HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 92-013 i
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RES OLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BEAUMONT:
THAT the City Manager be, and he is hereby, authorized to execute the Labor Agreement with
the Beaumont Professional Firefighter Local 399 substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit "A".
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the day
of 1992.
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BEAUMONT FIREFIGHTERS' LOCAL 399 CONTRACT
WITH THE CTTY OF BEAUMONT
OCTOBER 1, 1991 - SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I INTENT AND PURPOSE 1
ARTICLE II RECOGNITION 2
ARTICLE III DISCRIMINATION 2
ARTICLE IV MANAGEMENT RIGHTS 3
ARTICLE V GENERAL PROVISIONS 3
ARTICLE VI UNION BUSINESS 4
ARTICLE VII SENIORITY, PROMOTIONS,
DEMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS 6
ARTICLE VIII NO STRIKE - NO LOCKOUT 6
ARTICLE IX RULES AND REGULATIONS 7
ARTICLE X MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS 7
ARTICLE XI HEALTH AND SAFETY g
ARTICLE XII SICK LEAVE 9
ARTICLE XIII DEATH IN FAMILY LEAVE 9
ARTICLE XIV VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS 9
ARTICLE XV PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF DUES 10
ARTICLE XVI PENSION 11
ARTICLE XVII BASIC RATE OF PAY 11
ARTICLE XVIII EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE 11
ARTICLE XIX PREMIUM PAY 11
ARTICLE XX EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL 12
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ARTICLE XXI CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 12
ARTICLE XXII MILEAGE ALLOWANCE 12
ARTICLE XXIII HOURS AND OVERTIME PAY 13
ARTICLE XXIV CALLBACK PAY 13
ARTICLE XXV INDUSTRIAL FIRES 13
ARTICLE XXVI TEMPORARY PROMOTIONS 14
ARTICLE XXVII SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL 14
ARTICLE XXVIII ASSIGNMENT PAY 14
ARTICLE XXIX STANDBY PAY 14
ARTICLE XXX WAGES 15
ARTICLE XXXI INSURANCE 16
ARTICLE XXXII GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 18
ARTICLE XXXIII COMPLETE AGREEMENT CLAUSE 22
ARTICLE XXXIV IMPASSE PROCEDURES 23
ARTICLE XXXV NEGOTIATION TO COMMENCE 24
ARTICLE XXVVI EVERGREEN CLAUSE 25
ARTICLE XXXVII DURATION OF AGREEMENT 25
ARTICLE XXXVII KELLY DAY CALL BACK PLAN 25
ADDENDUM A SCHEDULE OF WAGES
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THE STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON §
AGREEMENT
This agreement is made and entered into by and between the City of Beaumont, a municipal
corporation domiciled in the State of Texas, herein referred to as the "EMPLOYER," and Local 399,
International Association of Fire Fighters, hereinafter referred to as the "UNION."
ARTICLE L
INTENT AND PURPOSE
It is the general purpose of this agreement to promote the mutual interests of the
EMPLOYER and the UNION; to provide for equitable and peaceful adjustments of differences which
may arise; to establish proper standards of wages, hours and other conditions of employment which will
provide and maintain a sound economic basis for the delivery of public services; and to provide for the
operation of the services delivered by the City under methods which will further, to the fullest extent
possible, economy and efficiency of operation,elimination of waste, realization of maximum quantity and
quality of output, cleanliness, protection of property and avoidance of interruptions to service. The
parties to this agreement will cooperate fully to secure the advancement and achievement of these
purposes.
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ARTICLE IL
RECOGNITION
Section 1. The EMPLOYER recognizes the UNION as the exclusive bargaining agent for
all permanent paid employees in the Fire Department,excluding the Fire Chief. Under no circumstances
shall anyone inside the bargaining unit bargain for themselves or attempt to bargain individually with
another bargaining unit member without the written consent of the UNION. In the event that legislation
is amended or changed to redefine the composition of the bargaining unit, the parties will comply on the
effective date of any such Federal or State legislation.
Section 2. The UNION recognizes the designated representative or representatives of the
EMPLOYER as the sole representative of the EMPLOYER for the purpose of collective bargaining.
ARTICLE IIL
DISCRIIVIINATION
The EMPLOYER agrees not to discriminate against any employee for his activity in behalf
of,or membership in, the UNION. The UNION agrees that it will not coerce or intimidate any employee
into joining the UNION. The UNION and EMPLOYER recognize that no employee is required to join
the Union, but that each employee has the right to choose of his own free will as to whether or not he
will or will not join the Union. The UNION further agrees that there will be no interference with the
free right of any employee of the EMPLOYER to enter and leave its premises and property unmolested
and without harassment.
It is the mutual obligation of the EMPLOYER and the UNION to assure that no employee
shall be subject to any discrimination because of race, religion, color, creed, handicap, sex, or national
origin.
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ARTICLE IV.
MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the management of the City of Beaumont
shall have direction of the work force, including but not limited to the right to hire, the right to discipline
or discharge for proper cause, the right to decide job qualifications for hiring, the right to lay-off or
abolish positions, the right to make rules and regulations governing conduct and safety, the right to
determine schedules of work together with the right to determine the methods, processes and manner of
performing work, the determination of the size of the work force, the assignment of work to employees
within the department, the determination of policy affecting the selection of new employees, the right to
establish work performance measurements and standards,where no such measurements or standards exist,
and to revise these or existing measurements and standards if required and to implement programs to
increase the cost effectiveness of departmental operations if research dictates the need for such programs.
