident (2-hour minimum).
(d) Team members shall receive an annual baseline physical, paid for by the City, to
maintain their membership on the regional team.
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Section 9. Field Training Paramedic Program.
Should the City participate in a Field Training Paramedic (FTP) Program, each member assigned
by the department as an FTP will receive $90.00 per month, for each calendar month that the
employee is so assigned.
ARTICLE XII
DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE
Section 1.
No regular employee as defined in ARTICLE XIV, Section 4, may be disciplined except for just
cause and after due process. Disciplinary action may be imposed upon any employee for failing
to fulfill his or her responsibilities as an employee. Conduct reflecting discredit upon the City or
Department or which is a direct hindrance to the effective performance of the City functions
shall be considered just cause for disciplinary action. Such cause may also include misconduct,
inefficiency, incompetence, insubordination, misfeasance, malfeasance, the willful violation of
Department rules or for political activities forbidden by law.
Section 2.
Discipline for just cause may include the following:
1. Written reprimand;
2. Demotion;
3. Suspension;
4. Discharge.
Section 3.
An employee may be suspended from employment, with or without pay, while charges against
the employee are investigated. Such a suspension may be for no more than five (5) working days,
unless mutually extended by the parties. If the employee is cleared completely of the charges, the
affected employee will be immediately reinstated without loss of payor benefits. If the charges
are upheld, the suspension or any part of it may be determined to be part of the discipline,
effective as of the date of suspension.
Section 4.
In the event of an offense of such serious nature that immediate disciplinary action is required,
the employee may be suspended immediately from employment until such charges are
investigated and a decision made to continue or terminate the employee. If the employee is
cleared completely of the charges, the affected employee will be immediately reinstated without
loss of payor other benefits. If charges are upheld, the termination date will be the date of
suspension.
Section 5.
In any case of suspension, a written notice of the charges against the employee, and grounds for
suspension shall be supplied to the Union and affected employee. Any disciplinary action that is
protested, shall be protested only as grievance through the regular grievance procedure.
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Section 6.
Two (2) years from the date a written reprimand is issued it shall be removed from personnel
records provided no other infractions have occurred concerning the same matter.
Section 7.
An employee having less than twelve (12) months continuous service shall serve at the discretion
of the City.
ARTICLE XIII
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
Section 1. Grievance and Arbitration Procedure.
Any grievance or dispute which may arise between the parties concerning the application,
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement shall be settled in the following manner, provided
however, the time limits can be extended by mutual consent of the parties. Once a grievance has
been filed in writing it may not be changed except as to facts.
STEP I (Informal). The affected employee shall discuss the problem with the Fire
Chief or his designee within seven (7) business days of its occurrence. The discussion
shall include factual details of the incident, the section of this Agreement allegedly
violated and the specific remedy requested. The City shall have the seven (7) business
days to attempt to resolve the matter and shall answer the employee either verbally or in
writing. If the problem is not resolved within the seven (7) business days, it may proceed
as a grievance to the second step.
STEP II. If the problem has not been settled between the affected employee and the
Fire Chief or his designee, it may be presented as a grievance in writing by the Union
representative to the Fire Chief within seven (7) business days after the response
specified in Step I is due. The written notice shall include details of the grievance, the
section of this Agreement allegedly violated and the specific remedy requested. The Fire
Chief shall respond to the Union representative in writing within seven (7) business days
after receipt of the grievance.
STEP III. If the grievance still remains unadjusted, it may be presented by the Union
to the City Administrator or his designee( s) within seven (7) business days after the
response specified in STEP II is due. The City Administrator or his designee(s) shall
respond in writing to the Union within seven (7) business days.
STEP IV. If the grievance is still unsettled, either party may, within ten (10) calendar
days after the reply of the City Administrator is due, by written notice to the other,
request arbitration of the dispute under STEP V.
