HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO7283•
RESOLUTION NO. 7283
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SECTION 1501 OF THE MERIT SYSTEM RULES
AND REGULATIONS REGARDING THE MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND LOCAL
1319, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as
follows:
SECTION 1. Section 1501 of the Merit System Rules and
Regulations is hereby amended to read as fellows:
1501. Memorandum of agreement incorporated by
reference. That certain Memorandum of agreement
by and between. the City of Palo Alto and Local
1319, International Association of Fire Fighters,
consisting of Preamble and Article I through
XLIII, being 22 pages in length, for a term
commencing July 1, 1993, and expiring July 22,
1994, is hereby incorporated into these Merit
System Rules and Regulations by reference as
though fully set forth herein. Said memorandum
shall apply to all employees ir.. classifications
represented by said. Local 1319, International
Association of Fire Fighters, except where
specifically provided otherwise herein.
In the case of conflict with this chapter and any
other provisions of the Merit System Rules and
Regulations, this chapter will prevail over such
other provisions as to employees represented by
said Local 1319, Interrnationa? Association of Fire
Fighters.
SECTION 2. The changes provided for in this resolution
shall not affect any right established or accrued, or any offense
or act committed, or any penalty of forfeiture incurred, or any
prosecution, suit, or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered
prior to the effective date of this resolution.
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931 124 be 0036127
SECTION 3. The Council finds that this is not a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore, no
environmental impact assessment is necessary.
INTRODUCED AI® PASSED: January 18, 1993
AYES: ANDERSEN, FAZZINO, HUBER, KNISS, MCCOWN, ROSENBAUM, SCHNEIDER, SIMITLAN,
WHEELER
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTES
C y Clerk
APPROVED AS
TO FORM:
(N.
Senior Asst. City Attorney
iAP "OWED:
r of Human Resources
D
Fire Chief
Finance
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431Wi.a003062T
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MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
CITY OF PALO AL3'Q and LOCAL 1319. I.A.F.F.
July 1, 1993 - July 22, 1994
PREAMBLE
This Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Palo Alto, hereinafter referred to as the
"City", and Local 1319, International Association of Fire Fighter, hereinafter referral as the
"Union", has been prepared and entered into in accordance with Title I, Division 4, Chapter 10,
Sections 3500-3510 of the California Government Code and Chapter 12 of the City of Palo Alto
Merit System Rules and Regulations.
ARTICLE I - RECOGNITION
Section. The City recognizes the Union as the exclusive representative of an employee group
consisting solely of the classifications of Fire Apparatus Operator, Fire Fighter, Fire Captain,
Fire Inspector and Hazardous Materials Special"st who are regularly employed by the City and
others as amended into the representation unit from time to time under existing law and the
Merit System Rules and Regulations.
ARTICLE II - NO DISCRTM INATION
Section 1. The Union and the City hereby agree that there shall be no discrimination because
of race, color, age, handicap, sex, national origin, political or religious affiliation under this
Agreement. There shall be no discrimination in employment conditions or treatment of
employees on the basis of membership or nonmembership in the Union, or participation in the
/awful activities of the Union.
Section 2. The Union and the City hereby agree to protect the rights of all employees to
exercise their free choice to join the Union and to abide by the express provisions of applicable
State and local laws.
Section 1: Human Relations Committee. A joint committee for Human Relations will be
established during the term of this agreement. The committee will include up to five members
appointed by the Union executive board and at least two members of management with
representation from the Fire and Human Resources Departments. The committee may make
recommendations to management regarding recruitment outreach, equal employment opportunity
and career development programs.
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ARTICLE III - PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
Stakia. The City shall deduct Union membership dues and pay other mutually agreed upon
payroll deduction from the bi-weekly pay of member employees. The dues deduction must be
authorized in writing by the employee on an authorization card acceptable stable to the City and the
Union. The City shall remit the deducted dues to the Union as soot. as possible after deduction.
All Union members on payroll deduction for payment of Union dues as of 5:00 p.m. on the
tenth day following signing of this Memorandum of Agreement must remain on payroll
deduction for the life of the Memorandum of Agreement, or so long as they remain members
of the representation unit. Union members who establish dues payroll deduction during the term
of the Memorandum of Agreement must remain on payroll deduction for the life of the
Memorandum of Understanding, or so long as they remain members of the representation unit.
Union members on dues payroll deduction may declare their intention to terminate such payroll
deduction following expiration of this Memorandum of Agreement during the thirty -day period
between sixty and ninety days prior to expiration of the Memorandum of Agreement.
ARTICLE IV - UNION ACTIVITIES
Section 1. Local 1319 officers may use a reasonable amount of on -duty time to attend to Union
business specifically related to representation of employees so long as:
a. Staffing is available
b. Operations are not interrupted
c. Advance approval is obtained from the Battalion Chief or Operations Chief
Section 2L Jnteroffice Mail and Burin Boards. The Union shall have access to interoffice
mail and existing bulletin boards in unit employee work areas for the purpose of posting,
transmitting, or distributing notice or announcements including notices of social events,
recreational events, Union membership meetings, result of elections and reports of minutes of
Union meetings. Any other material trust have prior approval of the Battalion Chief or
Operations Chief. Action on approval will be taken within 24 hours of submission.
Sectiou_3. Use of Meeting Places. The Union shall have the right to reserve City meeting and
conference rooms for use during non -working hours or as subject to Battalion Chief approval.
