Collective Bargaining Agreement Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the duration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement?

October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024

The County recognizes the Union as the exclusive bargaining representative for all employees of the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department.

True

Which of the following positions are covered by this Agreement? (Select all that apply)

Division Chiefs

Executive Assistants

Captains (correct)

Firefighters (correct)

Employees can authorize the County to deduct Union dues through payroll.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Union Time Pool may be used for Union business upon approval by the _____

Union President Signup and view all the answers

Who are permitted to participate in labor contract negotiation sessions while on duty with no loss of pay?

Four designated employee representatives from the Main Bargaining Unit Signup and view all the answers

Notices placed on the bulletin board can contain untrue statements about the County or its Officers.

False Signup and view all the answers

How many grievance representatives are allowed to utilize time pool to attend grievance meetings?

Two Signup and view all the answers

Match the following articles with their content:

Article 1 = Preamble Article 2 = Recognition Article 3 = Dues Checkoff Article 4 = Union Business Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step of the grievance procedure?

Discuss orally with the District Chief or supervisor with a Union representative. Signup and view all the answers

A written grievance must be filed within seven (7) calendar days if resolved in Step 1.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who meets with the aggrieved employee in Step 2?

Appropriate Deputy Chief Signup and view all the answers

What must be filed if the grievance remains unresolved after Step 2?

A written appeal to the Fire Rescue Administrator. Signup and view all the answers

The arbitrator's opinion must be rendered within ______ days after receipt of briefs.

20 Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in a grievance to be eligible for processing?

Name of the grievant, identification of the event, citation of relevant sections, and a statement of relief sought. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation does an employee have grounds to file a grievance over a performance rating?

Only if it's unacceptable or needs improvement Signup and view all the answers

Employees must work at least six (6) months to have their performance rated.

True Signup and view all the answers

How many calendar days must the Fire Rescue Administrator respond in writing after receiving an appeal?

10 Signup and view all the answers

What is a prerequisite for an employee to apply for a promotional examination?

No suspension for more than 24 hours in the last 12 months Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT exclusive to management in the Fire Rescue Department?

To provide training to employees Signup and view all the answers

The Safety Committee meets bi-monthly or as mutually agreed upon.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Safety Committee meetings?

To discuss problems and objectives related to safety and health conditions in the Fire Rescue Department. Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a personnel reduction, ________ employees in the classification to be reduced shall be laid off first.

probationary Signup and view all the answers

Match the following articles with their topics:

Article 8 = Meetings with Management Article 9 = Safety Committee Article 10 = Non-Discrimination Article 11 = Prohibition of Strikes Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if an employee participates in a strike against the County?

They may be discharged or disciplined Signup and view all the answers

What determines seniority for employees hired after June 1, 1991?

Random selection by Employee Relations and Personnel if they have the same date of hire. Signup and view all the answers

Employees on probation can use vacation time during the first three months of employment.

False Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a discharge considered during disciplinary action?

It is treated as a suspension without pay until the grievance procedure is completed. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for employees who are not Department Protocoled Paramedics at the time of promotion?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Successful completion of Strategy and Tactics and Company Officer Leadership is required for promotion.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum continuous service requirement as a Specialty Captain for the ARFF Captain position?

24 months Signup and view all the answers

Which certification is required for EMS Captain?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What certification must be completed within one year of promotion to ARFF Captain?

Fire Instructor I Signup and view all the answers

The passing grade for written examinations shall be _____ percent.

70 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following positions with their service requirements:

Battalion Chief = 36 months continuous service as a Captain Communications Center Operations Manager = 3 years continuous service as a Communicator Supervisor Shop Foreman = 5 years continuous service as a Fire Apparatus Tech II Fire Apparatus Maintenance Superintendent = 7 years as a Fire Apparatus Tech II or 1 year as Shop Foreman Signup and view all the answers

Candidates can appeal their individual scores on the performance-based component of the promotional process.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for the Communications Supervisor position?

Both A and C Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum qualifying education for Battalion Chiefs?

Associate Degree or higher Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum rank for raters in the evaluation process?

The position being evaluated Signup and view all the answers

Raters employed by Palm Beach County can participate in the evaluation process.