STEP V. If the grievance is still unsettled, either party may within ten (10) calendar
days of the decision of the City Administrator or his designee, under STEP IV, have the
right to have the matter arbitrated by a third party jointly agreed upon by the City and the
Union. If the parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator, the American Arbitration
Association or the Oregon Employment Relations Board shall be requested to submit a
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list of five names of Oregon and/or Washington arbitrators. Both the City and the Union
shall have the right to strike two names from the list. The party requesting arbitration
shall strike the first name and the other party shall then strike one name. The process
shall be repeated and the remaining person shall be the arbitrator. The City and the Union
shall meet in a pre-hearing conference and shall prepare a submission agreement
regarding the specific issue( s) in dispute. The designated arbitrator shall hear both parties
as soon as possible on the disputed matter and shall render a decision within thirty (30)
calendar days which shall be final and binding on the parties and the employee. The
arbitrator shall have no right to amend, modify, nullify, ignore or add provisions to the
Agreement, and shall be limited to consideration of the particular issue(s) presented to
him. His decision shall be based solely upon his interpretation of the meaning and
application of the Agreement. Expenses for the arbitrator shall be borne equally by the
City and the Union, however each party shall be responsible for compensating its own
representatives and witnesses. If either party desires a verbatim recording of the
proceeding, it may cause such record to be made, provided it pays for the record. If the
other party desires a copy, both parties shall jointly share the cost of the transcript and all
copies. If any grievance is not presented or forwarded by the employee or Union within
the time limits specified above, such grievance shall be deemed waived.
Section 2. Stewards.
Employees selected by the Union to act as Union representatives shall be known as "stewards"
and shall not exceed three (3) in number. The names of the employees selected as stewards and
the names of local Union representatives, state council or international representatives who may
represent employees, shall be certified in writing to the City by the Union. Duties required by the
Union of stewards, excepting attendance at meetings with supervisory personnel and aggrieved
employees arising out of a grievance already initiated by an employee under Section I above,
shall not interfere with their or other employees' regular work assignments as employees or the
City. On-the-job contacts between stewards and an aggrieved employee shall be made so as not
to interfere with or disrupt regular Fire Department operations and with the consent of the Fire
Chief or his designee. Requests for such contacts shall not be unreasonably denied, but shall be
limited to a total of no more than six (6) hours per month. Union stewards shall not solicit, or
"shop" for grievances while on duty. Time allowed to be authorized for contacts between
stewards and an aggrieved employee under this Article shall be used to solve problems, not to
encourage them. Stewards shall make every effort to attempt to make contacts during their
off-duty hours.
ARTICLE XIV
SENIORITY
Section 1. Seniority.
Seniority shall be an employee's length of continuous service with the bargaining unit, dating
from his last date of hire and shall apply by job classification in the matter of layoff and recall. In
the event of a layoff, such a laid off employee may exercise his seniority to bump into a lower
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job classification within the Department, provided he is qualified to perform the work. To
prevent unnecessary disruption and delays, employees must exercise their bumping rights in
writing within seven (14) calendar days of receipt of notice of layoff. Recall from layoff shall be
in the reverse order of seniority, provided the recalled employee is qualified to perform the work.
Seniority shall continue to accrue during:
(a) Authorized sick leave or disability leave up to ninety (90) calendar days;
(b) Vacation leave;
(c) Educational leave approved by the City;
(d) Military leave as specified in ARTICLE X Section 8;
(e) Funeral leave;
(f)
(g)
Jury duty;
Promotion to a supervisory position outside of the bargaining unit for six (6)
months;
Section 2. Suspension of Seniority.
Seniority shall be retained, but shall not continue to accrue during:
(a) Authorized sick leave or disability leave in excess of ninety (90) days;
(b) Educational leave requested by the employee;
(c) Military leave in accordance with law;
(d) Election to a full time paid Union office up to one (1) year, renewable upon
application; and
(e) Other authorized leaves of absence of up to one (1) year.
Section 3. Termination of Seniority.
Seniority and the employment relationship shall be broken or terminated if an employee: (1)
Quits; (2) Is discharged for just cause; (3) Is absent from work without notification to the Fire
Chief or his designee, by the beginning of his next regularly scheduled work shift; (4) Is laid off
and fails to report to work within five (5) days after being recalled; (5) Is laid off- from work for
any reason for 24 months or for a period of time equal to his seniority, whichever is shorter; (6)
Fails to report for work after the termination of a leave of absence; (7) If while on a leave of
absence for personal health reasons accepts other employment without permission, or (8) Retires.
Section 4. Probationary Period.