Such meeting places will be made available in conformity with City regulations and subject to
the limitations of prior commitment.
ARTICLE V - NO STRIKES
Section I. The Union, its representatives, or members, shall not engage in or cause, instigate,
encourage, sanction, or condone a strike, withholding of services, leave of absence abuse, work
stoppage or work slowdown of any kind against the City of Palo Alto or its citizens by
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employees covered under this Agreement. No employee shall refuse to cross any picket line in
the conduct of Fire Department business, nor shall the Union, its representatives or members
discriminate in any way toward anyone who refuses to participate in a strike, or any of the job
actions cited above.
ARTICLE VI - PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Sisfinal. All original appointments to regular or part-time municipal service positions shall
be tentative and subject to a probationary period, fixed by the appointing authority at the time
of appointment, or twelve months.
Section 2. The probationary period shall be regarded as part of the testing process and shall be
utilized for closely observing all aspects of the employee's qualifications, for ensuring the
effective adjustment of a new employee to the position and for rejecting any probationary
employee who, in the opinion of management, is not suitable to attain permanent status.
Section 3. During the probationary period a new employee may be suspended or terminated at
any time by the appointing authority without cause and without right of appeal or to submit a
grievance. Said employee shall not have the right to proceed to arbitration on the issue of
arbitrability or on the issue of its constitutional or discovery rights, nor those of any employee
by reason of the foregoing. The Union shall not be a party to any lawsuit relating to the
termination of a probationary employee.
ARTICLE VII - SALARY PROVISIONS
a.
Section 2. Out -of -Class Comjensation. All represented employees who are assigned work
in a higher classification for longer than four (4) continuous hours will be compensated at a
higher pay rate for all hours worked during the out -of -class assignment. This provision applies
as follows:
Fire Fighter, Apparatus Operator, Captain or Inspector working in a higher classification:
Step to step. Representation unit class working as a Battalion Chief, 10% above E -Step
Captain, but not to exceed 93 % of Battalion Chief control point. Representation unit class
working in any other management position, within the range of the management position.
Section 3. Pay for Court Appear . Sworn Fire personnel appearing in court for the
People. shall be compensated ac fnilews,
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a. Appearance on scheduled
day off
b. Any or all court time
during scheduled shift
c. Appearance on scheduled
work day but not during
scheduled shift
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BMA
Time and one-half at
40 -hour rate
Straight time during
shift at 56 -hour rate
Time and one-half at
40 -hour rate
ktioimum
4 hours
None
2 hours
(2 hour minimum, may
not run into shift tithe)
The employee shall remit all fees received for such appearances to the City within thirty days
from the termination of his/her services. Compensation for mileage or subsistence allowance
shall not be considered as a fee and shall be retained by the employee.
ARTICLE VIII - PAY DIFFERENTIALS
Section L Paramedic Differential. Paramedics who have completed the required training and
have been certified in accordance with the program will receive a 5% differential in addition to
their base salary effective beginning with the date of assignment to rotational Paramedic duty.
Upon completion of six months of rotational Paramedic duty, the differential will increase to a
total of 12.5 % in addition to base salary. The Paramedic salary differential will terminate with
the cessation of assignment to rotational Paramedic duty, except that paramedics with six or
more years of Palo Alto Paramedic service will be Y -rated upon cessation of assignment
Section 2. I z Mat Differential. Effective beginning with the pay period including July 1,
1990, a maximum of nine positions who are primarily assigned to rescue and who are Haz Mat
trained and certified will receive a 5% differential in addition to their base salary. This
differential does not apply to minimum staffing replacements.
Section 3. EMT Differential. Effective beginning with the pay period including September 1,
1991, represented classifications who maintain EMT certification will receive a 2% differential
in addition to their base salary. EMT certification for all suppression personnel is mandatory.
• ARTICLE IX - ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT
Section 1. Annually, each employee who holds a regular full-time appointment in the municipal
service on or before July first and continues in such status through the first day of Pay Period
No. 25 (in December) shall receive, in addition to the salary prescribed herein, a salary
adjustment equal to one percent of the employee's current annual salary. Annual adjustments
shall be prorated to reflect appointment from January 1 through July 1 of the current year, or
interrupted service during the year.
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ARTLCLE_ I - HOLIDAYS
figsagol. Representation unit fire suppression personnel in pay status shall receive 5.75 hours
straight time regular pay per pay period in lieu of holidays to a maximum payment of 149.5
hours per year.
Section a. If employees wish to take time off instead of in -lieu pay, time off shall be at the rate
of one-half shift (12 hours) per month on a staffing available basis. Such time off must be
scheduled so that no additional overtime will be required to achieve suppression minimum
staffing. Time off instead of is -lieu holiday pay may be taken in advance of the month that said
in -lieu hours become payable up to a maximum of 48 hours. However, no in -lieu hours will
be paid until such advanced time off has been liquidated by the in -lieu hours accrued in
subsequent months.
a. Personnel assigned to a 40 -hour work schedule will receive paid holidays in accordance
with Sections 517 and 518 of the Merit System Rules and Regulations.
b. Personnel assigned to a 40 -hour work schedule will receive floating days off with pay
in each of the following months: August, September, March, April, June.
The following conditions will hold:
(1) Management will designate the schedule of the paid day off under this section at
least thirty days in advance.
