A Collective Bargaining Agreement Between

 

Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District

 

and

 

Southwest Florida Professional

Fire Fighters & Paramedics

Local 1826

 

 

Effective Through September 30th, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                                                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE                                                                                                             PAGE

 

   1                   Preamble----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

  2                   Recognition-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

3                   Strike Prohibition, Work Requirement and Discrimination--------------- 5

   4                   Management Rights-------------------------------------------------------- 6-7

   5                   Union Rights------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

   6                   Rules & Regulations---------------------------------------------------------- 9

   7                   Union Business-------------------------------------------------------------- 10

   7A                 Union Business Time Donation Sheet------------------------------------- 11

   8                   Dues Deduction ------------------------------------------------------------- 12

   8A                 Dues Deduction Authorization Sheet-------------------------------------- 13

   9                   Grievance Procedure---------------------------------------------------- 14-15

10                  Reduction of Personnel----------------------------------------------------- 16

11                  Workers Compensation----------------------------------------------------- 17

12                  Sick Leave--------------------------------------------------------------- 18-20

13                  Leave of Absence / Bereavement---------------------------------------- 21

14                  Jury Duty, Subpoenas, Time to Vote-------------------------------------- 22

15                  Vacation/Annual Leave---------------------------------------------------- 23

16                  Holidays---------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

17                  Hours of Work / Overtime-----------------------------------------------25-26

18                  Uniforms & Equipment------------------------------------------------- 27-28

19                  Trading of Time------------------------------------------------------------- 29

20                  Education--------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

21                  Incentive Pay------------------------------------------------------------ 31-33

22                  Retirement Plan------------------------------------------------------------- 34

23                  Employee Insurance-------------------------------------------------------- 35

24                  Discipline & Discharge------------------------------------------------- 36-37

25                  Military Leave--------------------------------------------------------------- 38

26                  Station Facilities------------------------------------------------------------- 39

27                  Prevailing Rights------------------------------------------------------------- 40

28                  General Provisions---------------------------------------------------------- 41

29                  Physicals------------------------------------------------------------------ 42-43

30                  Pagers------------------------------------------------------------------------ 44

31                  Wages-------------------------------------------------------------------- 45-48

32                  Alcohol & Drug Testing---------------------------------------------------- 49

33                  Promotions / Acting out of Classification----------------------------- 50-51

34                  Duration---------------------------------------------------------------------- 52

35                  Minimum Manning-----------------------------------------------------------53

36                  Entire Agreement ----------------------------------------------------------- 54

37                   Ratification------------------------------------------------------------------ 55

 


            

ARTICLE 1                                               PREAMBLE

 

1.1        In accordance with Chapter 447, Part II of the Florida Statutes, this agreement is entered into by and between Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District (hereinafter, the district) and the Southwest Florida Professional Fire Fighters, Local 1826, International Association of Fire Fighters, Inc. (hereinafter, the union).

 

1.2        The purpose of this agreement is to promote and maintain harmonious and cooperative relationships between the District and its employees, both individually as well as collectively through the Union; to foster safety in the work place; to provide an orderly and peaceful means for resolving differences which arise concerning the interpretation or application of this agreement; and to set forth herein the basic and entire agreement between the parties in the determination of wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment.

 

1.3                 This agreement is intended to promote the best interest, of the public, District and employees by

            providing the highest level of fire protection, prevention, suppression, education, and medical

            services consistent with rescue services that the district currently provides to the citizens within

the district in the most professional, efficient and cost-effective manner possible, based on available resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 2                                            RECOGNITION

 

2.1        The District hereby recognizes the union as the exclusive bargaining agent for employees of the district as certified by the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission in Case No. RC-99-034, Certification #1272, September 30, 1999.

 

The appropriate bargaining unit is comprised as follows:

 

INCLUDED: All regular and probationary full time employees of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District in the following classifications: Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Fire Safety Inspector, and Fire Mechanic.                   

                                               

EXCLUDED:  Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Administrative Assistant, and Secretary.

 

2.2        The Union may display a bulletin board in any station of the District. This bulletin board may be 3' x 4', and may be displayed in the designated employee area at all stations. Materials, which are derogatory, abusive or discriminatory towards age, race, religion, gender, or handicapped, may not be posted and shall be removed if they are posted.  Material shall be posted by the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District District Vice President or approved shop steward and shall bear the employee’s initials and date of posting.

 

2.3        The Union may display a certificate of 100% membership in an area of public view, in each station of the District, so long as the Union maintains 100% membership of all bargaining unit employees.

 

2.4        The Union DVP will have the opportunity to send information to Union employees by submitting all copies of the information to the District for enclosure with the employees pay checks. Distribution of paychecks will not be delayed to accomplish this request.

 

2.5               All employees will serve one (1) year of probation.  These Employees will be “At Will” and be held to the Standards as stated in the District’s Administrative Guidelines. 

 

2.6               New Employees may have the period of probation extended one time, for an additional six (6)

months as shall be determined by the Chief in the best interests of the District.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 3

 

STRIKE PROHIBITION, WORK REQUIREMENTS AND DISCRIMINATION

 

3.1        The union and bargaining unit members do not assert and will not assert or advocate any right to engage in any work stoppage, slow down or strike, or to withhold services or otherwise hinder the District’s operations.  Each employee shall comply with this Article and the strike prohibition of Section 447.505, Fla. Statutes and the Constitution of the State of Florida, Article 1, Section 6.

 

3.2        In justice and fairness to the District, and all persons who are served by it, all employees shall report to work on time, not leave early unless authorized, be prompt in reporting to their assigned duties, and faithfully perform their duties.

 

3.3        Neither the District nor the union shall discriminate against any employee covered by this Agreement because of union membership or non-membership, or for any reason not contrary to law.

 

3.4        The District shall not discriminate between bargaining unit employees and non-bargaining unit employees in areas of discipline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 ARTICLE 4                                       MANAGEMENT RIGHTS

 

4.1        The union recognizes the Fire Chief as the District’s duly authorized business agent and acknowledges that he or his designee possess the right to direct day to day operation of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District on behalf of the Board to the extent provided by Florida Statute 447.209. The union recognizes Management Rights are subject to applicable law and the terms of this Agreement.

 

4.2        Management rights include, but are not limited to, the following:               

 

a)         to direct all operations of the district; 

 

b)         to establish and modify reasonable work rules, schedules of work, and administrative procedures and guidelines as may be needed in the best interest of the District.

 

c)         to hire, promote, transfer, schedule and assign employees to positions within the district’s  organization;

 

d)         to suspend, demote, discharge or otherwise discipline employees, for just cause.  Just cause shall include, but not be limited to conduct described in Article 24, Paragraph 8 (24-8) of this agreement.  Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Chief from taking disciplinary actions based upon safety code violations, ethics violations, or for any other offense as provided for in the District’s Administrative Guidelines.

 

e)         to relieve employees from their duties because of lack of work or for any other legitimate reasons;

 

f)          to maintain efficiency of fire and rescue operations;

 

g)         to take whatever action is necessary to comply with federal, state, and local laws;

 

h)         to introduce new and improved methods or facilities;

 

i)          to change existing methods or facilities;

 

j)          to determine the kinds and amounts of operational services to be performed, and the number of personnel classifications required to perform such services;

 

k)         to contract for goods and services other than those provided by bargaining unit employees;

 

l)          to determine the methods, means, and personnel by and through which operations are to be conducted;

 

m)        to take whatever action is necessary to carry out the functions of the District in situations of emergency;

 

n)         to promote, hire or appoint such personnel as may be deemed necessary to fulfill management or supervisory functions required for proper operations;

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 4,                       MANAGEMENT’S RIGHTS CONTINUED 

 

o)        to make such adjustments as may be deemed  necessary to the budgeted expenditures incurred or agreed to, so as to maintain a sound financial profile of tax revenues received and disbursed;

 

p)         to hire civilians to perform duties which do not require a certified fire fighter. Civilians performing these duties, which are not included in Article 2.1 shall not be subjected to this agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 5                                        UNION RIGHTS

 

5.1        Members of the bargaining unit shall have the right to: either join the union, or not join the union. They shall also have the right to engage in lawful concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining negotiations; to express or communicate to management any view, grievance, complaint or opinion, related to the conditions of compensation and terms of employment of public employees for their betterment, all free from restraint, coercion, discrimination or reprisal.