The probationary period is an integral part of the employee selection process and provides the
City with the opportunity to upgrade and improve the Department by observing a new
employee's work, training, aiding new employees in adjustment to their position, and by
providing an opportunity to reject any employee whose work performance fails to meet required
work standards. Every new employee hired into the bargaining unit shall serve a probationary
period of twelve (12) full months, after which they shall be considered a regular employee and
granted seniority retroactively to the last date of hire. The Union recognizes the right of the City
to terminate probationary employees for any reason and to exercise all rights not specifically
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modified by this Agreement with respect to such employees. Termination of a probationary
employee shall not be subject to the grievance procedure under ARTICLE XIII.
Section 5. Layoff and Recall
Recall from layoff exceeding three (3) shifts shall be by certified letter sent to the employee at
their last known address furnished to the City by an employee. The City may also use any means
to return an employee sooner. The City may require the successful completion of a medical
examination as a prerequisite to returning an employee to work following a layoff, at City
expense.
ARTICLE XV
PROMOTIONS
Section 1. Testing.
No employee shall be promoted from one rank to another without first having passed a
promotion examination. Promotion examinations shall be based upon ascertained merit and
standing upon examination. Promotional opportunities shall be posted for at least twenty-one
(21) calendar days prior to the beginning of the testing procedure. Whenever a promotional
examination is given, the notice announcing such examination shall state: the passing score on
all parts of the examination; the relative weight of each part of the examination and the length of
time the eligibility list established by the examination process will be effective.
.
Section 2. Eligibility.
It shall be a prerequisite that any applicant for examination for a position or classification above
that of firefighter in the bargaining unit, shall have had service for at least two (2) years for
Engineer, and three (3) years for Captain in the Fire Department of the City of Ashland.
Promotional vacancies for classifications listed in "Appendix A" may be filled from outside the
Ashland Fire Department only in the event of the following:
(a) If, after posting a promotional opportunity in accordance with Section 1 of this
Article, the City receives no notices of intent to participate as outlined in Section
3 of this Article;
(b) If it is found for Engineer that, after testing in accordance with the terms of this
Article, no one within the bargaining unit is deemed qualified for the position by
virtue of test scores; or
(c) If it is found for Captain that, after testing in accordance with the terms of this
Article, there are not at least three (3) employees within the bargaining unit
deemed qualified for the position by virtue of test scores.
Section 3. Procedure.
Employees must submit in writing to the Fire Chief or his or her designee, their intent to
participate in the testing procedure not later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the test date. The
content of the examination shall be limited to measuring of skill, technical knowledge and level
of self-development attained for the classification sought by applicants. When oral examinations
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are given, the oral board will be made up of Fire Department members from outside the Ashland
Fire Department.
Section 4. Credit for Seniority.
In the event two (2) or more applicants are equally qualified by virtue of identical test scores,
seniority shall govern placement on the promotional list.
Section 5. Promotional List.
Promotional lists shall be established from test scores, with number one on the list being that
employee who had the best or top overall score. The list will serve to advise each applicant of his
standing relative to the outcome of the testing procedure.
Section 6. Appointment.
When the City desires to fill a vacancy, it shall choose the candidate with the highest overall
score on the eligibility list, unless the Fire Chief determines that such individual is not the most
qualified. and puts his reasons for such a determination in writing.
Section 7. Promotional Probationary Period.
Regular employees promoted into a higher classification shall serve a promotional probationary
period of twelve (12) full months. The Union also recognizes the right of the employer to demote
an employee on promotional probationary status to his previous position. Demotion of an
employee on promotional probationary status shall not be subject to the grievance procedure
under ARTICLE XIII. Such demotion shall not be considered a disciplinary action. The reasons
for demotion shall be supplied in writing to the demoted employee within 48 hours after the
demotion.
ARTICLE XVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Bulletin Boards.
The City agrees to furnish and maintain a suitable bulletin board in a convenient place in the
work or assembly area to be used by the Union. The Union shall limit its posting of Union
notices and bulletins to such bulletin board, which shall be used only for the following Union
notices and bulletins:
(a) Recreational and social affairs of the Union
(b) Union meetings
(c) Union elections
(d) Reports of Union committees
(e) Rulings or policies of the International Union
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In addition, the Union may post one IAFF sign, and may use the dayroom for Union meetings,
provided they first secure permission from the Captain.
Section 2. Visits by Union Representatives.
The City agrees that accredited representatives of the International Association of Firefighters
and the Oregon State Firefighters Council, upon reasonable and proper introduction, may have
reasonable access to the premises of the City at any time during working hours for the purposes
of assisting in the administration of this Agreement, if they first obtain permission to do so from
the Fire Chief or his designated representative.
