HomeMy Public PortalAbout188-2017 - Fire Union ContractAGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA
AND
RICHMOND PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, INC.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS
AFL-CIO
LOCAL 1408
JANUARY 01, 2018
THROUGH
DECEMBER 319 2019
CONTRACT N0. 188-2017
I
INDEX
ARTICLE
1
UNION AND CITY RELATIONSHIP
PAGE 1
ARTICLE
2
UNION RECOGNITION
PAGE 1
ARTICLE
3
DEFINITIONS
PAGE 1
ARTICLE
4
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
PAGE 3
ARTICLE
5
UNION MEMBERSHIP SECURITY
PAGE 3
ARTICLE
6
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
PAGE 3
ARTICLE
7
DISCRIMINATION
PAGE 3
ARTICLE
8
PERMITTED ATTENDANCE ON DUTY
PAGE 3
ARTICLE
9
UNION BUSINESS AND FIREFIGHTER'S
PAGE 4
RIGHTS
ARTICLE
10
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
PAGE 5
ARTICLE
11
WORK WEEK/WORK FORCE PLANNING
PAGE 5
ARTICLE
12
HOLIDAYSBIRTHDAY/PERSONAL DAYS
PAGE 6
ARTICLE
13
EXCHANGE OF WORK TIME
PAGE 7
ARTICLE
14
COMPANY AND PLATOON EXCHANGE
PAGE 8
ARTICLE
15
PERSONAL ARTICLES
PAGE 8
ARTICLE
16
FIRE HOUSE MAINTENANCE
PAGE 8
ARTICLE
17
BULLETIN BOARD SPACE AND
PAGE 8
UNION MEETING SPACE
ARTICLE
18
NEGOTIATIONS
PAGE 8
ARTICLE
19
CALL BACK/OVERTIME
PAGE 9
ARTICLE
20
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE
PAGE 9
ARTICLE
21
STATION FACILITIES AND
PAGE 10
SUPPLIES
INDEX
ARTICLE
22
RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 10
ARTICLE
23
PREVAILING RIGHTS
PAGE 10
ARTICLE
24
SAVINGS CLAUSE
PAGE 11
ARTICLE
25
BINDING AGREEMENT
PAGE 11
ARTICLE
26
EDUCATION INCENTIVE
PAGE 11
ARTICLE
27
VACATIONS
PAGE 12
ARTICLE
28
MEDICAL INSURANCE
PAGE 14
ARTICLE
29
SENIORITY, PROMOTIONS/DEMOTIONS
PAGE 16
ARTICLE
30
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS/
PHYSICAL ABILITY
PAGE 17
ARTICLE
31
NO STRIKE CLAUSE, LOCKOUT
PAGE 18
OR REDUCTIONS
ARTICLE
32
WAGES
PAGE 18
ARTICLE
33
SHIFT TRAINERS
PAGE 20
ARTICLE
34
LIGHT DUTY/LIMITED DUTY
PAGE 20
ARTICLE 35
EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION
PAGE 21
EXHIBITS
PAGE 22 -30
PROFESSIONAL NEGOTIATION CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT, executed as of the 1" day of January, 2018, although signatures
may be subsequently affixed, is between the City of Richmond, Indiana, (hereinafter referred to
as "City") and the Richmond Professional Firefighters, Inc., Local 1408 of the International
Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO, on behalf of those members of the Richmond Fire
Department, (hereinafter referred to as the "Union").
WHEREAS, the members of the Fire Department of the City of Richmond; Indiana are
engaged in providing an essential public service to the community which
affects the health, safety, comfort, and general well-being of the citizens of
said City; and
WHEREAS, a majority of the members of said Fire Department belong to and actively
support the said Union and its policy; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to set forth in writing the City's administrative policy in
dealing with the Union, and the terms and conditions of employment for the
Firefighters during the term of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained herein,
including the above recitals, the parties agree to the following which shall be binding upon the
City and all Firefighters.
ARTICLE 1
THE UNION AND CITY RELATIONSHIP
The Union and the City agree to cooperate fully for harmonious relations, good working
conditions, fair and impartial discipline, efficient firefighting service and fire department standard
of care services for the citizens of the City of Richmond, Indiana.
ARTICLE 2
UNION RECOGNITION
The City hereby recognizes that the Union represents a majority of the firefighters of the
City. The City, therefore, recognizes the Union as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for all
firefighters (as defined in Article 3 hereof) of the City in all matters pertaining to rate of pay,
wages, hours of employment and other conditions of employment of said employees, and further
agrees to bargain with no other such agent for said employees during the life of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 3
DEFINITIONS
The term "Bargaining Unit", "Employee", "Firefighter(s)", or member of the Fire
Department wherever used in this agreement shall apply to all personnel in the Fire Department,
but shall exclude the following who shall not be covered by this Agreement
(provided, the following who are members of the Union shall not be excluded for purposes of
Article 28 (B) and Article 30):
(a) Fire Chief
(b) Assistant Fire Chief
(c) Battalion Chiefs
(d) Deputy Chief of EMS
(e) Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention
(f) Deputy Chief of Training
(g) Civilian part time or full time employees
(h) Secretarial/Clerical
As used in this Agreement, the term "Fire Chief' or "Chief' shall mean the Chief of the
Fire Department or, in his absence, his authorized representative by established chain of
command.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Supervisor" shall mean a Lieutenant,
Engineer/Driver-Operator or Firefighter II (with five (5) or more years of service with the
Richmond Fire Department) having a State Master Certification in Tactics, Inspection and
Investigation or a Lieutenant, Engineer/Driver-Operator or Firefighter H (with five (5) or more
years of service with the Richmond Fire Department) having met and been certified by the State
of Indiana to have met NFPA Fire Officer One requirements or any Lieutenant "Grandfathered"
to that current rank. After December 31, 2000, any member not already eligible to work as a
"Supervisor" with five (5) or more years of service with the Richmond Fire Department shall be
required to complete course work and hold Certification by the State of Indiana as Fire Officer I
and H and EMT prior to working as a "Supervisor" or being eligible for promotion to Lieutenant.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Certified Firefighter" is a Firefighter who has been
certified to drive and operate specific apparatus based upon Richmond Fire Department's
Certification, which is based upon NFPA 1002.
As used in this agreement, the term "Training Committee" refers to a committee made up
of five members of the Richmond Fire Department, (two from the Bargaining Unit, two from the
Chief s office and the fifth being chosen and agreed upon annually by the four). The parties
agree to place a high priority on a quality training program for all fire department personnel who
are and who may be assigned to the prevention and suppression of fires. The responsibility of
this committee will be to assure a continuous training program for both new and seasoned
Firefighters. The training will be directly under the direction of the Assistant Chief and or Deputy
Chief of Training and administered with the assistance of the "Shift Trainers".
As used in this agreement, the term "Temporary Assignment" shall mean that the
temporary movement of personnel shall not be for more than ninety (90) calendar days in any
given 365 day period. The member displaced by such a temporary assignment shall not be the
subject of such assignment more than once in a calendar year. This does not apply to the Chiefs
movement of personnel for betterment of the department or members permanently assigned to
Squad.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Station Dress" consists of three (3) uniform pants,
three (3) uniform shirts, three (3) uniform T-shirts and three (3) uniform sweatshirts.
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ARTICLE 4
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Union recognizes the statutory procedures outlining the authority of the various
Departments, officials, and employees of the City as well as the specific right of the Fire Chief
and the Board of Public Works and Safety to hire, discipline, transfer, promote, demote, suspend,
and discharge, as well as to direct the working force of the Richmond Fire Department, subject to
the procedures as hereinafter set forth concerning the grievance procedure and seniority.
ARTICLE 5
UNION MEMBERSHIP SECURITY
All Employees who are covered by this Agreement, who are members of the Union, shall
pay Union dues. Non-members may be assessed a service charge to the Union, in an amount
equal to their fair share of negotiations and costs associated with defending this contract.
All new Firefighters, after expiration of the probationary period, who are hired on or after
the date of the execution of the agreement shall be required, as a condition of their employment,
to either become members of the Union, or, in the alternative, pay a service charge to the Union
in an amount equal to their fair share of costs associated with negotiations and defending this
contract.
ARTICLE 6
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
The City will honor individual authorizations to deduct dues or service charges in an
amount as established by the membership of the Union, voluntarily executed by the Employee,
provided the same conforms to applicable law and provided further that such authorization may
be revoked by the Employee upon written notice to the City and the Union of the Employee's
desire to do so. The Union shall maintain a file of such authorizations and shall provide copies of
the same to the City upon request.
ARTICLE 7
DISCRIMINATION
The City agrees not to discriminate against any Firefighter for any reason according to all
Federal, State and Local laws.