 

5.2        Nothing shall abridge the right of any duly authorized representative of the union to present views of the Union on issues that affect the welfare of its members or the District as long as it is clearly presented as the view of the union and not necessarily the view of the District to the District’s elected officials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 6                            RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

6.1        The Union agrees that its members shall comply with all of the provisions of this agreement and the rules and Regulations, job descriptions, department orders, and memos of the District.

 

6.2      The District agrees to furnish each new employee and all current members of the bargaining unit, with copies of each of the following:

 

A.  Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Guidelines. 

 

B.     Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Standard Operating Guidelines.

 

C.     Where there is any conflict between the referenced Guidelines and this Agreement, this    

      Agreement shall control

 

6.3        The employer agrees to conduct all disciplinary actions and disciplinary investigations in accordance with Florida Statutes 112.80 (Fire Fighter's Bill of Rights).  Which Bill of Rights is incorporated by reference herein. Employees that are asked to appear before management to answer questions, which could result in disciplinary action being taken against him/her, shall be advised of their right to have a union representative of their choosing available to sit in.

 

6.4         All Memos and Standard Administrative Guidelines in operation on the effective date of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect if not specifically in conflict with any Article or Section of this Agreement.

 

6.5         In an effort to avert grievances and Unfair Labor Practice charges, in this regard, the District    

             shall provide a copy of any proposed new rules, regulations, Standard Administrative Guidelines  

             or changes in existing ones, and memos implementing revisions to the above to the Union’s DVP

for review at least 5 business days prior (when at all possible) to the implementation date. A copy shall then be available for employees at each station for review/reference. If the department is unable to contact the DVP it shall contact the main union office for purposes of meeting this section.

 

6.6         When leaving their employment from the District, employees should give a minimum of (2) two  

            weeks notice in writing.

 

6.7        Hair and facial hair shall be clean, neat and trimmed.  Facial hair that interferes with the face

             piece seal on District air packs shall be prohibited.

 

6.8        There will be no smoking or use of tobacco products in any enclosed indoor workplaces of the

             District buildings, facilities, or vehicles.  On duty employees are not to use any tobacco products

             when any member of the general public is present.  At each station an area outside the building

             will be designated as a tobacco area.

 

6.9        Employees shall do their banking on Fridays only unless altered by holidays.  Paychecks will be      

            issued on Fridays in accordance with the District’s regular pay schedule.  Paychecks will be

            available by 9:00 A.M. on such Fridays.

 

6.10              Each station will be allowed to go to the store once per day as determined by Management

              to get items for lunch or dinner.  The store must be within the District.

 

 

ARTICLE 7                                        UNION BUSINESS

 

7.1        The District agrees to allow the union to hold its meetings at a Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Station in the meeting room at a mutually agreed time and date.

 

7.2        Three (3) members of the "Union negotiating team" shall be allowed to attend all negotiating meetings which shall be mutually set by the District and the union.

 

7.3        The District agrees to allow all "Union Officers" on duty to attend union meetings at the station, providing proper manning is met without having to call in additional personnel.

 

7.4        The District agrees to allow all "Union members" to donate one (1) hour increments of vacation time and put it towards a union time bank for use for union official functions while on duty.   This donation of time shall be accomplished during the month of January each year.  If a DVP leaving on union business causes the need for overtime, sufficient hours donated to the union time bank shall be converted for department use to pay for the overtime cost incurred.  Unused time shall roll over to the next calendar year.

 

7.5        All union members should fill out the form 7A on the next page, authorization to deduct vacation hours from one’s accumulated time.

 

7.6        The District agrees to provide a copy of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District monthly fire commission meeting minutes (monthly) to the DVP at printing or as soon thereafter as possible.

 

7.7        The district shall not be held responsible for compliance with article 7.4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 7-A                        UNION BUSINESS TIME DONATION SHEET

 

7-A.1    I hereby authorize the district to deduct ________ hours (1 hour increments) from my vacation time to be placed in the union time bank for official union functions.  Please turn in this form to the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District union DVP during January of each year.

 

           

            _____________________________                                      ______________

 

                        Signature                                                                                  Date

 

_____________________________

 

                        Print Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 8                                        DUES DEDUCTION

 

8.1        The District shall deduct, without charge, from the pay of all Union members who authorize such deduction, the monthly dues payable to the union.

 

8.2        Payroll deduction shall be accomplished each pay period of each month, not to exceed 52 deductions in a calendar year. The amount deducted will be determined by dividing the annual amount, as certified by the Southwest Florida Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Secretary/Treasurer by 52.

 

8.3        Employees desiring the dues deduction shall authorize it by completing an appropriate form prescribed by the District and included in Article 8A.

 

8.4        Employee’s dues shall be mailed to the union office once each month with a roster indicating each employee’s amount deducted.  A union employee list shall be provided to the union, sorted alphabetically.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 8A               DUES DEDUCTION AUTHORIZATION

                                                                                                                               

I hereby authorize the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department, or it’s agents, to deduct from my earnings, the regular monthly dues (uniform in dollar amount) in the amount certified by the Treasurer of Local 1826/I.A.F.F. Inc., said local union. This authorization is revocable by a notice in writing to the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department.

 

I hereby waive all rights and claims for said monies so deducted and transmitted in accordance with this authorization, further and separately, relieve the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department and any agent, from liability therefore.

 

NAME_____________________________   DATE____________

 

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER_____________________________________

 

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE_________________________________________

 

 

STOP DUES DEDUCTION AUTHORIZATION

                                                           

I hereby authorize the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department, or it’s agents, to stop deducting from my earnings, the regular monthly dues (uniform in dollar amount) in the amount certified by the Treasurer of Local 1826/I.A.F.F. Inc., said local union. This authorization is revocable by a notice in writing to the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department.

 

I hereby waive all rights and claims for said moneys so deducted and transmitted in accordance with this authorization and, further and separately, relieve the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Department and any agent, from liability therefore.

 

NAME_____________________________   DATE____________

 

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER_____________________________________

 

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE_________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 9                                  GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

 

9.1        In a mutual effort to provide harmonious working relations between the parties to this Agreement, it is agreed to and understood by both parties that there shall be a procedure for the resolution of grievances between the parties arising from any alleged violation of this Agreement.

 

9.2        Definition.  For the purpose of this Agreement, a grievance is defined as an alleged violation of a specific written provision of this agreement, which involves the meaning, interpretation or application of this agreement.

 

9.3        Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent any employee from presenting, at any time, his/her own grievance in person or by legal counsel, to the DISTRICT and having such grievances adjusted without the intervention of the bargaining agent; provided the adjustment is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement and if the UNION has been given reasonable opportunity to be present at any meeting called. 

 

9.4        Every effort will be made by the parties to settle all grievances as soon as possible. The time limits set forth shall be strictly complied with, and can only be extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing.

 

.           a.) The UNION will not be required to process grievances for employees who are not members of the UNION, but will be given the opportunity to be present at any meeting where the grievance may be settled. The DISTRICT will be responsible for notifying the Union of any meetings where grievances may be settled.