(2) If. in conformance with this section, Managenxeat unable to schedule a day off in
the month indicated for reasons of shift operations, work scheduling or any other
reason, the day will be added to the employee's vacation accrual.
(3) If an employee fails to take a day off as scheduled by Management under this
section, the day off so scheduled will be forfeited.
ARTICLE la - OVERTIME COMPENSATION
Section 1. Shift personnel assigned to overtime relief duty m addition to their regular 56 -hour
shift schedule shall receive overtime compensation at a rate of one and one-half times the
employee's basic 56 -hour rate, or out -of -class rate if such applies, for all hours of the relief duty
shift.
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callback will be compensated at a rate of one and one-half tunes the basic ;i3 -hour ram to a
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maximum of 8 hours, and at a rate of one and one-half times the basic 56 -hour rate for those
hours in excess of 8 haws.
ARTICLE XII - MINIMUM STAFFING
Sen n j,. Fire Department administration and the Union have agreed to the following for
clarification of minimum suppression staffing:
a. Thirty-one (31) fire suppression personnel (exclusive of the Battalion Chief) shall be
scheduled per shift Ys Replacement personnel will be recalled when
absences will cause staffing to fall below 31, except in the instances of:
(1) Emergency illness or absences occurring after 11:00 p.m. in which case staffing may
be at 30 until 8.00 a.m.
(2) Whenever absences will cause staffing of the Truck company
to fall below three persons for tear hours or less
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b. It is further agreed that in achieving minimum staffing set forth herein, engine, truck and
combination rescue companies shall not be reduced from the level of one Fire Captain, one
Fire Apparatus Operator and one Fire Fighter, except as indicated in Sections 1.a.(1) aid
(2) ead-(3) of this article. Paramedic unit minimum staffing shall be two certified
Paramedics. The Foothill Fire Station #8, when activated by the Fire Chief, shall be staffed
with ` one Fire Apparatus Operator and one Fire Fighter.
c. The minimum recall for suppression minimum staffing shall be four (4) hours.
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ARTICLE ICLE XIII - FIRE DEPARTMENT PROQRAMS
Section 1. The Union agrees to continue its cooperation and participation in existing weather
station and community blood pressure screening and measurement programs.
AiffICLE XIV - WORKASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS
It is the intent of the Palo Alto Fire Administration and Local 1319 that work assignments and
transfers will reflect the best interests of the Fire Department and the City. The Fire
Department will maintain a constant state of readiness to defend against fire and other disasters.
It is therefore imperative that all Fire Department divisions assign personnel in the best manner
to respond to the needs of the City and the Department. It is also acknowledged that the Fire
Chief is responsible to make and/or approve the work assignments or transfers of Fire
Department personnel.
The Fire Chief, or his designee, shall initiate personnel assignments and transfers to balance
platoon or division strength, fill permanent or temporary vacancies and provide required training
to individual personnel. Such assignments will be based on seniority, except where career
development, training, special assignments, skills and documented performance issues are
specifically identified in writing, management may make assignments based on such issues. For
purposes of this article, seniority shall be computed from the date of entry into the current
classification.
Sect I. Shipauis. When possible, least senior Fire Fighters will be assigned to Station #1
and will be given short term or shipout relief duty.
Section ;. Vacation Relief Positions. In order that platoon strengths can be balanced more
quickly and to reduce the need for excess overtime, two positions will be designated for vacation
relief. These positions will be the lowest two on the. Department seniority list who have
completed their probationary period.
a. The vacation relief persons will be assigned to one station when not on relief
assignment.
b. Relief assignment can be made to any Station or shift where a shortage of personnel will
cause unnecessary overtime.
c. Shortages may be caused by vacation, sick leave, disability or any leave of absence that
causes a shift to be short of personnel while another has a surplus.
d. Shift transfers will be made so as not to cause the relief person to work more than the
prescribed number of hours in the prescribed period.
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c. Relief assignments will be made and hours will be coordinated by the Battalion Chief'
office.
Sectioin 3. Tr ReoJ. Non -probationary fire personnel may submit transfer requests
to their immediate supervisor to be forwarded to the appropriate chief officer. Providing that
Departmental needs are satisfied, such transfers will be administered using first a mutually
agreeable exchange, secondly seniority.
The transfer requests shall remain on file during the year and may be granted when a vacancy
occurs, providing the requesting employee possesses the experience and performance ability
required to fill the vacancy.
.4• Speclal ARsj . Management reserves the right to assign personnel to career
development opportunities, special projects, seminars, programs and selected educational and/or
training courses, based on Fire Department needs and the performance of the employee.
Minimum staffing levels shall be maintained.
Section 5. Continuous Hourly Service. Palo Alto Fire Department personnel will be restricted
to a work schedule of no more than forty-eight (48) continuous hours. Any time in excess of
this limit must be approved by the Fire Chief or his designee.
ARTICLE XV - TRAINING COORDINATION
Section 1. Three shift employees per platoon may be assigned to assist the Training Officer in
the coordination, preparation and scheduling of the training program. It is agreed that volunteers
will first be sought for such assignment, and further agreed that the details o: this section shall
be established by mutual agreement between the Fire Chief and the Union.
ARTICLE XVI - PARAMEDIC ASSIGNMENT
Section 1. The City reserves the right to limit eligibility for the Paramedic Program to the Fire
Fighter classification.