ARTICLE 8
PERMITTED ATTENDANCE ON DUTY
Firefighters, while on duty, shall be permitted to attend meetings between the Board of
Works and Safety when there is Fire Department business on the agenda, this shall be limited to
those members directly involved in said Fire Department Business as certified by the Chief.
Firefighters directly involved, as certified by the Chief, may also attend any meetings that are part
of the grievance procedure. Firefighters on duty who are certified to the Chief by the Union
President as being members of the Union Negotiations Team shall be permitted to attend
scheduled meetings with representatives of the City. Firefighters serving on such boards or
committees of the Union, certified to the Chief by the Union President, shall be permitted to
attend meetings of such boards or committees as have been reasonably scheduled and advance
notification given to the Chief. Firefighters on duty shall remain in service while attending any
such meetings.
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ARTICLE 9
UNION BUSINESS & FIREFIGHTER'S RIGHTS
SECTION I — Union Business
A. A maximum of three (3) Firefighters shall be afforded time off with pay to attend the
State Convention of the Union; and a maximum of two (2) Firefighters shall be afforded time off
with pay to attend the National Convention of the Union, said Firefighters having been certified
to the Chief by the Union President at least fourteen (14) days in advance of such conventions.
Such time off with pay shall be limited to the Firefighter's normal duty days which occur during
the regularly scheduled sessions of such conventions, and shall not include travel days.
The Union shall submit to the Chief a written report and provide handouts issued at such
conventions for the City's copying purposes, of information learned or discussed which is of
general informative nature beneficial to the City, for any such convention for which time off has
been granted.
B. Additionally, the Union President and one (1) designee shall be granted time off with
pay to attend classes or seminars on negotiations and how to conduct business for the Union.
There is to be a maximum of one (1) class or seminar. allowed per year.
C. Upon reasonable notice to the City's designated management representative of at least
twenty four (24) hours (unless circumstances preclude such 24 hours' notice, in which case the
City shall be given reasonable notice under the prevailing circumstances), Union representatives
who are not regular employees may have access to areas of City owned or occupied property
generally restricted to the public for purpose of conducting Union business. The Union
representative shall identify the area of requested access and shall state the reason for the
requested access. A representative of the City management may escort the Union representative
to such non-public area and may remain with the representative during his/her presence in that
area, except during those times when the Union representative is engaged in private conversation
with a bargaining unit member. Access under this section shall be carried out in accordance with
the City's applicable safety policies. Such access shall not constitute an unreasonable
interference or disruption of the conducting of regular business operations in or on the area of
special access.
SECTION II — Rights of Firefighters
A. If a Firefighter is charged with a crime for conduct occurring during the course of the
Firefighter's duties with the City and such conduct was at the express direction of the
Firefighter's supervisor or other member of City management in a situation wherein such City
management members are not also criminally charged, then the City shall provide a Firefighter a
defense to such action by an attorney selected by the City. The City shall also indemnify the
Firefighter for any such fine that might be imposed as a result.
B. A firefighter who is not on duty shall not be subject to discipline without pay or loss of rank
for off -duty behavior or activity unless it results in a criminal conviction or plea, or adversely
affects the fulfillment of the Firefighter's work responsibility. However, a Firefighter may be
subject to discipline where a Firefighter is suspended, with or without pay, pending resolution of
criminal charges for alleged activity that occurred while the Firefighter was off -duty. If said
member has been suspended without pay and is exonerated of all criminal charges member will
be awarded all due back pay.
El
ARTICLE 10
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The grievance procedure for Firefighters shall consist of three (3) steps outlined in the following
procedure. Each step and each time limit is mandatory and non-waivable by any party.
Step One — all grievances must be filed in writing within ten (10) administrative working
days of the event or occurrence forming the basis for the grievance, and shall be settled within ten
(10) administrative working days, by direct meeting and contact between the employee and Local
Steward, if requested by said employee, and the employee's Lieutenant, and if the Lieutenant so
desires, the Battalion Chief for the particular employee. This step must take place with an officer
of high enough rank that has the authority to resolve a grievance.
Step Two — if the grievance is not satisfactorily settled by completion of the first step
outlined above, then the complaint of the employee shall be presented to the Fire Chief or his/her
designee in written form within ten (10) regular office days after the initial meeting between the
employee and the parties as provided in step one. The complainant shall describe, in detail, the
nature of the alleged violation, e.g.: violation of this Agreement, of SOP, etc; and why the
employee believes it is a violation.
The Fire Chief or his/her designee shall thereupon arrange a meeting with the aggrieved
employee, his or her Union Representative, any witnesses, and/or any representative said
employee may select to help present his or her case, which said meeting shall not be later than ten
(10) regular office days after the Fire Chief or his/her designee has received the grievance.
Answers to any grievance by the Fire Chief or his/her designee shall be made in writing to the
Union within ten (10) regular office days after said meeting. This Union must reply in writing
within ten (10) regular office days thereafter as to what action, if any, it intends to take. At all
times, through the above two stages, both parties shall acknowledge in some form, that the
grievance procedure steps are being taken.
Step Three — if a satisfactory settlement is not reached through completion of step two
above described, then said grievance shall be forwarded within thirty (30) administrative working
days to the Board of Public Works and Safety of the said City in written form, and within
Fourteen (14) administrative working days after receiving said grievance, the Board of Public
Works and Safety shall hold a final meeting between the said Board, the aggrieved employee, and
the Union Grievance Committee, witnesses, and/or any representative said employee may select
to help present his case. The Board shall make final answer within twenty-one (21) administrative
working days after said final meeting. This does not preclude the aggrieved employee's rights to
initiate civil action.
ARTICLE 11
WORK WEEK / WORK FORCE PLANNING
Each Firefighter shall be regularly assigned to an average fifty-six (56) hour work week.
Engine companies will be assigned a Lieutenant/Supervisor, an Engineer/Driver or Certified
Firefighter and minimum of one (1) Firefighter, to remain in service Engine Companies will have
a Lieutenant/Supervisor, an Engineer/Driver or Certified Firefighter and one (1) Firefighter.
Rescue will be assigned two (2) personnel being a Lieutenant/Supervisor, and Engineer/Driver or
Certified Firefighter. All BLS (Basic Life Support) Squads will be assigned two (2) personnel,
both being a minimum EMT certified. All ALS (Advanced Life Support) Squads will be
assigned two (2) personnel, at least one (1) being Paramedic Certified, and the other a minimum
of EMT Certified. The Richmond Fire Department shall consist of three (3) platoons and the City
hereby agrees not to increase or decrease the number of platoons during the duration of this
Agreement.
The full force of the Firefighters Bargaining Unit shall consist of at least seventy-two (72)
members covered by this Agreement as shown below:
18 Lieutenants
18 Engineers
36 Firefighters
The squads will be bid out. When a new member is hired, the most senior of the assigned
members on a Squad, if all positions are filled on Squads will be given a choice of remaining on
the unit or moving to another apparatus. Probationary members will be assigned to Squads when
hired.
Paramedics will be assigned to Squads and remain on these units until there are enough
paramedics with less seniority to make it possible to move to another apparatus. (This provision
will supersede Article 3 "Temporary Assignment" for Paramedics only.)
When vacancies occur, on the department, the Chief shall proceed immediately to fill the
vacancies pursuant to a Resolution of the Board of Works and Safety dated July 11, 1985,
allowing vacancies to be filled within forty-five (45) days after the official open date of the
vacancy. Any new apparatus, with the exception of squads, or positions created within the
Department that is not considered a management position shall be negotiated with the union prior
to implementation, any such non -management positions will become part of the bargaining unit.
As of the effective date of this agreement, the City agrees not close any Firehouse or
Apparatus and to maintain staffing at its current level. However, the City and the Richmond
Professional Firefighter's Union agree to reopen this language to address and resolve this issue
within the Fire Department caused by bonafide budgetary constraints.
ARTICLE 12
BIRTHDAY
Also, each Firefighter shall be granted one (1) duty day off per year with pay in observance of
his/her Birthday. This duty day off must be chosen at the time of the drawing of vacations.
Firefighters will not be granted this time off while three (3) Firefighters are off on vacation unless
approved by the Fire Chief.
Each Firefighter shall be allowed up to five (5) personal days. Personal days must meet the
following criteria:
As per Agreement, the personal days are limited to no more than five (5) per person per year.
Personal days that are not used shall not be carried over to the next year.
A personal day may not be requested more than thirty (30) days in advance with final approval
given twenty (20) days prior to requested date. An effort is to be made by said member
2
to give at least twelve (12) hours' notice prior to the duty day requested. Any personal
day requested with less than twelve (12) hours prior to the duty day will be handled by
the Chiefs Office.
Personal days shall not be allowed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial
Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
A personal day may be paid back by using vacation days ( if the day requested requires overtime
or results in overtime for the City, the day paid back must alleviate overtime and may
have to be rescheduled. Time for said personal day will be recorded on the member's
original scheduled work day, pay back time will be noted but not recorded on the time
cycle sheet.