The above rights are vested exclusively in the EMPLOYER, as are all other rights excluding those rights
which are superceded by this agreement, or provisions of Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code
(1269m) or other statutes.
ARTICLE V_
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Parking. The EMPLOYER shall provide, without cost, to employees on duty
adequate parking space to all Fire Department facilities and fire stations.
Section 2 Bulletin Boards.
A. The EMPLOYER agrees to provide space for bulletin boards, which may be used
exclusively by the Union for the following notices:
1. Notices of Union meetings;
2. Notices of Union elections and the result where they pertain to the
EMPLOYER's employees;
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3. Notices of Union recreational and social events;
4. Other notices concerning Union affairs.
B. It is agreed that all other notices prior to being posted shall be submitted to the
EMPLOYER for its approval.
C. It is further agreed that all notices including those posted by the UNION as provided
for herein and those posted by the EMPLOYER shall not be mutilated, destroyed, or defaced by the
employees. If same should occur, the affected employee shall be subject to disciplinary action.
D. The UNION agrees that in no event .shall such notices be politically partisan,
derogatory or critical of the City, or the City's officers, agents, supervisors, employees, departments, or
subdivisions nor shall such notices be derogatory or critical of the services, techniques or methods of the
EMPLOYER.
E. There shall be no other general distribution or posting by employees or the Union of
pamphlets, advertising or political matters, notices, or any kind of literature upon the EMPLOYER's
premises other than as herein provided.
Section 3. Residency. Residency shall not be a condition of employment for employees of
the bargaining unit; each employee must be a legal resident of the United States and reside within its
boundaries.
Section 4. Copies of AUeement. The EMPLOYER agrees to furnish each employee
covered by this agreement with one (1) copy of this agreement.
ARTICLE VL
UNION BUSINESS
Section 1. A written list of Union stewards and other officers and representatives shall be
furnished to the EMPLOYER immediately after their designation and the UNION shall notify the
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EMPLOYER of any changes provided that the UNION shall not request time off for more than one
steward for each shift.
Section 2. The UNION President or his designee shall be granted reasonable time off during
working hours to investigate and process grievances, to attend civil service, arbitration, or court hearings
and to represent Unit employees in disciplinary action provided that the President or his designee shall
request permission from his Deputy Chief. Such permission shall not be withheld except in emergencies.
Whenever possible, prior notification is to be made prior to or at the beginning of a shift.
Section 3. Off-duty employees shall not reside or loiter on department premises, but will
be allowed to enter the premises for access to their own locker, posting bulletins, processing grievances,
delivering notices,or departmental business,provided their presence does not interfere with the operation
of the department.
Section 4. The EMPLOYER will allow either the President or Vice-President and the
Recording Secretary or his designate time to conduct local union regular meetings and no more than three
special called meetings per contract year.
Section 5. No more than two (2) members of the UNION negotiating team shall be allowed
time off for all meetings which are mutually set by the EMPLOYER and the UNION.
Section 6. Except as otherwise herein provided, the internal business of the UNION shall
be conducted during non-duty hours of the employees involved.
Section 7. Employees elected to UNION office and/or elected delegates shall be granted
time to perform their UNION functions,including attendance at job-related conventions,conferences and
seminars without loss of pay, as follows:
A Two (2) members granted three (3) shifts to attend bi-annual international
conventions.
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B. Three (3) members granted two (2) shifts to attend bi-annual state conventions.
C. The UNION will request the EMPLOYER for time off for any number of members
to attend job-related seminars. Permission may be granted or denied by the EMPLOYER.
ARTICLE VII.
SENIORITY, PROMOTIONS, DEMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS
At the completion of an employee's probationary period, continuous service for purposes
of seniority shall date from the first day of employment for Grade I. Seniority shall be from date of
promotion in all other grades.
All seniority considerations and requirements shall be in accordance with present City policy
and all applicable State laws.
Promotions and demotions will be made in accordance with Chapter 143'of the Local
Government Code (1269m).
Lateral transfers within the department will be made by the EMPLOYER on the basis of
seniority unless there are overriding merit considerations. The EMPLOYER shall post and maintain a
list of vacated positions for a period of at least ten (10) days. Vacated positions may be temporarily filled
for such periods. Applications for vacated positions shall be submitted in writing to the Chief.
ARTICLE VIM
NO STRIICE - NO LOCKOUT
Section 1. The UNION agrees that during the term of this agreement, it will not authorize,
ratify,encourage,or otherwise support any strikes,slow-downs,picketing on the EMPLOYER's premises,
or any other form of work stoppage or interference with the business of the City, and will cooperate with
the EMPLOYER in preventing and/or halting any such action. The EMPLOYER agrees that it will not
authorize, ratify, encourage, or otherwise support any lockout during the term of this agreement.
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Section 2. The EMPLOYER shall have the right to impose penalties in accordance with
Section 17 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act; Collective Bargaining, dated August 27, 1973,
for violation of Section 1 of Article VIII herein.
