HomeMy WebLinkAbout09. DCEA-Maintenance MOU
AGENDA MEMO
DATE:
August 23, 2011
TO:
Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Office of the City Manager
By: Irma Youssefieh, Human Resources Director
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’
ASSOCIATION – MAINTENANCE UNIT
RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests the City Council adopt the attached resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION – MAINTENANCE UNIT
(November 1, 2010 – March 31, 2012)
DISCUSSION
Staff has reached agreement with the Downey City Employees’ Association –
Maintenance Unit. This Association represents 13 field maintenance services,
residential rehabilitation, water, and transit classifications totaling 53 employees. The
term of Agreement is from November 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012. There are no changes
in salary or employee benefits. In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
contains the following new provisions:
1. Agreement to implement the 2% @ 60 second tier retirement formula for newly
hired employees with the employee paying the full seven percent (7%) member
contribution.
2. Agreement to increase the Kaiser Medical Plan co-pay from $5 to $10.
3. Agreement to limit the medical insurance coverage election for newly hired
employees to the Kaiser Permanente HMO medical plan only.
These changes are consistent with the City’s initiative to reduce personnel costs during an
uncertain economy. Item #1 and #2 above shall take effect as soon as practicable once
the City has reached agreement with all affected bargaining units to implement these
benefit changes. Other non-substantive changes have been made in the MOU to update or
clarify contract provision(s). The 17-month contract has been ratified by the Association
membership.
This Agreement resolves impasse reached in the labor negotiations process in
accordance with the City of Downey Employee Relations Ordinance No. 1118 and State
law.
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will obtain significant employee cost savings in future years for implementation of
the second tier retirement formula and requirement for new employees to pay the full 7%
member contribution.
S:/Agenda Memos.CC.2011-12/DCEA Maint.Unit.MOU.doc
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION – MAINTENANCE UNIT
(November 1, 2010 – March 31, 2012).
WHEREAS
, the City has met its obligation to meet and confer pursuant to the Myers-
Milias-Brown Act and Employee Relations Ordinance No. 1118; and
WHEREAS
, the City and the Association have reached agreement; and
WHEREAS
, the City and the Association have memorialized the agreement in a written
Memorandum of Understanding.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS
:
SECTION 1.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Downey and the
Downey City Employees’ Association – Maintenance Unit, attached hereto, is hereby approved
in substantially the form thereof together with any additions thereto or changes therein deemed
necessary or advisable by the City Manager.
SECTION 2.
The Human Resources Director is authorized to sign the Memorandum of
Understanding.
SECTION 3.
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
rd
APPROVED AND ADOPTED
this 23day of August, 2011.
________
LUIS H. MARQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
JOYCE E. DOYLE, Interim City Clerk
I HEREBY CERTIFY
that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of the
rd
City of Downey at a regular meeting held on the 23 day of August, 2011 by the following vote,
to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Member:
ABSENT: Council Member:
ABSTAIN: Council Member:
________________________
JOYCE E. DOYLE, Interim City Clerk
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AND
THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION -
MAINTENANCE UNIT
November 1, 2010 – March 31, 2012
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND
THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION/MAINTENANCE UNIT
PENDING UPDATE
TITLE OF ARTICLE
ARTICLE NO.PAGE NO.
IRECOGNITION1
IINON-DISCRIMINATION1
IIIBASIC COMPENSATION PLAN2
Sec. 1 – Salary Increases2
Sec. 2 – Plan of Salary Schedules2
Sec. 3 – Eligibility for Salary Advancement2
Sec. 4 – Salary Schedule Step Reduction3
Sec. 5 – Merit Longevity 3
Sec. 6 – Mechanics’ Tools3
Sec. 7 – Out-of-Rank Pay4
Sec. 8 – Safety Work Boots4
Sec. 9 – Acting Pay4
Sec. 10- Backflow Certification Pay4
Sec. 11- Bonus Pay for Training 4
Sec. 12- Bilingual Pay4
Sec. 13- Water System Operator Certificate Pay5
Sec. 14- Qualified License for Pesticide Pay5
Sec. 15- On-Duty Training for Commercial Driver’s 5
License
IVWORK WEEK6
Sec. 1 – Work Schedule6
Sec. 2 – Voluntary Reduction of Full-time Hours6
VOVERTIME (COMPENSATORY TIME)7
Sec. 2 – No Pyramiding7
7
Sec. 3 – Overtime Policy
VICOMPENSATION FOR SPECIAL CALL-IN7
VIIHOLIDAYS8
VIIIVACATION9
Sec. 1 – Accruals9
Sec. 2 – Accrual Limits9
i
Sec. 3 – Vacation Payoff9
Sec. 4 – Accrual Calculation9
Sec. 5 – Use of Vacation10
IXLEAVES OF ABSENCE10
Sec. 1 – Leaves of Absence Without Pay10
Sec. 2 – Health Insurance Premiums10
Sec. 3 – Written Notice of Intent to Return10
Sec. 4 – Outside Employment While on Leave10
Sec. 5 – Unpaid Leave and Accumulation of Benefits10
Sec. 6 – Sick Leave10
Sec. 7 – Emergency Leave12
Sec. 8 – Personal Leave12
Sec. 9 – Workers’ Compensation Injury on Duty13
Sec. 10–Employee Disability Leave13
Sec. 11- Military Leave14
Sec.-12- Jury Duty14
XFRINGE BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION15
Sec. 1 – Administration15
Sec. 2 – Selection and Funding15
Sec. 3 – Changes15
XIMEDICAL, DENTAL AND LIFE INSURANCE15
Sec. 1 – Medical Insurance15
Sec. 2 – Dental Insurance16
Sec. 3 – Life Insurance17
XIIRETIREMENT18
Sec. 1 – CalPERS Coverage18
Sec. 2 – Retiree Medical Annuity 18
XIIITUITION REIMBURSEMENT19
XIVPROBATIONARY PERIOD19
Sec. 1 – Length of Probation/Extensions19
Sec. 2 – Process for Retention/Termination20
Sec. 3 – First of the Month20
Sec. 4 - Rejection Without Right of Appeal20
XVSENIORITY20
ii
Sec. 1 – Seniority Date20
Sec. 2 – Layoffs20
Sec. 3 – Loss of Seniority21
Sec. 4 - Re-employment List21
Sec. 5 - Layoff Notice and Severance Pay21
XVICITY RIGHTS21
Sec. 1 – Management Rights21
Sec. 2 – Exercise of Management Rights22
Sec. 3 – Contracting Out23
XVIIEMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
23
Sec. 1 – Agency Shop Agreement – Legislative Authority23
Sec. 2 – Election23
Sec. 3 - Association Dues/Service Fees24
Sec. 4 - Religious Exemption25
Sec. 5 - Rescission25
Sec. 6 - Indemnification25
XVIIINO STRIKE – NO LOCKOUT26
Prohibited Conduct26
Sec. 1 – No Job Action26
Sec. 2 – No Lockout26
Sec. 3 – Consequence for Prohibited Conduct26
Sec. 4 – Suspension of Employee Organization Rights26
Association Responsibility26
Sec. 1 – Association Responsibility26
Sec. 2 – Hold Harmless26
XIXGRIEVANCE PROCEDURE26
Sec. 1 – Grievance26
Sec. 2 – Conduct of the Grievance Procedure26
Sec. 3 – Grievance Steps27
XXMISCELLANEOUS28
Sec. 1 – Substance Abuse Policy28
Sec. 2 – Lateral Transfer Procedure30
Sec. 3 – Labor-Management Committee31
Sec. 4 - Leave Entitlement31
iii
Sec. 5 - Court Referrals31
Sec. 6 - Americans with Disability Act (ADA)31
Sec. 7 - Reopener32
XXISOLE AND ENTIRE MEMORADUM OF UNDERSTANDING32
Sec. 1 – Sole Source32
Sec. 2 – Inclusion of Other Rules and Regulations32
XXIIWAIVER OF BARGAINING DURING TERM OF THIS 32
AGREEMENT
XXIIIEMERGENCY WAIVER PROVISION32
XXIVSEPARABILITY33
XXVTERM OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING33
XXVIRATIFICATION AND EXECUTION33
Exhibit ACLASSIFICATIONS REPREENTED BY ASSOCIATION34
iv
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE
DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION-MAINTENANCE UNIT
ARTICLE I
RECOGNITION
Pursuant to the provisions of the Employee Relations Ordinance No. 394 and the
Supplemental Employee Relations Rules and Regulations of the City of Downey, the City of
Downey (hereinafter called the "City") has recognized the Downey City Employees' Association-
Maintenance Unit, (hereinafter called the Association,) as the exclusive representative of
employees in the Maintenance Unit which includes the classifications described in Exhibit A.