A personal day shall not be granted if it creates more than four (4) people off duty. No more than
three (3) people shall be off on personal day per day.
Any member granted a personal day must notify the Chief within seven (7) days as to which day
they will pay back or the Chiefs representative may assign member date of pay back
giving the member two or more dates to choose from, with no compulsory date resulting
in less than ten (10) days notification. No compulsory date will require the member to
work seventy-two (72) consecutive hours or during a scheduled vacation.
Personal days shall not be used for the purpose of fulfilling exchange of time obligations.
At no time shall a member owe the Fire Department more than two (2) unscheduled payback
days.
When paying back personal days, the member paying back the day will be assigned at the Chiefs
discretion.
Firefighters are allowed to bank vacation days up to five (5) to use within the guidelines of
Article 12.
Note: The intent of these guidelines is to insure that no more than four (4) members are
scheduled to be off on any Trick for any reason. These guidelines will also insure that the use of
personal days will not increase the overtime for filling the day by day minimum manning position
throughout the year. The Fire Chief will be responsible for clarification of any ambiguity or
interpretation of these guidelines or clarification of the general use of the personal days to insure
the intent is met. It is not the sole responsibility of the Fire Chief to monitor these guidelines.
If staffing needs change for any reason the Chief reserves the right to suspend or eliminate the use
of personal days.
ARTICLE 13
EXCHANGE OF WORK TIME
All personnel exchanging time shall be certified/qualified to work the requested exchange
position.
7
Exchange of time shall be subject to the approval of the company officer and final
approval by the Battalion Chief, with approvals and denials to be in writing and no limitation
placed on the number of exchanges.
ARTICLE 14
COMPANY AND PLATOON EXCHANGE
Firefighters of the same rank shall have the right to exchange platoons and company
assignments, and upon mutual consent of both Firefighters involved, shall present such requests
in writing to the Fire Chief, who may grant such requests in writing within seven (7) calendar
days when, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, the exchange does not interfere with the operation of
the Fire Department or undermine (skirt) the bid system.
ARTICLE 15
PERSONAL ARTICLES
The City shall repair or replace eyeglasses, hearing aids and dental appliances broken or
lost in the line of duty, as certified by the Firefighters Lieutenant and/or Battalion Chief, but shall
not pay for re-examination. The City shall repair or replace personal watches;broken or lost in
the line of duty, up to a maximum value of fifty dollars ($50.00).
ARTICLE 16
FIRE HOUSE MAINTENANCE
No Firefighter shall be required to perform any major maintenance on any City facility,
equipment or improvements, including but not limited to painting the exterior of buildings,
roofing of buildings, making structural changes, paving, or pouring of concrete. The City shall
provide suitable painting apparel when painting is required.
ARTICLE 17
BULLETIN BOARD SPACE AND UNION MEETING SPACE
The City agrees to provide adequate space in each Firehouse for the Union to hang a
bulletin board for the Union notices, information, etc.
When requested, and subject to availability and prior approval of a designated member of
City management, the City shall provide the Union with meeting space in locations customarily
used for employee meetings.
The City also agrees that Firefighters on duty be allowed to attend Union meetings and
Union functions but must remain in service.
ARTICLE 18
NEGOTIATIONS
After an agreement has been reached between the Union and the City on matters
pertaining to wages, working conditions, and fringe benefits, neither party shall thereafter
alter or change the agreement, including the presenting of the City's budget to the
Common Council. In the event a contract has not been agreed upon after the current
contract has expired, the City and Union agree to adhere to the terms of the expired
M.
contract up to fifteen (15) months as long as both parties continue to meet and movement
and progress are continuing.
ARTICLE 19
CALL BACK/OVERTIME
Any Firefighter shall be subject to being called back to perform services under
emergency conditions as deemed necessary by the Fire Chief or other designated officer.
Payment of overtime when earned for emergency call-back or other overtime service shall be paid
at the rate of time and one half the Employee's normal hourly rate.
For purposes of being paid overtime, hours (or days) spent on work related education or
scheduled vacation will apply to the necessary Fair Labor Standards Act hours requirement.
Stated otherwise, if a Firefighter's monthly duty mandatory minimum time is met either through
work, vacation, or schooling, and the Firefighter is called back for an additional day, overtime
pay will apply to that day. This procedure will also apply if "sick time" is part of the monthly
time calculated, with the exception that if the sick day is the work day immediately before or after
the extra day worked, the overtime pay will not apply to that extra day.
ARTICLE 20
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE
The City shall provide and/or replace to members of the Fire Department equipment
necessary to perform their duties, in accordance with I.C. 36-8-4-4(a).
The City shall provide protective clothing as required by OSHA (currently: helmet,
turnout coat, gloves). The City shall also provide to members badges, name bars, bunker pants,
bunker (night) boots, suspenders, nomex hoods, and flashlights. All items provided by the City
shall remain property of the City and subject to the provisions of I.C. 36-8-4-4(b). The City
reserves the right to require the use by members of items so provided under specified
circumstances.
Any changes in uniform patches or insignia must be approved by a majority vote of the
Union membership.
Additionally, clothing/uniform/equipment items to be provided by the City shall be
ordered only upon approval of the Board of Public Works and Safety of the City.
The City shall pay to each member annually the sum of $700.00, in a separate check from
wages, for the purchase and maintenance of uniforms and clothing; such payment to be made
annually no later than the first day of April. In the event any Firefighter shall separate
employment from the department for any reason before the end of the year, any clothing
allowance received shall be reimbursed to the City by the Firefighter on a pro-rata basis, and any
clothing allowance not yet paid by the City shall be paid by the City to the Firefighter on a pro-
rata basis. If Firefighters are required as a result of government or department regulation or
action to change station dress, the cost in excess of station dress as worn at the time of this
Agreement shall be paid by the City. Clothing type and make shall be approved by the Chief's
office and clothing committee but may be purchased from any vendor carrying said uniform at
the employee's discretion.
L•�
The City shall provide all probationary Firefighters with their clothing needs during the
probationary period and shall also pay them a $400.00 clothing allowance. The allowance will be
pro -rated over twenty-six (26) pays during the probationary period. Upon becoming a permanent
Firefighter, such employee shall also receive a pro -rated portion of the annual
$700.00 normal clothing allowance to cover the balance of the year in which his probationary
status ends.
ARTICLE 21
STATION FACILITIES AND SUPPLIES
The City agrees to provide facilities and a reasonable amount of equipment to enable
Firefighters on duty to prepare and serve meals to other Firefighters on duty. The City also
agrees to provide dish soap, dish towels, dish cloths, oven cleaner, wax, window cleaner, etc., to
facilitate cleaning of housekeeping equipment. The personnel at each fire station shall be allowed
time to go directly to the nearest grocery store to purchase needed food and staples regardless of
weather conditions.
The City agrees to provide hand soap, shower and toilet facilities at each Fire Station, to
allow Firefighters to clean up while on duty.
The City agrees to provide a bed, mattress, and pad at each fire station for the number of
Firefighters on duty.
The City agrees to furnish a telephone at each fire station that may be used by the
Firefighters while on duty for local, personal calls.
The City agrees to provide adequate locker space for each Firefighter at his assigned fire
station. Each locker shall be equipped with a lock and the key issued to the Firefighter to whom
the locker is assigned.
ARTICLE 22
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Union agrees that its members shall comply with all Fire Department rules and
regulations, including those relating to conduct and work performance. The City agrees that
Departmental rules and regulations which affect working conditions and performance shall be
subject to the grievance procedure. Any changes in the rules and regulations which apply to
working conditions of the Richmond Fire Department shall be negotiated with the Union.
A committee to review the Rules and Regulations shall be formed and shall meet every
other year. Said committee shall consist of two (2) appointments by the Fire Chief and two (2)
appointments by the Union President. Said completion of the review and or recommended
revisions shall be complete by June 1, of every other year.
ARTICLE 23
PREVAILING RIGHTS
All rights, privileges, and working conditions enjoyed by the Firefighters at the present
time, which are not included in this Agreement, shall remain in full force, unchanged and
unaffected in any manner, during the term of the Agreement unless agreed upon by the City and
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Union. This includes, but is not limited to, the current sick leave practice followed by the
Department and in place prior to January, 1996.
Nothing in this Article shall prevent the exercise of management rights as recognized in
Article 4.
ARTICLE 24
SAVINGS CLAUSE
If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of such provisions, should be
rendered or declared invalid by any court action or by reason of any existing or subsequently
enacted legislation, the remaining parts or portion of this Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect.