 

9.5        All grievances, as outlined above must be in writing and must contain the following information:

 

     a)    Article and Section of the Agreement alleged to have been violated;

 

     b)    A full statement of the grievance, giving facts, dates and times of events, and specific violation with the remedy or adjustment desired;

 

c)         Signature of aggrieved employee and date signed.

 

9.6        Grievances shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures. If the resolution sought by the grievant is not attained or a mutual agreement (in writing) is not reached, the DISTRICT will be responsible for submitting the grievance to the next step. The UNION will be responsible for submitting its grievance to arbitration.

    

STEP 1: A. Upon receipt of written grievance, the grievant shall be given the chance to discuss his/her   

                  grievance orally with his/her captain within (7) seven business days of the alleged violation

                  and or the time the employee gained knowledge of the alleged violation of the contract.  The

                  captain shall attempt to adjust the grievance with the aggrieved employee.  And shall notify

                  Deputy Chief and/or Chief about any such attempt to adjust and/or resolve the grievance.

                  Chief and/or the Deputy Chief will have the right of final review as to proprieties of the

                  adjustment or resolution.

 

             B. If the complaint is not resolved within (7) seven business days in Step 1.A, the aggrieved

                  Employee and the Union representative will present the grievance in writing to the Deputy

                  Chief and union.                                                                 

 

 

ARTICLE 9                            GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

 

STEP 2: The Fire Chief or his designee shall investigate the alleged grievance and shall within (12) business days of receipt of the written grievance from step one conduct a meeting between himself, his representative, as needed, the grievant and his representative as needed. Both parties will mutually agree to the meeting date. The Fire Chief or his designee shall notify the aggrieved employee of his decision giving facts “if the grievance was denied” no later than (12) business days following the meeting date.

 

9.7        If a grievance, as defined in this Article, has not been satisfactorily resolved within the grievance procedures, the UNION shall notify the fire chief office of its intention to file for binding arbitration no later than ten (10) business days after the response is received in Step 2 of the Grievance Procedure.

 

9.8        The parties affected shall request the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to submit a panel of five (5) arbitrators.  Arbitrators shall be selected from such panel by alternately striking names from this list (the district shall strike first) until the last name is reached. The striking of names will take no longer than ten (10) business days from receipt of said panel.

 

9.9        Limitations on the powers of Arbitrator are as follows:

 

            a)  The Arbitrator shall not have the power to add to, subtract from, modify, or alter the terms of this Agreement.

 

9.10      There shall be no appeal from the Arbitrator's decision; it shall be final and binding on the UNION and on all bargaining unit employees and on the DISTRICT; provided, however, that the Arbitrator's decision is not outside or beyond the scope of the Arbitrator's jurisdiction or violates the Florida Arbitration Code.

 

9.11      The Arbitrator will divide the cost of the arbitration services between the parties equally.  Each side desiring a transcript will pay for it. Expenses for witnesses shall be borne by the party calling said witnesses.

 

9.12      Both the Inspector and Mechanic shall substitute the Deputy Chief for the Captain in section 9.6, STEP 1 of this Article.  All other steps shall remain consistent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE l0                           REDUCTION OF PERSONNEL

 

10.1      In case of a personnel reduction within one or more job classifications, the reduction shall be determined by seniority within Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District. Reduction of personnel shall be implemented only after the district and the union meet to discuss all other possible financial solutions. However, any final decision as to the reduction of personnel will be the right of the District based on business necessity.  Reduction of personnel will start with the lowest job classification, and shall be by seniority within that particular classification. The first classification shall be Fire Fighter (non-certified). 

 

10.2      No new employee shall be hired until the laid-off employee has been given the opportunity to return to work.

 

10.3      In the event the recalled employee does not report back to work within ten (10) calendar days after receiving notification, the District will recall the next senior employee.

 

10.4      In the event the list of laid-off employees is exhausted, or if no recalled employees report back to work within ten (10) calendar days after receiving notification, the District may hire a new employee to fill the vacancy.

 

10.5      The notification in 10.3 shall be by certified mail (return receipt requested) to the employee's last known address as it appears in the personnel records.

 

10.6      In the event a current full time position becomes vacant, the said vacancy will only be filled with a full-time employee. The district is permitted to utilize existing volunteers to provide adequate on duty manning levels for a period not to exceed 45 calendar days. The district shall only use state certified fire fighters and implement this procedure when there is a financial burden.

                                                    

10.7      The District agrees not to enter into any agreement with any private Fire Protection agency at any time during the existence of this agreement.

 

10.8      The District currently has a written policy regarding the use of volunteer personnel. This policy will remain in effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

ARTICLE 11                          WORKERS COMPENSATION

 

11.1      If an employee is injured in the line of duty, he/she must notify the chief or his/her designee, and file for Workers Compensation under Florida Statute within 24 hours when possible. The department shall implement the workers comp employee insurance policy to assist the employee in receiving at least the minimum net pay. 

 

11.2      Light Duty will be available after the employee receives a letter from the District’s Worker’s Compensation Carrier’s designated physician approving the employee for light duty providing light duty is available within the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 12                                                  SICK LEAVE

 

12.1      Sick Leave

            Shift employees in the bargaining unit shall accrue 12 hours of sick leave per month.  40 hour per week employees in the bargaining unit shall accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month. Sick leave may be accumulated up to a maximum of 720 hours for shift personnel and 480 hours for 40 hour per week employees.  Sick leave shall be charged on an hour for hour basis.

 

12.2(a)  Approved Uses of Sick Leave

            Sick leave may only be utilized for employee sickness, sickness in the employee's immediate family, necessary medical and dental appointments, injury, disability, pregnancy, for quarantine by health authorities or as approved by the Chief.

 

12.2(b) An employee requesting sick leave beyond the time limitations set forth in section 12.5, shall provide a Doctor’s certificate to the Chiefs office evidencing the need for such leave; whether for the employee or for an immediate family member of the employee. If an employee fails to submit such documentation, such employee may be disciplined for insubordination as referenced in Article 24. 

 

12.2(c)  Abuse of Sick Leave

            Abuse of sick leave benefits shall be grounds for immediate disciplinary action including but not limited to dismissal. For the purpose of this article, disciplinary action shall refer to Group Two Offenses in the Administrative Guidelines. Examples of Abuse of Sick Leave include a pattern of calling in sick on pre-scheduled overtime; excessive use of sick leave without a proof of illness slip; and/or a pattern of usage before vacation or overtime, (before or after) during that pay period, weekends, trade time, holidays, birthdays, etc.

 

12.3      Immediate Family

            For purposes of this Article, Immediate Family is defined as a spouse, child, father, mother, foster child or any financially dependent relative living in the employee's household, or any person of which the employee is the legal guardian.

 

12.4      Notification of Absence

            Notification of absence due to illness or injury shall be given to the Officer in charge as early as possible. However, all employees must provide at least one (1) hour advance notice of their inability to report for duty due to illness / injury. Calls should be minimized between the hours of 2200 - 0530 hrs

 

12.5      Excused and Unexcused Sick Leave Requirements

            Each Fifty-six (56) hour per week employee shall be granted three (3) unexcused instances of sick leave per calendar year. Each Forty (40) hour per week employee shall be granted three (3) unexcused instances of sick leave per calendar year. For employees absences thereafter, the employee must present a medical certificate at the employee’s expense during their first shift back to work. An unexcused absence shall be defined as a return to work from an off duty sickness or injury without presenting a Doctor's certificate. A Doctor's certificate shall also be required of any employee returning to work after the use of two (2) or more consecutive shifts/days of sick leave. If the department can show a pattern or practice of sick leave use / abuse, it may require the employee to be seen by the district’s physician for the purpose of confirming said illness / injury.  The district shall be responsible for payment of examination.