ARTICLE Ix
RULES AND REGULATIONS
A. Employees in the bargaining unit shall comply with Fire Department rules and
regulations including those relating to conduct and work performance.
B. The EMPLOYER maintains the right to establish, amend and modify rules from time
to time. Reasonable changes will be made in the following manner:
1. The EMPLOYER will consult with the UNION prior to effective date of change,and
the UNION will be allowed to express its suggestions and objections prior to posting.
2. Changes will be published so that all employees are advised of the changes.
3. All rules will be administered and applied fairly and equitably.
ARTICLE K
MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS
A. Nothing contained in this agreement shall be construed as repealing any lawful
recognized benefit provided through the department for employees of the department, and no employee
shall inadvertently suffer any loss of wages, hours or working conditions by reason of the signing of this
agreement.
B. All terms and conditions which are of benefit to employees now in effect which are
not specifically provided for in this agreement or which have not been replaced by provisions of this
agreement shall remain in effect for the duration of this agreement, unless mutually agreed otherwise
between the City and the Union.
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ARTICLE X1.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
It is the intent of the EMPLOYER and the UNION to maintain the highest standards of
safety and health in the Fire Department, and to eliminate, as much as possible, accidents, injuries, illness
and death in the fire service.
1. There shall be established a joint UNION-EMPLOYER health and safety committee,
consisting of an equal number of the UNION and the EMPLOYER representatives, of not less than two
(2) nor more than four (4) each.
2. The joint committee shall meet on the second Tuesday of each month or more often
as mutually agreed for the purpose of jointly considering, inspecting, investigating and reviewing health
and safety conditions and practices and investigating accidents, and for the purpose of effectively making
constructive recommendations with respect thereto.
3. All matters considered and handled by the committee shall be reduced to writing and
joint minutes of all meetings of the committee shall be made and maintained and two copies thereof shall
be furnished to the UNION. Such reports are for internal use only and shall not be disclosed to the
public by either the UNION or the EMPLOYER. A copy of all such reports or minutes shall be posted
by the EMPLOYER at all work sites for at least thirty (30) days.
4. Time spent in committee meetings by the UNION representatives, on duty, including
walk-around time during joint inspections and investigations, shall be considered and compensated for as
regularly-assigned work. Time spent in committee meetings by the UNION representatives while off-duty
shall not be compensated.
5. The joint committee shall have the power to recommend safety improvements to the
Department Chief, including target dates, where appropriate. In the event the committee
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recommendations are not effected by the target dates agreed upon, the committee has the prerogative
to refer its recommendation(s) to the City Manager.
6. The EMPLOYER agrees to provide a chest X-ray and examination for heart defects
once each year and to forward the results to the employee upon request of the employee.
7. The joint safety committee will cooperate with and coordinate its activities with the
Risk Manager of the EMPLOYER. Copies of all minutes shall be sent to the Risk Manager.
ARTICLE XIL
SICK LEAVE
The accumulation and payment of sick leave shall be in accordance with Section 143.045 of
the Local Government Code with the addition that sick leave may be used for any bona fide illness of a
member of their immediate family living in the same household.
ARTICLE X M
DEATH IN FAMILY LEAVE
In the event of a death in the immediate family of an employee, the employee shall be
granted up to four (4) days (2 shifts) off with pay. The immediate family shall be defined as spouse,
children, mother, father, grandparents, grandchildren, brother, and sister of the employee or the
employee's spouse.
ARTICLE XIV.
VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS
Employees in the Fire Department shall earn 11/4 vacation days for each month of service.
All vacation time earned in a calendar year must be taken in the following calendar year.
The following holidays will be recognized:
New Year's Day
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
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Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Day
Employees required to work on a holiday,or employees whose day off falls on a holiday shall
have one (1) day for each such holiday added to their annual vacation.
For the purposes of this paragraph, one (1) shift equals two (2) days.
The EMPLOYER will develop an annual vacation schedule of twenty (20) cycles. The
EMPLOYER shall determine the number of employees in each grade on each shift who may schedule
vacations in any one cycle. Based upon seniority in grade,each employee shall choose one vacation cycle.
After each employee has selected one cycle, each employee shall choose a second vacation cycle. If
manpower permits, an employee may, upon his request, take two (2) vacation days (one shift) with
approval of his Deputy Chief. Each member of the bargaining unit with ten (10) years of service shall
receive one (1) personal leave day per calendar year. Each member with twenty(20)years of service shall
receive two (2) personal leave days per calendar year. Personal leave days may be scheduled in
conjunction with vacation days.
ARTICLE XV.
PAYROLL DEDUCHON OF DUES
The EMPLOYER agrees to deduct, once each month, dues and assessments, in'an amount
certified to be current by the Treasurer of the UNION, from the pay of those employees who individually
request,in writing, that such deductions be made. The total amount of deductions shall be remitted, each
month, together with the names of the employees from whom dues have been collected, by the
EMPLOYER to the Treasurer of the UNION. This authorization shall remain in full force and effect
during the term of this agreement. The EMPLOYER shall forward to the UNION a copy of all
authorizations or cancellations of voluntary deduction of UNION dues by employees in the unit.