False Signup and view all the answers

What must applicants achieve on the written exam to apply for the oral interview processes?

Passing score Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum passing score for the practical examination?

70% Signup and view all the answers

The oral interview scenarios for all positions will be administered using different scenarios for each candidate.

False Signup and view all the answers

For which positions must a candidate achieve and maintain Department Protocoled Paramedic status within two years of promotion?

Battalion Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of a Promotional Register?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

The passing grade for oral interviews scenarios shall be __ percent.

70% Signup and view all the answers

How often can an employee refuse a promotion without jeopardizing their standing on the Promotional Register?

Once Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum amount of assignment pay based on an employee's base rate of pay?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of assignment pay do Paramedic Firefighters receive?

15% Signup and view all the answers

Which assignment receives 10% pay?

Staff Captain Assignment Pay Signup and view all the answers

All employees permanently assigned to Special Operations must have a valid FLUSAR Rescue Specialist Certification.

True Signup and view all the answers

What assignment pay do ARFF Vehicle Drivers receive?

5% Signup and view all the answers

Fire Inspectors assigned to Investigations receive ____ percent assignment pay.

2.5 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions receive 5% assignment pay?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the assignment pay for employees assigned to the Floating Squad?

5% Signup and view all the answers

Employees assigned to Special Operations can hold multiple assignments simultaneously.

True Signup and view all the answers

All employees not assigned to Special Operations will receive ____ percent assignment pay for Dive Units.

1 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Collective Bargaining Agreement Overview

Agreement establishes terms between Palm Beach County and the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928.
Effective from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2024.

Article Summaries

Preamble: Affirms the professionalism and moral standards expected from employees; aims to ensure harmony, effective communication, and fair wages and working conditions.
Recognition: Union recognized as the exclusive bargaining representative for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department employees; includes various ranks like Firefighters, Lieutenants, Captains, and others. Excludes high-ranking positions such as Fire Rescue Administrators.
Dues Checkoff: Employees can authorize payroll deductions for union dues; such authorization remains until revoked. The Union must indemnify the County against claims related to dues.
Union Business: Employees can contribute leave to a Union Time Pool for union activities, subject to supervisory approval. Specific protocols exist for time approval and usage, particularly for requests exceeding twelve hours.
Bulletin Boards: The County provides bulletin boards at fire stations for Union notices, which must be approved by the Fire Rescue Administrator before posting.
Meeting Rooms: Union is permitted to use County meeting rooms as available, provided advance notice is given.
Management Rights: The County retains unenumerated rights, which include hiring, scheduling, discipline, and enforcement of rules. Management maintains operational control consistent with the Agreement.
Meetings with Management: Union and management representatives can meet to discuss mutually relevant issues at agreed times.
Safety Committee: Established within the Fire Rescue Department, created with equal representation (three members from the Union and three from management) to ensure workplace safety.

Key Entities and Concepts

Parties Involved: Palm Beach County (County) and Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County (Union).
Timeframe of Agreement: Three-year duration with specified start and end dates.
Union Structure: Recognizes varied ranks within the Fire Rescue Department and specifies exclusion of certain administrative roles.

Important Provisions

Indemnification Clause: Ensures the County is protected from legal issues stemming from union dues deduction.
Grievance Procedures: Allow for orderly processing of employee grievances through established methods.
Employee Rights: Clear protocols regarding time off for union activities while maintaining service needs.

Miscellaneous

Document Control: All documents and materials related to the Agreement must follow outlined approval and posting standards.
Union Officer Responsibilities: Designated Union officers may conduct union business during working hours without loss of pay.

This structured overview captures significant aspects of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, emphasizing key points for effective study and retention.### Safety Committee

Meetings occur bi-monthly or as agreed upon, scheduled by the Fire Rescue Administrator.
Purpose: Discuss safety and health concerns of the Fire Rescue Department.
Conducted semi-formally with an agenda submitted by Committee members five days prior.
Minutes are taken and distributed before the next meeting.
Recommendations sent to the Fire Rescue Administrator, who responds in writing within thirty days.

Non-Discrimination

Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, and genetic information.
Supports the County's Affirmative Action Program if it aligns with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Discrimination complaints must be filed with the appropriate agency, not through the grievance procedure.