The City has recognized the Association for the purpose of meeting its obligations under the
Meyers–Milias-Brown Act, Government Code Section 3500 etc. seq. and the Employee
Relations Resolution of the City when City rules, regulations or laws affecting wages, hours or
other terms and conditions of employment are amended or changed.
ARTICLE II
NON-DISCRIMINATION
Section 1.
The parties mutually recognize and agree to protect the rights of all
employees hereby to join and/or participate in protected Association activities or to refrain from
joining or participating in protected activities in accordance with the Employee Relations
Ordinance and Government Code Sections 3500 and 3511.
Section 2.
The Association and the City agree not to discriminate against any employee
with respect to recruiting, hiring and promotion based upon race, sex, religion, color, national
origin, ancestry, age or qualified physical handicap. All decisions with respect to recruiting,
hiring and promotion shall be based upon an individual's qualifications, as related to the
requirements of the position being filled. The Association and the City further agree that other
personnel matters, including but not limited to, compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, recall
from layoffs, training, education and social and recreational programs shall be administered
without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, or qualified physical
handicap. The Association further agrees not to discriminate against any member or applicant
for membership on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, or
qualified physical handicap.
The City encourages all employees to treat one another with dignity and respect.
Harassment of fellow employees is a violation of City policy. No employment decision may be
made based upon an employee's submission to or rejection of such conduct. Any employee
who believes that he or she is the victim of such harassment, whether sexual, racial, ethnic or
religious, is required immediately to report the conduct to a supervisor, the department head or
the Human Resources Director. Any employee who engages in such conduct is subject to
disciplinary action, including immediate discharge.
Section 3.
Whenever the masculine gender is used in this Memorandum of
Understanding, it shall be understood to include the feminine gender.
1
ARTICLE III
BASIC COMPENSATION PLAN
Section 1. Salary Increase.
A. There are no salary increases scheduled for represented classes during the term of
this Memorandum of Understanding.
Section 2. Plan of Salary Schedules.
A. The pay plan consists of a set of monthly salary schedules. Each of such schedules
is designated by a schedule number. Each schedule consists of five (5) steps of monthly
compensation, each of which is designated by step letter.
B. For payroll purposes, the hourly equivalent of a monthly rate shall be computed by
dividing twelve (12) times the monthly rate by fifty-two (52) times the number of working hours
per week.
Section 3. Eligibility for Salary Advancement.
A. Eligibility for Salary Step Increase.
1. Salary step increases shall be considered on a merit basis only, and then only at
the following times, and in accordance with subsection B below.
2. All full time appointments shall be made at the first step of the salary schedule
assigned that class, unless prior written approval of the City Manager is obtained
for appointments at a higher step in the assigned schedule.
3. No salary advancements shall be made so as to exceed the maximum rate
established in the salary schedule for the class to which the employee's position
is allocated.
B. Qualification for Salary Step Advancement.
1. Advancement shall not be automatic but, shall be based
upon merit, dependent upon increased service value of an employee to
the City as exemplified by recommendations of his supervisor, length of
service, performance record, special training undertaken, and other
objective evidence.
2. Only employees rated as meeting the standard of fully effective work
performance shall be qualified to advance to the salary steps B, C, D and E.
C. Merit Evaluation.
1. Every employee shall receive an objective, written job performance rating,
no sooner than twenty (20) working days before, no later than ten (10)
2
working days before the date of eligibility for each salary step, merit longevity
or hourly increase, and annually thereafter, and upon a change of
employment status. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the department
head from authorizing a supervisor to give an additional objective rating to
an employee between those periods of time described in this section.
2. It shall be the duty of the department head to delegate the responsibility of
every employee's rating to that level of supervision having immediate
knowledge of the employee's work. An employee shall be rated by his
immediate supervisor, which rating shall be reviewed by the department
head.
Section 4.Salary Schedule Step Reduction.
Whenever an employee's work
performance falls below the level for which a step increase was granted, an employee's
authorized pay may be reduced to the employee's previous step rate under written
procedures established by the City for demotions and reduction in pay.
Section 5. Merit Longevity.
A. Eligibility for Merit Longevity. Upon approval of the appointing power,
permanent employees who have completed ten (10) continuous years of service may
receive merit longevity pay provided that:
1. The employee has maintained eligibility for salary Step E; and
2. The employee has been evaluated in the tenth year as "meets standards" as
defined by a comprehensive rating at or above the middle column of the
current reporting form, or the equivalent rating on any revised reporting form.
Eligible employees shall be paid, in addition to their respective regular
prescribed salary, a monthly amount equal to the next salary step above
their monthly base rate; and after twenty (20) years, one and one-half (1-1/2)
steps above their monthly base rate.
B. Qualification for Merit Longevity. Merit longevity is to be provided as continuing
incentive to career employees. Such payment shall continue with approval of the City
Manager, only during such period as an eligible employee continues to "meets standards"
as defined above, and shall be terminated at any time by the City Manager when the quality
of service, as evidenced by the performance rating of such employee, does not merit such
additional compensation.
Section 6. Mechanics' Tools.
If tools provided by the Mechanics are lost due to
fire or verified burglary, then the City shall replace said tools. The Police Department would
provide verification of burglary, after review of appropriate evidence.
Each Mechanic shall be reimbursed for the purchase of tools up to an annual
budget limit. Effective January 1, 2009, the annual budget limit for the purchase of tools
shall be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). At the earliest possible time after purchase, the
employee shall claim reimbursement for approved tools by submitting an itemized receipt.
The department head shall expeditiously authorize such reimbursement for approved tools.
Approved tools shall be of a high quality, bearing a brand name that is recognized
3
throughout the industry and approved by the department head (e.g., Sears-Craftsman,
Proto, Snap -On).
Section 7. Out-of-RankPay.
To assure the orderly performance and continuity of
municipal services, the City may temporarily assign employees to positions of higher rank on an
acting basis. The selection of an employee for an out-of-rank assignment shall be at the
discretion of the department head or his designee. A temporary out-of-rank pay differential of
one step (5.5%) shall be authorized when an employee has actually worked in a position of
higher rank for a period of ten (10) consecutive work days. Paid holidays shall be considered as
days actually worked. Other forms of authorized leave such as sick leave, emergency leave
and vacation shall not be considered as days actually worked. An employee who receives out-
of-rank pay will continue to receive any salary premium amounts (longevity, certificate pay, etc.),
will maintain their existing benefits, and will receive any general salary adjustments provided to
employees with the same classification.
Section 8. Safety Work Boots.
