2023-2025 Tacoma Firefighters Agreement
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of the Agreement reached through collective bargaining?

  • Establishing stricter employee regulations
  • Fostering effective cooperation between the Employer and employees (correct)
  • Maximizing employer profits
  • Limiting employee union activities

What takes precedence when there is a conflict between the Agreement and applicable State law or City Ordinances?

  • The City Charter
  • The Agreement's provisions
  • Union recommendations
  • Applicable State law, City Charter, or City Ordinances (correct)

Who does the Employer recognize as the exclusive bargaining representative?

  • The Union for employees within the bargaining unit (correct)
  • Joint Labor Committee members only
  • All employees within the Company
  • The City Council

What is the purpose of forming the Joint Labor Committee?

<p>To carry out collective bargaining responsibilities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is said about the representation made by the Joint Labor Committee on behalf of the Union?

<p>It holds the same force as if made directly by the Union (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the intention behind standardizing conditions of employment for employees in the Joint Labor Committee?

<p>To ensure equity among employees and improve efficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of personnel is included in the defined bargaining unit?

<p>Commissioned personnel only (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a conflict arises between provisions of the Agreement and State law?

<p>The parties must negotiate to resolve the conflict (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What authority does the Employer retain regarding staffing?

<p>To determine the utilization of technology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights remain valid unless changed within the provisions of RCW 41.56?

<p>Working conditions held by employees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must Union representatives do before visiting work locations?

<p>Notify the on-duty supervisor of the purpose (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may a Union leave of absence be granted without notice?

<p>During an emergency meeting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What right does the Employer have in terms of employee discipline?

<p>To suspend, demote or discipline for just cause (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of work schedules is under the control of the Employer?

<p>To establish work schedules within recognized hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a provision for Union representatives during their visits?

<p>They must avoid interfering with normal operations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action can the Employer take regarding the organizational structure?

<p>To establish and modify the organizational structure as needed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What must officers maintain while taking time off for union duties?

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

What is the minimum notice period required for meetings that benefit the City of Tacoma and Local 31 membership?

<p>72 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should notification be made to the Battalion Chief regarding time off for union duties?

<p>As soon as possible but no later than 06:15 hours (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What will the Fire Chief provide during meetings with Local 31 members?

<p>Meals and/or refreshments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen in case of an emergency regarding the notice for meetings?

<p>Meetings can be held without the seventy-two hours notice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required from officers during meetings convened by the Fire Chief?

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

Which of the following is NOT listed as a type of meeting that requires notice?

<p>Community fundraising events (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For what purpose can the union use Fire Department equipment?

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

Who must receive notice for meetings from the Union?

<p>Chief of the Fire Department or the ranking supervisory officer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the commitment regarding safety standards in the employer-union agreement?

<p>Following legally binding safety standards in a reasonable timeline (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What may executive board members be allowed to do while on duty?

<p>Attend local Union meetings with permission if it doesn't affect staffing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes 'duties and functions' for union officers?

<p>Attending regular full meetings of the state or national organization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What provision is made regarding Union bulletin boards in fire stations?

<p>The Employer agrees to provide suitable space for official Union business. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During contract negotiations, which aspect is specifically mentioned to be discussed?

<p>Fire Department salaries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is authorized to deem meetings necessary or appropriate outside specified types?

<p>The Fire Chief or their representative (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many hours of vacation leave does an employee with 8 to 13 years of service accrue per pay period?

<p>5.22 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum annual vacation hours that can be accrued for an employee with 14 to 18 years of service?

<p>160 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what point can vacation accruals based on tenure be credited?

<p>Upon completion of the service period (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the limit on vacation accrual balances for employees?

<p>Two years' accrual (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sick leave accrued by employees has what limit on total hours?

<p>No limit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of sick leave hours between 401 and 800 hours is cashed out upon separation?

<p>33% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must employees receive before taking vacation leave?

<p>Appointing authority approval (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many hours can an employee with 25 years of service accrue annually?

