HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 15-205RESOLUTION NO. 15-205
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT:
THAT the City Manager be and he is hereby authorized to execute a collective
bargaining agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 'A" with the
Beaumont Professional Firefighters' Local 390 commencing October 1, 2015 and
expiring September 30, 2020.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the 29th day of
September, 2015.
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Becky Ames -
CITY OF • AND
BEAUMONT FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL • •
CONTRACTUALAGREEMENT
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October toSeptember
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ARTICLE I
INTENT AND PURPOSE
ARTICLE ii
RECOGNITION
ARTICLE III
DISCRIMINATION
ARTICLE IV
MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
ARTICLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE VI
UNION BUSINESS
ARTICLE VII
SENIORITY, PROMOTIONS,
DEMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS
ARTICLE Vlll
NO STRIKE - NO LOCKOUT
ARTICLE IX
MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS
ARTICLE X
HEALTH AND SAFETY
ARTICLE Xl
SICK LEAVE
ARTICLE XII
DEATH IN FAMILY LEAVE
ARTICLE XIII
VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS
ARTICLE XIV
PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF DUES
ARTICLE XV
PENSION
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ARTICLE X\11
BASIC RATE OF PAY
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ARTICLE XVII
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY
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ARTICLE XVIII
EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL PAY
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ARTICLE XIX
EDUCATION PAY
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ARTICLE XX X4
CERTIFICATION PAY
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ARTICLE XXI
INCENTIVE PAY,
ARTICLE XXII
CLOTHING AND CLOTHING
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MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE
ARTICLE XXIII
MILEAGE ALLOWANCE
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ARTICLE XXIV4
HOURS AND OVERTIME PAY
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ARTICLE XXV4V
CALLBACK PAY
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ARTICLE XXVI
INDUSTRIAL FIRES
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ARTICLE XXVII
TEMPORARY PROMOTIONS
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ARTICLE XXVIII
ARTICLE XXVIII
ENTRY LEVEL HIRING PROCEDURES
ASSIGNMENT
17
ARTICLE XXIX
PAY
STANDBY PAY
17
18
ARTICLE XXX
WAGES
18
ARTICLE XXXI
INSURANCE
18
ARTICLE XXXIII COMPLETE AGREEMENT CLAUSE
ARTICLE XXXIV NEGOTIATION TO COMMENCE
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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, AFL -CIO -CLC, hereinafter referred
to as the "UNION."
ARTICLE I.
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.
ARTICLE II.
RECOGNITION
Section 1. The EMPLOYER recognizes the UNION as the exclusive bargaining agent
for all permanent paid firefighters in the Fire Department, excluding the Fire Chief.
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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 III.
DISCRIMINATION
Section 1. 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 whether 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.
Section 2. 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,
disability, 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 fight 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 fight 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 superseded by this Collective Bargaining Agreement and state and federal
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:
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1. Notices of Union meetings;
2. Notices of Union elections and the result where they pertain to the
EMPLOYER's employees;
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 Cib/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
EMPLOYERs premises other than as herein provided.
Section 3, Copies of Agreement. The EMPLOYER agrees to furnish one copy of
this agreement to the UNION.
I
01101161011-01M
Section 1. A written list of Union stewards and other officers and representatives
shall be famished to the Fire Chief immediately after their designation and the UNION shall notify the
Fire Chief 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 the Fire Chief or in his absence his designee. Such
permission shall not be withheld except in emergencies. Whenever possible, 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. 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 and for purposes
of rafification of labor agreements.
Section 5. Except as otherwise herein provided, the internal business of the UNION shall
be conducted during non -duty hours of the employees involved.
Section 6.,
A. UNION officers and/or elected delegates shall be granted time to attend job-
related conferences and seminars without loss of pay.
B. Except as provided in Subsection A, the UNION will request the EMPLOYER
for time off for any other number of members to attend job-related seminars, which permission may
be granted or denied by the EMPLOYER.
ARTICLEVII.
SENIORITY, PROMOTIONS, DEMOTIONSAND TRANSFERS
Section 1. 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.
Section 2. 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
forsuch periods. Applications forvacated positions shall be submitted in writing to the Chief.
Section 3. The Assistant Chief will be appointed by the Fire Chief. Chief Officers currently
serving the department are eligible for such appointment
ARIICLEVIII.
NO STRIKE - 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, slowdowns, 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 aeon. 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
Texas Local Government Code, Section 174.205, for violation of Article VI 11, Section 1, above.
ARTICLE IX
MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS
Section 1. 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.
Section 2. Al 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 EMPLOYER and the UNION.
ARTICLE X.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Section 1. Intent.