Effective January 1, 2009, covered maintenance
employees in the Public Works Department and Community Development Departments, other
than those crews listed below shall be reimbursed for the purchase of approved safety work
boots up to an annual budget limit of $160.00. Effective January 1, 2009, covered employees
who work in the park crew, street crew, the water distribution crew, mechanics, and the water
supply crew shall be reimbursed for the purchase of approved safety work boots up to an
annual budget limit of $200.00. Such reimbursement shall be made upon presentation by the
employee of an itemized receipt showing that work boots, meeting City safety requirements,
have been purchased. Maintenance employees shall wear work boots meeting safety
requirements at all times while on duty. The City agrees to permit a one-year carry over of the
boot allowance at the employee's option to cover the purchase of boots in excess of the budget
limit. Effective November 10, 2009, an employee may use any unused amount of the annual
boot allowance towards the purchase of products for the care and maintenance of safety shoes
such as repellent sprays, polish, shoelaces, and insoles.
Section 9. Acting Pay.
An employee who has been designated by the City to serve in
an acting capacity for sixty (60) consecutive work days or more shall receive Step A of the
range for the classification in which the employee is performing active duties or five and one-half
percent (5.5%), whichever is greater. Service in an acting capacity shall not be used as a basis
for, or in support of, a request for reclassification.An employee who receives acting pay will
continue to receive any salary premium amounts (longevity, certificate pay, etc.), will maintain
their existing benefits, and will receive any general salary adjustments provided to employees
with the same classification.
Section 10. Backflow Certification Pay.
The Director of Public Works shall have the
authority and discretion to provide and/or eliminate special backflow certification pay to any
covered employee up to budget authority. Employees who are assigned to backflow
certification shall receive a salary additive of five and one-half percent (5.5%) per month above
the employee’s regular rate of pay. The Director of Public Works has the discretion to establish
appropriate selection criteria and job responsibilities related to this special pay.
Section 11. Bonus Pay for Training.
At the department head's discretion, an
employee who is assigned by the department head to train new employees may be paid an
amount equal to two and three-quarters percent (2-3/4%) of the appropriate range in the salary
schedule for a maximum period of twelve (12) months. To be eligible to receive the bonus pay
4
for training, an employee must be specifically assigned to a trainee by the department head. A
trainer will receive the extra stipend for hours scheduled and worked in a training capacity.
Section 12. Bilingual Pay.
Employees required to speak or translate Spanish as part
of their regular duties will be compensated forty-six dollars and fifteen cents ($46.15) per
bi-weekly pay period in addition to their regular salary. The employee’s department head has
the authority and discretion to assign and/or remove this bonus up to budget authority. To be
eligible for this assignment, the employee must pass a conversational examination administered
by a court certified interpreter, or an employee who has been certified by the Human Resources
Director to administer such examination. Employee must recertify at least every eighteen (18)
months to maintain the eligibility.
Water System Operator Certificate Pay.
Effective August 2, 2004
Section 13.
specified employees, who are assigned to the Water Division, shall receive additional
compensation at the following rates of pay upon attainment of the following California
Department of Health Services Distribution System Classification and Treatment Facility
Classification certificate(s). Effective December 15, 2008, an employee who is not assigned to
the Water Division, but is required to possess and maintain such certification shall receive this
pay.
A. Employees who are classified as Water System Operators and who maintain a D1
and/or T1 certificate shall be eligible for Certificate Level One Pay of one hundred fifteen dollars
($115.00) per month.
B. Employees who are classified as Water System Operators or Water System Lead
Operators and who maintain a D2 and/or T2 certificate or above shall be eligible for Certificate
Level Two Pay of two hundred sixty-five dollars ($265.00) per month.
C. Employees are entitled to receive only one level of Certificate Pay.
D. No additional compensation shall be granted for certificates at higher levels (e.g. D3-
D5 and/or T3-T5).
Employees shall immediately notify their supervisor if they have lost their certification for
any reason. Failure to maintain the appropriate certificate will result in the loss of certificate pay
as well as additional appropriate personnel action.
Qualified License for Pesticide Pay.
Effective January 2, 2006, the
Section 14.
Director of Public Works shall have the authority and discretion to provide and/or eliminate
qualified operators license for pesticide pay to any covered employee up to budget authority.
Employees who are so assigned shall receive Pesticide Pay of one hundred dollars ($100.00)
per month above the employee’s regular rate of pay. The Director of Public Works has the
discretion to establish appropriate selection criteria and job responsibility related to this special
pay.
Section 15. On-Duty Training for Commercial Driver’s License.
The City shall
continue to provide on-duty training to a non-probationary employee to assist him attain or
maintain the required commercial driver’s license and endorsement(s). Training shall be
scheduled accordingly within the regular schedule of operations and shall be based on the
availability of resources to conduct the training.
5
ARTICLE IV
WORK WEEK
Section 1. Work Schedule.
A. The “9/80” schedule provides eighty (80) hours of scheduled work in a two-week pay
period. Employees are scheduled to work eight (8) nine (9) hour shifts and one (1) eight (8)
hour shift in a two week pay period. There is one alternating day off in the work schedule. The
alternating day off is Friday. The work week for FLSA overtime purposes shall start (4) four
hours into the nine (9) hour Friday shift. Management shall maintain the right to schedule
employee's work days, start and end times, establishing FLSA work weeks, etc.
B. Employees with hardships may request to their department head to be assigned the
five (5) eight (8) hour shifts per work week for eighty (80) hours of scheduled work in a two (2)
week pay period. The work week for FLSA overtime purposes for this schedule shall start at
12:01 a.m. Monday and end at 12:00 a.m. Sunday. If the request is denied, the Association and
City agree that the only appeal shall be to the Assistant City Manager. The decision of the
Assistant City Manager shall be final with no further appeal.
Section 2. Voluntary Reduction of Full-Time Hours.
A. A department head may grant a request from a full-time employee to reduce their
work hours below forty (40) hours in a work week. Employees may request reductions of up
to, but not to exceed, sixteen (16) hours in a two (2) week pay period. This Section shall not
apply to employees who request reductions of more than sixteen (16) hours in a pay period.
B. Employees who participate in this voluntary program shall maintain their status of
"full-time" with all the normal rights and privileges that status holds unless specifically altered by
this section.
C. Employees who are granted a reduction shall have salary reduced in proportion to
the reduced hours or shall be paid for the actual hours worked.
D. The City shall continue contributions to medical benefits as outlined in this M.O.U.
E. Leave time benefits such as vacation, sick leave and holidays, shall be reduced in
proportion to the hours worked.
F. All approved programs shall begin on the first Monday in the month that begins a pay
period. Employees approved for this program shall be required to remain on the reduced
schedule for at least two (2) pay periods. Employees shall only make two (2) requests/changes
per fiscal year.
6
G. Nothing in this Section shall diminish management rights to schedule working hours,
starting times, the number of hours worked, nor right to refuse requests; nor other rights as
previously reserved.
ARTICLE V
OVERTIME (COMPENSATORY TIME)
Section 1.
Overtime may be compensated in time off or money. Employees assigned
to work overtime shall have the right to be paid money, unless the form of compensation has
been discussed in advance. All approved overtime worked by an employee in excess of forty
(40) hours in the employee's work week shall be paid at the rate of time and one-half (1.5) the
employee’s regular hourly rate. Management may inform employees, prior to the performance
of the work, that only “compensatory time" is available. In this instance, employees shall have
the right to refuse the overtime assignment.
Section 2No Pyramiding.
. There shall be no pyramiding of overtime pay.
Section 3.Overtime Policy.
It is the policy of the City that overtime work is to be
discouraged. However, in cases of emergency or whenever public interests or necessity
requires, any department or division head may require any employee in such department or
division to perform overtime work. The City shall assign overtime on a fair and equitable basis
and shall establish a system of rotation of overtime, provided that such system shall guarantee
the integrity of the City's ability to perform services with adequate available manpower. The
projects and types of work for which overtime may be authorized shall be approved in advance
by the City Manager, except in the event of emergency, overtime is authorized by the
department head or his designate.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION FOR SPECIAL CALL-IN
Section 1
. Employees covered by this Agreement who are called in to perform work at
times other than those normally required for the employee's employment shall receive and be
paid for a minimum of two and six-tenths (2.6) hours at the rate of time and one-half (1.5).