Section 2. As the Program progresses, Management will assess the need for training additional
Paramedic candidates. It is Management's intention to provide for such additional training as
necessary for Program continuity.
Section 3. Paramedics will receive a one-time cash payment of $500 for each bi-annual
recertification. This provision applies only to active incumbents of authorized paramedic
positions who remain in the paramedic assignment for at least one additional year after
recertification. The one year requirement after recertification does not apply to those paramedics
who may leave the program because of work -related injury or illness, or promotion, nor does
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k apply when a paramedic is asked by management to recertify in order to voluntarily extend
their paramedic service to meet special departmental needs for a period of less than one year.
ARTICLE XVII - FIRE FIGHTER APPRENTICE PROGRAM
fisikal. The Union agrees to assist the City in the implementation of an apprentice, training
and affirmative action program. Trainees under such programs shall be provided with all
benefits, including retirement benefits, of other fire fighters except salary.
Seca a. Employees hired under the apprentice training program may begin fire fighting
suppression work after they have reached the Trainee II level. Minimum staffing levels as set
forth above shall be determined by excluding all trainees.
Sown 3. Local 1319 shall be represented and entitled to participate in all stages of the testing
process, and representatives from Local 1319 shall make recommendations to the department
concerning the qualifications of any apprentice.
ARTICLE XVIII - PROMOTIQN
Section j. All regular promotions from classifications within the representation unit to the
classification of Fire Captain will be made at the fifth step on the salary range.
Section 2. For promotions to positions within the representation unit, promotion process
information will be available in the Human Resources Department office at the time of posting.
Information will include applications, minimum qualifications, study material reference
information, if appropriate, and information on passing scores. Any changes in an established
testing process must be submitted in writing to the Union for review and input no fewer than
60 days prior to the beginning of the process.
ARTICLE XIX - REDUCTION IN FORCE
Section 1. If the work force is reduced (reduction in force) within a represented classification,
unit employees having the shortest length of service with the Fire Department will be laid off
first so long as employees retained are fully qualified, trained and capable of performing
ruining work.
ARTICLE XX - SELECTIVE CALL BACK WITH REGARD TO RESWENCY
Section 1. Management may use selective call back with regard to residency in cases of
emergency.
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ARTICLE XXI - HEALTH BENEFITS
Sgstkel. Accept as otherwise set forth herein, the City will maintain the present level of
benefits on all City -sponsored medical programs.
Sectioe ,, vi n . Effective beginning October 1, 1990, the City will offer vision care
coverage for employees and dependents. Coverage is equivalent to $20 Deductible Plan A under
the Vision Service Plan, with monthly premiums paid by the employer.
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'S. ..,.. .w .(a;nd•d!A �.l.s :•1W^ OIQ..'. .. � 0.1id,M?.. `WKYOOM S(":8YR3K,• N. M .. _ Monthly
City -paid premium contributions for an employee -selected PEMHCA optional plan will be made
to the maximum amount indicated in each category.
Eligible Active
Employees
Number of Parties
Covered
Monthly City Contribution
Employee Only
Premium for plan selected, but not to
exceed
Employee Plus One
Premium for plan selected, but not to
exceed
Employee Plus Two
or More
Premium for plan selected, but not to
exceed SW.
ARTICLE XXII - DENTAL BENEFITS
Section j. The City will maintain the present level of benefits on the City -sponsored dental
program, except that the maximum benefits per calendar year shall be $2,000 effective beginning
with 1987.
&Edina. The City shall pay all premium payments or equivalent self -insured program charges
on behalf of employees and dependents who are eligible and enrolled for coverage under the
existing dental plan.
Section 3. Effective July 1, 1986, the City will provide a 50% of reasonable charges, $1,500
lifetime maximum orthodontic benefit for representation unit employees and their dependents.
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ARTICLE X X II - LIFE INSURANCE
legaggl. The City will pay up to the following amounts of premium on behalf of Fire
tel:
Penny Period Per Month (A prox, I
Basic Life Insurance $ .13 $ .289
(per $1,000 of coverage)
ARTICLE XXIY - RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Sagami. The current Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) benefits, known as the
"2 percent at 50" Plan shall continue in c fect.
Section. City -Paid PERS Employee Contribjition.
a. Effective with the pay period including July 1, 1983, the City will pay 7% of the 9%
PERS employee contribution except that, subject to receipt of favorable tax rulings by
the City Attorney no later than June 30, 1984, employees who retire between Ally 1,
1983 and June 30, 1984 shall receive a 5.6% pay increase effective July 1, 1983 and
shall not receive the City -paid PERS contribution. For purposes of negotiations and/or
arbitration proceedings hereafter, City payment of the 7% PERS employee contribution
will be deemed as a 7% salary adjustment for the year July, 1983 through June 30,
1984.
b. Effective with the pay period including July 1, 1984 the City will pay tlx 9% PERS
employee contribution. For purposes of negotiations and/or arbitration proceedings
hereafter, City payment of the 2% additional PERS employee contribution will be
deemed as a 2% salary adjustment for the year July 1, 1984 through June 30, 1985.
c. Notwithstanding subsections a. and b. above, a representation unit employee may elect
to convert the 9% City -paid PERS contribution to a salary adjustment of equal amount
on a one-time irrevocable basis for the final twelve months immefltattgy prior to a
retirement, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
1) The employee must have at least 20 years of PERS Safety member service credit as
of the date of retirement; as an alternative, employees hired prior to July 1, 1987
may qualify by attaining the age of 55 at the date of retirement or attaining the
maximum PERS benefit factor of 75%.
