Union Work Rules and Regulations Quiz

Agreement Between the City of Jacksonville and IAFF Local 122

• This document outlines an agreement between the City of Jacksonville and the International Association of Firefighters Local 122 (IAFF Local 122).
• The agreement covers firefighters, fire engineers, fire lieutenants, and fire captains.
• The contract period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2027.

Table of Contents

• Provides a list of articles and their corresponding page numbers within the agreement.
• Each article covers a specific area of employment terms and conditions.
• Relevant topics include union recognition, union security, union activities, management rights, staffing, and more.

Article 1: Union Recognition

• The City of Jacksonville recognizes IAFF Local 122 as the exclusive collective bargaining representative for certain firefighters.
• The agreement defines "employee" as a full-time, classified member of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
• The bargaining unit includes specific classifications like firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, and captain.

Article 2: Union Security and Check-Off

• The Employer agrees to provide an electronic copy of the agreement to each work location within 30 days after ratification.
• Employees may authorize the deduction of union dues and uniform assessments from their paychecks.
• The employer will remit the deducted amounts to the union within 15 days.

Article 3: Union Activities

• Employees have the right to participate in union activities.
• Employees can donate leave time to a union pool for union activities.
• The employer will allocate a bank of 9,000 hours per fiscal year for official union business.

Article 4: Bulletin Boards & Electronic Communications

• The employer will allow the union to use bulletin board space in work locations.
• Alternatively, the union has the right to place a bulletin board in specified locations within stations.

Article 5: Management Security

• The union and its members agree not to engage in work stoppages, slowdowns, or strikes.
• The employer has the right to unilaterally determine the purpose and operation of each agency.
• The employer can take disciplinary action for proper cause.

Article 6: Savings Clause

• Management retains all rights not specifically relinquished or abridged in the agreement.
• This article preserves pre-existing employee rights that aren't contradicted by the agreement.

Article 7: Management Rights

• The employer has the right to control, direct and manage employees.
• Specific employee duties and related assignments are subject to the employer's discretion.

Article 8: Staffing

• The assigned personnel strength for all Fire and Rescue Department activities is at the discretion of the Director/Fire Chief.
• Employees can be temporarily reassigned to other roles within the same rank, subject to certain rules and approvals.

Article 9: Work Rules

• All work rules, regulations, and guidelines are to be written policies.
• The employer must inform the union of any new rules.

Article 10: Special Meetings

• The employer and the union agree to meet to discuss matters of mutual interest.
• The meetings must be within five days of the request and at a mutually acceptable time and place.

Article 11: Hours of Work and Overtime Payment

• Employee work hours are to be established by the Director/Fire Chief or his/her designee.
• Employees are typically scheduled for either 40-hour or 56-hour work cycles.

Article 12: Wages

• Employee pay will be based on a pay schedule, with specific salary ranges for various time-completed levels within a 13-step progression.
• Adjustments to wages are factored into the schedule.

Article 13: Promotions

• Outside testing services will administer promotional examinations.
• A passing score/grade is a 70% minimum unless the result negatively affects a protected group under the law.
• Points are awarded to passing scores for senior employees (up to 5 points).

Article 14: Employee Benefits

• The employer will repair or replace employee eyeglasses, contact lenses, cell phones, and watches, under certain conditions. - Employees with performance of duty related damage may be reimbursed for repairs or replacement up to certain amounts.
• The employer will reimburse employees for mileage and tolls for work-related travel.
• The employer will contribute to the union health plan.

Article 15: Uniforms and Equipment

• The employer will supply the initial uniforms and turnout gear to new employees, following the rules.
• The proper and maintained maintenance of this equipment is the responsibility of the employee.

Article 16: Safety and Health

• The employer strives to provide a safe workplace and provide employees with tools, equipment, and training as needed.
• Employees are responsible for their safety and safe operation of the equipment.

Article 17: Injury in Line of Duty

• Employees will receive additional compensation beyond typical workers compensation, in certain circumstances.
• Procedures and compensation for injuries are detailed.

Article 18: Holidays

• The city will observe various holidays (listed) as set forth by ordinance, often on a 24-hour period.
• Employees' scheduled work days will be factored into their holiday time consideration and scheduling.

Article 19: Florida Retirement System (FRS)

• IAFF Local 122 will participate in the Florida Retirement System, with specified implementation dates and options.

Article 20: Personal Leave (Plan P)

• Employees earn personal leave at a certain rate, based on years of service, with specific requirements and rates for various employees. Personal leave can be limited but additional compensation may be offered if all leave is used.

Article 21: Bereavement Leave

• Employees receive bereavement leave, with specific timeframes defined by the relationships connected to the deceased, without loss of pay.

Article 22: Military Leave

• Firefighters in the National Guard or Reserves are entitled to military leave, with specific parameters as defined by hours per year, and no reduction in pay or benefits.
• Specific steps for notifying supervisors should be followed.

Article 23: Alcohol and Drug Abuse

• The employer and the union agree to zero tolerance regarding alcohol and drug use in the workplace.
• Testing procedures for controlled substances and alcohol are defined, contingent on specific circumstances like accidents or promotion.

Article 24: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• The Employer will facilitate the EAP for the benefit of employees.
• Counseling and/or disciplinary action are detailed, contingent on individual case specifics.

Article 25: Discharge and Discipline

• Procedures for suspensions and demotions are based on the Civil service and rules, with exceptions if an employee agrees to follow a grievance procedure.

Article 26: Grievance Procedure

• A 3-step grievance procedure is laid out including the process for written submissions, meetings, response timeframes, and who is involved in each step. Arbitration is outlined if the grievance process is not resolved through the 3 steps.
• Employees are to notify the appropriate division chief and a union representative for grievance mediation.

Article 27: Severability

• Any invalid or deemed to be illegal section of the agreement will not affect the remaining sections of the contract.

Article 28: Entire Agreement

• The agreement is a complete and exhaustive summary of the items negotiated (i.e., no other implicit or non-written agreement exists).

Article 29: Duration of Agreement

• The agreement will be in effect between the specified dates.

Schedule A, B, C, D

• These schedules are wage tables for firefighters, engineers, lieutenants, and captains, adjusting wages over time based on years of service.

Index

• Comprehensive listing of every topic and article by page number. Provides a reference guide.