 

 

 

ARTICLE 12                                                  SICK LEAVE

 

 

12.6      When Accumulated Sick Leave is expended

            When an employee's term of illness exceeds his/her accumulated sick leave, he/she may use his/her accumulated vacation time, rather than applying for leave without pay.

 

 

12.7            Sick leave and Line of duty death payment

            (a)  Payment for accumulated sick leave:  Employees who leave the

           department with fifteen (15) years of continuous service will be eligible for payment for    

           100% of their accumulated sick leave and 50% after 10 years of continuous service.  Such

           amount will be paid directly to the eligible employee or the last stated beneficiary on file     

           with the district.  Employees who leave the District between the beginning of their sixth  

           year to the end of their ninth year shall be eligible to receive payment in the amount of 

          25% of  their accumulated sick leave.

 

(b)(1) Sick Leave: Forfeiture:  If an employee leaves his or her employment, or is terminated  prior to five (5) years of continuous service, then the accumulated sick leave shall be forfeited.  Employees who leave the District between the beginning of their sixth year to the end of their ninth year shall be eligible to receive payment in the amount of 25% of their accumulated sick leave.

 

(b)(2)  Sick Leave Payment In the Event of Disability:  However, if an employee has to leave the fire service due to a permanent disability certified as such by a physician that arose or occurred during the course and scope of his or her on the job duties and responsibilities, then such employee will be eligible for 100% of his or her sick leave time.

 

(c)(1) Line of Duty Death Payment:  An employee who dies in the line of duty, the estate  and or beneficiary of the employee shall be eligible to receive 100% of his or her sick leave time.

 

(c)(2) The District shall also provide the estate with a separate thirty (30) days of sick leave payment in Honor of the individual’s service to the District.

 

 

12.8            After an employee has accrued at least 30 shift days of sick leave, the employee may

             elect to request the District to pay him or her  for any such excess time at the  

             employee’s then current hourly rate. Payment shall be made on said employee’s 

anniversary date.

 

12.9  After an employee has accrued sick leave maximum in accordance with 12.1, (720 hours and 480 hours) the employee may elect to request the District to convert any such excess time on said employee’s anniversary date in accordance to the conversion as follows:

 

                      Hours Used                                                                    Shift Hours Converted

                                24                                                            96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation (4 for 2)

                                48                                                            48 hours sick to 24 hours vacation (2 for 1)

 

                     Hours Used                                                                     Admin Hours Converted

                                 8                                                             32 hours sick to 16 hours vacation (4 for 2)

                                16                                                            16 hours sick to 8 hours vacation   (2 for 1)

 

 

ARTICLE 12                                                  SICK LEAVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                             "SAMPLE"

 

                                                                          (Minimum Information Required)

 

 

                                                        DOCTOR'S CERTIFICATION OF ILLNESS/INJURY

 

 

 

Employee Name:                                    

 

                                        is my patient and was under my care.

 

                                        Leave date (s): ________________________

 

 

                                       

                                     Print Doctor's Name

 

                                        _____________________________________

 

                                       

                                     Doctor or authorized Medical Assistant Signature

 

 

 

                                        ______________________________________

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 13                          LEAVE OF ABSENCE / BEREAVEMENT

 

 

            Bereavement Pay

 

13.1              Bereavement leave, shall be granted to a full-time employee, with pay, as a result of a death in the employee’s family (which shall be understood for example, the following persons: husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, grandfather, grandmother, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandchildren, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, foster child, or guardian).  Employees shall be provided a maximum of forty eight (48) work hours off for funeral attendance or other bereavement.

 

            Without Pay

 

13.2      Leave of absence, without pay, may be granted to a full time employee. All written requests for leave of absence must be submitted to the Chief’s Office for consideration. An employee shall not earn annual or sick leave credits while on any type of leave of absence, which exceeds (5) working days for (24) hour shift personnel or (10) working days for (40) hour per week personnel.

 

13.3            If the time during which an employee is on leave with pay exceeds the amount allotted in 13.1 the exceeding time shall not count toward eligibility for raises or pension time.

 

Leave with Pay

 

13.4            All written requests for leave of absence must be submitted to the Chief’s Office for consideration.  An employee shall not earn annual or sick leave credits while on any type of leave of absence with pay, as described in this section, which exceeds (5) working days for (24) hour shift personnel or (10) working days for (40) hour per week personnel. Other paid types of leave may be granted at the discretion of the fire chief or his designee.

 

13.5            If the time during which an employee is on leave with pay exceeds the amount allotted in 13.4 the exceeding time shall not count toward eligibility for raises or pension time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 14                          JURY DUTY, SUBPOENAS AND TIME TO VOTE

                                                  

14.1      Any employee receiving a subpoena for jury duty shall be given full pay for the time he/she serves while on duty. It is agreed that members of the district shall not be excused from duty for the remainder of the duty shift. In any case the employee shall be released, two (2) hours prior to the time required to report for jury duty, and will report directly to the station after the completion of jury duty.

 

14.2      Any employee subpoenaed to appear for a deposition in court or at any attorney's office while off-duty for any job-related reason bearing on the performance of his/her employment duties shall be paid at one and one-half times his/her hourly rate for such time, plus one (1) hour for travel.  The employee shall be entitled to the witness fee on or off duty.

 

14.3      Employees serving on jury duty, while on duty, shall give the District any jury duty fees received.

 

14.4      Employees subpoenaed for a work related case shall notify the District of such subpoena as soon as possible.

 

14.5            Employees subpoenaed for a work related case shall be dressed in the appropriate uniform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 15                              VACATION/ANNUAL LEAVE

 

15.1      All non-probation, full time employees are entitled to use vacation leave.

 

15.2      SCHEDULE FOR VACATION ACCRUAL RATE

 

                                           ANNUAL LEAVE         ANNUAL LEAVE

 

LENGTH OF.                               56 HR.                                40 HR.

SERVICE                                 WORKWEEK                    WORKWEEK

 1-5 years                                               120                                          80

 6-10 years                                  216                                         144

 11-15 years                                264                                         192

Over 15 years                             288                                         220

 

15.3      Vacation leave shall be issued on the employee’s anniversary day. All employees will be charged on an hour-for-hour basis for time used as vacation. 

 

15.4      Regular employees who are terminated, resign, or retire, shall be paid for any accrued vacation earned but not taken to the date of termination, resignation or retirement.

 

15.5     Employees may accrue and carry over a total of no more than one (1) year’s worth of unused  vacation time based upon the employee’s length of service.  Employees must use one half (1/2) of their yearly vacation leave as time off from work.  Any remaining unused vacation time at the end of the year shall be paid out to the employee at the employee’s then current hourly rate. Vacation leave may be used as sick leave only if the individual’s sick leave has been exhausted.

 

15.6      All requests for vacation leave must be approved by the employee's supervisor in writing before it is actually taken

 

15.7      No employee shall be granted annual leave unless the time granted shall have already accrued or will accrue prior to the start of the vacation.

 

15.8       No pre paid vacations will be allowed at this time

 

15.9      Employees shall select shift vacation time by seniority in department. Vacation time selection shall be accomplished in October of the preceding year. Vacation requests that encompass a holiday will have its availability rotated through the remaining shift personnel before a shift member that has previously utilized it for vacation may be permitted to use it again.