2) The election must be made and service retirement application filed for retirement
date certain 12 months prior to retirement.
3) During the 12 -month conversion period, the employee shall pay PERS employee
contributions.
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4) All provisions of this subsection are subject to and conditioned upon compliance
with IRS regulations.
ARTICLE XXV - RETIREMENT MEDICAL PLAN
Monthly City -paid premium contributions for a retiree -selected PEMHCA optional
plan will be made will be made
ARTICLE XXVI - DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
ARTICLE XXVII - VACATION ACCRUAL
Section 1. All eligible fire suppression persons shall accrue vacation at the following rate for
continuous service performed in a pay status. Non -shift representation unit employees shall
accrue the 40 -hour equivalent —one shift equals sixteen hours.
a. For employees completing less than four years continuous service, the accrual rate shall
be five duty shifts per year.
b. For employees completing four but not more than nine years continuous service, the
accrual rate shall be eight duty shifts per year.
c. For employees completing nine but not more than 14 years continuous service, the
accrual rate shall be 10 duty shifts per year.
d. For employees completing 14 or more years continuous service, the accrual rate shall
be 11 duty shifts per year.
Section 2. Represented employees who fail to use all vacation as accrued may continue the
accrual balance and be entitled to all accrued but unused vacation upon termination, except as
limited below.
Section 3. Vacation accrual balances shall be limited to three times the annual accrual rate.
Accrual credit beyond this limit shall not be recognized or compensated, except that for
employees of record as of January 1, 1984 who have vacation excess on a one-time basis shall
be set aside (banked) to be subsequently used as vacation or paid at termination. No additions
may be made to the bank after January 1, 1984. The bank is established only to facilitate
changeover from unlimited to three times annual accrual rate limitation on vacation accrual as
herein provided.
BILTICIAZIMEEILSEQLEACATION
Section 1. The maximum number of vacation scheduling slots for representation unit
suppression employees is four (4) per platoon on a year-round basis.
Section 2. Vacation scheduling must be approved by the Battalion Chief or Fire Chief. The
minimum is twelve (12) hours or more for suppression employees. Advance vacation schedules
for suppression shall begin either at 8:00 a.m. or 8:00 p.m.
Section 3. Vacation Pay. Vacation pay shall be made available in advance of regular pay day
provided that employee requests such advance in writing to the Finance Department at least two
weeks prior to his/her vacation date. The employee's supervisor must verify vacation date on
the request.
motion 4. Ilbaess on Vacadon. When an employee becomes ill while on vacation and such
illness can be supported by a statement from an accredited physician or the employee is
hospitalized for any period, the employee shall have the period of illness charged against sick
leave and not against vacation leave.
Section 5. When to be Taken. The time at which an employee may use accrued vacation leave
and the amount to be taken at any one time shall be determined by the Chief with particular
regard for the needs of the City, but insofar as possible, considering the wishes of the employee.
,Won 6. Limitation on Ilse. Employees may not use more than three times their annual rate
of accrual in any calendar year period provided, however, that the Chief may grant exceptions
to this limitation.
Section 7. Waiting Period. Employees shall complete six months c^ 'a rice before
using accrued vacation leave.
Sedion 8. Double Compensation Prohibited. Employees shall not work for the City during
their vacation.
ARTICLE XX1X - SICK LEAVE
Section 1. Statement of Pulley. Sick leave shall be allowed and used only in case of actual
personal sickness or disability, medical or dental treatment, or as authorized in Section 9. Up
to five days (56 shift hours) sick leave per year may be used for illness in the immediate family
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(wife, husband, child, parent, parent -in-law, brother, sister, or close relative residing in the
household of the employee.)
Section 2. Eligibility. Regular employees shall be eligible to accrue and use sick leave.
Sedigial,Amni. Sick leave shall be accrued bi-weekly, provided the employee has been
in a pay staves for 50 percent or more of a bi-weekly pay period. Sick leave shall be accrued
at the rate of six shifts per year.
Accumulated sick leave may be accrued without limit, except as
provided in Section 8 below.
Seet%p 5. Use. Sick leave may be used as needed and approved, to the point of depletion, at
which time the employee will no longer receive pay for sick leave. A new employee may, if
necessary, use up to forty-eight (48) hours or shift equivalent of sick leave at any time during
the first six months of employment. Any negative balances generated by such utilization will
be charged against future accrual or deducted from final paycheck in the event of termination.
An employee who has been disabled for 60 consecutive days and who is otherwise eligible both
for payment under the long-term disability group insurance coverage and accrued sick leave
benefits may, at his/her option, choose either to receive the long-term disability benefits or to
utili7P the remainder of his/her accrued sick leave prior to applying for long-term disability
benefits.
Sick leave will not be granted for illness occurring during any leave of absence other than sick
leave, unless the employee can demonstrate that it was necessary to come under the care of a
doctor while on such other leave of absence.
When an employee finds it we ss ry to be absent for any reason, he/she should cause the facts
to be reported to the department within 45 minutes prior to his/her regular starting time on the
fast working day of absence, and shall regularly report on, or account in advance for each work
day thereafter unless hospitalized or otherwise indisposed. Such reports may be subject to
written documentation. Sick leave shall not be granted nnlrss such report or advance accounting
has been made, provided, however, that the department head may grant exception to this policy
where the circumstances warrant.