ARTICLE 25
BINDING AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
ARTICLE 26
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE
As of January 1, 2013 only educational degrees associated with the Fire service or other
Emergency Services will receive additional compensation for degrees listed in the following
paragraph. Personnel now receiving compensation for degrees other than Fire service or other
Emergency Services educational degrees will continue to receive said compensation until the end
of their employment, with the Fire Department.
Each Firefighter having obtained the following education degrees or current certification
shall receive additional compensation as set forth: Associates Degree - $500.00; Bachelor Degree
- $800.00; Master's Degree - $1000.00; First Responder - $400.00; Emergency Medical
Technician - $750.00; Paramedic - $1,000.00. All Emergency Medical technicians permanently
or temporarily (at least a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days, however if assignment exceeds
thirty (30) calendar days pay will be retroactive to the first day of assignment) assigned to Squads
shall receive an additional $1,100.00 per year and Paramedics permanently and/or temporarily(at
least a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days, however if assignment exceeds thirty (30) calendar
days will be retroactive to the first day of assignment) assigned to ALS Units shall receive an
additional $2, 500 per year. A Firefighter certified as a MSA (Mine Safety Appliance) Technician
and assigned by the Fire Chief to serve as the Department's "Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Specialist" shall receive an additional $250.00. Three members appointed by the Chief's Office
as "Trick Trainers" shall receive an additional $1,000.00. Any Firefighter who receives a second
educational degree may only receive compensation for the highest degree earned (Associates,
Bachelors, or Masters).
This Compensation shall begin with the next pay period following receipt of such degree
or certification and the amount above stated shall be pro -rated over the balance of the year of
which the degree or certification is received. The said amount shall be likewise pro -rated for a
probationary member, starting with the pay period following the completion of his/her
probationary period with the exception of EMT pay for it is now a requirement of employment.
11
Such degrees must be granted by an educational institution approved by one of the
following regional accredited associations, which have been recognized by the Council for
Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
1. New England Associations of Colleges and Secondary
Schools, Commission of institutions of higher Education
2. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. (MSA)
3. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
4. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting
Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
7. Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting
Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Due to past changes in the contract and State Certification process, one (1) of the
following three (3) categories must be achieved prior to being eligible to receive supervisory
incentive pay. Category 1: All Firefighters with five (5) or more years of service with the
Richmond Fire Department, regardless of rank, who have successfully completed State Master
Categories in tactics, Investigation and Inspection prior to December 31, 1997, will receive
additional compensation of $150.00 for each of these Master Categories upon completion of all
three. Category 2: All firefighters with five (5) or more years of service with the Richmond Fire
Department, regardless of rank, who are certified by the State of Indiana to have achieved NFPA
Fire Officer One prior to December 31, 2000, will receive additional compensation of $450.00.
Category 3: Commencing January 1, 2001, all Firefighters with five (5) or more years of service
with the Richmond Fire Department, regardless of rank, who are certified by the State of Indiana
to have achieved NFPA Fire Officer One and Two, will receive additional compensation of
$450.00 per year. Firefighters may be compensated for one (1) category of educational incentives
for supervisory qualifications set forth in this paragraph: they cannot be compounded.
Additionally, if approved by the Chief, the City will reimburse to a Firefighter the cost of
educational courses directly related to his duties, upon the successful completion of such courses.
Successful completion, in graded course work, shall mean obtaining a grade of at least a "C" or
its equivalent. Although a school day may count toward requiring overtime pay for a particular
month, the school day itself, will not be a paid day.
ARTICLE 27
VACATIONS
The accrued length of each Firefnghter's vacation will be subject to the approved schedule
previously adopted by the Board of Public Works and Safety as shown below:
Employees with 6 months seniority
3 work days
One year seniority
6 work days
Two years seniority
6 work days
Three years seniority
7work days
Four years seniority
8work days
Five years seniority
8 work days
Six years seniority
9 work days
Seven years seniority
9 work days
12
Eight years seniority
1 Owork days
Nine years seniority
10 work days
Ten years seniority
lOwork days
Eleven years seniority
10 work days
Twelve years seniority
10 work days
Thirteen years seniority
11work days
Fourteen years seniority
11 work days
Fifteen years seniority
12 work days
Sixteen years seniority
12 work days
Seventeen years seniority
13 work days
Eighteen years seniority
13 work days
Nineteen years seniority
13 work days
Twenty years seniority
14 work days
All vacations are working days
Fire personnel changing shifts shall re -schedule their vacation time, if necessary, to
insure not more than three (3) Fire personnel are off on vacation at one time per shift.
The system that determines when a Firefighter shall receive his/her vacation is as
follows:
1. The drawing for vacations shall take place in January of each year.
2. Firefighters may split their vacation not more than once.
3. Each platoon will be allowed no more than three (3) Firefighters off on vacation or birthday at
a time.
4. Paramedics on a given platoon may not draw vacations which overlap with other paramedics
assigned to that platoon.
5. All personnel covered by this Agreement shall draw within their respective platoons.
6. Vacations will be granted to the Firefighter with the greatest length of service on the Richmond
Fire Department and assigned to a particular platoon. He will select his vacation first, and
commencing by seniority until, all vacation time is granted. Firefighters splitting vacation time
will be allowed one choice the first draw, and after completion of the first draw, will be allowed
to select, by seniority, their remaining vacation time.
7. Vacation time will be granted at any time between January 1, and December 31, of each year.
Any Firefighter with more than 3 work day vacation days per year shall be
allowed to "sell back", on an annual basis, up to one half of his vacation days for a sum
equal to the number of days sold back times the Firefighter's normal daily rate of pay in
effect at the time of the sell back. Such option may be exercised at any time during the
year. For purposes of this paragraph, payment would be made at a straight rate of pay.
Leaves of Absence
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Any leaves of absence shall be in accordance with the Personnel Policy of the City of
Richmond, Indiana as adopted by the Board of Public Works and Safety with the
authority being established by Indiana Code excluding any reference to personal days.
ARTICLE 28
MEDICAL INSURANCE
A. Active Employee Insurance Benefits:
The City agrees to pay no less than eighty percent (80%) of the cost of an active employee's PPO
medical insurance policy including, if applicable, the premium portion that is for their spouse and
dependent children. The City shall have the right to change insurance carriers at its discretion,
provided there is no reduction in benefits. Working spouses either full-time or full-time
equivalent of employees or retirees with insurance available through their employer shall not be
covered by the City's health care insurance.
The City agrees to recognize each Union regarding insurance matters. The Unions
recognized are IAFF, FOP, AFSCME and Transit Union (referred to here after as Bargaining
Units).
The City and Bargaining Units agree to recognize the following guidelines for the Health
Care Committee (Committee);
1. One (1) vote per local Union and one (1) vote for civilian employees.
2. Committee agrees to recognize one (1) member from the City Council as
a liaison and they have no voting privileges.
3. The Committee may meet at least once per month and the City will
provide financial statements for the previous month.
4. The City agrees that any funds moved out of the Health Insurance Fund,
must come to the Committee for a majority vote. The vote of the Committee will be used as a
recommendation tool to the City Council.
5. A Recording Secretary will be appointed to keep minutes of each
meeting with no voting rights.
Working spouses either full-time or full-time equivalent, as defined by state law, of
active employees or retirees with Healthcare coverage available shall not be covered by the City's
Healthcare Plan.
Retiree Insurance Benefits:
A retiree who chooses to remain on City insurance shall be allowed to remain a part of the
City's PPO group health insurance coverage subject to the following terms and conditions. The
City shall contribute toward the health insurance premiums of an eligible retiree who chooses to
remain on City insurance subject to the following terms and conditions:
1. If the retiree elects to remain a part of the City's PPO Plan, the City shall charge one dollar
($1) annually as retiree share of the premium/contribution for the retiree and spouse. The retiree
may only provide healthcare coverage for his or her spouse who existed at the time of retirement.
The premium coverage for additional dependents on the PPO Plan shall be equal to the cost of
premiums charged to other City employees with the following clarification: one (1) child shall be
14
equal to the single cost; two or three children shall be equal to the cost for two or three coverage;
etc.
Any spouse of a current retiree or current full time employee that has signed up for the PERF
DROP program prior to January 01, 2013 will still be eligible to remain on the City's Healthcare
Plan.
2. For purposes of retiree insurance benefits, coverage shall only be available to dependent
children of the retiree in existence at the time of retirement (or born subsequent to retirement with
a spouse in existence at the time of retirement), and not to subsequent stepchildren or natural
children born with a subsequent spouse.
3. A retiree who subsequently obtains other full-time or full-time equivalent employment, as
defined by state law in which the retiree is employed, that offers Healthcare Insurance shall not
be covered by the City of Richmond's Healthcare Plan as primary, with the City of Richmond's
Healthcare Plan as secondary, if allowed by state or federal law.
