Firefighter Union Agreement

In the context of collective bargaining agreements, what is the primary significance of the 'Preamble' section?

Section 2.2, Fair Representation, stipulates that the Union must represent all members in the bargaining unit 'whether or not they are members of the Union'. What critical labor relations principle does this clause primarily reflect?

Considering the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision, why does Section 3.2 of this agreement discuss 'Fair Share Fee Deductions' despite acknowledging they are unconstitutional?

In Section 3.3 Indemnification, under what specific condition can the District select its own legal counsel, with the Union bearing the cost, in the event of legal action related to check-off provisions?

Section 4.1 Non-Discrimination specifies that grievances alleging violation 'may be processed on to the Board of Trustees' step of the grievance procedure; it may not be pursued to arbitration.' What is the most likely rationale for this specific limitation on arbitration for discrimination grievances?

Article V, Management Rights, outlines extensive rights retained by the District. Which statement best describes the overarching principle governing the exercise of these rights according to the agreement?

Section 6.3, Seniority Termination, describes conditions under which continuous service is broken. If a member is suspended for 45 days, how would this suspension period impact their 'length of continuous service' according to this section?

Section 6.4 Probationary Members states that during an 'extended probationary period', members may only be disciplined or discharged for 'just cause.' How does this 'just cause' standard during an extended probation differ from the standard during the initial twelve-month probationary period?

In Section 7.3 Grievance Procedures, Step 1, what is the consequence of using an 'Improper grievance form, or a missing date' on the grievance submission?

Section 7.4 Time Limitations specifies consequences for grievances 'not appealed within the designated time limitations.' Which of the following best describes this consequence?

According to Section 8.1 No Strike, if the Union believes the District is in violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, what is the permitted course of action for the Union, based on the 'No Strike' clause?

In Section 8.3 Union Cooperation-Discipline, what specific 'special trust and responsibility' is assigned to Union officers in relation to the 'No Strike' clause?

Section 12.1 Minimum Manning stipulates a minimum of three persons responding on primary response units. What is the required rank and certification of two of these three persons?

According to Section 12.2 Shift Staffing, under what specific condition is overtime automatically authorized related to staffing levels?

Section 13.2 Discipline Beyond a Written Reprimand outlines appeal options for disciplinary actions. If a member elects to appeal to the 'Board of Commissioners Option', what procedural step must the District take before filing formal charges with the Commission?

Section 13.4 Disciplinary Records specifies limitations on the use of disciplinary records. After how many years can 'Suspensions of five (5) calendar days or less' no longer be used for future disciplinary actions or discharge?

According to Section 14.2 Promulgation of New or Revised Rules, under what circumstance is the District not obligated to provide advance notice to the Union before implementing new or revised rules?

Section 16.3 Straight-Time Hourly Rate details the calculation of hourly pay. Effective January 1, 2026, what is the average normal work week in hours for a 24-hour shift member, factoring in Work Reduction Days?

In Section 16.5 Voluntary Overtime Distribution, if two members with equal overtime hours worked call in for voluntary overtime, which factor determines who receives the overtime assignment?

According to Section 16.6 Required / Mandatory Overtime, in Step 4 of the mandatory overtime procedure, which personnel are initially required to work mandatory overtime?

Section 16.13 Compensatory Time specifies limitations on its use. Which of the following is not a permissible use of compensatory time according to this section?

According to Section 17.1 Salary Schedule, what is the minimum educational requirement for a Lieutenant to move out of Step 2 and progress to Step 3?

Section 17.4 Tuition Reimbursement outlines criteria for reimbursement. If a member voluntarily resigns one year after completing a degree program for which they received tuition reimbursement, what percentage of the reimbursement are they required to repay to the District?

Section 17.6 Retirement Healthcare Funding Plan includes a 'sick leave conversion' provision. What is the threshold of unused sick leave hours, as of December 31st each year, that triggers this conversion into the Retiree Healthcare Fund Plan?

According to Section 17.7 Longevity, if a Bargaining Member fails to notify the District by June 1st of their chosen Longevity Pay Option, what is the default option they will automatically be assigned?

Section 18.1 Working out of Rank or Classification outlines premium pay for acting officers. What is the minimum duration a member must work in an acting capacity during a 24-hour shift to qualify for this premium pay?

Section 19.1 Vacation Time Allowance states that vacation days are '24 hour duty days (not calendar days)'. How does this definition directly impact the scheduling and utilization of vacation time?

Section 19.3 Scheduling Vacations / Kelly Days specifies a deadline for guaranteed vacation day requests. What is the latest date members can submit requests to guarantee vacation days for the following calendar year?

According to Section 21.4 Sick Leave Buyback, what is the maximum sick leave accrual for Battalion Chiefs promoted after January 1, 2023?

Section 22.6 Maternity Leave grants up to four weeks of paid leave. To be eligible, a pregnant member must notify the Deputy Chief of Administration at least how many days prior to her expected delivery date?

Section 23.4 Mass Shift Transfers allows for one general shift change every two years. What is the deadline for the District to notify members of an involuntary shift change?