<p>216 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of accumulated sick leave hours above 801 can be cashed out?

<p>50% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much sick leave accrual can an employee separated in good standing receive?

<p>10% of accruals, up to 1920 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the sick leave debit ratio for 24-hour shift personnel?

<p>16 hours for a 24-hour shift (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must an employee be to be reinstated after separation due to an injury or illness?

<p>Mentally and physically fit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following days is NOT listed as a holiday for full-time employees of the City?

<p>Valentine's Day (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What additional paid holidays do eligible employees receive each year?

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

What condition must be met for an employee to receive holiday pay?

<p>Must be in paid status before or after the holiday (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which holiday occurs on the 3rd Monday in January?

<p>Martin Luther King Day (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Agreement Purpose

To improve employee relations and serve the public interest, through effective cooperation between employees and the employer.

State Laws' Role

State law, city charter, and ordinances take precedence over this agreement when conflicting.

Bargaining Unit

The group of employees the union represents (specifically detailed in Appendix A).

Union Recognition

The employer acknowledges the union's authority to negotiate for their employees.

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Joint Labor Committee

Multiple unions working together on employer-related topics.

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Committee Representation

Joint Labor Committee actions are treated like the union's own actions.

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Collective Bargaining

Negotiating terms for employment for a group of employees.

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Conflict Resolution

Negotiating between the employer and the union/committee to identify and resolve conflicts related to the agreement.

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Employer's Right to Manage

The employer retains the right to make decisions affecting staffing, facilities, technology, organizational structure, contracts, hiring, promotions, transfers, assignments, retention, layoffs, work schedules, discipline, and discharge.

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Union Representation in Meetings

Union representatives can attend Joint Labor Committee meetings related to the City of Tacoma without losing pay.

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Union's Right to Visit Work Locations

Union representatives can visit work locations to enforce the agreement and investigate grievances, as long as it doesn't disrupt operations.

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Notice for Joint Labor Committee Meetings

The union must give the Chief of the Fire Department at least 24 hours' notice before attending Joint Labor Committee meetings.

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Employer Retains Management Rights

The employer has the authority to make decisions about staffing, facilities, technology, organizational structure, contracts, hiring, promotions, transfers, assignments, retention, layoffs, work schedules, discipline, and discharge.

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Union Privileges

Any rights related to wages, hours, and working conditions held by employees before this agreement will remain in effect unless changed by law.

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Union Visitation Requirements

Union representatives must inform the on-duty supervisor about the purpose of their visit to work locations.

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Emergency Meetings

Joint Labor Committee meetings can be held without 24-hour notice in emergencies.

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Who needs notice?

The Union must notify the Fire Chief (or their deputy) at least 72 hours before attending meetings that benefit the City of Tacoma and Local 31.

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What meetings require notice?

Meetings that benefit Tacoma and the Local 31 membership, like conferences or board meetings.

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Emergency meeting notice?

Emergency meetings can be held without the 72-hour notice, but the Fire Chief must still be informed.

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Employer-requested meetings?

The Union must attend meetings called by the employer, even if they don't require 72-hour notice.

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Contract negotiations

The Union is required to attend contract negotiation meetings with the employer, including discussions about firefighter salaries at City Council hearings.

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Fire Chief's discretion

The Fire Chief can call for any meeting they deem necessary, even if it's not related to employer requests or benefits.

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Electronic scheduler

The Union and employer agree to track and share all meetings attended under this section using an electronic scheduler.

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On-duty union meeting attendance

Executive board members can attend local Union meetings while on-duty, provided it doesn't impact staffing levels.

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Union Officer Time Off

Union officers elected to state or national boards are granted time off for attending regular meetings of those organizations, with a limit of two officers at a time.

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Union Officer Training

Union officers granted time off under this section must maintain their required training and certifications.

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Union Meetings with Chief

The Fire Chief convenes annual meetings with Local 31 members, providing updates on department performance and initiatives.

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Fire Department Equipment Use by Union

The Union can request and use Fire Department equipment for approved memorial and charitable events, but not in a way that disrupts operations.