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ARTICLE XVL
PENSION
The EMPLOYER shall contribute to the pension fund an amount equal to eleven percent
(11%) of each employee's salary.
ARTICLE XVII.
BASIC RATE OF PAY
"Basic rate of pay,"for the purposes of computing overtime pay (including callback pay), for
employees assigned to a forty (40) hour work week, equals annual base wages divided by 2,080 hours.
Overtime shall be paid at the rate of 11/z each employee's"basic rate of pay"for overtime purposes. "Basic
Rate of Pay" for purposes of computing overtime pay (including call back pay), for "suppression
employees" equals annual base wages divided by 2,496 hours. Overtime shall be paid in compliance with
the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
ARTICLE XVIM
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE
Any member of the bargaining unit who earns an Associate Degree, Fire Technology, shall
receive one payment of$200 as an educational incentive. Effective October 1, 1989, any member of the
bargaining unit who earns an Intermediate, Advanced or Master Fire Fighter Certificate shall receive
payments of thirty dollars ($30), fifty dollars ($50) and seventy dollars ($70) per month, respectively.
Certified Breathing Apparatus Technicians to be paid ten dollars ($10) per month only when required
to work during that month.
ARTICLE XIx
PREMIUM PAY
All employees, except the training officer,who teach in the basic fire academy shall receive
premium pay in addition to any other compensation to which they may be entitled at the rate of ten
dollars ($10.00) per hour for time actually spent teaching.
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ARTICLE XX.
EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL
Any full-time employee of the Fire Department approved by the City Manager to enroll in
a course will be reimbursed for all books, and fee costs related to the approved course upon proof of
having completed the course with a grade of"C" or better.
The course work must relate to the applicant's present position for the purpose of:
1. Improving skills or knowledge required in his present position.
2. Preparing the employee for significant technological changes occurring in his career
field.
3. Preparing the employee for assumption of new and different duties.
Upon completion of course work for which the employee has received reimbursement from
the City for books and fee costs, the employee must remain in the service of the City for one (1) year,
otherwise all sums paid by the City must be reimbursed by the employee to the City.
ARTICLE XXL
CLOT ENG ALLOWANCE
Subject to the approval of the Chief, an employee may receive either hip boots or a winter
work jacket in lieu of his annual allotment of uniforms. All employees in the bargaining unit shall receive
a clothing allowance of twenty dollars ($20.00) per month.
ARTICLE XXIL
MILEAGE ALLOWANCE
Section 1. The Department shall transport all personnel who are transferred between fire
stations on a temporary basis. This provision does not apply to personnel who are notified of changes
prior to reporting for duty.
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Section 2 Car allowances will be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) per month for those
employees designated to receive car allowances. Any employee who keeps mileage records for six (6)
months may have his car allowance reviewed.
ARTICLE XJIM
HOURS AND OVERTIME PAY
Section 1. Suppression employees shall work shifts of twenty-four (24) hours on duty
followed by forty-eight (48) hours off duty. Each employee working such shifts shall receive one (1)
twenty-four (24) hour shift off during each three (3) weeks.
"Suppression employees" are those employees permanently assigned to a piece of fire
apparatus, excluding the Assistant Chief and the Deputy Chiefs. This provision shall not prevent the
permanent or temporary assignment of any employee to a forty (40) hour work week so long as the
employee is not at the same time assigned to a piece of fire apparatus.
ARTICLE XXIV.
CALLBACK PAY
All employees covered by the terms of this agreement who are called back to work from off-
duty shall be guaranteed the right to work at least two (2) hours minimum at 11/2 times the basic rate of
pay.
ARTICLE XXV.
INDUSTRIAL FIRES
All firefighters responding to calls outside the city(whether on duty or called from off duty),
and all certified divers from the time called out until released, shall be paid double time, i.e. twice their
basic hourly rate. Such double-time pay shall exclude any other overtime pay that might otherwise be
applicable.
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ARTICLE XXVL
TEMPORARY PROMOTIONS
Employees who are temporarily promoted shall be compensated at the higher rate of pay
in three (3) hour increments. When such vacancies occur, the promotion shall be automatic and
immediate.
ARTICLE XXVI L
SHIFT D
Shift differential shall be paid to those employees assigned to a forty (40) hour work week
as follows: basic wage, as set out in Article XVII, for employees assigned to the day shift; an additional
$0.80 per hour for employees assigned to the evening shift; and an additional $1.50 per hour for
employees assigned to the midnight shift.
ARTICLE XXVIIL
ASSIGNMENT PAY
All personnel assigned to forty (40) hour work weeks consisting of five (5) eight (8) hour
days shall receive assignment pay in addition to any other compensation to which they may be entitled
at the rate of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per month.
ARTICLE 70DC
- STANDBY PAY
When arson investigators are officially designated standby duty,the member shall receive one
(1) hour of pay at straight time for every eight (8) hours of standby or any fraction thereof, plus any
overtime pay (at normal overtime rates) when called out.
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ARTICLE XXK
WAGES
A. Effective October 1, 1991, the EMPLOYER will provide a $113 per month wage
increase for all members of the bargaining unit. This amount is equivalent to a 4.5% wage increase.