Section 6. 1Depietioik of Sick Leave Benefits. Upon depletion of sick leave or the beginning
of the period to be covered by payments under long-term disability group insurance coverage,
whichever comes first, an employee may be granted a medical leave of absence without pay for
a period not exceeding sixty days. If the employee is unable to return to work at the end of this
period, he/she must request further medical leave which will be subject to the approval of the
City Manager. If further leave is granted, the employee must notify the City of intent to return
to work every thirty days. If further leave is not granted, the employee's service with the City
shall be considered terminated.
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Employees leaving the municipal service shall
forfeit all accumulated sick leave, except as otherwise provided by law and Section 8. In the
event that notice of resignation is given, sick leave may be used only through the day which was
designated as the final day of work by such notice.
Section 8. Payment far ,Accumulated Side Leave. Eligible employees who leave the
municipal service in good standing, or who die while employed in good standing by the City,
and who have fifteen or more years of continuous service, shall receive compensation for unused
sick leave hours in a sum equal to two and one-half percent of their unused sick leave hours
multiplied by their years of continuous service and their basic hourly rate of pay at termination.
Full sick leave accrual will be paid in the event of termination due to disability. For new
employees hired after December 31, 1983, sick leave accrual accumulation will be limited to
1,000 hours with no payoff provisions for unused balance at termination.
Section 9. Personal Busing Leave Chargeable to Sick Leave. It is agreed between the
parties that all shift personnel represented by the Union shall have the right to charge up to
twenty-four hours personal business leave per year to sick leave, and that all non -shift personnel
shall have the right to charge up to sixteen hours personal business leave per year to sick leave.
Such personal business leave shall be allc wed only on a staffing available basis and where the
provisions of the minimum staffing agreement are not affected. "Staffing available" means at
or above minimum staffing levels as defined in Article XII.
Section 10. Return to Work or Continue Work With Limited Duty. In cases of non -work -
related injury, illness or pregnancy an employee, upon approval of the Fire Chief and the City
Safety Officer, may return to work or continue work with doctor -approved limited duty.
Approval for such limited duty shall be based upon department ability to provide work consistent
with medical limitations and the length of time of the limitations. Shift employees must be
willing to accept any non -shift limited duty schedule work location and may be subject to the
reasonable availability of limited duty assignments. The City doctor may be consulted in
determining work limitations.
ARTICLE XXX - SUBPOENAS
Employees required to answer subpoenas as a witness for the City of Palo Alto or fora plaintiff
where the City of Palo Alto is a defendant shall not lose pay or benefits for work time lost to
answer depositions or to appear in court.
ARTICLE XXXI - WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Section 1. Status Reporting While on Disability. Persons on disability will be required to
appear or otherwise report at regular two-week intervals to the Fire Chief or designate to discuss
his/her status of medical treatment therapy and physical condition. This section is not meant to
unreasonably restrict employee's activities so long as such activities are cleared by the treating
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physician, treating program or alternative treatment program is maintained and employee is
available for full or restricted duty as soon as medical clearance can be received.
Physical fitness medical examinations for all represented employees shall include chest x-rays,
eye examination and nearing examination.
ARTICLE %XXIII - LEAVES OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY
n 1. Disability. Leaves of absence without pay may be granted in cases of disability not
covered by sick leave. Pregnancy will be considered as any other disability. Leaves of absence
for disability are subject to physician's verification including diagnosis and medical work
restriction.
Sectipn 2. (der Leaves. Leaves of absence without pay may be granted in cases of personal
emergency or when such absences would not be contrary to the best interest of the City. Non-
disability prenatal and/or postpartum leave is available under this provision, but such leave shall
not begin more than six months prenatal nor extend more than six months postpartum.
Section 3. During unpaid leaves of absence for disability or other reasons, the employee may
elect to use accrued vacation credits. Requests for leaves without pay shall not be unreasonably
denied. In order . to avoid misunderstandings, all leaves without pay must be in writing to be
effective.
Section 4. Approval of Department Head. Leave of absence without pay for one week or less
may be granted by the department head, depenaing on the merit of the individual case.
motion 5. Appoval by City Manager. Leave of absence without pay in e.A cess of one week's
duration may be granted by the City Manager on the merit of the case, but such leave shall not
exceed twelve months' duration.
Simon S. Absence Without Leave. Unauthorized leave of absence shall be considered to be
without pay, and reductions in the employee's pay shall be made accordingly. Unauthorized
leave of absence may result in termination of employment.
Section. 7._ Leave of Absence: Death Outside the Immediate Family. Leave without pay may
be granted a regular employee by his/her department head in the event of death to family
members other than one of the immediate family, such leave to be granted in accordance with
Section 2 and Section 4.
Section 8, Military Leave of Absence. State law shall govern the granting of military !caws
of absence and the rights of employees returning from such absence.
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ARTICLE XXXIV - LEAVES OF ABSENCE WITH PAY
Section 1. The City Manager may grant a regular employee under his control a leave of
absence with pay for a period not exceeding thirty calendar days for reasons he deems adequate
and in the best interest of the City.
Section Z. The City Council may grant a regular employee a leave of absence with pay for a
period not to exceed one year for reasons the Council considers adequate and in the best interest
of the City.