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.
Section 2. Health and Safety Committee.
A. 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.
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B. 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.
C. 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 fumished to the UNION. A copy of all such reports or minutes shall be
posted by the EMPLOYER at all work sites for at least thirty (30) days.
D. 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.
E. The joint committee shall have the power to recommend safety improvements
to the Fine Chief, including target dates, where appropriate. In the eventthe committee recommendations
are not effected by the target dates agreed upon, the commitbee has the prerogative to refer its
recommendation(s) to the City Manager.
Section 3. Heart Chet Physical Exam.
The EMPLOYER agrees to provide each unit employee a_ physical exam ehes
X-ray and examination
fGr heart defeonce each year and to forward the results
to the employee upon request of the employee.
Page 8 of 27
ARTKIEK
SICK LEAVE
Section 1. 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 the Union employee's immediate family living in the same household.
Section 2. Family and Medical Leave Act. The Family and Medical Leave policy set out in
the City of Beaumont Policies and Procedures Manual shaft apply to the employees in the Fire
Department.
ARTICLE XII.
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, step -children, mother, step -mother, father, step -father, grandparents, grandchildren,
brother, step -brother, sister, step -sister of the employee or the employee's spouse.
ARTICLE All.
VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS
Section 1. Holidays.
A. The following holidays will be recognized:
New Year's Day
Good Friday Easter
Sunday Memorial
Day Independence
Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
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Friday after Thanksgiving or
Christmas Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
B. Employees required to work on a holiday will be paid one and one half the basic
rate of pay for hours actually worked on the holiday. 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.
Section 2. Vacations.
Employees in the Fire Department shall earn 1 '/4 vacation days for each month worked
during the given year. All vacation time earned in a calendar year must ordinarily be taken in the
following calendar year. However, under extra -ordinary conditions and with a recommendation
submitted by the Fire Chief, the City Manager may approve vacation to be carried over from one
year to the next. Under no circumstances will vacation be carried over for more than one year. The
decision of the City Manager to. approve the carry-over or to authorize payment for that time is final
and may not be appealed to the City Council or governing body. This prWsmon wall expire on
September 30. 20. Firefighters with 15 to 23 years of service will receive an extra two (2) days
for a total of seventeen (17) days of vacation per year. Firefighters with twenty-four (24) years or
more of service will receive a total of twenty-one (2 1) days of vacation per year.
A. For the purposes of this section, one (1) shift equals two (2) days.
B. The EMPLOYER will develop an annual vacation schedule of seventeen (17)
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,
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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.
Section 3. Personal Leave Days.
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 XIV.
PAYROLL DEDUCTION 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.
ARTICLE XV.
PENSION
The EMPLOYER shall contribute to the pension fund an amount equal to fifteen
percent (15%) of each employee's salary. If, by June 1, 2017 the UNION elects to
increase their pension contribution to fifteen and one-half percent (15.5%) to be
effective on October 1, 2017, the EMPLOYER will also increase its contribution to
fifteen and one-half percent (15.5%). The UNION shall provide written notice to the
EMPLOYER of its intention to increase the contribution rate on or before June 1
2017 to allow for proper financial planning by both the UNION and EMPLOYER
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ARTICLE XVI.
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. "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
at the rate of 1 Y2 each employees "basic rate of pay' for overtime purposes. Overtime shall be paid
in compliance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
ARTICLE XVII.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY
Any member of the bargaining unit who earns an Associate Degree, Fire
Technology, shall receive one payment of $500 $200 as an educational incentive.
ARTICLE XVIII.
EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL PAY
Section 1. Any full-time employee of the Fire Department approved by the City Manager to
enroll in a course will be reimbursed by the EMPLOYER 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.
Section 2. The course work must relate to the applicant's present position for the
purpose of:
Improving skills or knowledge required in the employee's 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.
Section 3. Upon completion of course work for which the employee has received
nmimh"mimminnt from the EMPLOYER for books and fee costs, the employee must remain in the
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service of the EMPLOYER for one (1) year; otherwise all sums paid by the EMPLOYER must be
reimbursed by the employee to the City.
[This article expires September 30, 20171
ARTICLE XIX
EDUCATION PAY
Effective October 1, 2017, any member of the bargaining unit who holds a
Bachelor Degree or Masters Degree, shall receive two -hundred dollars ($200) or two -
hundred and fifty dollars ($250), respectively, per month. Members of the bargaining unit
shall be -paid for one degree only and will receive either EDUCATION PAY or
CERTIFICATION PAY, whichever is higher, but shall not receive both.
ARTICLE XX XtX.