Current retirees and current full-time employees that have signed up for the PERF DROP
Program prior to January 01, 2013 will still be eligible to remain on the City's Healthcare Plan.
4. An eligible Retiree who has obtained subsequent insurance coverage through a successor
employer and later loses that coverage for any reason may re -enroll in the City's insurance plan
and be entitled to the above annual contribution toward such insurance. If the Retiree re -enrolls
during a calendar year, the City's contribution for that calendar year shall be pro -rated on a
monthly basis starting with the month that the Retiree becomes eligible for coverage under the
City's plan. All other Plan provisions, including Pre -Existing conditions, shall apply.
5. The retiree's eligibility for Retiree health insurance benefits shall continue until the Retiree or
spouse becomes eligible for Medicare coverage as prescribed by 42 U.S.C. 1395, et. seq. The
amount of the City's contributions to any retiree hereunder shall be subject to subsequent
modification through the collective bargaining process and any resulting change in the terms of
this Collective Bargaining Agreement, whether such changes occur before or after a particular
Retiree's effective date of retirement.
6. For purposes of this Article 28, an "Eligible Retiree" is defined to be any member of the
Richmond Fire Department who retires from active duty on the force, in good standing, and with
twenty (20) or more years of accredited service as recognized in the particular retirement program
in which the member is a participant [i.e. The 1937 Firefighters Pension Fund (I.C. 36-8-6-1,
et.seq.) or the 1977 Police Officers' and Firefighter' Pension and Disability Fund (I.C. 36-8-8-1,
et. Seq.)] or any member who, while an active member of the force, becomes disabled as
determined by the PERF Board.
7. The insurance contribution benefits hereunder shall only be available to those Eligible retirees
whose first effective date of retirement is on or after January 1, 1996, and to those retirees and/or
dependents of a retiree who are participating in the City's group health insurance plan as of
December 31, 1995.
15
ARTICLE 29
SENIORITY PROMOTIONS/DEMOTIONS/LATERAL MOVES
All promotions within the Richmond Fire Department except those ranks or job
classifications specifically excluded from coverage in this Agreement shall be made in a timely
fashion on a seniority basis after adequate notice to the members.
The most senior member requesting promotion and having met all required certifications
for the appropriate classification as set out in General Administrative Rule 655 IAC 1-1 for the
State of Indiana shall receive the promotion on a probationary status.
Certification and qualification for promoting to a supervisory capacity is, a Certified
Firefighter (with five (5) or more years of service with the Richmond Fire Department) having
met and been certified by the state of Indiana to have met NFPA Fire Officer I & II requirements,
Strategy And Tactics, Instructor I, Driver/Operator and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Any Firefighter not meeting the above requirements, as of December 31, 2000, must have
successfully completed course work, certification requirements, and achieve certification in Fire
Officer I and Fire Officer II and EMT along with five (5) years of service with the Richmond Fire
Department prior to being eligible for work as a Supervisor or receive promotion to Lieutenant.
Certification for the rank of Engineer/Driver Operator shall be established as successful
completion of State Firefighter II and Richmond Fire Departments Engineer/Driver Operator
based on NFPA 1002.
This section refers to Squad 1 or any future primary EMS apparatus (i.e. additional
Squads). Both members must possess a minimum of EMT - Basic to be able to work Squads.
Any Firefighter hired after January 1, 2001, who holds Emergency Medical Technician
Certifications must maintain their certification. All members of the department will be required to
hold and maintain, as condition of employment, the minimum certification of Emergency Medical
Technician by January 1 S` 2015. The only exception to this will be; any member with 20 years or
more, as of January 1, 2013, will not be mandated to become EMT certified, they will be allowed
the option of not becoming EMT certified.
If, after six (6) months from time of promotion, the member receives a satisfactory
review and/or Chief does not remove said member from Classification, his/her status is said to be
permanent. He/she shall then receive his/her statutory rights.
When a member cannot successfully complete his/her probation, said member will not be
able to request promotion, in that same rank, for a period of six (6) months, during such time that
member will not be asked to work in the capacity of that rank, and said member will be given
clear expectations of the duties and responsibly for that rank as spelled out in the Department's
handbooks for each rank, and a re-evaluation process will be administered to ensure that said
member is now proficient at the duties of that rank. When a member cannot successfully
complete his/her probation, the next most senior member having met all required certifications for
the appropriate classification as set out in General Administration Rule 655 IAC 1-1 for the State
of Indiana, shall be afforded the same opportunity.
Upon effective date of this Agreement, all members shall be grandfathered at the rank
they hold and promotions from the date shall be based upon the appropriate certification.
Seniority bid rights shall remain in effect until such time as all members have been given the
opportunity for appropriate training.
A Training Committee shall be established consisting of representation of both the City
and Bargaining Unit to establish training to assist members of the Richmond Fire Department to
meet requirements for certification.
Moving by seniority: Whenever an opening in any job classification occurs, in any
firehouse or on any platoon, the most senior member with the necessary qualifications shall be
afforded the opportunity to fill said opening including lateral moves.
Demotions that are requested by Firefighters, including those not otherwise covered
under this Agreement, shall be deemed voluntary demotions. Voluntary demotions may be
accomplished by participation in bidding on openings covered under this Agreement. Non -bid
voluntary demotions must be requested in writing to the Fire Chief.
The Chief shall then fill the position of the Firefighter requesting demotion by bid as
applicable, or by appointment as consistent with this Agreement, at which time the Firefighter
requesting the demotion shall be afforded the opportunity to bid any opening that his seniority
and qualifications allow.
Demotions that are not voluntary shall be made in accordance with state law, applicable
rules and regulations of the Department, and this Agreement, and may result in a Firefighter
being returned to a rank and pay grade other than Firefighter, in which case the Chief shall retain
the right to assign such Firefighter temporarily or permanently to such openings as exist during
and after the course of the bid system.
The Fire Chief retains the right to make such temporary assignments as he deems
necessary to adequately provide for the public safety.
Exchange of assignments by Firefighters of equal rank may be requested in writing to the
Chief's office. The exchange will only take place if all Firefighters between the two requesting
the exchange do not desire either position.
Article 30
Physical Examinations and Physical Ability
Firefighters will take physical examinations annually in accordance with OSHA, NFPA
standards, and/or other federally mandated regulations, with the cost of the exam to be paid for by
the city. If the Firefighter does not pass the physical exam, he/she will be placed on a
professionally directed corrective program, the Firefighter will be responsible for following the
program. He/she shall have the option of being placed on medical pension, (if criteria for such is
met),or remain on said program until such time that the Firefighter can pass the examination not
to exceed one year. Cost of physicals required for the Fire Pension proceedings will be paid for
by the Pension Board. If required to return to the Fire Department physician for clearance the
City will pay for the cost.
Each Firefighter will be required to meet minimal yearly physical performance standards.
The performance standards will be administered on a yearly basis, any member not meeting the
standards will be placed on a corrective physical fitness program, not to exceed one year, until the
17
standard is met. The yearly physical evaluation will consist of job related performance tasks. A
committee will be formed, made up of two (2) persons appointed by the Fire Chief and one (1)
member appointed by the Union. This committee will make certain that said program is
developed based on nationally recognized standards. The committee's goal will be to have said
standards in place as soon as fiscally possible. All members shall participate in an initial,
(practice), Richmond Physical Ability Test, (RPAT), once these standards have been established
with implementation of said standards no sooner than twelve (12) months after initial practice
RPAT. The twelve (12) month period between the practice RPAT and the actual implementation
of the RPAT will be set aside as a grace period for members to prepare to meet the developed
standards.
ARTICLE 31
NO STRIKE CLAUSE, LOCKOUT OR REDUCTIONS
The Union agrees that it shall, at no time, instigate or be party to, any strike, slowdown,
or other methods of interference to the efficient performance of the duty of the Richmond Fire
Department. The City agrees there will be no lockouts or manpower reduction by layoffs within
the Fire Department.
ARTICLE 32
WAGES
The base pay for Firefighters shall be as follows:
2018
Probationary $40,275.59
Firefighter $44,750.66
Engineer $47,435.70
Lieutenant $50,120.74
2019
Probationary $41,081.10
Firefighter $45,645.67
Engineer $48,384.41
Lieutenant $51,123.15
The spread in pay for probationary firefighter and the ranks of Engineer and
Lieutenant shall remain constant at the following rate:
Probationary Firefighter will be ninety percent (90%) of the base pay of the rank
of Firefighter.