 

15.10    Request for vacation must be submitted ten (10) working days in advance for forty hour

             (40) personnel and five (5) shift days for fifty-six (56) hour personnel to guarantee

              approval.  If shift  request is made within less than 5 shift days mandatory overtime will

              not be used.  All shift  request must be made within 72 hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 16                                      HOLIDAYS

 

16.1            All 56 hour employees will receive pay of 12 hours for each holiday recognized.

 

16.2      All 40-hour employees shall receive the day off with pay for each holiday. The day off shall coincide with that of management and staff of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District.   

 

16.3        The following are the recognized holidays for this Agreement.

 

     New Years Day                                January 1

     Memorial Day                                   Last Monday in May

     Independence Day                            July 4

     Labor Day                                        First Monday in September

     Veterans Day                                               November 11th

     Thanksgiving Day                              Fourth Thursday in November

     Columbus Day                                 Second Monday in October

     Presidents Day                                 Third Monday in February

     Christmas Day                                              December 25

     Martin Luther King Day                    As designated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 17                            HOURS OF WORK/OVERTIME

 

17.1           HOURS OF WORK - WORK SHIFT

The existing Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District daily agenda shall remain in force and unchanged during the course of this agreement during normal situations. Should it be necessary in view of emergencies or urgent situations to establish schedules departing from the normal, the DISTRICT will give advanced notice to all affected employees, as soon as possible. Bargaining unit personnel will be considered in a ready state after 1600 hours on normal workdays. For designated holidays and weekends the bargaining unit will be considered in a state of ready after noon.

 

17.2           HOURS OF WORK - WORK SCHEDULE

All hours shall be counted as hours worked in regards to FLSA. The schedule is such that an employee who is scheduled to work one 24-hour shift on and then shall have two consecutive days off.

 

17.3           No more than 72 consecutive hours may be worked without a 12-hour break.

                   

     The 72 consecutive hours must start the day before your regular shift.

 

     If trade time is involved in the 72 consecutive hours, the trade time must occur on 

     the day before your regular shift.

 

     72 consecutive hours may not be worked if the individual has been involved in

     working a major fire or incident. Safety is the primary concern, the Chief and the  

     Captain on duty may collaborate on this decision.

 

                 OVERTIME

 

17.4           Overtime for employees in the bargaining unit shall be defined as all hours worked in excess of their normal shift, not excluding the FLSA 3 hours from 53 to 56 hours per week.

 

17.5                       Overtime hours worked shall be paid at one and one half times the employee’s hourly pay rate.

 

17.6           Employees held over beyond their normal work shift shall accumulate hours worked in one quarter (1/4) hour increments rounded up, this time not being considered called back time.

 

17.7           Employees called back to work shall receive a minimum of 2 hours pay.

 

17.8           Employees called to work earlier than normally scheduled, however in conjunction with a scheduled workday, shall be paid in increments of one-quarter (1/4) hour rounded.

 

           

     OVERTIME SCHEDULING

 

17.9                       Scheduling of overtime is based on seniority and amount of overtime scheduled for the time  period beginning October 1st and ending September 30th each fiscal year.

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 17                            HOURS OF WORK/OVERTIME

 

 

17.10                 The senior employee of the same rank needed with the least amount of hours scheduled will be called first.  Overtime will be filled in this manner; from the employee with the most amount of seniority in position and the least amount of overtime scheduled to the employee with the least amount of time in position and the most amount of overtime scheduled.

 

17.11                 Overtime positions shall be filled rank for rank, unless no one is available.  Overtime shall be filled by the next lower rank and so on, until the position is filled.  If necessary the overtime shall even be filled by the next higher-ranking position.

 

17.12                 Overtime will be scheduled by contacting employees on the department paging system for short notice overtime, and the department paging system and department email for any overtime other than short notice.  For overtime that is other than short notice and scheduled  in advance, the Captain shall designate a cutoff time by which a member of the needed rank shall respond. The members shall have two (2) shift days (six calendar days) from the date/time of the page and email as a minimum time to respond, by email or phone call, whether they want to accept the overtime. Immediately after the cutoff time the Captain will fill the overtime in the manner described in 17.9 through 17.12.

 

17.13                 Overtime may be scheduled up to 3 months in advance, but the hours will be added to the posted overtime list at the time of scheduling.  All overtime (minimum of 1 hour increments) will be added to the current list.  A shift member may accept a maximum of 2 consecutive overtime days before the list automatically moves to the next employee.  This is only for consecutive days; if a member is first on the list and has a considerable amount of hours available to work they may be scheduled to fill these hours, so long as it does not exceed 2 consecutive 48-hour shifts.

 

                 SHORT NOTICE OVERTIME SCHEDULING              

 

17.14                 Short notice overtime is any overtime that is needed immediately or the next shift day.

The Captain will fill short notice overtime first from members of the on duty shift. If no member on duty accepts the overtime then the Captain will utilize the department paging system to contact all personnel of the needed rank to fill the overtime. For short notice overtime, personnel have one (1) hour to respond to the page. After one (1) hour the Captain will fill the overtime in the manner described in 17.9 through 17.12. An employee must accept or reject short notice overtime immediately, in order for the position to be filled in a timely manner.  

 

17.15        If an employee cancels vacation time that causes overtime, those scheduled overtime

hours will be deducted from the overtime list for that employee immediately

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 17                            HOURS OF WORK/OVERTIME

 

 

 

                 SCHEDULING MANDATORY OVERTIME

 

17.16         The following conditions will cause the need for mandatory overtime.                         

                           1.  Less than 9 qualified personnel available for duty at any time, including the

                                    following minimum position staffing levels.

i.                     Less than 1 captain or qualified acting captain.

ii.                   Less than  3 engineers and 1 qualified acting engineer.

 

iii.                   4 or more firefighters.

 

17.17          Before an employee is required to serve mandatory overtime, the following steps

                   must be taken:                                     

                          1.  All qualified personnel must be contacted or alpha paged.                     

2.       Those eligible employees on vacation or sick leave will become eligible and must also be contacted.

3.       Mandatory overtime can be offered in 12-hour increments.

4.        Mandatory overtime may not be used beyond 48 consecutive hours worked.

                                                     

                 Mandatory overtime will be served on a rotating basis, starting with the employee with

                 the least amount of seniority in that position.

 

 

17.18          a.  Compensatory time will be optional for 40 hour employees and shall be accrued at

                       1-1/2  times the hours worked.  The employee shall inform his captain or chief if

                       the time shall be designated as compensatory time or overtime when it is earned.

 

b.       Request for compensatory time must be submitted ten (10) working days in advance of such time.  In the event that request for compensatory time is submitted less than ten (10) days in advance of such time, its approval shall be at the discretion of the Chief.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 18                             UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

 

18.1      The District shall furnish, in a timely manner, all new full time employees with a uniform as set forth below.  The listed uniforms shall be clean and available at all times while on duty.

 

Four     (4) Uniform Pants or a combination of a minimum of 2 long pant and shorts.

One      (1) Dress Uniform Pants

Two     (2) Dress Uniform Shirts

Two     (2) Gym shorts

One      (1) Pair of long sweat pants and sweat shirt.  These may be worn after hours only, sweatshirt may also be worn for cold weather.

One      (1) Winter Jacket

One      (1) Badge

One      (1) Name Tag

One      (1) Jumpsuit

One      (1) Ball cap

Five      (5) Tee shirts employee’s choice of long or short.

One      (1) Belt

One      Set of Position appropriate collar brass

One      (1) Alpha Pager

One      (1) Black tie worn with dress uniform.

 

18.1(a)  The dress shirt and long pants shall be worn for school visits, official public appearances,

              inspections, and other events as designated by the Chief.

             

            Black shoes shall be worn with no stripes or reflective logos.  They shall be kept polished in neat appearance and must be securely fastened (zipped or tied).  The black shoes are the responsibility of each individual.

           

            Only District issued clothing and hats may be worn while on duty.