B. Effective April 1, 1992, the EMPLOYER will create a new pay step in Grade I for Fire
Fighters with 7 years or more of service at One Percent (1.0%) more than Grade 1 (5 years to seven
years). Grades II, III, IV, V and VI shall receive a wage increase of One Percent'(1.0%) across the
board, rounded to the nearest dollar.
C. Effective October 1, 1992, the EMPLOYER will provide for a wage increase of Three
Percent (3%) across the board, rounded to the nearest dollar, for all members of the bargaining unit.
D. Effective April 1, 1993, the EMPLOYER will create a new pay step in Grade I for Fire
Fighters with 10 years or more of service at Two Percent (2%) more than Grade I (7 years 10 years).
Grades II,III, IV,V and VI shall receive a wage increase of Two Percent(2%) across the board, rounded
to the nearest dollar.
E. Effective October 1, 1993, the EMPLOYER will provide for a wage increase of Three
Percent (3%) across the board, rounded to the nearest dollar, for all members of the bargaining unit.
F. Effective April 1, 1994, the EMPLOYER will create a new pay step in Grade I for Fire
Fighters with 15 years or more of service at Two Percent (2%) more than Grade I (10 years to 15 years).
Grades II,III, IV,V and VI shall receive a wage increase of Two Percent (2%) across the board, rounded
to the nearest dollar.
G. The wage table is attached as Addendum "A".
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ARTICLE XX L
INSURANCE
Section 1. Effective October 1, 1987, the EMPLOYER shall provide all employees with
$22,500 of life insurance coverage.
Section 2. Medical Insurance Effective on or after February 1, 1992 the EMPLOYER will
furnish the same accident and medical insurance coverage for employees and dependents as those in effect
on September 30, 1991, for civilian employees for the term of this contract agreement. No employee
contributions to the cost of providing such plan shall be required.
The EMPLOYER shall waive all pre-existing condition requirements if covered by the
previous plan, for members of the bargaining unit and their eligible dependents. Coverage for members
of the bargaining unit and their eligible dependents or an increase or decrease in amount of an
employee's or dependent's coverage (except a child covered at birth) will be delayed if on the date it
would become effective the employee or dependent is confined for medical care or treatment in an
institution or at home. The coverage or change for that employee or dependent will become effective
upon final medical release of the employee or dependent from such confinement. If this Plan is modified,
the same delay provisions apply to any resulting employee's or dependent's coverage change.
Section 3 Retiree Medical Insurance Program.
A. The UNION agrees that the EMPLOYER may terminate the Retired Employees
Insurance Trust (REIT) pursuant to existing state and federal laws on or after February 1, 1992.
B. During the term of the Agreement, the EMPLOYER will provide medical coverage for
Fire Fighters retiring or becoming disabled after April 1, 1984 and their dependents, subject to the
provisions of Sections 3 (C) through 3 (G) hereof inclusive.
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C. Effective on or after March 1, 1992, retired or disabled employees and their dependents
desiring to participate shall pay the group rate premium established by the EMPLOYER under COBRA
standards. The EMPLOYER shall not increase premiums more than one time during a plan year.
Participating retirees shall be notified in writing at least 30 days before any scheduled premium increase.
D. Retired or disabled Fire Fighters may participate in the program only if they are eligible
for retirement or disability benefits under the Fireman's Relief and Retirement Fund of Beaumont,Texas.
Only those dependents eligible to receive benefits under the Fireman's Relief and Retirement Fund of
Beaumont, Texas shall be eligible to participate in the medical insurance program for retired and disabled
firefighters.
E. Coverage provided shall be the same as that provided members of the bargaining unit.
However, if the EMPLOYER, the UNION and retirees and disabled fire fighters and their dependents
agree, alternative medical insurance programs at different rates and at different levels of coverage may
be provided.
F. Retired or disabled employees participating in the plan are required, if eligible, to enroll
for both Part A, Hospital Insurance, and Part B, Supplementary Medical Insurance, under the U.S.
Government Medicare Program. Failure to become a subscriber as required herein will result in the
participant's exclusion from the program herein established.
Section 4 Dental Insurance. Effective October 1, 1991, the EMPLOYER shall provide a
dental insurance plan for employees and their dependents. The plan will provide benefits comparable to
the CLEAT Benefit Plan and Trust at a maximum monthly cost of Twenty Dollars ($20.00). If the
employee elects to add his dependents to the dental insurance, the EMPLOYER shall pay a maximum
monthly cost of Forty-Two ($42.00) for both the employee and his dependents. The Plan will provide
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accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage for the employee and his family, and the existing
blood insurance plan that covers the employee and his family.
Effective October 1, 1992, the EMPLOYER shall increase the maximum monthly amount
for the employee to Twenty-Two Dollars ($22.00) and to Forty-Six Dollars ($46.00) for employee and his
dependents.
Effective October 1, 1993, the EMPLOYER shall increase the maximum monthly amount
for the employee to Twenty-Four Dollars ($24.00) and to Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for the employee and his
dependents.
The trust document and plan benefits will be provided to the UNION and the EMPLOYER,
upon contract agreement.
The UNION shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the EMPLOYER from any claim
or cause of action brought by any employee or affected family member resulting from the operation of
this Section.