Employees shall be entitled to call-in pay in the event the employee is required to report back to
work after completing his normal work shift, left City premises, and/or the employee work
location. Hours worked in excess of the two and six-tenths (2.6) hour guarantee shall be
counted toward the computation of overtime pay.
Section 2.
If an employee is called in less than four (4) hours before the start of a
regular shift, the employee shall be paid for the hours actually worked. Such hours shall be
counted toward the computation of overtime pay.
Section 3.
In cases of emergency or whenever public interests or necessity requires,
any department or division head may require an employee in such department or division to
perform work at times other than normally required.
Section 4.
Emergency call outs for employees not on standby shall be rotated among
all qualified unit members. The City may, at its discretion, establish eligibility criteria based on
7
known skills, classification and distance from the workplace. The City reserves the right to call
the employee nearest the emergency site when time is of the essence.
ARTICLE VII
HOLIDAYS
Section 1.
Employees covered by this Agreement shall receive eight (8) hours of pay
for each of the following holidays:
1. New Year's Day
2. Martin Luther King’s Birthday
3. Washington's Birthday (President's Day)
4. Memorial Day
5. Independence Day
6. Labor Day
7. Veterans' Day
8. Thanksgiving Day
9. Day after Thanksgiving
10. Day before Christmas
11. Christmas Day
When a holiday falls on a weekday that is an employee's regular day off, the employee
shall receive eight (8) hours of compensatory time at straight time. When a holiday falls on a
day an employee is scheduled to work nine (9) hours, and the employee takes the day off, the
employee shall add one (1) hour by choosing vacation, compensatory time, personal leave, or
time without pay. Sick leave, other than personal leave, may not be used to supplement the
holiday hours.
Section 2.
When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed as
the holiday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as the
holiday. When Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the day before Christmas shall be observed
on the previous Thursday. When Christmas Day falls on a Monday, the day before Christmas
shall be observed on the previous Friday.
Section 3.
When an employee works on a holiday (the day City Hall observes), the
employee shall receive holiday pay that shall be eight (8) hours of pay at the employee's regular
hourly rate of pay; together with overtime pay of one and one-half ( 1.5) times the employee's
hourly rate of pay for each hour worked on the holiday. When an employee works on the actual
holiday (when the holiday is observed as City Hall closure on another day), the employee will
receive the premium pay above, unless the employee was paid premium on the day the holiday
was observed.
Section 4.
Should one (1) of the holidays listed above fall during the employee's
vacation period, the employee shall receive holiday pay and no charge shall be made against
the employee's accumulated vacation.
Section 5.
Part-time employees who are employed in classifications listed in Exhibit A
and have been employed by the City for three (3) years and are enrolled in the California Public
Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and have a work schedule of over thirty (30) hours
8
per week on a regular and consistent basis, will receive seventy-five percent (75%) of this leave
benefit (six (6) hours per holiday). Effective January 1, 2006 this program will be discontinued
and no additional part-timers will be eligible for this benefit. City agrees to grandfather the two
existing part-time employees who are enrolled in CalPERS retirement as of January 1, 2006.
ARTICLE VIII
VACATION
Section 1. Accruals.
A. Employees covered by this Agreement shall accrue vacation leave pay on the
following scheduled basis:
Years of Service Hours per Year Monthly Accrual
0 - 3 80 6.7 Hrs.
4 - 5 96 8.0 Hrs.
6 - 10 120 10.0 Hrs.
11 - 15 136 11.3 Hrs.
16+ 160 13.4 Hrs.
B. Part-time Employees. Part-time employees who meet the criteria set forth in Article
VII, Section 5, shall accrue vacation leave with pay on the following scheduled basis:
Years of Service
Within Represented Class Hours per Year Monthly Accrual
0 - 3 60 5.0 hrs.
4 - 5 72 6.0 hrs.
6 - 10 90 7.5 hrs.
11 - 15 102 8.5 hrs.
16+ 120 10.0 hrs.
Effective January 1, 2006, this program will be discontinued and no additional part-time
employees will be eligible for this benefit. City agrees to grandfather the two existing part-time
employees who are enrolled in CalPERS as of January 1, 2006.
Section 2.Accrual Limits.
Vacation shall be taken at the convenience of the City with
the approval of the department head. Where possible, such vacation should be taken annually
and not accumulated from year to year. All eligible employees, however, shall be allowed to
accumulate two (2) years allowance of vacation. If the employee is prohibited by the supervisor
from taking the employee's vacation because of manpower shortages or operational needs, the
employee shall be paid all vacation in excess of two (2) years at the employee’s rate of pay at
the time of the pay-off.
Section 3.Vacation Payoff.
When an employee who has become entitled to receive
vacation under this Article separates from City service, either by retirement, permanent layoff, or
termination, the employee shall be entitled to be paid for unused earned vacation at the
employee's base hourly rate of pay in effect at the time of separation.
Section 4.Accrual Calculation.
Vacation shall be accrued on a monthly basis by
dividing twelve (12) into the number of eligible vacation hours per year, as set forth in Section l
9
above, to which the employee is eligible to receive based upon the employee's years of service
with the City.
Section 5.Use of Vacation.
An employee may use vacation hours to avoid the loss of
pay for hours absent from the job, provided the employee has already accrued the vacation
hours. This does not preclude the employee from being disciplined if the absence from the job
is not approved, is unjustified, or otherwise is in violation of City policies and practices.
ARTICLE IX
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Section 1.Leaves of Absence Without Pay.
The City Manager may grant a
permanent employee a leave of absence for a specific purpose, without pay, for a period not to
exceed up to one (1) year. The City Council may, upon recommendation of the City Manager,
grant a permanent employee a leave of absence for a specific purpose, with pay, not to exceed
one (1) year. No such leave shall be granted except upon written request of the employee.
Approval shall be in writing and a copy filed with the Human Resources Office of the City. Upon
expiration of a regularly approved leave, the employee shall be reinstated in the position held at
the time leave was granted. The employee shall report promptly upon the expiration of any
leave granted. Failure to report within a twenty-four (24) hour period after expiration of leave
shall be considered a voluntary resignation. Except as may be provided by law, no employment
or fringe benefits such as, but not limited to, sick leave, vacation, health insurance, retirement or
any other benefit shall accrue to any employee during leave of absence without pay.
Section 2.Health Insurance Premiums.
An employee on approved leave may elect
to pay the premiums due in order to maintain health insurance benefits during the term of such
leave. (Also refer to Family Leave policy.)
Section 3.Written Notice of Intent to Return.
An employee on leave of absence
must give the City at least seven (7) days written notice of the employee's intent to return to
work.
Section 4.Outside Employment While on Leave.
An employee, who engages in
outside employment, without prior approval of the City Manager, during said leave of absence,
shall be subject to termination. Any employee who falsified a reason for the request for said
leave of absence or any extension of such leave of absence may be terminated for falsifying
such request.
Section 5.Unpaid Leave and Accumulation of Benefits.
Clarification of policy on
unpaid leave and accumulation of benefits. In the event an employee has exhausted all
accumulated benefit hours and has not returned to work, the employee must apply for a leave of
absence or be terminated. Employees shall be notified by the City when all benefit hours have
been exhausted. After the employee has been notified, he shall have ten (10) calendar days to
apply for leave of absence.
Section 6. Sick Leave.
A. Sick leave shall be defined as absence from duty because of illness or off the job
injury, or exposure to contagious diseases as evidenced by certification from an accepted
medical authority.
10
B. Sick leave shall be accrued by covered employees at the rate of eight (8) hours per
month. Part-time employees who meet the criteria set forth in Article VII, Section 5, shall accrue
sick leave at the rate of six (6) hours per month. Effective January 1, 2006 this program will be
discontinued and no additional part-time employees will be eligible for this benefit. City agrees
to grandfather the two existing part-time employees who are enrolled in the CalPERS as of
January 1, 2006. Sick leave shall not be considered as a privilege that an employee may use at
his discretion but shall be allowed only in cases of necessity and actual sickness or disability.