 

18.2      The employees in the bargaining unit shall maintain uniforms through replacement of up to (3) uniform pants or a combination of a minimum of 1 long pant and shorts, (3) tee shirts and (1) ball cap per fiscal year provided by the District. 

 

18.3      The employee is responsible to wear these uniforms and report to work with them being clean and neat in appearance. The wearing of the Jumpsuit in lieu of the Uniform will be allowed for activities or times as designated by the District.

 

18.4      All items provided by the District, remains the property of the District and are to be used in accordance with the departmental work rules. Upon separation, all items, other than those worn-out through normal use, must be returned (or paid for) by the employee before their final paycheck will be issued.

 

18.5      The District shall provide all necessary protective equipment to include the following:

 

One      (1) Full set of Bunker Gear

One      (1) Head Sock

One      (1) Pair structural gloves

One      (1) Structural helmet

One      (1) SCBA mask

One      (1) Raincoat

ARTICLE 18       UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

 

18.6      The District shall also provide either to the individual employee or make available to each on duty employee the following equipment:

 

One   (1) Flashlight

One   (1) Pass Alarm Device

One   (1) Pocket Mask or similar safety device

 

18.7      In the event any issued articles are lost, stolen, or otherwise unusable, the employee must notify the District immediately. The District shall determine the cause of such shortage and, if not through negligence of the employee, the District shall replace the item(s). However, if the shortage is due to the employee’s negligence, the employee shall pay for replacement at a maximum of $25.00 per pay period. Replacement of uniforms for any reason “unless damaged due to emergency response” is limited by the fiscal year quantities established in section 18.2 of this article, unless otherwise approved by the Fire Chief. Personal protective equipment will be replaced as soon as possible with cost incurred by the District, unless the employee is found to be negligent in caring for the property of the District.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 19                                       TRADING TIME

 

19.1      A written substitute request must be approved by the shift supervisor, if longer than 4 hours in duration.  If the substitution is to be 4 hours or less it shall not be required to comply with 19.3, but must be verbally approved by the shift supervisor.

 

19.2      Trading of time will be on a rank for rank basis, unless said member is qualified to work in an “acting capacity” or as otherwise approved by the Chief of the department. 

 

19.3      All trade time should be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the date needed.

 

19.4            It is up to the employees of the department to keep track of time owed by employees for whom they have worked.

 

19.5      The district is not liable for one employee paying another employee time owed.  Employees shall enter into these agreements amongst themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 20                                      EDUCATION

 

20.1      The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District shall budget $800.00 each fiscal year, for each employee in the bargaining unit to allow for enhanced education at an approved college or seminar. The employee shall seek to further knowledge in areas represented by the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District.

 

20.2      This allotted $800.00  shall be used to pay for tuition and required course material, so long as the required course material is not in the possession of the district for use by the employee. It may also be utilized in paying the per diem, travel and lodging cost if the seminar/school is out of the Lee/Collier or Charlotte County area. Under certain circumstances a student may have approval granted for a seminar/class in the Collier County area due to the class hours or extreme travel time.  Approval shall be by the Chief or designee.

 

20.3      If the employee is attending a course for college credit, or has successfully completed a seminar, the employee shall be reimbursed for said course and material after he/she passes the course and submits the course grades and or certificate to the district. If the employee does not pass said course he/she is still eligible for reimbursement for course material when it is turned into the  

 

20.4(a)  An employee may transfer up to $400.00 of educational funding to another employee for approved use.

 

20.4(b)  Notwithstanding the provision of subsection 20.4(a) above, the Chief will notify employees no  later than one (1) month prior to the end of the budget year (or August 31 of the particular budget year) of the amount of unused funds remaining budgeted for this article and will request whether any employee who believes he or she is still entitled to receive such funds intends to apply for them to complete course-work by September 30th of that budget year. If within ten (10) days thereof, no replies are received, and available funds remain for that year, the Chief shall so notify the employees. Employees enrolled in courses or enrolling in courses with a completion date of September 30th of the given budget year, may then apply to the Chief for additional funds beyond the $800.00 allotted to help pay for the costs of such course work. The Chief shall allocate funds toward such coursework based on the amount of funds available and the number of persons applying. Any unused Education money will not be held in any account nor transferred to next budget year.

           

20.5     An employee attending an approved class/course shall be reimbursed meals for the appropriate city as defined in Florida Statutes, section 112.061. If the employee utilizes his/her own vehicle for out of town district business travel/class etc. the district shall reimburse the employee mileage cost as defined in Florida Statutes, section 112.061.

 

20.6            Employees will be responsible for repayment for any education and related cost paid by the

district, as it relates to Article 20, if the employee leaves within one year of the completion of said school. The district may deduct this entire amount from the balance of pay still due the employee at time of separation.

 

20.7(a)  Each employee will receive an annual allocation of 48 education hours to be use for time off to

            attend any classes as approved in Article 20.1.

 

20.7(b)  An employee may transfer up to 24hrs of allotted education hours to another employee for     approved use.

 

 

ARTICLE 21                                      INCENTIVE PAY

 

21.1      Employees within the bargaining unit shall be eligible to receive the following hourly incentives.

 

Line Personnel

 

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVES                           JOB-RELATED INCENTIVES

CERTIFICATION                    HOURLY                        TITLE                         HOURLY

EMT                                         .55

EMT II                                     .85                           S.C.B.A. Tech                    1.05

Paramedic                                .80                           Vol. Coordinator                  1.05

Instructor I                                .55                           Boat Coordinator                 1.05

Instructor II                              .65                           Bunker Gear Coord.              .55

Instructor III                                         .75                           Medical Coordinator              .50

Fire Officer I                             .55                           C.P.R. / S.A.E.D. Instructor  .30

Fire Officer II                           .80                           Boat Trainer                         .30

Fire Inspector I                          .55

Fire Inspector II                        .75

Fire Investigator I                     .55                Only the highest level attained paid in

Fire Investigator II                      .75              multi-level certifications: Instructor,

Certified Pump Operator             .55               Officer, EMT, Inspector and Investigator.

Haz-Mat Tech.                           .55

Boat Trainer: Maximum of 2 per shift, which  includes the coordinator.

 

                                                                                                                Vol. And Boat Coordinators position will be

 paid at a lesser amount (.70) if the  

individual does not meet the qualifications

 

Unless specified incentives are available to all Members. SCBA Tech, Bunker Gear coordinator and medical coordinator will have 2 member positions, vol. and Boat coordinator will be 1 member positions                                                                          

                 Inspector

 

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVES                           JOB-RELATED INCENTIVES

CERTIFICATION                    HOURLY                        TITLE                         HOURLY

EMT                                          .55 

EMT II                                      .85                          S.C.B.A. Tech              1.05

Paramedic                                 .80                          Vol. Coordinator            1.05

Instructor I                                 .55                         Boat Coordinator           1.05

Instructor II                               .65                         Bunker Gear Coord.       .55

Instructor III                                          .75                          Medical Coordinator        .55

Fire Officer I                              .55                          C.P.R. / S.A.E.D.           .30

Fire Officer II                            .75                          Boat Personnel                .30

Firefighter                                  .55                          Fire Extinguisher Tech     .30

Fire Inspector II                         .80

Fire Investigator I                       .55

Fire Investigator II                      .75

Certified Pump Operator             .55

Haz-Mat Tech.                           .55

 

ARTICLE 21                                      INCENTIVE PAY

Mechanic

 

            CERTIFICATION                                         HOURLY

 

            E.V.T. Fire Apparatus Tech. I                              .55

            E.V.T. Fire Apparatus Tech. II                             .80

            E.V.T. Fire Apparatus Master III                       1.05

            E.V.T. Ambulance Tech. I                                   .55

            E.V.T. Ambulance Tech. II                                  .80

            E.V.T. Ambulance Master III                            1.05

            A.S.E. Certification                                              .35 each

 

21.2            Once an employee successfully completes one of the above stated courses of education for the current job classification the employee shall submit proof of said completion to the district. The employee’s hourly pay status shall be changed on the start of the next pay cycle.       