Prohibition of Strikes

Employees are prohibited from instigating or supporting strikes against the County.
Violations can lead to disciplinary actions, including discharge.

Personnel Reduction

Layoffs begin with probationary employees, followed by those with the least seniority.
Seniority affects the order of layoffs and recall.
Employees can bump into lower classifications based on seniority.
Laid-off employees receive full payment for accrued vacation leave.

Seniority

Determined by the date of hire with the County Fire Rescue Department or predecessor agencies.
Seniority lists are posted, with exceptions reported for disputes.
Battalion Chiefs and EMS Captains' seniority is based on their last appointment date.

Probationary Employees

New employees serve a probationary period of one year.
Probation may be extended in cases of extended absences or unsatisfactory performance.
Termination during probation does not entail payout of accrued leave.
Promotion probation lasts four months, with a potential two-month extension.

Disciplinary Action and Discharge

Disciplinary actions require just cause and must be communicated within ten business days.
Employees can grieve disciplinary actions, which do not enter personnel files until the grievance process is complete.
Discharges are treated as suspensions without pay during grievance processing.

Grievance and Arbitration Procedure

Grievances should be discussed within ten days and escalate through four steps if unresolved.
Step 1: Discuss with the District Chief or supervisor with a Union representative.
Step 2: Written grievance to the Deputy Chief if unresolved.
Step 3: Written appeal to the Fire Rescue Administrator if still unresolved.
Step 4: Filing for arbitration within sixty days of Step 3 completion.
Arbitration costs are shared, and the process aims for expedited resolution.### Dispute and Grievance Process
Arbitrator decides on the arbitrability of disputes and hears grievances if deemed arbitrable.
Time limits for grievance processing are strict and can only be extended through mutual written agreement.
Grievances filed late are considered withdrawn unless an agreement is made in writing.
A grievance must include the grievant's name, event details, contract violation specifics, and relief sought.

Performance Reviews

Employees undergo annual evaluations by supervisors, with higher-level reviews in special circumstances.
Grievances over performance ratings can be filed but cannot go to arbitration unless the rating is "unacceptable" or "needs improvement" for permanent employees.
Step increases for employees are issued on their anniversary date unless the performance rating necessitates rescission.
Employees must work at least six months in a year to be eligible for performance ratings and annual step raises.

Promotions

Position Filling

Promotions for specific roles must occur within two pay periods unless otherwise directed by the Fire Rescue Administrator.
Written notice is required to inform about the freezing or elimination of positions, with exceptions for unanticipated vacancies.
New promotions for roles with no active registers must occur within 120 days of the vacancy.

Examination and Application

Written notice of examination dates must be posted 90 days in advance, with examinations taking place 90 to 120 days after notification.
Applications for promotional examinations are only accepted if submitted before the announced closing date.

Eligibility for Promotional Examinations

Candidates must not have received suspensions exceeding 24 hours in the prior 12 months.
Specific educational qualifications, including degrees approved by the State of Florida for Educational Incentive, are required for certain promotions.
Continuous service requirements may be reduced by 12 months with an approved degree.

Role-Specific Qualifications

Driver Operator: Requires 48 months of continuous service as a Firefighter, along with additional certifications and no recent driving violations.
Lieutenant: Requires 60 months of service as a Firefighter/Driver Operator, training certifications, and leadership qualifications.
Captain: Requires 108 months of service in various firefighting roles and specific training completed, such as strategy and tactics courses.
ARFF Captain, Special Operations Captain, EMS Captain: Require continuous service in specialty roles, relevant certifications, and leadership training.
Battalion Chief: Must have 36 months of service in higher roles, paramedic certification, and advanced educational qualifications.
Communications Center Positions: Require specific roles with continuous service and certification in emergency medical dispatching (EMD).

General Promotion Guidelines

All promotions and examinations must adhere to legal and non-discriminatory standards.
Continuous service and academic qualifications are crucial for eligibility in promotional processes.
Certain conditions, such as maintaining required certifications, must be fulfilled ongoing for specific roles.

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Description

This quiz provides an overview of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Palm Beach County and the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928, IAFF, INC., effective from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2024. Test your knowledge on key components and implications of this agreement.