Unused sick leave shall be accumulated without limitation.
C. In order to receive compensation while absent on sick leave, the employee shall
notify a designated supervisor prior to or within one (1) hour of the time set for beginning duty,
unless notification is physically impractical. However, in the event the supervisor is unavailable,
the employee must call the Human Resources Office by no later than 8:15 a.m. For any such
absence, the employee shall file a written statement with the City Manager stating the cause of
the absence. When the absence is for more than three (3) work days the department head
concerned may require a physician's certificate stating the cause of absence before said leave
shall be approved for compensation by the City Manager.
D. The right to benefits under the sick leave plan shall continue only during the period
that the employee is employed by the City. This plan shall not give any employee the right to be
retained in the service of the City, or any right of claim to sickness disability benefits after
separation from the services of the City.
E. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section, no employee shall be entitled to
receive any payment or other compensation from the City while absent from duty by reason of
injuries or disability received as a result of engaging in employment other than employment by
the City, for monetary gain or other compensation, or by reason of engaging in business or
activity for monetary gain or other compensation other than business or activity connected with
City employment.
F. At the written request of the appointing authority, the City Manager may require an
employee to submit to an examination by the City's physician, and if the results of the
examination indicate the employee is unable to perform his duties, or in the performance of his
duties, exposes others to infection, the employee shall be placed on sick leave without privilege
of reinstatement until adequate medical evidence is submitted that the employee is competent
to perform his duties or will not subject others to infection. Any employee so examined shall
have the right to submit the reports of a competent medical authority of his own selection, and at
his own expense, in addition to the report submitted by the City's physician. In the event of a
conflict of opinion and/or recommendation of the two (2) physicians, a third physician shall be
selected by the first two (2) physicians and the final decision shall be made by the City
Manager.
G. Upon retirement of an eligible employee, one hundred percent (100%) of his unused
accumulated sick leave shall be deposited into the City Retirement Savings Plan to be used for
eligible medical expenses. Effective December 15, 2008, the maximum number of hours that
will be deposited is nineteen hundred (1,900).
H. In the event of layoff, an employee with ten (10) years of continuous service with the
City shall be entitled to the above benefit.
11
I. Accrued sick leave shall be valued for the purposes of Section G above, on the
following basis:
1. Sick leave earned prior to June 30, 1974 shall be costed at salary rates in effect
on June 30, 1974.
2. Sick leave earned on or after July 1, 1974 shall be costed at the rate prevailing at
the end of the fiscal year in which it was earned.
3. Sick leave taken shall be deducted from the oldest, lowest value accrued sick
leave first, provided however, when an employee takes sick leave, the employee
shall receive each hour of sick leave at the employee's hourly rate in effect at the
time of taking sick leave.
J. Employees who become entitled to accrue sick leave allowance which has not been
used, may convert each two (2) hours of accumulated sick leave to one (1) hour of vacation,
after having accumulated six hundred and forty (640) hours of sick leave and providing that not
more than forty (40) hours of additional vacation may be so converted in any one fiscal year.
K. The City will not harass employees for the use of sick leave or industrial injury leave.
Harassment is the persistent criticism of employees who use sick leave or are off because of
industrial injury. However, noting the use of sick leave on employee evaluations is not
considered harassment.
Section 7. Emergency Leave.
A. Any employee who is absent from work by reason of attendance upon members of
the immediate family whose incapacitation requires the care of such employee, or death in the
immediate family of the employee, may be allowed emergency leave with pay, not to exceed six
(6) work days per incident on the basis of one-half (.5) work day for each month of regular
employment, which is deducted from accumulated sick leave. Immediate family shall include
and be limited to, mother, father, grandparents, brother, sister, spouse or child of any eligible
employee, or of the spouse of any employee of the City.
B. For absences under this Section exceeding a total of three (3) working days in any
six-month (6) period, a physician's certificate verifying the leave basis may be required by the
City Manager or department head.
C. All such claims for emergency leave are subject to verification by the City Manager.
D. Verified use of emergency leave will not be reflected on the employee’s annual
evaluation.
Section 8. Personal Leave.
With approval of the department head, an employee may
use up to twenty-four (24) hours of their accrued sick leave per year, on personal matters that
are of an unforeseen combination of circumstances that call for immediate action and are family
related; or to add one additional hour per holiday as covered in Article VII, Section 1. Such
matters shall be considered as those events or occurrences that a reasonable prudent person
would not or could not postpone to a subsequent time. An indication of the reason for personal
leave shall be explained to the immediate supervisor and shall be granted with his approval.
Such personal leave shall not be cumulative from year to year. Personal Leave used as an
12
additional hour of holiday shall not be included in any calculation of an employee’s use of sick
leave for the purposes of performance evaluation or awards provided by the city.
Section 9. Workers' Compensation - Injury on Duty.
A. Compensation. If an employee is absent from work by reason of illness or injury
determined to be covered by Workers' Compensation, the City shall pay the employee
seventy-five percent (75%) of his regular rate of pay for up to ten (10) work days following the
illness or injury in lieu of temporary disability payments. During the period in which the
employee receives seventy-five percent (75%) of regular pay, no State or Federal income tax
shall be withheld upon timely request by the employee. If a regular employee is disabled due to
an illness or injury covered by Workers' Compensation for a period beyond ten (10) working
days, said employee shall be paid one hundred percent (100%) of his regular rate of pay.
Any payments made pursuant to this Section shall not be charged to the employee's sick
leave or vacation benefits. All fringe benefits, such as payment of medical and dental insurance
premiums shall continue during such paid industrial disability leave.
B. Duration. Any such paid industrial disability leave, as described in Section A above,
shall extend for a period of up to nine (9) calendar months for each covered injury or illness.
Such paid industrial disability leave shall not be authorized after an employee's separation from
City service.
C. Extended Industrial Disability. In the event that an employee's industrial disability or
incapacity extends for a period beyond nine (9) calendar months, the employee shall be entitled
to receive temporary or permanent disability benefits pursuant to State Workers' Compensation
laws.
D. The existing language contained in Article IX, Section 11, of the Personnel
Management Rules and Regulations, entitled Workers' Compensation, is hereby superseded by
the provisions of this Section and effectively deleted in terms of applicability to employees
covered by this Agreement.
E. If an employee with a Workers' Compensation claim files for a permanent disability
rating, he will continue to receive the extended industrial disability wage continuance as detailed
in item C above. In no case will an employee's compensation be reduced to the State minimum
in lieu of his entitlement to the wage continuance provisions specified above.
F. In the event that the Federal income tax laws are changed to provide that temporary
disability payments are taxable income, the amount of the wage continuance shall revert from
seventy-five percent (75%) back to one hundred percent (l00%).
G. Reclassification of Injured Worker. If, in the opinion of the City, an employee has
been found to be permanently, physically incapable of performing the duties of the currently
held position, the City may place the employee into another vacant position of equal level or
lower within the bargaining unit provided such placement is approved by the appointing
authority. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent such employee from applying for and
competing for positions of a higher class or positions represented by other bargaining units.
13
Section 10. Employee Disability Leave.
A. An employee that has at least one (1) year of continuous service with the City and
who has exhausted all accrued leave (vacation, sick-leave, comp time) due to non-industrial
illness or injury can be advanced sick leave time at the rate of seventy-five percent (75%) of the
employee’s regular salary according to the following table:
Maximum Time Allowance (Hours)
Years of Service Total Hours
1 through 5 360
6 through 10 544
Over 10 720
B. Application for disability leave shall be made by the employee to the City Manager
through the department head, accompanied by full medical justification from a physician chosen
by the City at the direction of the City. Failure to submit to such an examination shall be a basis
for terminating disability leave. If the City Manager approves the application, he shall notify the
employee of such approval in writing.