 

21.3            The department shall pass on to the employee any funds received from the state for an approved degree

 

21.4            The qualifications for the Job-Related incentives listed in 21.1 shall appear in Appendix “A”

 

21.5            In the event no bargaining unit employees apply or are qualified for the Coordinator’s positions, the department may fill these positions outside the bargaining unit.

 

21.6            Employees being paid for any of the incentives listed in article 21 may be required by management to utilize them during normal work shifts and if possible, during normal work hours.  After hours utilization for certifications such as CPR instructor, basic instructor and the like shall be kept to 3 times or less per year for each incentive applicable. Employees desiring to work on district function that require the use of any incentive shall be compensated at time and one half their standard hourly rate if not on shift.

 

21.7            The qualifications for Hazardous Materials Technician shall be as follows:

 

21.7.1      Meet or exceed OSHA 1910.120 (q)(6)(iii) A-I or NFPA 472, Chapter 4

 

21.7.2      24 hrs of continuing education in Hazardous Materials related to these standards (Haz-Mat. Tech), annually

 

21.7.3      Classes are to be taught by a competent agency (ie, Florida State Fire College, IAFF, etc)

 

21.8(a)  An EMT II incentive certification program shall be set up and implemented in accordance

            with the attached schedule.  The hourly rate will be 0.85 cents per hour.

 

21.8(b)  Employees who successfully complete the EMT II program shall be paid retroactively to the

            date they commenced study under the program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 21                                      INCENTIVE PAY

 

 

21.8(c)  An employee failing his/her initial advancement testing may retest at the first available

testing date after the initial testing but no later than sixty (60) days.  If the employee passes this retest, the employee shall be paid retroactively to the date he or she commenced study under the program.  An employee failing his/her second advancement testing shall have to retake and complete the course program before retesting will be permitted.  Retroactivity will be made effective as to the date of the commencement of the retaken class.

 

21.8(d)  The EMT II course will be provided no more than twice per year as needed.

 

21.8(e)   All bargaining unit members, excluding mechanics and other non-shift

 personnel, will strive to complete the entire EMT II program; meeting

all of the requirements as defined by the Lee County Medical Director.  This shall include

phlebotomy training if the Lee County Medical Director determines it is to be part of the

program.  If such training is determined to be part of the program, it must be passed to

receive the full EMT II certification  The remaining items set forth are included herein. The payment for this program shall be separate from and in addition to the educational supplement provided in Article 20.  This program shall include paid time off if so needed to complete its requirements, should the program not be conducted in-house.  EMT II classes will be provided while on  duty, rotating stations or utilizing off duty overtime personnel so all on duty shift  personnel can attend. If on duty training cannot be obtained due to station location and  instructor availability, overtime will be paid for off duty attendance. All bargaining unit members, exclusive of mechanics and other non-shift personnel, shall be required to commence the program and shall strive to complete it.

 

21.9(a)  Employees who earn an Associates degree shall receive a $.50 per hour education incentive payment.  Employees who earn a Bachelor’s Degree shall receive a $1.00 per hour educational incentive payment.  Employees shall be paid for one degree.  Thus, if an Employee has earned an Associate’s Degree and then earns a Bachelor Degree, the Employee will receive incentive payment only for the Bachelor’s Degree, not both degrees.

 

21.9(b)  To qualify under this incentive program, the degree received must be certified by the State Fire College as an appropriate degree for the fire services profession.

 

 

21.10    In the event that existing coordinator positions become open, Qualified applicants for such positions will be selected based on senority in the district.

                                               

 

21.11    The addition of (1) Bunker gear coordinator and (1) Medical coordinator will require the selection of applicants based on senority in the district.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 22                                                  RETIREMENT PLAN

 

 

22.1.1      On October 1st, 2001 the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District entered into and participated in the Florida Retirement System, Chapter 121 for all new employees and those existing employees who desired to change from the then defined contribution retirement plan which is now known as “Profit Share plan. The employee’s time in the Florida Retirement system thus commenced October 1st, 2001, and did not include any service credit prior to that date.

 

22. 2     Existing employees who have remained in the department’s retirement plan shall have the department’s contribution mirror that of the Florida Retirement System, Chapter 121.

 

22.3      All new employees shall be entered into the Florida retirement system plan.  Those existing employees who elected to remain in the Department’s plan must remain in that plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 23 

 

HEALTH, DENTAL, LIFE & SHORT TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE

 

23.1      Employees shall be provided with health and life insurance coverage after a one-month period of employment. The district shall pay the employee’s coverage. The health coverage for the employee’s dependents, as defined by the District’s current carrier, shall be paid as described in 23.2.

 

23.2      Years of Service           % paid by district                       % paid by employee

 

            0 up to 1                                   0                                              100

            1 up to 3                                   75                                             25

3 and up                                    100                                           0

 

23.3      Employees shall be provided with a $ 25,000 life insurance policy.

 

23.4      The district shall have the right to change insurance carriers as it sees fit, but shall not reduce the coverage’s or coverage levels.

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 24                                      DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE

 

24.1         The disciplinary actions of the district consisting of: suspensions without pay, involuntary demotions, and dismissals shall be subject to arbitration.

 

24.2      The district retains the right to discipline any employee for just cause. An employee is not entitled to any particular number of warnings prior to the imposition of discipline. Discipline shall be progressive. The district shall follow the Fire Fighters “Bill of Rights” when conducting investigations that could result in discipline being issued to a bargaining unit employee.

 

24.3      In determining the appropriateness of discipline, the district shall consider the seriousness and frequency of offenses, the employee's work history, past discipline during the previous sixteen months and any other factor relevant to fair and appropriate discipline.  Progressive discipline should be applied unless circumstances require deviating. The district agrees to discipline employees for just and proper cause.

 

24.4      Disciplinary actions older than sixteen (16) months shall not be considered in determining the appropriateness of discipline.

 

24.5      An employee shall have the right to an informal hearing prior to the imposition of discipline.  At the hearing, the employee shall be informed of the following:

           

            (a)             The employee's right to representation;

            (b)             The charges under consideration; and

            (c)             The general facts that form the basis of the disciplinary action.

 

24.6      An employee subject to questioning regarding a disciplinary matter shall be informed of his right to representation except when an employee is questioned at or immediately about the time an incident occurs for the sole purpose of gathering informal facts.

 

24.7      For the purpose of this Article, one (1) day is equal to twelve (12) hours for 56-hour members and (8) hours for 40-hour per week members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 24                                      DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE

 

24.8      The following are some, but not all of the listed conducts or offenses prohibited along with the suggested progressive discipline. The penalty for any district infraction shall always consider progressive discipline if the district believes the employee can be rehabilitated.

 

1.       AWOL, 2 or fewer hours: 1st; written warning and no pay for time missed, 2nd; written reprimand and no pay for time missed, 3rd; 1 shift day off and no pay for time missed, 4th; 5 shift days off and no pay for time missed, 5th; dismissal.

2.       AWOL, more than 2 hours: 1st; written reprimand and no pay for time missed, 2nd; 1 shift off and no pay for time missed, 3rd; 5 shift days off and no pay for time missed, 4th; dismissal.

3.       Personal appearance: 1st; written warning, 2nd; written reprimand, 3rd; 1 shift day off, 4th; 3 shift days off, 5th; dismissal.