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Work Standards

All work must be performed competently and professionally, adhering to federal, state, city, and department regulations.

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Safety Standards Compliance

The employer and union agree to comply with applicable safety standards within a reasonable timeframe, as specified by regulations.

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Union Officer Shift Trades

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

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Notification for Time Off

Union officers must notify the Battalion Chief as soon as possible, but no later than 6:15 AM on the scheduled work day when requesting time off.

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Vacation Accrual

The amount of vacation time an employee earns based on their years of service with the city.

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Vacation Accrual Schedule

A table outlining how many hours of vacation an employee can accrue per pay period, depending on their total years of service with the city.

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Vacation Accrual Crediting

Vacation time is credited to an employee's account at the beginning of each year if they are completing a new service year.

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Vacation Leave Approval

Employees must get permission from their supervisor before taking vacation time.

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Vacation Leave Scheduling

Vacation time must be scheduled to meet the city's needs and employee preferences.

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Vacation Accrual Limit

Employees cannot accrue more than two years' worth of vacation time.

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Sick Leave Accrual

Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of 3.69 hours per bi-weekly pay period, with no limit on the total amount they can accrue.

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Sick Leave Cash-Out

Upon retirement or death, employees can be paid a percentage of their accrued sick leave, depending on the total amount.

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Separation Sick Leave Payout

Employees leaving in good standing receive 10% of accrued sick leave, up to 1920 hours or 120 days.

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24-Hour Shift Sick Leave

Employees on 24-hour shifts are debited sick leave at 16 hours for each 24-hour shift off.

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On-the-Job Injury Coverage

On-the-job injury coverage depends on when an employee was hired.

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LEOFF II Reinstatement

A LEOFF II employee separated due to injury or illness can be reinstated if they are fit for the position.

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Mandatory Paid Holidays

Employees get two additional mandatory paid holidays per year in addition to the listed holidays.

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Holiday Pay Eligibility

Employees must be in a paid status on the workday before or after the holiday to receive holiday pay.

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City Council Holiday Power

The City Council can declare additional holidays for City employees by resolution.

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Study Notes

2023-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement

  • Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Firefighters Union Local #31
  • Covers a 3-year period (2023-2025)
  • Outlines various articles and procedures, including grievances, safety, compensation, and union provisions.

Table of Contents

  • Lists the articles and their corresponding page numbers
  • Provides a quick overview of the agreement's structure

Preamble

  • Outlines the agreement's purpose: efficient municipal functions, fair compensation, and cooperation.
  • Acknowledges applicable laws and ordinances.

Article 1 - Subordination of Agreement

  • Addresses governing laws, statutes and ordinances
  • Explains that these factors take precedence if in conflict with the agreement.
  • States the agreement's goals.

Article 2 - Recognition and Bargaining Unit

  • Establishes the Union as the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit.
  • Defines the bargaining unit, including specific classifications of personnel.

Article 3 - Joint Labor Committee

  • Outlines the employer's willingness to confer with officials on bargaining matters.
  • Reinforces the joint labor committee's authority representing the union.

Article 4 - Union Membership and Dues

  • Explains the city's agreement to deduct union dues from employee pay.
  • Details how the city and the union will handle the process, including the handling and revocation of authorization processes.

Article 5 - Grievance Procedure

  • Defines a grievance, a violation of a specific article in the agreement.
  • Covers the steps involved in resolving a grievance effectively.
  • Includes informal procedures as well as formal arbitration procedures.

Article 6 - Work Stoppages

  • Addresses the importance of uninterrupted municipal services.
  • Outlines actions that are prohibited (work stoppages, strikes, etc.) and the possible disciplinary actions.

Article 7 - Management Responsibility

  • Outlines the employer's rights related to staffing, facilities, and operations.
  • Explains the employer's responsibility to maintain efficiency.

Article 8 - Union Privileges

  • States the union's rights concerning employee activities, including reasonable visits to employee work locations.