C. After the employee returns to work, the employee shall reimburse the City for the
value of the advanced sick-leave time by having the employee’s sick leave accrual for sick-
leave reduced by four (4) hours per month and the employee may contribute vacation leave to
accelerate the employee's reimbursement to the City for providing the benefits under this Article.
D. When the "maximum time allowance" has been reimbursed as set forth above, the
employee shall be eligible to apply for additional disability leave; provided that no employee
shall receive more than the "total" set forth above for his length of service, during his entire
employment with the City.
E. Grounds for termination of disability leave by the City Manager shall include, but not
be limited to, the following reasons:
1. The employee has recovered from his illness or injury.
2. The leave is being used as a pre-retirement leave for purpose of postponing
retirement or pension.
3. The disability leave was procured by fraud, misrepresentation or mistake.
4. The employee has not cooperated fully in supplying all information-mat and
submitting to any examination requested by the City to determine the existence
or continuing nature of the employee's disability.
F. In the event an employee becomes ineligible to accrue sick leave or is scheduled
to end employment with the City and has not completed the reimbursement schedule for this
benefit, the balance due shall be handled by payroll deduction or accounts receivable as
applicable.
14
Section 11. Military Leave.
Military leave shall be granted in accordance with the
provisions of State and/or Federal law. All employees entitled to military leave shall give the
appointing power an opportunity, within the limits of military regulations, to determine when such
leave shall be taken.
Section 12. Jury Duty.
Effective August 1, 1991, the City will not provide any paid
release time for jury duty to employees in classifications represented by the Association. If the
State and/or Federal Court Jury Commissioners rescind their present policy of granting
exemptions from jury service to persons who do not receive paid release time from their
employers, so as to require jury service despite the absence of such pay from their employer,
then the City's practice of providing paid release time to employees for jury duty shall be
reinstated immediately upon the effective date of such change for the applicable State and/or
Federal Court.
A. In the event that an employee is called for jury duty and wishes to serve, accrued
vacation leave, compensatory time or a leave of absence without pay shall be granted subject to
the scheduling requirements of the City.
B. In the event that the court fully reimburses the City for the full salary of an employee
on jury duty, the City will immediately reinstate the practice of providing paid release time to
employees for jury duty.
C. In the event that an employee is called for jury duty and the court does not excuse
jury service based on the non-payment of salary by the employer, the City shall grant said
employee paid release time for the required jury duty.
ARTICLE X
FRINGE BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION
Section 1. Administration.
The City reserves the right to select the insurance carrier
or administer any fringe benefit programs that now exist or may exist in the future during the
term of this Memorandum of Understanding.
Section 2. Selection and Funding.
In the administration of the fringe benefit
programs, the City shall have the right to select any insurance carrier or other method of
providing coverage to fund the benefits included under the terms of this Memorandum of
Understanding, provided that the benefits of the employees shall be no less than those in
existence as of the implementation of this Agreement.
Section 3. Changes.
If, during the term of this Memorandum of Understanding, any
change of insurance carrier or method of funding for any benefit provided hereunder occurs, the
City shall notify the Association prior to any change of insurance carrier or method of funding
the coverage.
15
ARTICLE XI
MEDICAL, DENTAL AND LIFE INSURANCE
Section 1.Medical Insurance.
The City shall continue to contribute one hundred
percent (100%) to a medical benefit package for the employee and his dependents for the term
of this Agreement.
A. Kaiser Permanente HMO Plan (“Kaiser Plan”). Effective November 1, 2000, the City
agrees to add to the Kaiser Plan the benefit of eyeglass lenses every twenty-four (24) months
with a seventy dollar ($70.00) frame allowance.
1. An employee hired on or after August 9, 2011 shall have the election to enroll
himself and his qualified dependent(s) in the Kaiser Plan only.
2. The City and the Association agree that once an agreement is reached with all
affected bargaining units to change the Kaiser Plan co-pay from five dollars ($5.00) to ten
dollars ($10.00), such change shall be implemented on the first of the month following
authorization by Kaiser Permanente.
B. Employee Waiver of Medical Coverage. The City agrees to permit an employee to
waive City-sponsored medical coverage as follows:
1. The employee presents written proof to the Human Resources Office that he and
his qualified dependent(s) are covered by another non City-sponsored medical
plan; and
2. The employee notifies the City during the enrollment period upon hire or during
the City’s announced annual open enrollment period.
The City agrees that the employee who is qualified to waive coverage shall receive
eighty one dollars ($81.00) per month if waiver eligibility is for “employee only” coverage, one
hundred sixty-two dollars ($162.00) per month if waiver eligibility is for “employee plus one”
coverage, or two hundred twenty-nine dollars ($229.00) per month if waiver eligibility is for
“employee plus family” coverage. The eligible amount will be added to the employee's
paycheck or will be placed in the employee’s account of the City's deferred compensation plan.
C. Citywide Medical Committee. A Committee, consisting of one representative
appointed
from each Employee Association will be created for the purpose of studying the City Medical
plans with the goal of reducing the cost of the plans and developing improved retiree medical
benefits. No changes to the existing health benefits will be made without written approval of
both parties.
Section 2. Dental Insurance.
A. Dental HMO Plan. The City shall continue to make a maximum contribution of thirty-
one dollars and ninety-five cents ($31.95) per month to a dental HMO benefit package for the
employee and his qualified dependent(s) any amounts necessary to fund existing benefits in
excess of the amounts which the City is obligated to contribute set forth above shall be borne by
the employee.
16
B. Dental PPO Plan. Effective January 1, 2009 (start of a new benefit year), the City
agrees to increase the annual maximum benefit amount under the Delta Dental Premier (PPO)
coverage payable from one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to two thousand dollars ($2,000.00).
For the rate that will be effective July 1, 2011 and each year thereafter, the City shall
calculate the City and employee contribution as follows: In May of each year the City shall
calculate the overall premium rate based on claims experience, Delta administrative fees and an
industry trending projection. The difference between the City contribution in effect at the time of
the rate calculation and forty-four dollars and forty-five cents ($44.45) will be multiplied by the
percent of the overall premium rate increase from the year before. That number will then be
added to the City contribution to become the new City contribution. The employee contribution
will be determined by subtracting the new premium rate by the new City contribution. That
amount will be included in the memo that is sent to all employees during the month of June for
the re-enrollment period.
17
An example of the calculation is shown below:
Current City $31.95
Current Employee $37.52
Total $69.47
As of July 1, 2006
Increase for new cap $10.00
Current
rateIncreaseNew Amts
New City $ 31.95 $ 10.00 $ 41.95
New Employee $ 37.52 $ 37.52
Total $ 79.47
As of July 1, 2007
Increase in costs $ 10.00
New City $ 41.95 $ 10.00 $ 51.95
New Employee $ 37.52 $ 37.52
Total $ 79.47 $ 89.47
As of July 1, 2008New Amts
% increase5% $ 93.94
Cap costIncrease
New city $ 51.95 $ 20.00 $ 1.00 $ 52.95
New Employee $ 37.52 $ 40.99
Total $ 93.94
As of July 1, 2009
% increase5% $ 98.64
New City $ 52.95 $ 21.00 $ 1.05 $ 54.00
New Employee $ 40.99 $ 44.64
Total $ 98.64
Section 3. Life Insurance.
Each employee covered by this agreement shall be
provided with a group term life insurance benefit of $10,000.00.
18
ARTICLE XII
RETIREMENT
Section 1. California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Coverage.
A. First Tier Retirement Formula. Effective August 19, 2002, the City amended the
CalPERS contract to provide the benefit known as 2.7% @ age 55 retirement formula.
