39 Questions
According to the passage, if a municipality and a fire fighters association reach a mutual agreement, which of the following is true?
The municipality cannot be denied local control over wages, salaries, and other employment terms.
If no agreement is reached between the municipality and the fire fighters association, what happens?
The municipality must follow state laws, local ordinances, and civil service rules.
What requirement is mentioned in the passage regarding agreements between the municipality and the fire fighters association?
Agreements must be reduced to writing.
According to the passage, is a municipality required to meet and confer with the fire fighters association on any issue?
No, the municipality is not required to meet and confer on any issue.
Under what condition can a public employer meet and confer with the fire fighters association?
If the fire fighters association does not advocate the illegal right to strike.
According to the passage, are fire fighters of a municipality allowed to engage in strikes or organized work stoppages?
No, fire fighters are not allowed to engage in strikes or organized work stoppages.
What is the main purpose of an 'association' as defined in this subchapter?
To represent fire fighters or police officers in grievances, labor disputes, wages, and working conditions.
What is the relationship between a public employer and an association recognized under this subchapter?
The public employer and association may meet and confer, but the association cannot advocate for the illegal right to strike.
What is the consequence for a fire fighter or police officer who participates in a strike or organized work stoppage?
They forfeit all civil service rights, reemployment rights, and other benefits of employment.
How can the question of whether an association is the majority representative of the covered fire fighters or police officers be resolved?
By a fair election conducted according to procedures agreed on by the parties.
What does the text say about a municipality's ability to control wages, salaries, and other personnel issues when an association is recognized?
The municipality may not be denied local control over these issues if it agrees with the association.
What is the relationship between this subchapter and a public employer's obligation to meet and confer or reach an agreement with a recognized association?
This subchapter does not require the public employer and association to meet and confer or reach an agreement on any issue.
What rights does a fire fighter forfeit when participating in a strike?
Civil service rights, reemployment rights, and any other rights related to employment
Under what condition can an individual still have the right to cease work during a strike?
If the individual is acting alone and not part of an organized work stoppage
How can a fire fighters association be recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent?
By submitting a petition signed by a majority of paid fire fighters excluding top department heads
How is a question about representation of a fire fighters association resolved?
Through a fair election conducted according to agreed-upon procedures or by the American Arbitration Association
What is the liability of a fire fighters association regarding the expenses of an election for recognition as a bargaining agent?
The association is liable for all expenses unless multiple associations seek recognition
What determines the enforceability of a written agreement between a public employer and a fire fighters association?
Approval by the municipality's governing body and ratification by a majority vote of the association's members
Which of the following statements about a written agreement under this subchapter is true?
It preempts all contrary local ordinances, executive orders, legislation, or rules adopted by the state or a political subdivision or agent of the state.
What is the process for repealing an agreement under this subchapter?
Within 45 days after the agreement is ratified, a petition signed by 10% of voters in the most recent mayoral election can trigger an election to repeal the agreement.
What rights are protected for individual employees under this subchapter?
Both (a) and (b).
Which of the following statements about the application of this subchapter is true?
It applies only to municipalities with a population of 460,000 or more that operate under a city manager form of government.
Under what circumstances must a municipality with a population less than 560,000 receive voter approval before operating under this subchapter?
If the municipality has not recognized an association as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent before September 1, 2001.
How can an election be called for voter approval in a municipality with a population less than 560,000?
Both (a) and (b).
What is the minimum number of qualified voters required to sign a petition for election for this subchapter?
10% of the number of voters who voted in the most recent municipal election for mayor
By what deadline must the municipal secretary certify the number and percentage of registered voters signing the petition?
Not later than the 40th working day after the petition is presented
What is the latest authorized uniform election date on which the election must be held, according to the text?
The first authorized uniform election date prescribed by Chapter 41, Election Code, that allows sufficient time to comply with other requirements of law
What is the minimum number of vacation leave hours a police officer is entitled to earn each year, according to the text?
120 hours
How many hours of sick leave can a police officer accumulate before the municipality may limit the lump-sum payment upon leaving the classified service?
720 hours
How is the lump-sum payment for accumulated sick leave computed for a police officer leaving the classified service?
By compensating the officer at the highest permanent pay classification for which they were eligible during the last six months of employment
Which of the following is responsible for paying the costs of the election?
The associations seeking recognition as the bargaining agent
What teams are designated by the public employer's manager or chief executive and the police chief or fire chief to represent the public employer?
A team to represent the public employer for issues related to the fire department and a separate team for issues related to the police department
What is required for a written agreement between a public employer and an association to be binding?
The agreement must be ratified by both the municipality's governing body and the applicable association
What does the text say about the enforceability of an agreement ratified as described in the previous question?
The district court has full authority and jurisdiction to enforce the agreement, including issuing proper restraining orders, temporary and permanent injunctions, or any other appropriate writ, order, or process
What does an agreement under this subchapter supersede?
Previous statutes concerning wages, salaries, rates of pay, hours of work, or other terms and conditions of employment
What does the text say about the availability of the agreement and related documents to the public?
The agreement and related documents are available to the public under the open records law, Chapter 552, Government Code, only after the agreement is ratified by the municipality's governing body
What does the text say about the application of Subchapter C, Chapter 552, Government Code, to documents prepared and used by the municipality in connection with the agreement?
Subchapter C, Chapter 552, Government Code, applies to these documents in the same way it applies to any other public records
What is the purpose of designating separate teams to represent the public employer for issues related to the fire department and the police department?
To allow the public employer to negotiate different terms and conditions of employment for the fire department and the police department
What is the significance of the agreement being a public record under Chapter 552, Government Code?
It means the agreement is subject to public disclosure after ratification by the municipality's governing body
Test your knowledge on the consequences faced by fire fighters participating in a strike, including the forfeiture of civil service rights and reemployment rights. Learn about the exceptions to the rights of individuals during a strike.
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