Engineer will be based on the Firefighter Base pay + six percent (6%)
Lieutenant will be based on the Firefighter Base pay + twelve percent (12%)
LONGEVITY PAY
Longevity pay shall be calculated as follows:
Longevity pay for Firefighter's having four (4) or less years on the Department shall be as
follows:
YEAR 2018
1. $938.73
2. $938.73
3. $1,638.73
4. $1,638.73
Longevity pay for Firefighter's with five (5) years of service or more, shall be compensated
at the following calculated rate:
One half of One percent of base pay rate, times Years of Service, minus One
year, plus $938.73
YEAR 2019
1. $ 983.73
2. $ 983.73
3. $1,638.73
4. $1,638.73
Longevity pay for Firefighter's with five (5) years of service or more, shall be compensated
at the following calculated rate:
One and a quarter (1.25%) percent of base pay rate, times Years of Service,
minus One year, plus $ 938.73
All longevity pay shall be paid in 26 equal installments of the year following the
Firefighter's anniversary date on which he/she became eligible for such longevity pay.
PARTIAL CONTRIBUTION BY CITY TO MEMBER'S PENSION AND DISABILITY FUND
The City shall contribute for each Firefighter as defined in Article 3 of this Agreement, a
sum of one percent (1 %) of the salary of a First Class Firefighter to the appropriate pension fund,
19
as applicable to that particular member, as a partial employer contribution, as contemplated by the
provisions of Indiana Code I.C. 36-8-7-8(5) or by I.C. 36-8-8-8(A). The sum of one percent (1 %)
contribution by the City effectively reduces the member's contribution to the fund by one percent
(I %). In addition, all employee contributions shall be "tax deferred" pursuant to action by the
City's Common Council.
The salary of a 1 st Class Firefighter with twenty (20) years longevity will be the certified
salary for figuring pension contributions.
ARTICLE 33
SHIFT TRAINERS
Shift Trainers — One member from each shift with the added responsibility of following the
guidelines provided by the Assistant Chief and or Deputy Chief of Training in regard to
consistent Fire and Emergency Medical Training of each shift of personnel. No rank will be
attached to this position the member will receive a pay stipend for his added responsibility.
Duties - Shift Trainer is responsible for development of lesson plans to follow the guidelines
provided by the Assistant Chief, Deputy Training Chief, and Battalion Chiefs. The Shift Trainer
will need to possess the ability to organize and communicate course curriculum tailored to the
local Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures of the Richmond Fire Department as well
standards set forth by the Public Safety Training Institute and maintain necessary documentation.
The Shift Trainer along with the Assistant Chief and or Deputy Chief of Training will be
responsible for providing and/or scheduling the annual minimum training for continuing
education/certifications for all members of the Richmond Fire Department.
Selection- Applications will be requested when a vacancy occurs. A member must be a member
of the shift for which he acts as Shift Trainer. The applicants education, training, experience
along with his skills and abilities will be considered. The final selection will be made from the
qualified applicants by the Richmond Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief of Training.
ARTICLE 34
LIGHT DUTY OR LIMITED/RESTRICTED DUTY POLICY
Light Duty:
Once a member has been released by their Physician to return to Light Duty, they may
return to work. The Chiefs office may find work or duties such as (but not limited to) answering
phones, filing, data input, etc. for the member to perform within the limitations of the Physician's
orders.
Limited or Restricted Duty:
Once a member has been released by their Physician to return to Limited or Restricted
Duty, they may return to work. The Chief's office may temporarily assign said member to duties
such as Driver or Firefighter. However, once on the emergency scene, duties will be found for
you to do staying within the limitations of the Physician's orders. These duties may include (but
not limited to) Pump Operator with Helper, Assistant Pump Operator, Safety Officer, Battalion
Chief Aid, Rehab Attendant, etc.
20
Any member being released by their Physician to return to Light or Limited/Restricted
Duty will not exceed 365 consecutive days due to the fact that the Department does not have any
permanent light duty or limited/restricted duty positions. The Fire Chief, on a case by case basis,
may consider to grant additional time for rehabilitation of said member. If said member cannot
return to full duty status, disability pension proceedings may begin.
ARTICLE 35
EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION
Language in this Agreement shall be effective as of the 1" day of January 2018, and shall
remain in full force and effect through the 31" day of December 2018. Language changes in
Articles 3, 11, 12, 15, 20, 26, 29, and 30 will be refined, and agreed upon by both parties, (but
intent not changed), from the attached exhibits and effective as of the 1" day of January 2019 and
remain in full force and effect through the 3 1 " day of December 2019.
Wages and benefits in this Agreement shall be effective as of the 1't day of January 2018,
and the City and Union agree to open contract negotiations beginning on or about February 1,
2019 for year 2020.
In the event that the parties have not reached a new agreement by the respective contract
expiration date set forth above, this agreement shall continue in full force and effect for fifteen
(15) months after the contract expiration date set forth above.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties, by their duly authorized representatives, execute
this Agreement as of the date first set forth above although signatures are affixed on the dates
below.
RICHMOND PROFESSIONAL
FIREFIGHTERS, INC., LOCAL 1408
of the International Association
of Firefighters AFL-CIO
By:
es"
B _ Z
Secretary/Treasurer
Date: 11- V, • I%
Approved By:
avi Sno r
Date: l Z 1 0S
THE CITY OF RICMOND, INDIANA
By and through its Board of Public
Works and Safety
By:
LM
A
t?j>Q 41�"'
Member
Date: �`-�/'/ /
21
EXHIBITS
ARTICLE 3
DEFINITIONS
The term "Bargaining Unit", "Employee", "Firefighter(s)", or member of the Fire
Department wherever used in this agreement shall apply to all personnel in the Fire
Department, but shall exclude the following who shall not be covered by this Agreement
(provided, the following who are members of the Union shall not be excluded for purposes of
Article 28 (B) and Article 30):
(a) Fire Chief
(b) Assistant Fire Chief
(c) Chief of EMS
(d) Battalion Chiefs
(e) Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention
(f) Deputy Chief of Training
(g) Civilian part time or full time employees
(h) Secretarial/Clerical
As used in this Agreement, the term "Fire Chief' or "Chief" shall mean the Chief of
the Fire Department or, in his absence, his authorized representative by established chain of
command.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Supervisor" shall mean a Lieutenant,
Engineer/Driver-Operator or Firefighter II (with five (5) or more years of service with the
Richmond Fire Department) having a State Master Certification in Tactics, Inspection and
Investigation or a Lieutenant, Engineer/Driver-Operator or Firefighter II (with five (5) or more
years of service with the Richmond Fire Department) having met and been certified by the
State of Indiana to have met NFPA Fire Officer One requirements or any Lieutenant
"Grandfathered" to that current rank. After December 31, 2000, any member not already
eligible to work as a "Supervisor" with five (5) or more years of service with the Richmond
Fire Department shall be required to complete course work and hold Certification by the
State of Indiana as Fire Officer I and II and EMT prior to working as a "Supervisor" or being
eligible for promotion to Lieutenant. All members promoted after December 31st, 2018 must
be on the eligibility list. All members currently holding the rank of Lieutenant will be
considered "grandfathered" to their current rank. To be on the eligible list for Lieutenant
Promotion the member must pass the Richmond Fire Department Officer Test. This test shall
be based on State of Indiana Fire Officer I and II curriculum and the Richmond Fire
Department Policies and Procedures.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Certified Firefighter" is a Firefighter who has
been certified to drive and operate specific apparatus based upon Richmond Fire
Department's Certification, which is based upon NFPA 1002. All members promoted after
December 31st, 2018 must be on the eligibility list. All members currently holding the rank of
Engineer will be considered "grandfathered" to their current rank. To be on the eligible list for
Engineer promotion the member must be a "Certified Firefighter", and have passed the
Richmond Fire Department Engineer Test. This test shall be based on the Richmond Fire
22
Department "Certified Firefighter" curriculum and the Richmond Fire Department Policies
and procedures in regard to the fire apparatus and equipment operation and maintenance.
The "Supervisor" and "Certified Firefighter" certification testing policy will be
negotiated between the Local 1408 and the City of Richmond. It shall include, testing based
on the coursework required for each rank as well as specific Richmond Fire Department
Policies and Procedures. The testing will be administered by a third party.
As used in this agreement, the term "Training Committee" refers to a committee
made up of five members of the Richmond Fire Department, (two from the Bargaining Unit,
two from the Chief's office and the fifth being chosen and agreed upon annually by the four).
The parties agree to place a high priority on a quality training program for all fire department
personnel who are and who may be assigned to the prevention and suppression of fires. The
responsibility of this committee will be to assure a continuous training program for both new
and seasoned Firefighters. The training will be directly under the direction of the Chief or
his/her designee and administered with the assistance of the "Shift Trainers".
As used in this agreement, the term "Temporary Assignment" shall mean that the
temporary movement of personnel shall not be for more than ninety (90) calendar days in
any given 365 day period. The member displaced by such a temporary assignment shall not
be the subject of such assignment more than once in a calendar year. This does not apply to
the Chief's movement of personnel for betterment of the department or members
permanently assigned to Squad.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Station Dress" consists of three (3) uniform
pants, three (3) uniform shirts, three (3) uniform T-shirts and three (3) uniform sweatshirts
ARTICLE 11
WORK WEEK / WORK FORCE PLANNING
Each Firefighter shall be regularly assigned to an average fifty-six (56) hour work week.