ARTICLE XXXJ[I.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Section 1. The purpose of this grievance procedure is to establish effective machinery for
the fair, expeditious and orderly adjustment of grievances. A grievance is defined as any dispute, claim,
or complaint involving the interpretation, application or alleged violation of any provision of this
agreement,or the discipline,discharge,or demotion for disciplinary purposes of any employee represented
by the UNION. Grievances may be filed by the UNION, the EMPLOYER or any bargaining unit
employee. The EMPLOYER agrees to allow the UNION Grievance Committee access to a suitable
location for grievance committee meetings.
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Section 2.
A. Any member who is aggrieved shall file a written report giving the nature and details
of the incident which led to his grievance with the UNION's grievance committee. The report must be
submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date upon which the member knew of or should have
known of the occurrence, or occurrences in the event that the grievance alleges a pattern or practice of
the EMPLOYER in violation of this agreement, giving rise to the grievance.
B. A grievance not brought to the attention of the UNION grievance committee within
the time limit described shall not be considered timely and shall be void.
C. The time limitations described in Sections 2 and 3 herein are of the essence of this
agreement but may be waived by mutual agreement in writing by the aggrieved (whether member or the
UNION) and the appropriate management official.
D. Any member who is aggrieved shall submit his grievance within the time limitations
specified above to the UNION's grievance committee. Within fifteen (15)calendar days of receipt of the
grievance, the committee shall determine if a valid grievance exists. If, in the opinion of the committee,
no grievance exists, the committee shall notify the member and no further action shall be taken.
E. If the grievance has not been resolved within seven (7) calendar days after the
expiration of the 15 day period provided for the Union Grievance Committee to make a decision, the
committee or its representative shall, with or without the physical presence of the aggrieved member,
present the grievance in writing to the office of the Fire Chief for adjustment,provided that written notice
of grievances shall suffice in the case of individual disciplinary grievances.
F. If within seven (7) calendar days, after the grievance has been received by the Fire
Chief, it has not been settled, the committee or its representative shall have seven (7) days to submit it
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i
to the office of the City Manager for adjustment, provided that written notice of the grievance shall
suffice in the case of individual disciplinary grievances.
G. If within seven (7) calendar days after receipt by the City Manager, the grievance has
not been settled, the committee or its representative shall have seven (7)calendar days in which to make
a written request to the office of the City Manager that the grievance be submitted to arbitration.
Section 3. Grievances submitted by the UNION shall be submitted to the Fire Chief in
writing within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date upon which the UNION knew or should have
known of the occurrence or occurrences giving rise to the grievance.
A If within seven (7) calendar days after receipt of the grievance by the Fire Chief, the
grievance has not been settled, the committee or its representative shall submit it to the City Manager
for adjustment.
B. If within seven (7) calendar days after receipt of the grievance by the City Manager,
the grievance has not been settled, the committee or its representative shall have seven (7)calendar days
in which to make a written request to the City Manager that the grievance be submitted to arbitration.
Section 4. Employer Grievances
A. If the EMPLOYER is aggrieved, it shall file a written report giving the nature and
details of the grievance to the UNION's grievance committee. The report shall be submitted within
fifteen (15) calendar days of the date upon which the EMPLOYER knew or should have known of the
occurrence or occurrences giving rise to the grievance.
B. If the grievance has not been resolved within fifteen (15) calendar days after
presentation to the UNION's grievance committee, the EMPLOYER shall have seven(7) additional days
within which to make a written request to the UNION's grievance committee that grievance be submitted
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to arbitration. Unless the grievance is resolved, it shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with
Section 5 hereof.
Section 5. Arbitration.
A. In the event the parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator, either party may request the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service or the American Arbitration Association to provide a list of
arbitrators in accordance with its selection rules. Either party shall have the right to reject the list
submitted by the Service. In that event, the service will be requested to submit another list. The parties
shall, within seven (7) calendar days, select an arbitrator from the list. The arbitrator shall conduct a
hearing within thirty (30) days from his appointment. The arbitrator shall render his decision within
fifteen (15) days from conclusion of the hearing.
B. The powers of the arbitrator shall be limited as follows:
1. He shall have no power to add to, subtract from, or modify any of the terms
of this agreement.
2. He shall deal only with the grievance or grievances which occasioned his
appointment.
C. The decision of the arbitrator, if within the scope of his authority, shall be final and
binding upon the parties.
D. Costs and expenses for the services of the arbitrator shall be shared equally by the
UNION and the EMPLOYER. Either party desiring a transcript of the arbitration hearing shall be
responsible for the cost of such transcript.
E. The employees agree that,with the adoption of this grievance procedure, they hereby
relinquish their right to appeal to the Civil Service Commission and to appeal from the Civil Service
Commission to the District Court for the resolution of grievances as defined herein.
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ARTICLE XX)Cn
COMPLETE AGREEMENT CLAUSE
Section 1. The parties hereto acknowledge that during negotiations which resulted in this
agreement,each had unlimited right and opportunity to make proposals with respect to all proper subjects
of collective bargaining, and that all such subjects have been discussed and negotiated upon, and the
agreements herein contained were arrived at after free exercise of such rights and opportunities;
therefore, the EMPLOYER and the UNION, for the term of this agreement, each voluntarily and
unqualifiedly,waives the right and each agrees that the other shall not be obligated to bargain collectively
with respect to any subject or matter not specifically referred to or covered in this agreement, even
though such subject or matter may not have been within the knowledge or contemplation of either or
both of the parties at the time they negotiated or signed this agreement.
