10. Union Contract Ratification - International Association of Firefighters Local Union No 547Clity of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 -Telephone (406)758-7700 Pax (406)758-7758
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jaynes H. Patrick, City Manager
SUBJECT: Union Contract Ratification — International Association of
Firefighters Local Union No. 547
MEETING DATE: July 18, 2005
BACKGROUND: 2004-2005 was the last of a three year contract with the International
Association of Firefighters Local Union No. 547 (the Union). Management and Union
representatives have worked for about three months on this contract and while neither
side got everything they wanted, both sides feel comfortable with this product. The
Union has voted to accept this agreement contingent upon the review of their attorney.
The following are the significant changes made to the contract:
This agreement further defines management rights to operate and manage its affairs in all
respects as long as the actions taken are not in conflict with the provisions of this
agreement.
This clarifies Union rights and privileges (past practices) to those issues known by both
parties as an accepted practice, occurred over a period of time and on more than one
occasion, and it has occurred at least once within the proceeding contract and is readily
ascertainable over a reasonable period of time as a fixed and established practice
accepted by both parties.
During leaves of absence due to injury an employee will lose all rights under this
agreement if he/she engages in employment with another employer, organization or self-
employment in which the work exceeds medical restrictions established by a health giver.
This agreement establishes an early return to work program for those injured on or off the
job.
The Union agreed to support, adhere, and engage in the Kalispell Safety and health
Committee to reduce work place injuries.
Longevity pay is no longer recognized.
Fire Captain supervisory roles and responsibilities are defined and failure to carry out
these roles and responsibilities can subject that individual to appropriate disciplinary
action which shall not be grievable.
This contract agrees to increase salaries of Union firefighters by 2.8% a year for the three
years. It also agrees to a 1.5% performance bonus when the firefighter is certified as a
"firefighter I" and when/if the firefighter is certified as a "Senior Firefighter." Both
certifications have a defined program and testing procedure and are nationally
recognized. All Union Firefighters will be given two years to attain the Firefighter I
certification. If they do not attain that certification, they will receive a usage increase of
1.5% instead of the 2.8% in year three of the contract_
The Contract also raises certification and training incentives for EMT-P, EMT-B (with
endorsements), Haz-Mat technician, Special Response Team, and Urban Search and
Rescue members. However, the City has the right to limit and assign those working in
these positions_ Pay will only be received when a Firefighter is assigned.
The Vacation and Holiday accrual will be combined into one Vacation Time Bank.
Firefighters will accrue vacation leave at the rate and schedule as set in State law for
years of service. Any employees working more than 2,080 hours per year will earn
vacation credits on a pro rata basis. As an example, most Firefighters currently work
2682 hours per year and they would then accrue vacation credits at a rate of 129% of the
State schedule. Holidays pay for overtime worked will be limited to only eight hours
regardless of length of shift.
The budget impact over the course of three years, assuming that all firefighters receive
certification and performance bonus in the first year, would be $198,660.27 or a 13.66%
increase over the life of this contract. The advantages are clearer contract language
regarding prevailing rights, supervisory role of Captains, no more longevity pay, and,
most important of all, a better trained and more professional department.
The City of Kalispell has consistently led the way throughout the State on progressive
programs and contracts in the Fire Department. This contract continues to mare positive
improvements in the Union/Management relationship. This contract does not make the
Kalispell Fire Department the highest paid in the State but does keep the salaries
competitive.
RECOMMENDATION: Council ratify the International Association of Firefighters
Local Union No. 547 and City of Kalispell July 2005- June 2008 contract.
Respectfully,
C----
James H. Patrick
City Manager