Engine companies will be assigned a Lieutenant/Supervisor, an Engineer/Driver or
Certified Firefighter and minimum of one (1) Firefighter, to remain in service. Engine Companies
will have a Lieutenant/Supervisor, an Engineer/Driver or Certified Firefighter and one (1)
Firefighter. Rescue, if in service, will be assigned two (2) personnel being a
Lieutenant/Supervisor, and Engineer/Driver or Certified Firefighter, Aerial, if in service, will be
assigned two (2) personnel being a Lieutenant/Supervisor, and Engineer/Driver or Certified
Firefighter, All BLS (Basic Life Support) Squads will be assigned two (2) personnel, both being a
minimum EMT certified. All ALS (Advanced Life Support) Squads will be assigned two (2)
personnel, at least one (1) being Paramedic Certified, and the other a minimum of EMT Certified.
The Richmond Fire Department shall consist of three (3) platoons and the City hereby agrees not
to increase or decrease the number of platoons during the duration of this Agreement.
The full force of the Firefighters Bargaining Unit shall consist of at least seventy-five
(75) members covered by this Agreement as shown below:
18 Lieutenants
18 Engineers
39 Firefighters
23
No member shall be ordered, to work off duty shift on any apparatus that is being manned on a
temporary or day by day basis with the exception of on an emergency basis as prescribed in
Article 19.
Paramedics will be assigned to Squads, when their seniority allows, (or would allow), them to bid
to any other fire apparatus the following will occur:
• If the member chooses to bid to another assignment the member will be awarded
the bid on the following basis:
1. The Paramedic will be assigned to a squad throughout the year
as needed in order to equally distribute the squad paramedic
assignments among those paramedics who choose to bid to other
assignments.
2. The Paramedics will receive the assignment stipend at a rate of
50%.
Members who signed pre -employment requiring them to become
Paramedics during the first five (5) years of employment with
the Richmond Fire Department will be assigned to a squad for a
minimum of eighteen (18) months from the date of their
official assignment to a squad as a Paramedic with the
Richmond Fire Department.
To ensure that seniority placement does not result in dual paramedics being assigned to any one
ambulance: Emergency Medical Technicians will be assigned to squads, when their seniority
allows, (or would allow) them to bid on any other fire apparatus the following will occur:
If a member chooses to not leave their Squad assignment they will continue to receive
their assignment stipend.
If the member has bid or chooses to bid to another assignment the member will be
awarded the bid on the following basis:
1. Firefighters, (rank of firefighter EMT), will be assigned to a squad
throughout the year as needed in order to equally distribute the squad
firefighter EMT assignments among those other firefighter EMTs not
assigned to squads, not to exceed ten (10) days per year.
2. These Firefighter Emergency Medical Technicians will receive the
assignment stipends on a pro -rated basis for the period of their
assignment to a squad. This does not apply to overtime filling of these
positons or day by day roster changes due to unscheduled vacancies.
Probationary members will be assigned to Squads when hired. If probationary member is a EMTP
they will be assigned to squads for a minimum of eighteen (18) months prior to bidding on any
other assignment.
(These provisions will supersede Article 3 "Temporary Assignment" for the
above assignments only.)
When a vacancy occurs on the Richmond Fire Department the city, represented by the
Chief s office, will ensure that an application process is in place and make all effort to fill such
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vacancy in as timely and efficient manner as possible. If a hiring list is in place at the time of the
vacancy the city shall make all effort to fill such vacancy within 90 (ninety) days. When any
positions covered by this agreement are changed or created within the Department that are not
considered a management position the movement or assignment of the members in those
positions shall be negotiated with the union prior to implementation.
As of the effective date of this agreement, the City agrees not close any Firehouse and to
maintain staffing at its current level. However, the City and the Richmond Professional
Firefighter's Union agree to reopen this language to address and resolve this issue within the Fire
Department caused by bonafide budgetary constraints.
ARTICLE 12
BIRTHDAY / SHORT TERM OVERTIME DAY BANKING
Also, each Firefighter shall be granted one (1) duty day off per year with pay in
observance of his/her Birthday. This day may be drawn at time of vacation or be banked and used
as described below. If the Birthday is drawn at time of vacation then it shall not be used as a
banked day. Firefighters will not be granted this time off while three (3) Firefighters are off on
vacation unless approved by the Fire Chief.
Overtime short term banking of days:
Each member may choose to not take pay for a worked overtime day in lieu of banking that day
to use as a non -vacation day off at a later date under the following guide lines:
1. Four days pre -year no more than one every three (3) months.
2. The day off shall be scheduled no later than the morning of the member's duty
day prior to the requested duty day off.
3. If after 90 days the member has not scheduled the day off then they will
automatically be paid for the overtime day worked and the day will no longer be
considered a "banked" day
4. Each member may use either one of the short term banked days or their birthday
in six (6), or twelve (12) hour blocks for a total of 24 hours maximum. Any
unused hours of a banked day will be automatically paid no later than the final
overtime cycle for the year which the short term banked day was worked.
No more than two members will be allowed to use banked days on any given day.
These days will not be allowed on the following holidays: New Years Eve, New Years Day,
Easter, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.
ARTICLE 15
PERSONAL ARTICLES
The City shall repair or replace eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and dental
appliances broken or lost in the line of duty, as certified by the Firefighters Lieutenant and/or
Battalion Chief, but shall not pay for re-examination. The City shall repair or replace personal
watches broken or lost in the line of duty, up to a maximum value of fifty dollars ($50.00).
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A A
ARTICLE 20
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE
The City shall provide and/or replace to members of the Fire Department equipment
necessary to perform their duties, in accordance with I.C. 36-8-4-4(a).
The City shall provide protective clothing as required by OSHA (currently: helmet,
turnout coat, gloves). The City shall also provide to members badges, name bars, bunker pants,
bunker (night) boots, suspenders, nomex hoods, and flashlights. All items provided by the City
shall remain property of the City and subject to the provisions of I.C. 36-8-4-4(b). The City
reserves the right to require the use by members of items so provided under specified
circumstances.
Any changes in uniform patches or insignia must be approved by a majority vote of the
Union membership.
Additionally, clothing/uniform/equipment items to be provided by the City shall be
ordered only upon approval of the Board of Public Works and Safety of the City.
The City shall pay to each member annually the sum of $700.00, in a separate check from
wages, for the purchase and maintenance of uniforms and clothing; such payment to be made
annually no later than the first day of April. In the event any Firefighter shall separate
employment from the department for any reason before the end of the year, any clothing
allowance received shall be reimbursed to the City by the Firefighter on a pro-rata basis, and any
clothing allowance not yet paid by the City shall be paid by the City to the Firefighter on a pro-
rata basis. If Firefighters are required as a result of government or department regulation or
action to change station dress, the cost in excess of station dress as worn at the time of this
Agreement shall be paid by the City. Clothing type and make shall be approved by the Chief's
office and clothing committee but may be purchased from any vendor carrying said uniform at
the employee's discretion.
The City shall provide all probationary Firefighters with their clothing needs
during the probationary period. Upon becoming a permanent Firefighter, such employee
shall also receive a pro -rated portion of the annual $700.00 normal clothing allowance to
cover the balance of the year in which his probationary status ends. Effective January 1,
2017, the city will provide the member, once his probationary year is successfully
completed, a Class A uniform. The maintenance of the Class A Uniform will be the
responsibility of the member and will be subject to inspection. The Union will be
required to supply Class A Uniforms members successfully completing their probation
prior to January 1 St, 2017 that have not been issued such uniforms as previously agreed.
ARTICLE 26
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE
As of January 1, 2013 only educational degrees associated with the Fire service or other
Emergency Services will receive additional compensation for degrees listed in the following
paragraph. Personnel now receiving compensation for degrees other than Fire service or other
Emergency Services educational degrees will continue to receive said compensation until the end
of their employment, with the Fire Department.
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i > •
Each Firefighter having obtained the following education degrees or current certification
shall receive additional compensation as set forth: Associates Degree - $500.00; Bachelor Degree
- $800.00; Masters Degree - $1000.00; First Responder - $400.00; Emergency Medical
Technician - $750.00; Paramedic - $1,000.00. All Emergency Medical technicians permanently
or temporarily (at least a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days, however if assignment exceeds
thirty (30) calendar days pay will be retroactive to the first day of assignment) assigned to Squads
shall receive an additional $1,100.00 per year and Paramedics permanently and/or temporarily(at
least a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days, however if assignment exceeds thirty (30) calendar
days will be retroactive to the first day of assignment) assigned to ALS Units shall receive an
additional $3,000.00 per year. A Firefighter certified as a MSA (Mine Safety Appliance)
Technician and assigned by the Fire Chief to serve as the Department's "Self Contained
Breathing Apparatus Specialist" shall receive an additional $250.00. Three members appointed
by the Chief's Office as "Trick Trainers" shall receive an additional $1,000.00. Any Firefighter
who receives a second educational degree may only receive compensation for the highest degree
earned (Associates, Bachelors, or Masters).