It is specifically provided that there shall be no further negotiations except by mutual
agreement of any subjects above mentioned.
The parties agree that the UNION,by its signing of this agreement,does not agree or admit
that the EMPLOYER's ability to pay is an appropriate factor to be considered in negotiations, arbitration,
or litigation to determine compensation and other terms and conditions of employment of members of
the bargaining unit. The parties further agree that the UNION,by its signing of this agreement,does not
agree or admit that the compensation and other terms and conditions of employment provided herein are
in compliance with the requirements of Section 4 of Article 5154c-1.
Section 2 The UNION and the EMPLOYER agree that this agreement is intended to
cover all matters affecting wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment and similar or
related subjects. During the term of this agreement, neither the EMPLOYER nor the UNION will be
required to negotiate on any matters affecting these or other subjects not specifically set forth in this
agreement.
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p,
Section 3. All modifications of this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both
the EMPLOYER and the UNION before such modifications shall become effective.
Section 4. If any article or section of this agreement or any provision should be held invalid
by operation of law, or by any tribunal of competent jurisdiction, or if compliance with or enforcement
of any article or section should be restrained by such tribunal pending final determination as to its validity,
the remainder of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected thereby.
Section S. This agreement shall be binding on the parties hereto and their successors and
assigns.
ARTICLE XXXJ[V.
IMPASSE PROCEDURE
In the event that the City of Beaumont and the Association have reached an impasse as
defined under Vernon's Annotated Civil Statutes of Texas, Article 5154c-1, Section 9, and in the event
mediation invoked under Section 9 of said article has failed to resolve the impasse, or one of the parties
has refused to mediate, then the following impasse procedure shall prevail:
1. Either party to the dispute, after written notice to the other party containing
specifications of the issue or issues in dispute, may request arbitration; provided,
however, that a party may request arbitration not more than once during any fiscal
year. In the event that one party makes a request for arbitration, then both parties
shall submit all issues in dispute to arbitration. The issues to be submitted to
arbitration shall be all matters which the parties have been unable to resolve through
collective bargaining.
2. Arbitration invoked under this article shall be conducted by the parties pursuant to
the procedures, duties, requirements and rights set forth in Vernon's Annotated Civil
Statutes of Texas, Article 5154c-1, Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15; except that
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Vernon's Annotated Civil Statutes of Texas, Article 5154c, Section 10(b) shall be
specifically excluded and not apply herein.
3. In making its decision, the Arbitration Panel may consider only the following:
a) The requirements of Section 4 of Article 5154c-1.
b) The total compensation, including wages and benefits, and conditions of
employment provided by the Employer to members of the bargaining unit.
c) The total compensation and terms and conditions of employment of State Civil
Service Certified, full-time fire fighters in all Texas cities.
d) The rate of increase or decrease in the cost of living for the Houston area
determined by the Consumer Price Index for the period beginning with the
effective date of the current contract and ending with the most recent
published report at the time of the commencement of the hearing.
e) After all other possible considerations of comparison,the arbitration panel may
give consideration to revenues available to the employer.
4. Information concerning hours of work and insurance benefits and costs may be
considered by the Arbitration Panel for purposes of determining total compensation
and terms and conditions of employment but may not be used specifically to support
an amendment by the Employer of the hours of work of Beaumont firefighters or the
coverage and costs of insurance benefits for such firefighters.
ARTICLE XXXV.
NEGOTIATIONS TO COMMENCE
"Collective bargaining," as that term is used in Article 5154c-1(7b),shall be deemed to have
commenced on the earlier of July 1 or the date the parties first meet formally for the purpose of
negotiation.
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ARTICLE XXXVL
EVERGREEN CLAUSE
This agreement shall be effective October 1, 1991, and shall be for a three (3)year period,
except that it shall remain in full force until replaced by a successor agreement.
ARTICLE X XVIL
DURATION OF AGREEMENT
Term of Contract: Three (3) years. Except as otherwise provided herein, this agreement
shall be effective as of October 1, 1991, and shall remain in effect until September 30, 1994.
ARTICLE XXXVIR
KELLY DAY CALL BACK PLAN
SECTION 1: By mutual agreement, the Union and EMPLOYER have established a program for
the term of this agreement to allow suppression fire personnel to work on eligible Kelly days.
SECTION 2: This program does not change the normal call back procedures or the payment of
overtime for suppression and non-suppression personnel in accordance with the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act.
SECTION 3: Pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, Section (7K); suppression fire personnel
will be able to work on their Kelly days at straight time up to 53 hours per work week, then, by law, must
be compensated at one and one-half times (1 1/2) their regular rate of pay.
SECTION 4: Kelly Day Call Back would be implemented when:
a. A volunteer list of workers of all grades is compiled in alphabetical order, for each
day of the week and for each shift.
b. The EMPLOYER shall have responsibility for using the call back list on a rotating
basis giving opportunity to the employee that is next on the voluntary list, no matter what grade level
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S
he/she may hold. When called, an employee must come in to work, however,reasonable exceptions may
be approved by Management. The employee may work his/her regular worksite or station.