CERTIFICATION PAY
Any member of the bargaining unit who holds or eams an Intermediate, Advanced or Master
Fire Fighter Certificate shall receive payments of sixty dollars ($60), one hundred dollars ($100) and
one hundred fifty dollars ($150) per month. A member of the bargaining unit will only be paid for one
of the above certificates.
ARTICLE XXI.
INCENTIVE PAY
Section 11 All `mp!Gyees exGent the training officer who teach in the h fim
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Section 12. All team members of the following respective teams shall receive
incentive pay as follows:
A . Haz-Mat Team: Team Leader: $60 per month.
Team Member. $50 per month.
B . Dive Team: All Members: $50 per month.
Page 13 of 27
C . Breathing Apparatus Technicians: $50 per month.
Section 2 3. EMT -intermediates and Paramedics actively training to complete
credentialing in the Joint Training Program with BEMS and credentialed Operations personnel
regularly and routinely delivering ALS services will receive $50 $75 per month and $100 per
month, respectively.
Section 3. An emplovee of the bargaining unit will receive a maximum of $50
per month for proving proficiency in one of the following lanquaaes: Spanish,
Vietnamese, or Sian Lanquaae.
A, Members must pass proficiency certification and re -certify at least every
Wo (2) vears in order to continue receiving the incentive.
B. 15 maximum members for Spanish
C. 5 maximum members for Vietnamese
D. 5 maximum members for Sign Lanquaqe
ARTICLE XXII.
CLOTHING AND CLOTHING MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE
All employees of the bargaining unit shall receive a clothing allotment annually of
regulation uniforms. All employees in the bargaining unit shall receive a clothing and clothing
maintenance allowance of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per month.
Page 14 of 27
ARTICLE XXIII.
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.
Section 2. Car allowances shall be in accordance with the prevailing City rate of
civilian employees.
ARTICLE XXIV XXHJ
HOURS AND OVERTIME PAY
Section 1.
A. 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.
B. "Suppression employees!' are those employees permanently assigned to a
piece of fire apparatus 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.
C. All personnel assigned to forty (40) hour work weeks consisting of five (5)
eight (8) hour days or four (4) ten (10) 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) per month.
Section 2.
A. Communication Division employees shall work twelve (12) hour shifts,
alternating between night and day shifts. Day shifts Will be from 7:00 o'clock a.m. to 7:00 o'clock
p.m. Dispatchers will average forty-two (42) hours per week. For vacation and sick leave
purposes, one (1) twelve (12) hour shift will equal one (1) day. Vacations will be picked in three (3)
or four (4) day blocks, subject to availability of relief personnel.
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B. The Chief of Communications and the Assistant Communications Officer will work
four (4) ten (10) hour shifts from 7:00 oclock a.m. to. 5:00 o'clock p.m., averaging forty (40) hours per
week. The Chief of Communications and the Assistant Communications Officer will also receive
assignment pay in addition to any other compensation to which they may be entitled at the rate of
one hundred dollars ($100) per month.
Section 3. Unless it creates a lesser benefit, the Employer shall apply the civilian
evacuation/disaster policy to firefighters if the Mayor declares a mandatory evacuation.
ARTICLE XXV -XX4V-
CALLBACK PAY
AM 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 1 Y2 times the
regular rate of pay..
ARTICLE XXVI.
INDUSTRIAL FIRES'
All firefighters responding to calls to industrial plants or storage facilities containing
hazardous materials outside the city (whether on duty or if 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
ARTICLE,XXVII.
TEMPORARY PROMOTIONS
Section 1 1 . Where a firefighter is absent, thus creating a vacancy, for three (3) or more hours,
all temporary promotions necessitated by the vacancy are automatic. By way of example, if a
Grade 3 is absent for a shift, the Grade 2 at the same station is promoted for the entire shift, and
one (1) Grade 1 at the station is promoted to Grade 2.
Page 16 of 27
Section 2. Temporary promotions do not automatically occur to fill a vacancy
created by a firefighter's absence of less than three (3) hours. However, temporary
promotions are automatic for persons assigned to a unit that is called to respond to an
incident during the period a firefighter on the unit is absent.
Section 3. A firefighter who performs the duties of the next higher classification due to a
vacancy caused by another firefighter's absence is entitled to the base salary of the higher position
together with the firefighters own longevity or seniority pay, educational incentive pay, and
certification pay during the time the employee performs the duties of the higher position.
Section 4. A firefighter who is temporarily promoted due to the absence of another
firefighter is expected to perform the duties of the higher position during the entire time of the
temporary promotion.
ARl1CLiE XXVIII.