4.       Gambling (when in violation of Florida Statutes 849): 1st; written reprimand, 2nd; 1 shift day off, 3rd; 3 shift days off, 4th; dismissal.

5.      Horseplay- when such activity contributes to the ineffectiveness or injury of the employee, the public, another employee or damage to property occurs:     1st; 1 shift off, 2nd; 3 shift days off, 3rd; dismissal.

6.      Battery upon an individual (causing bodily injury): 1st; 3 shifts off up to dismissal, 2nd; dismissal.

7.      Unauthorized possession of weapons:           1st; 3 shifts off up to dismissal, 2nd; dismissal.

8.      Use of tobacco in unauthorized areas:           1st; written warning, 2nd; written reprimand, 3rd; 1 shift off, 4th; 3 shifts off, 5th; dismissal.

9.      Fabricating, destroying, withholding or falsifying evidence, documents or records:           1st; written reprimand up to 1 shift day off, 2nd; 3 shifts off, 3rd; dismissal.

10.  Possession, use, being under the influence of  any improper substance, whether drugs or alcohol, this conduct shall be read consistent with this agreements Alcohol / Drug testing provisions as set forth in Article 32: 1st; 1 shift off and completion of EAP program, 2nd; dismissal.

11.  Endangering the health and safety of others:            1st; written reprimand, 2nd; 1 shift off, 3rd; 3 shifts off, 4th; dismissal.

12.  Stealing: 1st; written reprimand up to dismissal, 2nd; dismissal.

13.  Placed under arrest for any felony or a misdemeanor relating to misleading of false statements:  The district shall have the right to suspend the employee with pay until the charges are resolved.

14.  Insubordination: 1st; written reprimand up to 1 shift off, 2nd; 1 to 3 shifts off, 3rd; 5 shifts off; 4th; dismissal.

15.  Sexual Harassment: 1st; written reprimand up to dismissal, 2nd; 3 shift off up to dismissal, 3rd; dismissal.

16.   Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor relating to misleading and/or false statements or pleading no contest to any charge of a felony. It shall not matter whether or not the employee is formally adjudicated guilty or there is a withholding of adjudication of guilt by the court. Dismissal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 25                                      MILITARY LEAVE

 

25.1      Employees who are members of any Armed Forces Reserve shall be entitled to all rights as stated in the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) of 1994, as amended, and applicable Florida Statutes pertaining to the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 26                                      STATION FACILITIES

 

 

26.1      Living facilities shall be provided for those employees working, during their assigned shifts or tours of duty. Such facilities shall include: well-ventilated, air-conditioned and adequate sleeping quarters, showers, bathrooms, dining areas, study areas, kitchen, and lounge with color television.

 

26.2      At each station, one of the above listed areas may serve one or more of the listed functions described above.

 

26.3      In the event it becomes necessary for the District to modify or change any of the existing living facilities, it shall assure that the total living facilities of each station shall not be reduced below the equivalent of those existing, as of the effective date hereof.

 

26.4      Employees shall keep fire station or stations and all their quarters in well-maintained appearance.

 

26.5      All 24-hour employees will be furnished with full size lockers.

 

26.6      A Union desk / file cabinet, at the expense of the Union, will be allowed at one of the fire stations. All consideration will be given to placing this desk within the boundary of the living quarters as described above.

 

26.7      The District shall, without cost to the employees, provide adequate and safe parking facilities within reasonable distance of its owned or operated buildings and facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 27                                      PREVAILING RIGHTS

 

27.1      All rights, privileges, fringe benefits and working conditions enjoyed by the employees shall remain in full force and unaffected, unless changed by mutual consent in writing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 28                                      GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

28.1      Meetings between parties: At reasonable request of either party, the Union and the District, shall meet at a mutually agreed-to time and place, to discuss matters that require immediate discussion.  This shall not necessarily constitute collective bargaining but shall instead be a forum for both parties to work to resolve issues in good faith for the best interests of all.

 

28.2      Line of Duty Death: The District agrees to pay all medical and hospitalization insurance coverage for the dependents of an employee who is killed in the line of duty as outlined in Florida State Statutes, Chapter 112, Section l91.

 

28.3      The District shall defend and hold harmless employees sued as a result of the operations of the District, but only to the extent that the employee is currently covered under the District's liability coverage.

 

28.4      Anniversary Date: The anniversary date of an employee shall be determined from the first day of his employment provided his employment is continuous. Adjustments shall be made for temporary leaves of absence, that exceeds 6 (six) months granted leave, unless otherwise provided herein. The employee returning from a leave of absence shall have his or her Anniversary Date adjusted to reflect the amount of time he was on leave.

 

28.5      If any Article or section of this Agreement should be found invalid, unlawful, or not enforceable, by reason of any existing or subsequently enacted legislation or by judicial authority, all other articles and sections of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for the duration of this agreement.

 

28.6      In the event of invalidation of any Article or section, both the District and the Union agree to meet within thirty days (30) of such determination for the purpose of arriving at a mutually satisfactory replacement for such Article or Section.

 

28.7      The District will give notice to the Union and permit Union involvement in any discussion or workshop on any services the District may consider with respect to subcontracting services that were previously performed by bargaining unit personnel or are included in their job description. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ARTICLE 29                                      ANNUAL PHYSICAL EVALUATIONS

 

29.1      The District shall provide all its employees with an annual physical evaluation according to the guidelines and conditions set forth herein.  In this regard, regular medical evaluations will be coordinated by an MD or DO who agrees to follow the NFPA 1582 guidelines for Comprehensive Occupational Medical Programs and who is accredited by the American Board of Medical Specialists or the American Osteopathic Association.  All or part of the evaluation may be done by a private physician if all such information is promptly forwarded to the Fire District’s designated MD or DO.  The District’s Health and Safety Officer will maintain active liaison with the designated MD or DO.

 

 With the foregoing in mind, all District employees will be evaluated according to the following schedules for evaluation:

 

I.  Basic Annual Evaluation

           

The basic evaluation will include the items listed within this subsection.

History and physical exam

CBC and urinalysis

Chem 12 panel

Lipid panel

Vision screen

PAP smear (women)

Immunizations and Infectious disease screen per NFPA 1582(7.11)

Work place drug/alcohol testing as required by Florida law and district policy.  This test

will be undertaken and evaluated as part of the CBC and urinalysis evaluation noted above.

 

            II.   The following items will be provided every two years for evaluations.

                        Audiogram

                        Spirometry

                        EKG

           

III.  Intermittent evaluations

PSA (men) annually above 40 years

Chest x-ray-Baseline and then every five years unless change in medical status would  

 dictate otherwise

Mammograms (women)

Baseline (once) between 35 and 40 years

Every two years between 40 years and 50 years

Every year after 50 years

Cardiac stress testing - Treadmill with both EKG and ECHO or isotope imaging

Less than 50 years if 2 or more risk factors present:

Abnormal lipids, high BP, smoking within last 3 years,

diabetes or family history (MI or sudden death in first degree relative

After 50 years - Baseline study and then every 5 years if no change in risk factors or symptoms

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 29                                      ANNUAL PHYSICAL EVALUATIONS

 

29.2       Basic Annual Evaluations scheduled through the Districts Physician will be scheduled by

The District.  Any Employee requesting to use an approved outside Physician shall be

responsible for any scheduling.

 

29.3       Basic Annual Evaluations will be scheduled to be completed while personnel are on duty.

              If scheduling of Evaluations necessitates/overtime will be paid for any off duty hours.

 

29.4        Intermittent Evaluations will be scheduled to be completed while personnel are on duty.

              If scheduling necessitates/ overtime will be paid for any off duty hours.             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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