This Compensation shall begin with the next pay period following receipt of such degree
or certification and the amount above stated shall be pro -rated over the balance of the year of
which the degree or certification is received. The said amount shall be likewise pro -rated for a
probationary member, starting with the pay period following the completion of his/her
probationary period with the exception of EMT pay for it is now a requirement of employment.
Such degrees must be granted by an educational institution approved by one of the
following regional accredited associations, which have been recognized by the Council for
Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
1.New England Associations of Colleges and Secondary Schools,
Commission of institutions of higher Education
2. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. (MSA)
3. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
4. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting
Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
7. Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting
Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Due to past changes in the contract and State Certification process, one (1) of the
following three (3) categories must be achieved prior to being eligible to receive supervisory
incentive pay. Category 1: All Firefighters with five (5) or more years of service with the
Richmond Fire Department, regardless of rank, who have successfully completed State Master
Categories in tactics, Investigation and Inspection prior to December 31, 1997, will receive
additional compensation of $150.00 for each of these Master Categories upon completion of all
three. Category 2: All firefighters with five (5) or more years of service with the Richmond Fire
Department, regardless of rank, who are certified by the State of Indiana to have achieved NFPA
Fire Officer One prior to December 31, 2000, will receive additional compensation of $450.00.
Category 3: Commencing January 1, 2001, all Firefighters with five (5) or more years of service
with the Richmond Fire Department, regardless of rank, who are certified by the State of Indiana
to have achieved NFPA Fire Officer One and Two, will receive additional compensation of
$450.00 per year. Firefighters may be compensated for one (1) category of educational incentives
for supervisory qualifications set forth in this paragraph: they cannot be compounded.
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Members shall be required to maintain all fire and EMS related certifications as per IDHS
held at the time or hire or any certifications gained while working for the City of Richmond Fire
Department, (which the fire department supplements in any way), throughout their career with the
Richmond Fire Department. Instructor I is excluded from this requirement.
Additionally, if approved by the Chief, the City will reimburse to a Firefighter the cost of
educational courses directly related to his duties, upon the successful completion of such courses.
Successful completion, in graded course work, shall mean obtaining a grade of at least a "C" or
its equivalent. Although a school day may count toward requiring overtime pay for a particular
month, the school day itself, will not be a paid day.
ARTICLE 29
SENIORITY PROMOTIONS/DEMOTIONS/LATERAL MOVES
All promotions within the Richmond Fire Department except those ranks or job
classifications specifically excluded from coverage in this Agreement shall be made in a timely
fashion on a seniority basis after adequate notice to the members.
The most senior member from the Richmond Fire Department eligible members list
requesting promotion and having met all required certifications for the appropriate classification
as set out in General Administrative Rule 655 IAC 1-1 for the State of Indiana shall receive the
promotion on a probationary status.
Certification and qualification for promoting to a supervisory capacity is, a Certified
Firefighter (with five (5) or more years of service with the Richmond Fire Department) having
met and been certified by the state of Indiana to have met NFPA Fire Officer I & 11 requirements,
Strategy And Tactics, Instructor 1, Driver/Operator and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT),
currently on the eligibility list.
Any Firefighter not meeting the above requirements, as of December 31, 2000, must have
successfully completed course work, certification requirements, and achieve certification in Fire
Officer I and Fire Officer II and EMT along with five (5) years of service with the Richmond Fire
Department prior to being eligible for work as a Supervisor or receive promotion to Lieutenant.
Certification for the rank of Engineer/Driver Operator shall be established as successful
completion of State Firefighter 11 and Richmond Fire Departments Engineer/Driver Operator
based on NFPA 1002.
This section refers to Squad 1 or any future primary EMS apparatus (i.e. additional
Squads). Both members must possess a minimum of EMT - Basic to be able to work Squads.
Any Firefighter hired after January 1, 2001, who holds Emergency Medical Technician
Certifications must maintain their certification. All members of the department will be required to
hold and maintain, as condition of employment, the minimum certification of Emergency Medical
Technician by January ls` 2015. The only exception to this will be; any member with 20 years or
more, as of January 1, 2013, will not be mandated to become EMT certified, they will be allowed
the option of not becoming EMT certified.
If, after six (6) months from time of promotion, the member receives a satisfactory
review and/or Chief does not remove said member from Classification, his/her status is said to be
permanent. He/she shall then receive his/her statutory rights.
W.
When a member cannot successfully complete his/her probation, said member will not be
able to request promotion, in that same rank, for a period of six (6) months, during such time that
member will not be asked to work in the capacity of that rank, and said member will be given
clear expectations of the duties and responsibly for that rank as spelled out in the Department's
handbooks for each rank, and a re-evaluation process will be administered to ensure that said
member is now proficient at the duties of that rank. When a member cannot successfully
complete his/her probation, the next most senior member having met all required certifications for
the appropriate classification as set out in General Administration Rule 655 IAC 1-1 for the State
of Indiana, shall be afforded the same opportunity.
Upon effective date of this Agreement, all members shall be grandfathered at the rank
they hold and promotions from the date shall be based upon the appropriate certification.
Seniority bid rights shall remain in effect until such time as all members have been given the
opportunity for appropriate training.
A Training Committee shall be established consisting of representation of both the City
and Bargaining Unit to establish training to assist members of the Richmond Fire Department to
meet requirements for certification.
Moving by seniority: Whenever an opening in any job classification occurs, in any
firehouse or on any platoon, the most senior member with the necessary qualifications shall be
afforded the opportunity to fill said opening including lateral moves.
Demotions that are requested by Firefighters, including those not otherwise covered
under this Agreement, shall be deemed voluntary demotions. Voluntary demotions may be
accomplished by participation in bidding on openings covered under this Agreement. Non -bid
voluntary demotions must be requested in writing to the Fire Chief.
The Chief shall then fill the position of the Firefighter requesting demotion by bid as
applicable, or by appointment as consistent with this Agreement, at which time the Firefighter
requesting the demotion shall be afforded the opportunity to bid any opening that his seniority
and qualifications allow.
Demotions that are not voluntary shall be made in accordance with state law, applicable
rules and regulations of the Department, and this Agreement, and may result in a Firefighter
being returned to a rank and pay grade other than Firefighter, in which case the Chief shall retain
the right to assign such Firefighter temporarily or permanently to such openings as exist during
and after the course of the bid system.
The Fire Chief retains the right to make such temporary assignments as he deems
necessary to adequately provide for the public safety.
Exchange of assignments by Firefighters of equal rank may be requested in writing to the
Chief's office. The exchange will only take place if all Firefighters between the two requesting
the exchange do not desire either position.
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Article 30
Physical Examinations and Physical Ability
Firefighters will take physical examinations annually in accordance with OSHA, NFPA
standards, and/or other federally mandated regulations, with the cost of the exam to be paid for by
the city. If the Firefighter does not pass the physical exam, he/she will be placed on a
professionally directed corrective program, the Firefighter will be responsible for following the
program. He/she shall have the option of being placed on medical pension, (if criteria for such is
met), or remain on said program until such time that the Firefighter can pass the examination not
to exceed one year. Cost of physicals required for the Fire Pension proceedings will be paid for
by the Pension Board. If required to return to the Fire Department physician for clearance the
City will pay for the cost.
Each Firefighter will be required to meet minimal yearly physical performance standards.
The performance standards will be administered on a yearly basis, any member not meeting the
standards will be placed on a corrective physical fitness program, not to exceed one year, until the
standard is met. The yearly physical evaluation will consist of job related performance tasks. A
committee will be formed, made up of one (1) member being appointed by the Fire Chief, one (1)
member appointed by the Union and a third person being agreed upon by both parties. This
committee will make certain that said program is developed based on nationally recognized
standards. The committee's goal will be to have said standards in place as soon as fiscally
possible. All members shall participate in an initial, (practice), Richmond Physical Ability Test,
(RPAT), once these standards have been established with implementation of said standards no
sooner than twelve (12) months after initial practice RPAT. The twelve (12) month period
between the practice RPAT and the actual implementation of the RPAT will be set aside as a
grace period for members to prepare to meet the developed standards.
If all necessary equipment, RPAT standard in place, and committee in place as spelled
out in this article by December 31", 2018 the second paragraph of this article will automatically
be retired unless both parties agree to extend preparation period.
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