ENTRY LEVEL HIRING PROCEDURES
The UNION agrees that the EMPLOYER shall have the right to establish entry level
selection procedures for Grade I firefighters. Modifications to existing entry level selection procedures
shall be brought to the attention of the UNION ten (10) days prior to implementation. In establishing
entry level selection procedures for Grade I firefighters, the EMPLOYER shall not be bound by or
subject to the entry level hiring procedures set forth in Chapter 143, Local Government Code.
However, the EMPLOYER agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the UNION, to the
maximum extent allowed by law, in any litigation filed against the EMPLOYER and/or the UNION
concerning entry level selection procedures implemented by the EMPLOYER under the authority of
this Section.
Page 17 of 27
ARTICLE XXIX
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.
ARTICLE XXX.
WAGES
Section 1, Upon execution of this, agreement, the EMPLOYER will provide for
base wages as attached in Addendum A.
Section 2. The City will set the wages for the position of Assistant Chief.
MORIN]
Section 1. Life insurance.
The EMPLOYER shall provide all employees with life insurance and accidental death
and dismemberment coverage in an amount equal to one (1) times an employee's annual base
wage, up to a maximum of $50,000.
Section 2. Medical. Dental and Prescription Drug Plans.
A. The EMPLOYER will provide the same medical, dental and prescription drug
plans to all firefighters under the same terms and conditions as civilian employees. Contributions to
the plans by firefighters shall be monthly premiums paid in the same amounts and under the same
terms and conditions as civilian employees.
Paqe 18 of 27
The City may increase the monthly premium rates (medical or dental) for firefighters by
the same percentage increase of the monthly premium rates of civilian employees in a plan year,
not to exceed twelve and one half percent (12.5%) per plan year.
Section 3. Retiree Medical Insurance Proqram
A. During the term of this agreement, Employer will provide medical coverage
for firefighters retiring or becoming disabled and their dependents after April 1, 1984, subject to
the provisions of Sections 3.C. through 3.H. hereof inclusive.
B. EMPLOYER is authorized to receive from each retiree, as a condition of
receiving retiree medical coverage, a signed statement acknowledging that both the contribution
rate (premium) and hospitaUmedical coverages of the retiree insurance may change in the future.
C. Retired or disabled firefighters 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 individuals who are considered eligible dependents of the
disabled/retired firefighter at the time of retirement shall be eligible for continued medical coverage.
The disabled/retired firefighter shall not add/change (except drop) a dependent while covered under
this medical plan.
D. Any firefighter who retires or becomes disabled and has a spouse who is
employed with the City may become a dependent of the spouse along with other eligible dependents
underthe City's group medical plan. However, the retired or disabled firefighter shall make application
at leastthirty-one (31) days priorto the spouse's termination date to the City to institute his/her eligibility
for retiree coverage. The spouse and eligible dependents will be allowed to become dependents of
the retiree in accordance with the provision of this amendment.
Upon retirement, the retiree will be required to complete and sign a "Delayed Participation
in Retiree Medical Coverage" Form. "If a participants contribution rate status as set out in 3.G. hereof
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1
changes, the new rate will be put into effect on the first day of the month following the month
in which the contribution rate status changed.
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 firefighters and
their dependents agree, aftemative medical insurance programs at different rates and at different
levels of coverage may be provided.
F. Retired and disabled individuals and their dependents participating in the plan
created herein are required on or before age 65, if eligible, to enroll for both Part A, Hospital Insurance,
and Part B, Supplementary Medical Insurance, under the U.S. Government Medicare Program. Upon
qualification for the Medicare Program, the participant will be excluded from the program herein
established. Failure to become a subscriber as required herein will result in the participants immediate
exclusion from the program herein established. If a participant is not eligible for Medicare, the participant
may continue coverage under this medical plan. Eligible dependent children may continue coverage
under this medical plan after their parents are no longer eligible in accordance with the definition of
"dependent' as listed in the summary plan document
G. A participant who would otherwise be required to leave the program herein
established as provided by 3.17. above may remain on the program if supplemental Medicare
insurance without proof of insurability is not available at that time. Such participants must, however,
leave the program when such supplemental Medicare insurance for which they are qualified is
available. EMPLOYER will make its best efforts to obtain and provide information to retirees
concerning the availability of such supplemental insurance. The cost of any such supplemental
insurance will be paid for by the participant.
Page 20 of 27
H. The participant's monthly contribution rate for medical insurance will be as
follows:
Single Rate - $150
Single + 1 dependent - $200
Family - $250
Those participants who retired between the dates of April 1, 1984, and January 31, 1992, shall pay
the rates listed above and shall have no increase in contributions until such time as they leave the
plan.
