Labor Relations in Tulsa Fire Department

Questions and Answers

Which category of employees is explicitly excluded from Union recognition by the employer?

Part-time firefighters

Cadet Firefighters (correct)

Volunteer firefighters

Retired firefighters

How long is a new hire considered to be on probation in the Tulsa Fire Department?

Six months

Eighteen months

Twelve months (correct)

Twenty-four months

To whom may a new hire appeal if they are discharged during the probation period?

The Union Representative

The Mayor (correct)

The Fire Chief

The Human Resources Department

Which of the following is true about the Officer's discharge appeals process for new hires?

All disciplinary actions are subject to appeal Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a 'Cadet Firefighter' according to the recognition article?

An employee attending the Tulsa Fire Department Training Academy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions is included in the exceptions to Union recognition?

Civilian Employees Signup and view all the answers

What actions are prohibited for the Union or Employees regarding strikes?

Counseling others to participate in work stoppages Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance can the Union file a grievance?

When a question of just cause exists regarding disciplinary actions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a prohibited action by the Union or Employees?

Promoting a team-building exercise Signup and view all the answers

What must grievances submitted by the Union include?

The interpretation of the relevant provision of the Agreement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the restrictions placed on strikes or work stoppages?

To ensure the efficiency of the Employer’s operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be classified as a form of concentrated work stoppage?

Mass resignation of employees Signup and view all the answers

According to the protocols for strikes, which of the following statements is accurate?

Employees cannot be coerced into participating in any strikes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Union in the grievance process?

To file grievances on behalf of employees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is aligned with the goals of the grievance procedure?

Facilitating the resolution of disputes regarding just cause Signup and view all the answers

What type of actions are explicitly categorized as coercion or intimidation?

Demanding coworkers participate in a work stoppage Signup and view all the answers

In which document is the grievance procedure governed?

Article 11 of the Charter of the City of Tulsa Signup and view all the answers

What is the time limit for an employee to submit a grievance after becoming aware of the event causing the grievance?

20 calendar days Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to investigate grievances at the first step?

The Fire Chief or his designee Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a grievance is not pursued within the specified time limits?

The grievance will be dismissed. Signup and view all the answers

What is required to move a grievance to arbitration after Step 2?

Written request by the Union within ten days Signup and view all the answers

How many arbitrators must be requested from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service?

Seven (7) Signup and view all the answers

What must occur within ten calendar days of receiving the Fire Chief's written response?

The grievance can be escalated to Human Resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of employees holding the rank of District Chief and above during the grievance process?

They provide recommendations to the Fire Chief. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the phrase 'the member's election of remedies shall be binding and irrevocable'?

The member must choose one process and cannot revert. Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if the appropriate Employer agent fails to respond to a grievance within the specified time limits?

The grievance is automatically escalated. Signup and view all the answers

What does Section 3.1 state about discrimination in the workplace?

Employer and Union are prohibited from discriminating against any Employee for various reasons. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups does Section 3.1 specifically mention as grounds for potential discrimination?

Race, color, sex, religion, and sexual orientation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the affirmative action program mentioned in Section 3.2?

To ensure equal employment opportunity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights remains with the Employer as per Article 5?

The right to manage the affairs of the Fire Department. Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 4 state about existing rules and regulations?

They will remain in effect unless changed by the agreement. Signup and view all the answers

According to Article 5, which responsibility is NOT outlined as retained by the Employer?

Negotiating employee salaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the rights of the Employer in relation to the State of Oklahoma?

The Employer retains rights in accordance with state laws. Signup and view all the answers

Which power does the Employer retain concerning work schedules as per Article 5?

The power to assign overtime based on need. Signup and view all the answers

What must an employee do to have Union dues deducted from their paycheck?

Sign an authorized Union dues payroll deduction card and have it on file with the Employer. Signup and view all the answers

How much notice must the Union give the Employer before increasing dues?

30 days before the effective date of the increase. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for an employee to revoke their payroll deduction of Union dues?

A written notice to City Payroll. Signup and view all the answers

In which section is the revocation process for the Special Assessment fee outlined?

Section 8.4 Signup and view all the answers

What does the Union agree to do regarding claims made against the Employer due to dues deductions?

Union shall indemnify and defend the Employer against any such claims. Signup and view all the answers

Effective when will all Employees be placed on the Appendix A pay chart according to Article 9?

July 1, 2023 Signup and view all the answers

What must be in place for payroll deductions to be initiated according to Section 8.1?

An authorized payroll deduction card on file with the Employer. Signup and view all the answers

What additional deduction is mentioned in Section 8.4 beyond Union dues?

An IAFF payroll assessment fee. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the arbitrator according to Section 7.10?

To interpret and apply the terms of the existing Agreement Signup and view all the answers

Which party strikes first in odd years during the selection of an arbitrator?

The Union Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the parties want to provide written briefs during arbitration?

The arbitrator must allow written briefs upon the oral motion of one party Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the meeting prior to the arbitration hearing?

To reach a settlement of the grievance Signup and view all the answers

Who bears the costs of the impartial arbitrator according to Section 7.12?

Both Union and Employer share the costs equally Signup and view all the answers

What does an appeal to arbitration signify for the appealing party?

An election of remedies and waiver of rights to litigate Signup and view all the answers

How many representatives from the Union and the grieving Employee can attend the arbitration hearing without loss of pay?

Two representatives from Union and one Employee Signup and view all the answers

How are additional issues discovered before arbitration handled?

The parties must meet and discuss before arbitration Signup and view all the answers

What restrictions are placed on the arbitrator’s authority?

They cannot establish new agreements or modify provisions Signup and view all the answers

What timeframe is given for notifying the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service after selecting the arbitrator?

Within ten (10) calendar days Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Recognition of the Union

Union recognized as exclusive bargaining agent for Tulsa Fire Department employees, excluding Cadet Firefighters, Civilian Employees, Fire Chief, and one designated Administrative Assistant.

Probationary Period

New hires undergo a 12-month probation, during which they can be discharged.
Discharged employees can appeal to the Mayor within ten days.

Non-Discrimination

Employer and Union prohibited from discriminating against employees based on union activities, race, gender, religion, and other specified characteristics.
Commitment to support the Employer's Affirmative Action Program for equal opportunity.

Prevailing Rights

Existing rules, regulations, and practices remain in effect unless modified by the Agreement terms.

Management Rights

Employer retains powers not officially modified in the Agreement, including policy determination, work schedules, and personnel management.

Strikes and Lockouts

No strikes or work stoppages permitted by Union or Employees.
Employees cannot hinder or disrupt Employer operations or engage in any coordinated work stoppage activities.

Grievance Procedure

Union may file grievances regarding Agreement interpretation or disciplinary actions.
Grievances processed by submission to the Fire Chief in writing, with responses required within ten calendar days.

Steps for Grievance Processing

Initial grievance submitted to Fire Chief.
Unresolved grievances escalated to the HR Director within ten days, involving Union representatives in resolution attempts.

Arbitration

If unresolved, grievances may proceed to impartial arbitration requested within ten days.
Time limits for filing grievances and responses strictly enforced; failure to act timely forfeits rights.

Dues Deduction

Employer facilitates payroll deductions for Union dues for designated members.
Members can revoke deductions with written notice to City Payroll, which then notifies the Union.

Wages

Effective July 1, 2023, employees placed on designated pay chart (Appendix A).

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Description

This quiz covers the recognition of the Union as the exclusive bargaining agent for employees in the Tulsa Fire Department. It discusses exceptions such as cadet firefighters, civilian employees, and administrative positions. Test your understanding of labor relations and the specific classifications within the department.