SECTION 5: After exhausting the Kelly Day Call Back List, then the EMPLOYER by virtue of
management rights may use traditional call back procedures provided for within this contract.
SECTION 6: For purpose of computing overtime hours for this Article,the UNION agrees that the
EMPLOYER shall use the formula of base annual wages divided by 2,496 hours.
CITY OF BEAUMONT
ATTEST: By:
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE
FIGHTERS, LOCAL 399
ATTEST: By:
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a a
ADDENDUM TO CONTRACT BETWEEN
CITY OF BEAUMONT AND
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRERGHTERS LOCAL 399
The City agrees to pay to Beaumont Firefighters a lump sum of all monies including interest
held in the dental escrow fund.
APPROVED:
President of IAFF, Local 399 City Manager
Date: Date:
^ h
ADDENDUM A
SCHEDULE OF WAGES
Effective October 1, 1991:
Section 1.
GRADE 1 — FIREFIGHTER
Start to 1 year $1,993 per month
1 years to 3 years 2,289 per month
3 years to 5 years 2,384 per month
5 years or more 2,436 per month
GRADE 11 — ENGINEER
Start to 2 years $2,583 per month
2 years or more 2,633 per month
GRADE III — CAPTAIN
Start to 2 years $2,782 per month
2 years or more 2,880 per month
GRADE IV — DISTRICT CHIEF $3,128 per month
GRADE V — DEPUTY CHIEF $3,375 per month
GRADE VI — ASSISTANT CHIEF $3,575 per month
Section 2. Effective April 1, 1992
GRADE 1 — FIREFIGHTER
Start to 1 year $1,993 per month
1 years to 3 years 2,289 per month
3 years to 5 years 2,384 per month
5 years to 7 years 2,436 per month
7 years or more 2,460 per month
GRADEII — ENGINEER
Start to 2 years $2,609 per month
2 years or more 2,659 per month
GRADE III — CAPTAIN
Start to 2 years $2,810 per month
2 years or more 2,909 per month
GRADE IV — DISTRICT CHIEF $3,159 per month
GRADE V — DEPUTY CHIEF $3,409 per month
GRADE VI — ASSISTANT CHIEF $3,611 per month
R 1
+ Section 3. Effective October 1, 1992:
GRADE 1 — FIREFIGHTER
Start to 1 year $2,053 per month
1 years to 3 years 2,358 per month
3 years to 5 years 2,456 per month
5 years to 7 years 2,509 per month
7 years or more 2,534 per month
GRADE 11 — ENGINEER
Start to 2 years $2,687 per month
2 years or more 2,739 per month
GRADE III — CAPTAIN
Start to 2 years $2,894 per month
2 years or more 2,996 per month
GRADE IV — DISTRICT CHIEF $3,254 per month
GRADE V — DEPUTY CHIEF $3,511 per month
GRADE VI — ASSISTANT CHIEF $3,719 per month
Section 4. Effective April 1, 1993:
GRADE 1 — FIREFIGHTER
Start to 1 year $2,053 per month
1 years to 3 years 2,358 per month
3 years to 5 years 2,456 per month
5 years to 7 years 2,509 per month
7 years to 10 years 2,534 per month
10 years or more 2,585 per month
GRADE II — ENGINEER
Start to 2 years $2,741 per month
2 years or more 2,794 per month
GRADE III — CAPTAIN
Start to 2 years $2,952 per month
2 years or more 3,056 per month
GRADE IV — DISTRICT CHIEF $3,319 per month
GRADE V — DEPUTY CHIEF $3,581 per month
GRADE VI — ASSISTANT CHIEF $3,793 per month
i,.
v p '
t y
Section 5. Effective October 1, 1993:
GRADE 1 — FIREFIGHTER
Start to 1 year $2,115 per month
1 years to 3 years 2,429 per month
3 years to 5 years 2,530 per month
5 years to 7 years 2,584 per month
7 years to 10 years 2,610 per month
10 years or more 2,663 per month
GRADE 11 — ENGINEER
Start to 2 years $2,823 per month
2 years or more 2,878 per month
GRADE ill — CAPTAIN
Start to 2 years $3,041 per month
2 years or more 3,148 per month
GRADE IV — DISTRICT CHIEF $3,419 per month
GRADE V — DEPUTY CHIEF $3,688 per month
GRADE VI — ASSISTANT CHIEF $3,907 per month
Section 6. Effective April 1, 1994:
GRADE 1 — FIREFIGHTER
Start to 1 year $2,115 per month
1 years to 3 years 2,429 per month
3 years to 5 years 2,530 per month
5 years to 7 years 2,584 per month
7 years to 10 years 2,610 per month
10 years to 15 years 2,663 per month
15 years or more 2,716 per month
GRADE 11 — ENGINEER
Start to 2 years $2,879 per month
2 years or more 2,936 per month
GRADE III — CAPTAIN
Start to 2 years $3,102 per month
2 years or more 3,211 per month
GRADE IV — DISTRICT CHIEF $3,487 per month
GRADE V — DEPUTY CHIEF $3,762 per month
GRADE V1 — ASSISTANT CHIEF $3,985 per month