1. Those who retired on or after February 1, 1992, maybe subject to an annual increase
in contribution. The increase will be effected in accordance with the labor agreement. The single
rate will be established at 69% of the COBRA rate on January 1st annually. The single +1
dependent rate will be established at 58% of the COBRA rate and the family rate will be established
at 54% of the COBRA rate. Subject to paragraph 3.G. hereof, eligible spouses and dependents
may remain on the plan at the above -established rates.
Section 4. Retirement Health Savings Plan.
Firefighters shall be offered the ICMA's Retirement Health Savings Plan as
offered to civilian employees.
ARTICLE XXXII.
GR IEVANCE 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.
Page 21 of 27
A An employee who has a grievance concerning disciplinary acfion as defined
in Section 1 of this article may choose to file his/her appeallgrievance through either the contract
grievance procedure or through the provisions of TLGC 143 (Civil Service), but not both.
B.. Gnievances 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.
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 City Manager or the Fire Chief.
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
gnevances.
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 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 the
grievance be submitted to arbitration. Unless the grievance is resolved, it shall be submitted to
arbitration in accordance with Section 5 hereof.
Section &. 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.
ARTICLE X)WII.
COMPLETE AGREEMENT CLAUSE
Section 1.
A. 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.
Page 25 of 27
B. It is speccally provided that there shall be no further negotiations except by
mutual agreement of any subjects above mentioned.
C. The parties agree that the UNION, by its signing of this agreement does not
agree or admit that the EMPLOYERs ability to pay is an appropriate factor to be considered in
negotiations, arbitration
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
174.021, Local Government Code.
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. Dudng 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 setfbrth in this
agreement.
Section 3. All modifications, of this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both
the EMPLOYER and the UNION before such modcations 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 it 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 5. This agreement shall be binding on the parties hereto and their
successors and assigns.
ARTICLE )OM
NEGOTIA nONS TO COMMENCE
"Collective bargaining," as that term is used in Local Government Code, Section 174.105, 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.
ARTICLE XXXV.
DURATION OFAGREEMENT
This Agreement shall be effective as of October 1, 2015-20U and shall remain in full force and
effect until the 301' day of September, 2020 2012 2015. This Agreement shall continue in effect after
September 30, 2020 2042 2045, until superseded by a new agreement; provided that, unless agreed to in
writing by the parties, this Agreement shall not continue in effect after September 30, 20212013 2016.
The City presently intends to continue this Agreement each fiscal yearthrough the end of its term,
to pay all payments due, and to fully and promptly perform all of the obligations of the City under this
Agreement All obligations of the City shall be paid only out of current revenues or any otherfunds, lawfully
available therefor and appropriated for such purpose by the City Council, in compliance with the Texas
Constitution, Article XI, Sections 5 and 7.
ATTEST:
ATTEST:
CITY OF BEAUMONT
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 399
PageVoW
SCHEDULE OF MONTHLY WAGES
Ia7s
EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVE
10/01/15
10101116
10101117
10/01/18
10/01/19
2.5%
2%
2.5%
2%
2.5%
Start to 1 year
$4,408
$4,496
$4,608
$4;700
$4,818
1 year to 3 years
$4,974
$5,073
$5,200
$5,304
$5,437
3 years to 5 years
$5,182
$5,286
$5,418
$5,526
$5,664
5 years to 7 years
$5,292
$5,398
$5,533
$5,644
$5,785
7 years to 10 years
$5,346
$5,453
$5,589
$5,701
$5,844
10 years to 15 years
$5,454
$5,563
$5,702
$5,816
$5,961
15 years to 20 years of MGre
$5,561
$5,672
$5,814
$5,930
$6,078
20 years or more
$5,561
$5.785
$5,930
$6,049
$6,200
Start to 2 years
$5,896
$6,014
$6,164
$6,287
$6,444
2 years to 10'years of male
$6,012
$6,132
$6,285
$6,411
$6,571
10 years or more
$6,012
$6,255
$6,411
$6,539
$6,702
Start to 2 years
$6,355
$6,482
$6,644
$6,777
$6,946
2 years to 10 years of -more
$6,574
$6,705
$6,873
$7,010
$7,185
10 years or more
$6,574
$6,839
$7,010
$7,150
$7.329
GRADE IV - DISTRICT CHIEF
Start to 5 years $7,144 $7,287 $7,469 $7,618 $7,808
gears or more $7,144 $7,433 $7,619 $7,771 $7,965
GRADE V - DEPUTY CHIEF
Start to 5 years $7,707 $7,861 $8,058 $8,219 $8,424
gears or more $7,707 $8,018 $8,218 $8,382 $8,592