B. Second Tier Retirement Formula. Effective August 9, 2011, it is agreed to between
the City and the Association that the benefit known as 2% @ 60 retirement formula shall apply
to employees hired or who become eligible for enrollment in the CalPERS Retirement Plan on
or after the effective date of the City’s contract amendment with CalPERS to implement this
benefit. The City shall amend its CalPERS contract as soon as practicable once an agreement
is reached with all affected employee bargaining units to implement the 2% @ 60 second tier
retirement formula as described in this Section.
C. Employee (Member) CalPERS Contribution – First Tier Retirement Formula. In
accordance with existing practice and Government Code Sections 20636 (c) (4), and 20691, the
City will pay the employee’s CalPERS member contribution equal to eight percent (8%) and
report this contribution as compensation earnable (referred to as reporting the value of
Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) as special compensation).
D. Employee (Member) CalPERS Contribution – Second Tier Retirement Formula. Upon
the effective date of the amendment to the CalPERS contract to implement the second tier 2% @
60 retirement formula, all employees hired on or after the amendment date will pay the full seven
percent (7%) member contribution for the entire term of their employment. Such payment will be
handled on a pre-tax basis by way of a bi-weekly payroll deduction.
E. Survivor/Death Benefits. Effective July 13, 2009, the City implemented the CalPERS
contract amendment to include: (a) the Level 4 1959 PERS Survivor’s Benefit program (Section
21574) and (b) the Pre-Retirement Optional Settlement 2 Death Benefit (Section 21548).
Section 2. Retiree Medical Annuity.
An employee who retires from the City of
Downey after January 1, 1989, shall be entitled to participate in the City-sponsored medical plan
and the City shall contribute up to a maximum of $98.00 per month toward the premium for
employee only coverage under the City-sponsored medical plans, provided:
A. At the time of retirement the employee has a minimum of ten (10) years of service, or
is granted a service-connected disability retirement;
B. At the time of retirement the employee is employed by the City; and
C. Effective the day after official separation from the City the employee has been
granted a retirement allowance by the CalPERS.
D. The City's obligation to pay up to a maximum of ninety-eight dollars ($98.00) per
month towards the premium in the City plan shall be modified downward or cease during the
lifetime of the retiree upon the happening of any one of the following:
19
1. During any period the retiree is eligible to receive or receives health insurance
coverage at the expense of another employer the payment will be suspended.
"Another employer" as used herein means private employer or public employer
or self-employed or the employer of a spouse. As a condition of being eligible to
receive the premium contribution set forth above, the City shall have the right to
require any retiree to annually certify that the retiree is not receiving any such
paid health insurance benefits from another employer. If it is later discovered
that misrepresentation has occurred, the retiree will be responsible for
reimbursement of those amounts inappropriately expended and the retiree's
eligibility to receive benefits will cease.
2. If the retiree becomes eligible to enroll, automatically or voluntarily, in Medi-cal or
Medicare, the City's plan shall provide secondary coverage only and the City's
contribution rate set forth above shall be adjusted downward accordingly.
3. In the event the Federal government or State government mandates an
employer-funded health plan or program for retirees, or mandates that the City
make contributions toward a health plan (either private or public plan) for retirees,
the City's contribution rate set forth above shall be first applied to that plan. If
there is any excess, that excess may be applied toward the City medical plan as
supplemental coverage provided the retiree pays the balance owing for such
coverage if any.
4. Upon the death of the retiree, this benefit shall cease.
E. It is understood and agreed that the annual amount contributed by the City to fund
the Retiree Medical Annuity on behalf of the employees, shall be included as an item of
compensation in total compensation survey comparisons.
ARTICLE XIII
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Section 1.
With prior approval of the City Manager, employees may be reimbursed for
tuition and books for courses taken to improve their value to the City. Tuition shall be
reimbursed for courses as recommended by the department head with job related justification
and approved by the City Manager. Employees must receive a passing grade in order to be
reimbursed for the course. Reimbursement shall be made at the rate of tuition charged at
California State University/Los Angeles for courses on the quarter system, and California State
University/ Long Beach for courses on the semester system. The employee will be reimbursed
for required books only.
ARTICLE XIV
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Section 1.
An original or promotional appointment will be tentative and subject to a
probationary period of not less than six (6) months, except that the City Manager may extend
the probationary period for a class up to an additional six (6) months or for a marginal
probationer for up to an additional three (3) months. Should the appointing authority desire to
20
terminate any probationary employee, the appointing authority shall notify such employee no
less than two (2) weeks prior to termination.
Section 2.
If the service of the probationary employee has been satisfactory to the
appointing authority, then the appointing authority shall file with the Human Resources Director
a merit rating including a statement, in writing, to such effect and stating that the retention of
such employee in the service of the City is desired. If such a statement is not filed, the
employee will be deemed to be unsatisfactory and his employment terminated at the expiration
of the probationary period.
Section 3.
All probationary periods shall extend to the first day of the month following
the period of probation.
Section 4.
During the probationary period an employee may be rejected at any time by
the appointing power without cause and without the right of appeal.
ARTICLE XV
SENIORITY
Section 1.Seniority Date.
Employee seniority is the length of continuous service of
the employee with the City from his most recent date of hire or rehire.
A. No employee shall acquire any seniority until he has completed his probationary
period.
B. When an employee has completed his probationary period, his seniority shall date
from date of hire.
Section 2. Layoffs.
A. Whenever, in the judgment of the City Council, it becomes necessary to lay off
employees, the City may abolish any position covered by this Agreement. Any employee
holding an abolished position will be subject to layoff and have no right to demand that written
charges or reasons therefore be filed, and shall have no right of appeal or hearing.
B. Seniority shall be observed in affecting layoffs in personnel. The least senior
employee in a classification subject to layoff will be laid off first.
C. An employee subject to layoff may exercise his seniority (l) within a job family
laterally, (2) within a job family to a lower classification, or (3) to a classification previously held
by the employee, provided that the employee meets the current qualifications and requirements
of the position in which he seeks to exercise seniority, and provided further that any such
exercise in seniority shall be subject to a thirty (30) day trial period. An employee subject to
layoff because of such exercise of seniority, may, in turn, similarly exercise his seniority subject
to the same limitations. If an employee does not successfully complete the thirty (30) day trial
period, he will be laid off, provided that the employee may grieve such a layoff and be entitled to
Skelly rights.
21
D. For purposes of this section, job families are established as follows:
1. Physical Services - Maintenance Leadworker
Maintenance Worker II
Maintenance Worker I
2. Water and Sanitation – Water System Leadworker
Water System Operator
3. Equipment Maintenance Leadworker
Mechanic
4. Transit Driver/Dispatcher
Transit Driver
5. Tree Trimmer Leadworker
Tree Trimmer
6. Residential Rehabilitation Leadworker
Residential Rehabilitation Worker
Section 3.
A separation from service, other than an approved leave of absence or
layoff, shall cause the employee to lose his seniority rights.
Section 4.
Names of employees laid off shall be placed on a re-employment list in order
of their seniority and shall remain on such list for a period of two years. During this time, the
City will use this list to rehire employees in order of seniority, provided that the employee held
the classification being filled or held a classification in the same job family.
Section 5.Layoff Notice and Severance Pay.
In the event the City decides to
contract for work provided by an employee covered by this Agreement, the City will provide at
least one month's notice to the affected employee prior to the effective date of the layoff. An
employee laid off because the City contracts with a private company to perform his duties will
receive a severance payment upon termination equal to three (3) months of the employee's
current salary amount.
ARTICLE XVI
CITY RIGHTS
Section 1. Management Rights.
The City reserves, retains, and is vested with, solely
and exclusively, all rights of Management which have not been expressly abridged by specific
provision of this Memorandum of Understanding or by law to manage the City, as such rights
existed prior to the execution of this Memorandum of Understanding. The sole and exclusive
rights of Management, as they are not abridged by this Agreement or by law, shall include, but
not be limited to, the following rights:
A. To manage the City generally and to determine the issues of policy.
B. To determine the existence or non-existence of facts which are the basis of the
management decision.