Section 3. Solicitation.
The Union agrees that its members will not solicit membership in the Union or otherwise carry
on Union activities during working hours, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.
Section 4. Existing Conditions.
It is understood and agreed that there exists within the Fire Department certain established
working conditions which constitute employment relations under ORS 243.650 through 243.782
which shall continue in effect for the term of this Agreement, unless or until changed by mutual
agreement of the parties, or by the City in accord with its prerogatives stated elsewhere in this
Agreement, or as required by appropriate State or Federal laws, orders or regulations. In case of
changes by other than mutual agreement, the Union shall be notified as soon as practicable of a
change or proposed change.
Section 5. Rules.
It is jointly recognized that the City must retain broad authority to fulfill and implement their
responsibilities and may do so by written work rules, existing or future. It is agreed, however,
that no work rule will be promulgated or implemented which is inconsistent with a specific
provision of this Agreement.
Section 6. Other Employment.
Prior to accepting outside employment, an employee shall first discuss the matter with the Fire
Chief. Acceptance or continuance of regular outside employment by an employee shall be
subject to the following criteria:
(a) The need for mentally and physically alert public safety employees.
(b) Insulating employees from potential conflict of interest situations.
(c) Maintaining efficiency unimpaired by other employment, recognizing the nature
of the job requiring firefighters to be available for emergency duty twenty-four
(24) hours a day.
Section 7. Supervisory Employees.
It is understood that supervisory employees not covered under this Agreement shall not perform
work within the jurisdiction of the Union except in the case of an emergency, or for purposes of
instruction or training, or where the complement of regular employees is temporarily reduced by
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reason of absence of any employee due to illness or other legitimate reason, or where the work
load is temporarily increased.
Section 8. Uniforms, Protective Clothing and Devices.
If an employee is required to wear a uniform, protective clothing or use any type of protective
device, such articles shall be provided by the City. Replacements to the initial uniform issued
shall be provided through an annual uniform allowance of $225.00, set aside for the exclusive
use of each member of the Union for the purchase of required clothing ordered through the Fire
Chief or his designee. Lost protective clothing or devices, or damage to protective clothing or
devices due to negligence, shall be reimbursed to the City by the employee. Failure of an
employee to wear required uniforms, protective clothing, or use protective devices as prescribed
by the City shall be cause for disciplinary action as set forth in ARTICLE XII. Loss or damage to
personal items owned by the employee shall be the responsibility of the employee.
Section 9. Position Classification.
The general classifications of labor which shall be recognized throughout this Agreement shall
be those set forth in Appendix A.
Section 10. Personnel Files.
Employees shall have the right to:
(a) Inspect their official personnel records kept in the office of the Personnel Director
on a quarterly basis.
(b) Acknowledge the placement of new materials in their files.
(c) Challenge or reply to materials which the employee believes to be obsolete or
otherwise inappropriate for evaluation, promotion, or retention.
Section 11. Trade Time.
The City shall allow time trades provided that:
(a) Such trades are applied for on a form provided by the City;
(b) Permission is granted by the affected shifts' Captain at least 48 hours in advance
of the time to be traded. ;Such permission shall not be unreasonably denied;
(c) The City shall not be liable for payback of time traded or overtime worked as a
result of such trades;
(d) Trades shall be allowed in increments of not less than two (2) hours;
(e) Trades shall not interfere with the operations of the Fire Department. This section
shall be interpreted to include protection of paramedic staff;
(f) Trades shall occur only between employees of the same job classification, or
between equally qualified employees according to the Fire Engineers'
promotional eligibility list;
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(g) Shift trades may be restricted to insure that the minimum Engineer and Firefighter
staff level and at least two EMT-P's are on duty at all times;
ARTICLE XVII
HEALTH AND WELFARE AND RETIREMENT
Section 1. Health and Welfare.
As of May 1, 2004, the City agrees to pay 95% of the cost of the premium for the health and
welfare benefit plans shown in Appendix "C" or their equivalent for the duration of this
agreement. Employees shall pay 5% for the cost for their coverage through payroll deduction.
Retired employees shall be allowed to participate in the existing insurance plan at their own
expense to the extent required by state of federal law. The City shall also make available to
employees an optional choice to participate in the Personal Choice Flexible Spending Account
Programs (pre-tax health premium and health and dependent care expense reimbursement).