Section 23.7 Apprentice Program Full-Time Testing Points specifies points awarded for program completion. What is the maximum number of points that can be awarded in total for the Cadet program, Intern program, and Apprentice program combined?

According to Section 28.3 Prohibitions, what is the presumed level of alcohol concentration in breath that constitutes impairment, even without other evidence, for members?

Section 28.8 Test to be Conducted mandates certain procedures for drug testing. What specific confirmation method is required for any sample that initially tests positive for drugs?

Section 28.11 Voluntary Request for Assistance and Rehabilitation specifies conditions for rehabilitation. What is the minimum seniority requirement for a member to be eligible for voluntary rehabilitation in lieu of termination for a drug or alcohol problem?

According to Section 29.5 Seniority, for Lieutenant Candidate seniority points, what fraction of a point is awarded for every three months of completed creditable service beyond the initial five years of eligibility?

Section 29.16 Calculation of Score for 70% Passing details the scoring for promotion exams. What is the minimum combined percentage score required on the written examination, assessment center, and oral exam components to be placed on the Final Promotion List?

Section 30.3 Term and Conditions of Assignment specifies a minimum term for Special Assignments. For an unqualified member assigned to a Special Assignment, what is the minimum time they must remain in that position before becoming eligible to transfer back to 24-hour shifts?

According to Section 30.6 Special Assignment Compensation, what is the percentage of base pay that is added as compensation for Special Assignment Positions?

Section 32.1 Impasse Resolution outlines procedures for unresolved negotiation items. If disputed items cannot be resolved during negotiations, what is the next step according to this section?

According to Section 33.1 Entire Agreement, what happens to past practices that are not explicitly addressed within the current Collective Bargaining Agreement?

Section 33.2 Amendments outlines the process for modifying the CBA. How can the Collective Bargaining Agreement be formally amended after its execution?

According to Article XXXIV Duration, unless either party provides written notification to modify the agreement, it automatically renews. What is the minimum notice period, in days prior to the anniversary date, required to initiate modifications to the agreement?

What is the strategic purpose of including a 'Preamble' in the Huntley Fire Protection District's Collective Bargaining Agreement?

Section 2.2, Fair Representation, mandates Union representation for all bargaining unit members, irrespective of Union membership. How does this provision primarily impact the Union's operational strategy?

Given the Janus v. AFSCME ruling, why might Section 3.2, addressing 'Fair Share Fee Deductions,' still be included in the agreement despite the unconstitutionality of such fees?

Section 3.3, Indemnification, outlines conditions for the District to select its own legal counsel at the Union's expense. Under what circumstances would this clause be most strategically advantageous for the District?

Section 4.1, Non-Discrimination, restricts arbitration for grievances alleging discrimination, limiting recourse to the 'Board of Trustees' step. What is the most complex implication of this procedural constraint for bargaining unit members?

Article V, Management Rights, broadly defines the District's prerogatives. Which statement accurately assesses the overarching principle governing the District's exercise of these rights within the context of the agreement?

Section 6.3, Seniority Termination, specifies conditions for breaking continuous service. If a member is suspended for 29 days, how does this suspension duration critically differ from a 31-day suspension in terms of seniority?

Section 6.4, Probationary Members, distinguishes between 'initial' and 'extended' probation periods. How does the 'just cause' standard for discipline during an extended probationary period strategically shift the burden of proof compared to the initial period?

In Section 7.3, Grievance Procedures, Step 1, what is the most likely practical outcome if a grievance submission contains an 'Improper grievance form, or a missing date'?

Section 7.4, Time Limitations, outlines consequences for late grievance appeals. Which scenario best illustrates the strategic importance of adhering to these time limits for the Union?

According to Section 8.1, No Strike, if the Union believes the District has breached the Collective Bargaining Agreement, what is the most strategically sound course of action explicitly permitted under the 'No Strike' clause?

Section 8.3, Union Cooperation-Discipline, assigns 'special trust and responsibility' to Union officers regarding the 'No Strike' clause. What critical function does this 'special trust' primarily entail for Union officers in practice?

Section 12.1, Minimum Manning, mandates three persons on primary response units. Beyond the minimum number, what is the most critical implication of specifying the required rank and certification for two of these three positions?

According to Section 12.2, Shift Staffing, under what precise condition is overtime automatically authorized concerning staffing levels, reflecting a strategic trade-off between cost and safety?

Section 13.2, Discipline Beyond a Written Reprimand, provides appeal options including the 'Board of Commissioners Option'. What critical procedural step must the District undertake before filing formal charges with the Commission, emphasizing due process?

Section 13.4, Disciplinary Records, limits the use of past disciplinary actions. After how many years do 'Suspensions of five (5) calendar days or less' become strategically obsolete for future disciplinary actions or discharge?

According to Section 14.2, Promulgation of New or Revised Rules, under what specific circumstance is the District relieved of the obligation to provide advance notice to the Union before implementing rule changes, balancing operational needs with Union rights?

In Section 16.3, Straight-Time Hourly Rate, how does the introduction of 'Work Reduction Days' on January 1, 2026, strategically alter the calculation of the average normal work week for a 24-hour shift member compared to prior years?