Article 9 - Union Business

  • Defines the union's right to visit workplace locations for specific purposes.
  • Includes rules for union meetings and access to spaces.

Article 10 - Safety Standards

  • Specifies that work must be performed competently.
  • Covers maintaining and using safety equipment.
  • Outlines the establishment of a safety committee to discuss health and safety.

Article 11 - Compensation Plan

  • Details the compensation plan, with particular attention to the format of payment.

Article 12 - Hours of Work

  • Explains different work schedules by job classification
  • Covers overtime and other important conditions.

Article 13 - Standard Working Conditions

  • Specifies details related to vacation leave, holiday pay, and sick leave accrual.

Article 14 - Scheduling of Vacation, Holidays, PTO, and Military Leave

  • Explains how vacations, PTO, holidays, and military leave will be scheduled.
  • Addresses procedures for leave transfers and other important specifics.

Article 15 - Longevity Pay

  • Outlines the longevity pay schedule for uniformed employees.
  • Includes specific percentages and conditions.

Article 16 - Work Assignments

  • Addresses how employees will be assigned duties.
  • Clarifies job responsibilities and procedures for filling vacancies.

Article 17 - Overtime

  • Establishes and maintains established overtime procedures for the Fire Department.

Article 18 - Clothing Allowance

  • Grants a clothing allowance to non-uniformed employees for specific time periods.
  • Defines the accrual periods and rates of payment.

Article 19 - Promotions

  • Outlines the rules for promotions, including examination procedures.
  • Discusses the formation of a committee to improve the promotional process.

Article 20 - Probationary Periods

  • Outlines the length of probationary periods for new hires.

Article 21 - Definition of Seniority

  • Defines seniority based on continuous service with the Fire Department.
  • Outlines how employees with the same hire date are ordered on the list.

Article 22 - Personnel Reductions

  • Explains the procedures to be followed during employee reductions.

Article 23 - Paramedic Voluntary Demotion

  • Describes conditions under which paramedics may voluntarily demote to a lower classification.

Article 24 -Rules and Regulations

  • Specifies that employees must follow established rules and regulations.
  • Addresses changes or updates that will be communicated prior to implementation.

Article 25 - Bereavement Leave

  • Explains the rules regarding leave in the case of a death in an employee's immediate family.

Article 26 - Disciplinary Procedures

  • Details the disciplinary procedures, including the process, investigations, and possible repercussions of actions.

Article 27-Compensation for Use of Private Automobile

  • Explains mileage compensation policy that covers employee use of private vehicles for city business.

Article 28-Non-Discrimination

  • Addresses anti-discrimination and anti-harassment principles.
  • Notes that the agreement supports anti-racism goals.

Article 29 - Physical Fitness

  • Defines establishment of a physical fitness program for all employees.
  • Mentions procedures where if employees don't adhere to program, disciplinary actions can be taken.

Article 30 - Official Notification

  • Explains the procedure for official communication between the union and the city.
  • Outlines the process for handling official communications.

Article 31 - Appendices and Amendments

  • Describes how appendices, amendments, and modifications to the agreement will be handled.

Article 32 - Saving Clause

  • States that if any portion of the agreement is deemed invalid or illegal, the rest of the agreement remains valid.

Article 33 - Term of Agreement

  • Outlines the agreement's duration (2023-2025).
  • Explains the possibility of modifications with mutual agreement.

Article 34 - Embodiment

  • Confirms the agreement's written terms are the complete and sole agreement.

Appendix A

  • Provides a table of classifications and corresponding base rates for 2023, 2024, and 2025, showing increases for each year.

Appendix B

  • Outlines specific assignment periods for various departments/positions.

Index to Letters of Agreements

  • Lists specific memos of understanding for the agreement (i.e. MOU's).

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2023-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (City of Tacoma PDF)

Description

This quiz covers the key elements of the 2023-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Firefighters Union Local #31. Participants will explore articles related to grievances, safety, compensation, and the structure of the agreement. Test your understanding of the union's recognition and roles within the bargaining unit.

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