Section 2. Health and Welfare Committee.
The Union and the City jointly recognize the escalating cost of Health and Welfare insurance and
services. In an effort to control cost and provide the maximum benefits possible, the City may
establish an employee-based benefits committee with one member appointed by the bargaining
unit. The committee will meet at the option of either the City or the Union, will review
insurance options and make recommendations related to controlling costs.
Section 3. Retirement.
The City agrees to maintain its existing Retirement Plan, subject to the terms and provisions
thereof, as it applies to regular employees in the bargaining unit. Upon retirement, one-half of
accumulated sick leave will be applied to retirement as set forth in ORS 238.350. The City will
also assume or pay the employee's contributions required by ORS for all employees included
under this Agreement at a uniform rate of six (6) percent.
Section 4. Deferred Compensation.
The City agrees to contribute $15.00 per month in matching funds per member enrolled in a City
deferred compensation program (currently ICMA or ING). This program is at the option of the
member and contingent upon a minimum $15.00 per month contribution paid by the member. In
addition, as an incentive to amend language regarding the provision of health insurance benefits
to make clear the City has agreed to provide a health insurance package and not specific
individual benefits, the City agrees to contribute $25.00 per month to an eligible deferred
compensation program for each member of the bargaining group.
23
ARTICLE XVIII
WORKER'S COMPENSATION
Section 1. Worker's Compensation.
All employees will be insured under the provisions of the Oregon State Worker's Compensation
Act for injuries received while at work for the City.
Section 2. Supplementary Payment.
Compensation paid by the City for a period of sick leave also covered by worker's compensation
shall be equal to the difference between the worker's compensation pay for lost time and the
employee's regular pay rate, as described in ARTICLE VIII, Section 4.
ARTICLE XIX
LIABILITY INSURANCE
The City shall purchase liability insurance as set forth in ORS 30.270 and containing such terms
and conditions as are necessary for the protection of all employees covered by this Agreement
against claims against them incurred in or arising out of the performance of their official duties.
The premiums for such insurance shall be paid by the City.
ARTICLE XX
SAVINGS CLAUSE AND FUNDING
Section 1. Savings Clause.
Should any article, section, or portion thereof, of this Agreement be subsequently declared by the
proper legislative or judicial authority to be unlawful or unenforceable, or not in accordance with
applicable statutes or ordinances, all other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect for the duration of this Agreement.
Section 2. Funding.
The parties recognize that revenue needed to fund the wages and benefits provided by the
Agreement must be approved annually by established budget procedures and in certain
circumstances by vote of the citizens of the City. The City shall not reduce the wages and
benefits specified in this Agreement because of budgetary limitations, but cannot and does not
guarantee any level of employment in the bargaining unit covered by this Agreement. The City
agrees to include in its annual budget request amounts sufficient to fund the wages and benefits
provided by this Agreement, but makes no guarantee as to passage of such budget requests or
voter approval thereof.
24
ARTICLE XXI
TERMINATION AND REOPENING
This Agreement shall be effective as of the 1st day of July, 2006 or upon execution, whichever is
later, and shall remain in full force and effect until the 30th day of June, 2009, and shall
terminate all prior agreements and practices, and concludes all collective bargaining during the
term ~f this Agreement. This Agreement nullifies and supersedes all previous documents
including Letters of Understanding between the parties unless such documents are specifically
reinstated for the duration of this Agreement.
It shall be automatically renewed from year to year thereafter unless either party shall notify the
other in writing not sooner than one hundred eighty (180) days nor less than ninety (90) days
prior to the expiration or subsequent anniversary date that it wishes to modify this Agreement for
any reason. Such notification shall include the substance of the modification and the language
with which such desired modifications are to be expressed. In the event notice to modify is
given, those provisions not reopened shall automatically renew. In the event that such notice is
given, negotiations shall begin not later than thirty (30) days after said notice, unless otherwise
mutually agreed. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect during the period of
negotiation.
