2023-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the timeframe within which the arbitrator must issue a written decision after the hearing?

  • Within 60 calendar days
  • Within 15 calendar days
  • Within 45 calendar days
  • Within 30 calendar days (correct)

What must happen if a party desires a record of the arbitration proceedings?

  • There is no provision for a record of the proceedings.
  • The cost will be shared equally between both parties.
  • The party requesting it shall bear the sole cost. (correct)
  • The arbitrator will cover the costs.

What happens if the Union fails to submit a grievance within the specified time limits?

  • The grievance shall not be considered abandoned.
  • The grievance will be reviewed late.
  • The grievance will be deemed abandoned. (correct)
  • The Union can request an extension.

What agreement is made regarding work stoppages during the life of the Agreement?

<p>The Union shall not condone any work stoppages. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for employees engaging in strikes or slowdowns?

<p>They may face disciplinary action as determined by the City. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame for a grieving party to bring an alleged violation to the attention of the other party?

<p>Within thirty working days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which step must an alleged violation of Article 26 be submitted?

<p>Step 2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action employees are encouraged to take regarding a grievance?

<p>Discuss the grievance with their director supervisor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the written decision time frame for a Deputy Chief after receiving a grievance?

<p>Within ten working days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must occur if the grievance is unresolved after Step 3?

<p>The Union may request arbitration within thirty calendar days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who renders a written decision after consulting with the Human Resources Director or designee?

<p>The Fire Chief (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Union and Employer cannot agree on a neutral arbitrator?

<p>A new list of arbitrators is requested immediately (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the arbitration process, which party strikes the first name from the list of arbitrators?

<p>Union (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of employees who can be granted time off to serve as officers on state or national firefighter union executive boards?

<p>Two (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are officers required to maintain when taking time off to fulfill their duties?

<p>Training and appropriate certifications (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the latest time notification should be made to the Battalion Chief on a scheduled workday for time off?

<p>06:15 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Fire Chief's meetings with Local 31 members is true?

<p>Meals and refreshments are provided by the Department. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Union may use Fire Department equipment only for what purpose?

<p>Memorial and approved charitable events (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to safety standards, who is mutually responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable safety regulations?

<p>Both the Employer and the Union (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often will the Fire Chief convene meetings with Local 31 members?

<p>Each calendar year (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could cause the Union's use of Fire Department equipment to be denied?

<p>Interference with department operations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total off-duty time after a 24-hour shift under the specified schedule?

<p>48 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the regular working hours for the 4/10 shift?

<p>7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which shift requires approval from the Assistant Fire Chief of Training or Fire Prevention for changes?

<p>All shifts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum pay for Fire Inspectors called out outside their regular shift?

<p>Two hours at double time rate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hours must Fire Inspectors respond to emergencies without receiving call-out pay?

<p>7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For the 9/80 shift, when do employees have every other Friday off?

<p>After working on Thursday (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much do Fire Inspectors earn per hour while assigned to Stand-by by the Deputy Fire Chief?

<p>$3.00 per hour (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which shift option is not available for personnel not assigned to a 24-hour shift?

<p>7/8 shift (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time an employee has to respond to an emergency scene after notification?

<p>30 minutes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which hours can Battalion Chief's inspections and special schools occur?

<p>From 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but limited to four times per month (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When will employees not receive standby pay?

<p>When engaged in emergency response (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What activities are not allowed on Sundays and City recognized holidays?

<p>Building inspections, centralized or battalion training or drills (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which day will not have debit days assigned?

<p>July 4 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When can maintenance to apparatus and equipment be performed?

<p>Outside of the routine work schedule (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who must be notified in advance of a planned special school held between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, except in emergencies?

<p>The Union (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for the vacation accrual rate?

<p>Section 1.12.220 of the Tacoma Municipal Code and the Joint Labor Agreement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is eligible for medical and hospital insurance coverage provided by the Employer?

<p>Employees and their families, including dependent children up to 26 years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of insurance premiums does the Employer agree to pay for employees who participate in the Group Life Insurance plan?

<p>50% or more (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum amount of group life insurance an employee can purchase?

<p>One times their annual salary rounded to the next highest thousand (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What financial contribution does the City make towards each employee's health reimbursement arrangement monthly?

<p>$150 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the contributions made by the City to the IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan?

<p>To establish a Retiree Medical Savings Plan account for each employee (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Union determine whether unused sick leave accruals are contributed to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement or cashed out?

<p>An annual vote is conducted of all Union members eligible to retire (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an individual employee requests contributions to be directed to a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) plan?

<p>Contributions will go to the VEBA plan, and no contributions will be made to MERP (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of insurance is specified to be provided in Section 1.12.110 of the Tacoma Municipal Code?

<p>Dental Insurance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Arbitrator's decision time limit

The arbitrator must issue a written decision within 30 calendar days of the hearing's end, or a bench decision if both sides agree.

Cost of the case

Each party pays its own legal costs (lawyer, witnesses), but the union and employer split the arbitrator's fees.

Grievance time limits

Grievance deadlines can be changed by mutual agreement, and missing a deadline without agreement can mean the grievance is given up.

Work stoppages

The union and employer agree to stop work stoppages or strikes to maintain city operations during the contract.

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Violation Consequences

Employees who participate in work stoppages face disciplinary actions decided by the city.

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Grievance Definition

A complaint about a violation of the agreement, presented within 30 working days of discovering the violation.

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Step 1 Grievance Procedure

Union presents grievance in writing to Deputy Chief for review and decision.

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Step 2 Grievance Procedure

Union presents unresolved grievance to Fire Chief upon a negative Step 1 decision, for review and decision.

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Step 3 Grievance Procedure

Union presents unresolved grievance to City Manager for review and decision.