Section 3. Employee's Time Off to Vote. Time off with pay to vote at any general or direct
primary election shall be granted as provided in the State of California Elections Code, and
notice that an employee desires such time off shall be given in accordance with the provisions
of said Code.
Section 4. Leaves of Absence: Death in Immediate Family. Leave of absence with pay of
one shift with provision for approval of one additional shift for travel outside the area may be
granted an employee by the Chief in the event of death in the employee's immediate family,
which is defined for purposes of this section as wife, husband, son, son-in-law, daughter,
daughter-in-law, father, mother, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law,
father-in-law, grandfather, grandmother or a close relative residing in die household of the
employee. Such leave shall be at full pay and shall not be charged against the employee's
accrued vacation or sick leave. Requests for leave in excess of two shifts shall be subject to the
approval of the City Manager.
Section 5. Jury Duty: Leave of Absence. Employees required to report for jury duty shall
be granted a leave of absence with pay from their assigned duties until released by the court,
provided the employee remits to the City all fees received for such duties other than mileage or
subsistence allowances within thirty days from the termination of his or her jury service.
ARTICLE XXXV - TUITION ' . t : URSEMENT
&libel. The City will reimburse expenses for tuition, booms, and curriculum
fees incurred by employees within the representation unit, to a maximum of 1,000 per fiscal
year for classes given by accredited institutions of learning or approved specialized training
programs. The City will also reimburse professional association memberships and conference
registration fees, professional books and periodicals. Programs must either contribute to the
employee's job performance or prepare the employee for other City positions and must be
approved in advance.
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ARTICLK XXXVI - PER DIEM TRAVEL EXPENSES
SeedieLL. Unless other mutually agreeable arrangements are made, representation unit
employees who are required to navel away from the City on City business will receive travel
expenses, according to City policies which are currently in effect.
ARTICLE XXXVIVII - $OUSE FUND ITEMS
Section 1. Station House Fund. Effcutive July 1, 1992, the station house fund shall be $39.00
per year per shift employee.
Section 2. The City agrees to furnish end maintain each fire station with non-food house fund
items: TV purchase and repair, Peninsula Times -Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle or San Jose
Mercury News, kitchen cooking utensils and other specific items to be determined by mutual
agreement of the parties. The Fire Fighters agree to maintain the voter registration program,
with proceeds going to recreational and related programs.
ARTICLE XXXVIII - PARKING
,. Employees in represented classes shall be entitled to free parking in the Civic Center
Garage, or a commute incentive which will be subject to meet and confer.
ARTICLE XXXIX - GRIEVANCES
The City and the Union agree to estsbiish a grievance procedure as follows:
1. Definition: A grievance is any complaint or dispute regarding the application of
interpretation of this Memorandum of Understanding, rules, regulations, policies or
procedures relating to wages, hours or other terms and conditions of employment.
2. Any non -probationary employee represented by the Union may file and process a grievance.
Such aggrieved employees may be represented by the Union or may represent themselves
in preparing and presenting their grievance at any level of review. The Union may file a
grievance when a Union right not directly related to an individual employee becomes subject
to dispute.
3. Any retroactivity on monetary grievances shall be limited to the date of occurrence, except
in no case will retroactivity be granted prior to three months before the grievance was filed
in writing.
4. Written grievances shall be submitted on forms provided by the City or on forms which are
reallyagreeable to the City and the Union.
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5. The time limits specified in this section may be extended by mutual agreement in writing of
the aggrieved employee or Union and the reviewer concerned. Should a decision not be
rendered within a stipulated time limit, the aggrieved employee may immediately appeal to
the next step. The grievance will be considered settled if the decision of any step is not
appealed within the specified time limit.
6. If a grievance is related to a promotional process to positions within the representation unit,
Step I shall be directed to the Training Chief (or Fire Marshal for FPS positions). Step II
shall be directed to the Assistant Fire Chief.
7. ,Stan it. The aggrieved employee will first attempt to resolve the grievance through informal
discussions with the immediate supervisor by the end of the seventh calendar day following
the discovery of the incident upon which the grievance is based. Every attempt will be made
to settle the issue at this level.
Step U. If the grievance is not resolved through informal discussion, it may be submitted
in writing to the Battalion Chief (Assistant Fire Chief for Captain grievances) within seven
calendar days of the informal discussion. The Battalion Chief/Assistant Fire Chief will have
seven calendar days from receipt of the grievance to review the matter and prepare a written.
response. If the grievance is denied, the response shall contain the reasons therefor.
Step M. If the grievance is not resolved in Step II, it may be submitted in writing to the
Fire Chief within seven calendar days of receipt of the Battalion Chief s/Assistant Fire
Chiefs written response. The Fire Chief will have seven calendar days from receipt of the
grievance to review the matter and prepare a written response. If the grievance is denied,
the response shalt contain the reasons therefor.
Sten N. If the grievance is not resolved in Step III, the aggrieved employee may submit
the grievance to the City Manager for final determination or to binding grievance arbitration.
All Step W appeals must be filed in writing at the Human Resources Department Office
within seven working days of receipt of the Fire Chief's response under Step III. All
hearings before the City Manager shall be pursuant to the rules and regulations set forth in
the City of Palo Alto Merit Rules and Regulations. Hearings before an arbitrator will be
as set forth below.
