HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 7264: CAM An Ord Approving CBA with IAFF 397City of Port Arthur
Memorandum
To: Mr. Ron Burton, City Manager DATE: July 25, 2024
From: Dr. Albert Thigpen, Assistant City Manager--Administration
Re: Adoption of Proposed Ordinance No. 7264 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
LOCAL 397 EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027.
Comment
Recommendation: It is recommended the City Council of the City of Port Arthur adopt Proposed Ordinance No. 7264 which approves the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Port Arthur and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 397.
Background: The City of Port Arthur is a “civil service” municipality which engages in collective bargaining with recognized bargaining units pursuant to Local Government Code Chapter 174. Collective bargaining covers compensation and other conditions of employment. The negotiating team approved by City Council and the representatives of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 397 engaged in good faith bargaining beginning on April 12, 2024; reaching tentative agreement on July 1, 2024. The tentative agreement was ratified by vote of the bargaining unit and the formal letter indicating ratification has been provided. The collective bargaining agreement tentatively agreed to, pending City Council approval, covers a three (3) year period. It addresses several mutual goals such as recruiting competitiveness, employee growth/development, increased response ability in emergency situations and employee retention. Although, a significant portion of the the Collective Bargaining Agreement is substantially “status quo”, there were changes which we would like to note: ◊ The duration of the contract is there years. [Article 3] ◊ The contract provides that all accrued terminal sick leave will be paid.at full rate. The goal is to encourage employees to use sick leave wisely and reduce overtime arising from absences. Due to the average age of employees in the department this article change will have limited impact during the duration of the contract. [Articles 8] ◊ The contract removes the requirements regarding the assignment of excess holidays. Department administration indicates there has not been a known use of this provision. It also provides that scheduling of holidays shall not cause overtime when scheduled. [Article 10] ◊ The contract provides the process for overtime staffing currently in use and which Department administration indicates creates uniformity across all shifts. [Article 12]
◊The contract changes the day for the meeting of the joint Safety Committee to the second Thursday of the month. [Article 19] ◊The contract removes the language “…including certified divers who are not actually involved in diving,…” as it is deemed redundant as divers involved are covered in Section II and departmental protocols cover divers who are assisting in the process. It also adds the word “team” to clarify airpack repair assignment reference.. [ Article 22] ◊The contract provides for an increase of the Certification Pay which will then remain constant for the duration of the agreement. The ECA classification applies to approximately 6 individuals and will be eliminated by attrition. The other increases are in line with the City’s goals of increasing its ability to provide aid, and care, in emergency medical response situations. The majority of these certification pays did not receive an increase in the previous, or prior, collective bargaining agreement. Emergency Care Attendant (ECA) changes from $37.50 to $50.00 Emergency Medical Technician changes from $75.00 to $100.00 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) changes from $150 to $175. Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) changes from $200 to $250. Hazardous Materials Response changes from $25.00 to $50.001 Haz-Mat Technician changes from $50.00 to $75.001 1 An employee can only receive one of these. Fire Inspector of Fire Investigator changes from $37.50 to $50.00 Fire Investigator changes from $37.50 to $50.00 Arson Investigator changes from $62.50 to $75.00. Marine Firefighter changes from $50.00 to $75.00. [Article 23] ◊The contract provides for the ordering of departmental standard uniform clothing and boots on an annual basis and coats every other year with order being placed on or before October 31st of the contract year. [Article 25] ◊The contract provides that may schedule compensatory time up to sixty (60) days in advance, excluding City recognized holidays. [Article 27] ◊The contract provides for the following salary increases during the term of the Agreement: 2024-2025 (Year 1) 3% 2025-2026 (Year 2) 3.5% 2026-2027 (Year 3) 3.5% These increases will allow the City to remain competitive with various governmental entities as well as with industry. [Article 30] ◊The contract provides that employees may be granted up to six (6) personal business days without pay rather than the prior five (5) as six (6) days more closely aligns with an actual tour of duty. The contract provides that the City will match employee base salary contributions to either Mission Square or Nationwide Retirement Solutions [457 deferred compensation plans] as follows: Year 1 – 2.5%, Year 2-5%, Year 3-5%. This change again makes the City more competitive with competing entities in regard to attracting and retaining employees. [Article 34]
◊ The contract provides that an applicant holding a Paramedic certification through TDSHS will receive five (5) additional points added to a passing score. This change is in line with the goal to increase the City’s ability to provide aid and care in emergency situations. [Article 38] ◊ The contract provides that the sampling for random drug and alcohol tests be changed from manual random sampling to automatic random sampling. [Article 41] ◊The contract has corrections of minor typographical errors
Budgetary/Fiscal Effect:
The anticipated budgetary impacts are as follows: ● Year 1-- 3% increase $ 278,700.00 ● Year 2 – 3.5% increase $ 335,000.00 ● Year 3 – 3.5% increase $ 346,000.00
$ 959,700.00 ● Year 1 2.5% 457 Plan Match2 $ 110,000.00 ● Year 2 5.0% 457 plan Match2 $ 110,000.00 ● Year 3 5.0% 457 plan Match2 $ 70,000.00
$ 290,000.00 ●Year 1 (Cert. pays)3 $ 4,500.00 ●Year 2 (Cert. pays)3 $ 4,500.00 ●Year 3 (Cert. pays)3 $ 4,500.00
$ 13,500.00 2. This is the net cost after FICA tax savings. Contributions are “pre-tax” dollars. 3. This is a very conservative estimate which assumes each employee could receive each certification which is not possible, but gives the most conservative estimate.
Funds will be available and budgeted in the departmental fiscal year budget.
Staffing/Employee Effect:
There are no direct impacts on staffing levels; however, as noted the addition of certification pay, salary increases as well as the 457 Plan Match will greatly enhance the City’s competitiveness for new employees as well as assist in employee retention.
Summary:
It is recommended the City Council of the City of Port Arthur adopt Proposed Ordinance No. 7264 which approves the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Port Arthur and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 397.
“Remember, we are here to serve the citizens of Port Arthur."