ASHLAND FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL #1269
Date:
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APPENDIX" A"
CLASSIFICATIONS WITHIN THE BARGAINING UNIT
Firefighter
Fire Engineer
Fire Captain
25
APPENDIX "B"
SALARY SCHEDULE
5% INCREASE
5% INCREASE
$14.3495 First 6 Months $15.0670 $3,656 $15.8204 $3,839 $16.6114 $4,031
$15.0950 Next 6 Months $15.8497 $3,846 $16.6422 $4,039 $17.4743 $4,240
$15.8803 Next 12 Months $16.6744 $4,046 $17.5081 $4,249 $18.3835 $4,461
$16.6258 Next 12 Months $17.4571 $4,236 $18.3299 $4,448 $19.2464 $4,670
$17.3978 Next 12 Months $18.2677 $4,433 $19.1811 $4,655 $20.1402 $4,887
$18.1300 Rate Thereafter $19.0364 $4,619 $19.9883 $4,850 $20.9877 $5,093
First 6 Months $15.6381 $3,795 $16.4200 $3,985 $17.2410 $4,184
Next 6 Months $16.4208 $3,985 $17.2418 $4,184 $18.1039 $4,393
Next 12 Months $17.2455 $4,185 $18.1077 $4,394 $19.0131 $4,614
Next 12 Months $18.0282 $4,375 $18.9295 $4,594 $19.8760 $4,823
Next 12 Months $18.8388 $4,572 $19.7807 $4,800 $20.7698 $5,040
Rate Thereafter $19.6075 $4,758 $20.5879 $4,996 $21.6173 $5,246
First 6 Months $16.4471 $3,991 $17.2695 $4,191 $18.1330 $4,400
Next 6 Months $17.2298 $4,181 $18.0913 $4,390 $18.9959 $4,610
Next 12 Months $18.0545 $4,381 $18.9572 $4,600 $19.9051 $4,830
Next 12 Months $18.8372 $4,571 $19.7790 $4,800 $20.7680 $5,040
Next 12 Months $19.6478 $4,768 $20.6302 $5,006 $21.6618 $5,257
Rate Thereafter $20.4165 $4,954 $21.4374 $5,202 $22.5093 $5,462
First 12 Months
Second 12 Months
Rate Thereafter
First 12 Months
Second 12 Months
Rate Thereafter
$23.0817 $5,601
$24.0335 $5,832
$24.9853 $6,063
$24.2357 $5,881
$25.2351 $6,124
$26.2346 $6,366
$25.4476 $6,175
$26.4969 $6,430
$27.5463 $6 685
27
APPENDIX "C"
HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS
Section 1. Health and Welfare. The City agrees to pay ninety-five percent (95%) of the premium
for employee and/or family coverage through the term of this agreement for the following health
and welfare plans. The employee agrees to pay five percent (5%) of the premium, to be
deducted from the employee's check through regular payroll deductions. The parties recognize
this agreement is to provide the insurance plans. Plan benefits are subject to annual adjustments.
Nothing in this agreement shall be deemed a limitation on the annual plan benefit adjustments.
In the event the plan is no longer offered, then both Union and City of Ashland shall mutually
agree on a new plan. Any plan agreed to shall be to the greatest extent reasonably equal to or
better than the last offered. In determining reasonable comparability, the premium costs for the
new plan shall not exceed 110% of the final premium costs paid for the plan it is replacing. The
plans and employee/family coverage levels agreed to are:
(1) Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon Plan V-A Health Insurance- employee and
family coverage.
(2) ODS Dental Plan III or Willamette Dental Plan V - employee and family
coverage.
(3) Vision Services Plan - employee and family coverage.
(4) $22 per month paid to the employee toward annual insurance deductible costs.
(5) Mercy Flights' Insurance - Family coverage.
(6) City paid reimbursement for routine physical exams for employee/dependents, if
such coverage is not provided by (1) above:
Age 2-18 ---- once every year up to $100
Age 19-34 ---- once every 5 years up to $175
Age 35-59 ---- once every 2 years up to $175
Age 60+ ---- once every year up to $175
(7) City paid reimbursement for routine well-baby care, if such coverage is not
provided in (1) above, to include first in-hospital exams; six doctor's office exams the first year;
three exams the second year up to $100 each exam (includes exam, inoculations and x-ray
expenses).
(8)
(9)
follows:
City paid reimbursement for programs contained in the City's Wellness Program.
Other benefit levels and maximum premium payments by the City shall be as
State mandated Life Insurance $1.35/mo.
League of Oregon Cities Life Insurance $0.67/mo.
League Dependent's Life Insurance $0.71/mo.
Salary Continuation Plan $0.59/$100 mo. salary
(10) Physical Fitness Reimbursement: 50% of membership cost up to a maximum of
$120 per year.