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Arbitration Initiation

If the grievance remains unresolved, the Union requests arbitration.

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Arbitrator Selection

Union and Employer select a neutral arbitrator from a list. If unable to agree, the American Arbitration Association provides a list.

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Working Days Exclusion

Working days exclude weekends and recognized holidays of the Employer.

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Union Officer Time Off

Union members elected to state or national firefighter union executive boards are granted time off for official duties, such as attending meetings. A maximum of two employees can be granted time off at any given time.

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Union Officer Training

Union officers granted time off must maintain their training and certifications, ensuring they remain qualified firefighters.

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Local Union Officer Shift Trades

Local, state, and national union officers are allowed reasonable shift trades and work replacements, beyond normal Fire Department guidelines.

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Union Officer Notification

Local, state, and national union officers must notify the Battalion Chief, at least 6:15 hours before their scheduled workday, of any shift trades or absences.

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Annual Union Meetings

The Fire Chief holds annual meetings with Local 31 members, discussing accomplishments, departmental issues, and upcoming events.

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Required Dress at Union Meetings

The Fire Chief may require union members to wear dress uniforms at annual meetings.

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Union Equipment Use

The Union can use Fire Department equipment for memorial and approved charitable events, but only with written permission from the Fire Chief.

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Work Safety Standards

Both the employer and union agree to follow safety standards outlined by federal, state, city, and department regulations within a reasonable timeframe.

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24-hour Shift

A work schedule consisting of 24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off, alternating with 24 hours on duty and 96 hours off.

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Kelly (K) Days

Additional days scheduled to reduce the average weekly work hours for 24-hour shift personnel to 40 hours.

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9/80 Shift

A work schedule where employees work 9 days over two weeks, with every other Friday off.

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4/10 Shift

A work schedule where employees work 4 days a week, each day being 10 hours long.

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5/8 Shift

A work schedule where employees work 5 days a week, each day being 8 hours long.

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Stand-by Pay

Fire Inspectors assigned stand-by duty by the Deputy Fire Chief receive $3.00 per hour for the time assigned.

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Call-Out Pay

Fire Inspectors called out outside their regular shift receive double time for the first 2 hours and time and a half for any additional hours worked.

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Holiday Work

Fire Inspectors scheduled to work on designated holidays receive a day off in lieu of the holiday. They are required to respond to emergencies during certain hours, but receive no additional pay.

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Emergency Standby Pay

Employees are eligible for pay when they are available for emergency response within 30 minutes of notification and are subject to call-out during all standby hours.

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Overtime Pay

When an employee is called out for an emergency, they receive overtime pay from the time they leave for the assignment until the assignment ends.

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Routine Work Hours

Routine tasks like inspections and training are typically performed between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

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Special School Hours

Special training sessions can be held outside of regular hours, but not more than four times per month, per shift, between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

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Emergency Response

Except for pre-scheduled special schools, the hours between 5:00 PM and 7:00 AM are considered emergency standby for responding to emergencies.

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Maintenance Outside Work Hours

Maintenance tasks on apparatus and equipment can be done outside of normal work hours to maintain readiness.

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Sunday/Holiday Work

Routine and emergency activities occur on Sundays and holidays, but inspections and training are excluded.

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Debit Days

July 4, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are designated as days without debit assignments. An exception may be made for the Honor Guard Commander on the first day of the new year.

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Medical Insurance Coverage

Employees and their families (including dependent children up to age 26) are provided with medical and hospital insurance coverage, including major medical, at the employer's expense.

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Disability and Retirement Standards

The employer agrees to follow Firefighters Disability and Retirement Board standards set by state law for all employees hired before October 1, 1977.

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Group Life Insurance

Employees can purchase group life insurance equal to one times their annual salary (rounded up to the nearest thousand dollars). The employer pays at least 50% of the premium cost for participating employees.

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Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is provided as outlined in the Tacoma Municipal Code and the Joint Labor Agreement.

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Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

The City contributes $150 per month to each employee's HRA account, which is used for retiree medical savings.

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HRA Funding Options

The Union votes annually on whether unused sick leave and PTO accruals should be contributed to the HRA or cashed out. If the Union votes for HRA contributions, the Employer contributes to the employee's HRA upon retirement.

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MERP vs. VEBA

When an employee retires, funds can be contributed to the MERP or an individual VEBA plan, based on the employee's preference.

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Union's Role in HRA

The Union notifies the City in advance about its decision regarding unused sick leave and PTO accruals, specifying whether they should be contributed to the HRA or cashed out.

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Study Notes

2023-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement

  • This document is a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Firefighters Union Local #31.
  • It covers the period from 2023 to 2025.

Table of Contents

  • Includes various articles outlining the agreement's specifics.
  • Preamble, subordination of agreement, recognition and bargaining unit, joint labor committee, union membership and dues, grievance procedure, management responsibility, union privileges, safety standards, compensation plan, hours of work, standard working conditions, longevity pay, overtime, clothing allowance, promotions, probationary periods, and more.
  • Several other articles cover topics like personnel reductions, disciplinary procedures, compensation for use of private automobile, non-discrimination, physical fitness, official notification, appendices and amendments, saving clause, term of agreement, and more.
  • Appendix A details Assignment of Personnel
  • Appendix B provides an index to letters of agreement/memorandums of understanding.

Additional Information

  • The agreement outlines processes for grievances and dispute resolution.
  • Employee compensation and benefits are detailed, including overtime, clothing allowances, and different types of pay.

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Description

This quiz explores the key elements and articles of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Firefighters Union Local #31 for the period 2023-2025. Topics include union membership, grievance procedures, compensation plans, and more. Test your knowledge on the specifics of this agreement.

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