In the event the aggrieved employee decides to proceed to arbitration, he/she shall select
jointly with the Director of Human Resources an arbitrator. If the parties are unable to
agree on an arbitrator, they shall jointly request a panel of five qualified and experienced
arbitrators from the State Conciliation Service. Upon receipt of the list of arbitrators, the
names shall be alternately struck until one name remains who shall serve as arbitrator. The
arbitrator shall be jointly contacted by the parties.
The arbitrator shall have jurisdiction and authority only to interpret, apply, or determine
compliance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement and such Merit System
rules, regulations, policies, procedures, City ordinances or regulations relating to terms or
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conditions of employment, wages or fringe beneifts, as may hereafter be in effect in the City
insofar as may be necessary to the determination of grievances appealed to the arbitrator.
The arbitrator shall be without power to make any decision:
a. Regarding matters of interest.
b. Contrary to, or inconsistent with or modifying in any way, the terms of this
Memorandum of Agreement.
c. Grunting any wage increases or decreases.
d. Granting pay or benefits for any period of time prior to the execution date of this
Memorandum of Agreement.
Where either party seeks arbitration and the other party claims the matter is not subject to
the arbitration provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement, the issue of arbitrability shall
fast be decided by the arbitrator using the standards and criteria set forth in this
Memorandum of Amt.
The arbitrator shall be without authority to require the City to delegate or relinquish any
powers which by State law or City Charter the City cannot delegate or relinquish. Copies
of the arbitrator's decision shall be submitted to the City and the aggrieved employee. All
direct costs emanating from the arbitration procedure shall be shared equally by the City and
the aggrieved employee or the Union.
It is further agreed that the provisions of this section shall be incorporated as part of
Chapter 11 of .. City of Palo Alto Merit System Rules and Regulations. Existing
procedures set forth in Chapter 11, to the extent they are inconsistent with the provisions
contained herein, are superseded.
ARTIC, LE XL - SAFETY COMMITTEE
Secdop 1. No later than 60 days following the date of this agreement a Safety Committee
comprised of four representation unit members appointed by the Union, at least one from each
suppression shift, and at least two members of Management, will be established. The
Committee may make safety recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding equipment, vehicles
and apparatus and may review all accidents involving represented personnel. Management shall
inform the Safety Committee of all accidents involving injuries to represented personnel.
AILTICLE XLI - MISCELLANFAUS
Saetkpa L T -Shirts. The City will issue four T-shirts to each uniformed employee diving July
1990, and an additional four T-shirts during July 1991. These T-shirts are for use on duty only
and will be maintained by the employee.
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C t ni. ranncy Rnspense by FootWIls_ Park Personnd. During the team of this
agreement, representatives of Management and the Union will meet to discuss and resolve issues
related to emergency response by Foothills Park personnel.
ARTICLE XLII - FULL UNDERSTANDING
Section 1. The Memorandum of Agreement contains the full and entire understanding of the
parties regarding the matters set forth herein.
Section 2. FairJ.abor Standards Ack. Management will implement provisions of the Fair
Labor Standards Act effective April 15, 1985. Compensatory time off with Management
approval may be used as an alternative to overtime compensation only within the 27 -day work
period within which the overtime is worked. During the term of this agreement, either party
may invoke meeting and conferring on those specific sections of Articles of the Memorandum
of Agreement which are affected by implementation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, irk ing
where City costs are increased or employee rights are modified as a result of Fair Labor
Standards Act provisions.
Section 3. Severability. Should any of the provisions herein contained be rendered or declared
invalid by reason of any existing State or Federal legislation or by reason of State or U.S.
Supreme Court ruling, such invalidation of such part or portion of this Memorandum of
Agreement shall not invalidate the remaining portions hereof, and they shall remain in full force
and effect, insofar as such remaining portions are severable.
$ems 4. It is the intent of the parties that ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations
• enacted pursuant to this Memorandum of Understanding be administered and observed in good
faith.
Section 5. Merit System Rules and Regulations. During the term of this Memorandum of
Agreement, Management may propose certain changes in the City Merit System Rules and
Regulations. With regard to such changes which pertain to the representation unit, the parties
agree. to review, and upon request, meet and confer regarding the changes.
&Ictikeat. During the term of this agreement, at management request, the parties agree to meet
and confer with regard to issues pertaining to fire station consolidation or relocation.
. Nothing in this agreement shall preclude the parties from ,mutually agreeing to meet
and confer on any subject within the scope of representation during the tnr of ib atozclimeart.
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ARTICLE .m . Mmiriox
Thia Memorandum of Agreement shall become effective and remain effective until
EXECUTED:
FOR:
FOR
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION CITY OF PALO ALTO
OF FIRE FIGHTERS
s/Anthony Spitaleri s/Jay Rounds
s/Daniel Lindsey s/Ruben Grijalva
s/Dan Heiser
s/John'Rosinski
s/Richard Dauler
s/Barry Marchisio
s/Sean Lanthier
s/Susan Ryerson
s/Virginia Harrinaton_vm
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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
This is to certify that the microphotographs appearing on this
microform, starting wit p& 1 t. 4-i (2956,
and ending withlatsrde.0 4 42 -In 440, -7;440
are accurate and complete reproductions of e„,rkj i 4D
!,
as delivered to the undersigned
in the regular course of business, for microfilming.
It is further certified that the micrographic processes used
were accomplished in a manner, and on microfilm which meets
the requirements of the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) and the Association for Information and Image Management
(AIM) .
Date produced
Place:
Sunnyvale, Calif. 94086
City
State Zip
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