In Section 16.5, Voluntary Overtime Distribution, if two members with identical overtime hours worked request voluntary overtime, what critical tie-breaker determines overtime assignment priority, reflecting a standard labor relations principle?

According to Section 16.6, Required / Mandatory Overtime, in Step 4 of the mandatory overtime procedure, which personnel are initially targeted to fulfill mandatory overtime needs, reflecting a strategic approach to minimize disruption and cost?

Section 16.13, Compensatory Time, specifies limitations on its utilization. Which of the following scenarios is not a permissible use of compensatory time according to this section, highlighting strategic limitations on its fungibility?

According to Section 17.1, Salary Schedule, what is the minimum educational prerequisite for a Lieutenant to advance from Step 2 to Step 3 in salary progression, emphasizing professional development?

Section 17.4, Tuition Reimbursement, outlines repayment obligations for voluntary resignation after receiving reimbursement. If a member resigns exactly one year after degree completion, what percentage of reimbursement is strategically designed to be repaid to the District?

Section 17.6, Retirement Healthcare Funding Plan, includes a 'sick leave conversion' provision. What threshold of unused sick leave hours, as of December 31st annually, strategically triggers this conversion into the Retiree Healthcare Fund Plan?

According to Section 17.7, Longevity, if a Bargaining Member fails to notify the District by June 1st of their chosen Longevity Pay Option, what is the default option they will be strategically assigned, ensuring administrative efficiency?

Section 18.1, Working out of Rank or Classification, outlines premium pay for acting officers. What is the minimum duration a member must strategically work in an acting capacity during a 24-hour shift to qualify for this premium pay, balancing administrative burden with fair compensation?

Section 19.1, Vacation Time Allowance, defines vacation days as '24 hour duty days (not calendar days)'. How does this definition most directly impact the scheduling and utilization of vacation time, reflecting the unique nature of 24-hour shifts?

Section 19.3, Scheduling Vacations / Kelly Days, specifies a deadline for guaranteed vacation day requests. What is the latest date members can strategically submit requests to guarantee vacation days for the following calendar year, facilitating efficient scheduling?

According to Section 21.4, Sick Leave Buyback, what is the maximum sick leave accrual for Battalion Chiefs promoted after January 1, 2023, reflecting a strategic adjustment in benefit caps for higher ranks?

Section 22.6, Maternity Leave, grants up to four weeks of paid leave. To be eligible, a pregnant member must strategically notify the Deputy Chief of Administration at least how many days prior to her expected delivery date, facilitating administrative planning?

Section 23.4, Mass Shift Transfers, allows for one general shift change every two years. What is the deadline for the District to strategically notify members of an involuntary shift change, enabling members to adjust their personal schedules?

Section 23.7, Apprentice Program Full-Time Testing Points, awards points for program completion. What is the maximum number of points strategically capped in total for the Cadet, Intern, and Apprentice programs combined, preventing disproportionate advantage?

According to Section 28.3, Prohibitions, what presumed level of alcohol concentration in breath automatically constitutes impairment for members, even without further behavioral evidence, establishing a clear and enforceable standard?

Section 28.8, Test to be Conducted, mandates specific procedures for drug testing. What specific confirmation method is required for any sample that initially tests positive for drugs, ensuring accuracy and minimizing false positives?

Section 28.11, Voluntary Request for Assistance and Rehabilitation, specifies conditions for rehabilitation eligibility. What minimum seniority requirement strategically limits eligibility for voluntary rehabilitation in lieu of termination for drug or alcohol problems, balancing support with accountability?

According to Section 29.5, Seniority, for Lieutenant Candidate seniority points, what fraction of a point is awarded for every three months of completed creditable service beyond the initial five years of eligibility, creating a nuanced seniority scoring system?

Section 29.16, Calculation of Score for 70% Passing, details scoring for promotion exams. What is the minimum combined percentage score strategically required across the written exam, assessment center, and oral exam to be placed on the Final Promotion List, ensuring a comprehensive competency standard?

Section 30.3, Term and Conditions of Assignment, specifies a minimum term for Special Assignments. For an unqualified member assigned to a Special Assignment, what is the minimum time they must strategically remain in that position before becoming eligible to transfer back to 24-hour shifts, incentivizing commitment to specialized roles?

According to Section 30.6, Special Assignment Compensation, what percentage of base pay is strategically added as compensation for Special Assignment Positions, recognizing the specialized nature of these roles?

Section 32.1, Impasse Resolution, outlines procedures for unresolved negotiation items. If disputed items cannot be resolved during negotiations, what is the next step according to this section, providing a structured path to agreement?

According to Section 33.1, Entire Agreement, what strategic principle governs the status of past practices that are not explicitly addressed within the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, clarifying the agreement's scope?

Section 33.2, Amendments, outlines the process for modifying the CBA. How can the Collective Bargaining Agreement be formally amended after its execution, ensuring mutual consent and contractual integrity?

According to Article XXXIV, Duration, unless written notification to modify is provided, the agreement automatically renews. What is the minimum notice period, strategically providing sufficient time for renegotiation or renewal discussions prior to the anniversary date?