C. To determine the necessity and organization of any service or activity conducted by
the City and expand or diminish services.
22
D. To determine the nature, manner, means, and technology, and extent of services to
be provided to the public.
E. Methods of financing.
F. Types of equipment or technology to be used.
G. To determine and/or change the facilities, methods, technology, means, and size of
the work force by which the City operations are to be conducted.
H. To determine and change the number of locations, relocations, and types of
operations, processes and materials to be used in carrying out all City functions including, but
not limited to, the right to contract for or subcontract any work or operation of the City.
I. To assign work to and schedule employees in accordance with requirements as
determined by the City and to establish and change work schedules and assignments.
J. To relieve employees from duties for lack of work or similar non-disciplinary reasons.
K. To establish and modify productivity and performance programs and standards.
L. To discharge, suspend, demote, or otherwise discipline employees for proper cause.
M. To determine job classifications and to reclassify employees.
N. To hire, transfer, promote and demote employees for non-disciplinary reasons in
accordance with this Memorandum of Understanding and applicable Resolutions and Codes of
the City.
O. To determine policies, procedures and standards for selection, training and
promotion of employees.
P. To establish employee performance standards including, but not limited to, quality
and quantity standards; and to require compliance therewith.
Q. To maintain order and efficiency in its facilities and operations.
R. To establish and promulgate and/or modify rules and regulations to maintain order
and safety in the City which are not in contravention with this Agreement.
S. To take any and all necessary action to carry out the mission of the Agency in
emergencies.
Section 2. Exercise of Management Rights.
Except in emergencies, or where the
City is required to make changes in its operations because of the requirements of law,
whenever the exercise of management's rights shall impact on employees of the bargaining
unit, the City agrees to meet and confer with representatives of the Association regarding the
impact of the exercise of such rights, unless the matter of the exercise of such rights is provided
for in this Memorandum of Understanding or in Personnel Rules and Salary Resolutions and
Administrative Regulations which are incorporated in this Agreement. By agreeing to meet and
23
confer with the Association as to the impact and the exercise of any of the foregoing City rights,
management's discretion in the exercise of these rights shall not be diminished.
Section 3. Contracting Out.
The City agrees that it will notify the Association of any
known or anticipated layoff, reduction in class or reclassification of unit members resulting from
a decision to contract work to private sector employees which is ordinarily performed by
members of the bargaining unit. The City will meet and confer upon the impact of the
consequences regarding the decision to contract out the above referenced work. The
Association agrees that the decision to contract any work is the exclusive right of the City.
Nothing herein shall prevent the City from taking all necessary action to carry out its mission
during emergencies.
B. If the City proposes to contract out services currently performed by unit employees,
the Association shall have the right to submit a bid on the services. The City shall provide
employees with the same bid specifications as those provided to prospective contractors.
ARTICLE XVII
EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1. Agency Shop Agreement - Legislative Authority.
The parties mutually
understand and agree that under the Meyers Milias Brown Act (Government Code Section 3500
et seq.) all employees who are in classifications represented by the Downey City Employees’
Association - Maintenance Unit have the right to join or not join the Association. However, the
enactment of a local “Agency Shop” requires that as a condition of continuing employment,
employees in the respective bargaining unit must either join the Association or pay to the
Association a service fee in lieu thereof. Such service fee shall be established by the
Association, and shall not exceed the standard initiation fee, periodic dues and general
assessments of the Association. Employee shall be defined as full time having successfully
completed their probationary period.
Section 2. Election.
A. The agency shop provisions contained in this agreement shall only go into effect if a
simple majority of voting eligible unit members cast votes in favor of agency shop in an election
as provided in this Agreement.
B. To determine whether employees in the unit wish to be covered by an agency shop
provision, an election will be conducted by and in accordance with, procedures established by
the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service using a secret ballot. The ballot will
state “Do you wish to be covered by an Agency Shop arrangement, which requires all
employees to either join the employee organization or pay an agency fee for representation?”
The cost of this election shall be borne by the Association.
C. Employees eligible to vote in this election shall be all employees in classifications
represented by the Association on the payroll for the most recent month for which data is
available.
D. The State Mediation and Conciliation Service shall investigate any objections to the
conduct of the election and decide matters pertaining to any challenged ballots.
24
Section 3. Association Dues/Service Fees.
A. Agency Shop as used in this Article means an organizational security arrangement
as defined in Government Code Section 3502.5 and applicable law.
B. Commencing within thirty (30) days of the State Mediation and Conciliation Service’s
certification of approval of the agency shop election results, the Human Resources Office shall
provide all current employees and any employees hired thereafter, with an authorization notice
advising them that Agency Shop for the Association has been enacted pursuant to State law
and an agreement exists with the Association, and that all employees subject to the Agreement
must either join the Association, pay a service fee to the Association, or provide proof of
membership in a religious organization which holds historic opposition to membership in a labor
organization. Such notice shall include a form for the employee’s signature authorizing a payroll
deduction of Association dues, a service fee or a charitable contribution equal to the service fee.
Said employees shall have fourteen (14) calendar days from the date they receive the form to
fully execute it and return it to the Human Resources Office.
C. If the form is not completed properly or returned within fourteen (14) calendar days,
the City shall commence and continue a monthly payroll deduction of service fees from the first
regular biweekly paychecks of such employee each month. The effective date of Association
dues, service fee, or charitable contribution shall begin no later than the beginning of the first
regular biweekly paycheck of the month commencing fourteen (14) calendar days after receipt
of the authorization form by the employee.
D. As to non-members objecting to the Association spending their agency fee on
matters unrelated to collective bargaining and contract administration, the amount of the agency
fee charged shall not reflect expenditures which the courts have determined to be non-
chargeable, including political contributions to candidates and parties, members only benefits,
charitable contributions and ideological expenditures and, to the extent prohibited by law, shall
not reflect expenditures for certain aspects of lobbying, ballot measures, publications,
organizing and litigation.
E. The Association shall comply with applicable law regarding disclosure and allocation
of its expenses, notice to providers of their right to object, provision for agency fee payers to
challenge the Association’s determinations of amounts chargeable to the objecting non-
members, and appropriate escrow provisions to hold contested amounts while the challenges
are underway.
F. The Association shall make available, at its expense, an expeditious administrative
appeals procedure to unit members who object to the payment of any portion of the
representation service fee. Such procedure shall provide for a prompt decision to be made by
an impartial decision-maker jointly selected by the Association and the objecting provider(s). A
copy of such procedure shall be made available upon request by the Association to non-
members and the City.
G. The foregoing description of permissible agency fee charges and related procedures
is included herein for informational purposes and is not intended to change applicable law.
H. The employee’s earnings must be sufficient after the other legal and required
deductions are made to cover the amount of the dues or fees authorized. When an employee is
in a non-pay status for an entire pay period, no withholding will be made to cover the pay period
25
from future earnings. In the case of an employee in a non-pay status only during part of the pay
period, whose salary is not sufficient to cover the full withholding, no deduction shall be made.
In the case of an employee who is receiving short term disability pay (75% pay) during a pay
period, no deduction shall be made. In this connection, all other legal and required deductions
(including health care and insurance deductions) have priority over Association dues and
service fees.
Section 4. Religious Exemption.
A. Any employee who is a member of a bona fide religion, body or sect that has
historically held conscientious objections to joining or financially supporting public employee
organizations shall upon presentation of active membership in such religion, body, or sect, not
be required to join or financially support any public employee organization as a condition of
employment. The employee may be required, in lieu of periodic dues, initiation fees or agency
shop fees, to pay sums equal to the dues, initiation fees or agency shop fees to a nonreligious,
non-labor charitable fund exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code, chosen by the employee from a list of at least three of these funds, designated in a
memorandum of understanding between the City and the Association, or if the memorandum of
understanding fails to designate the funds, then to any such fund chosen by the employee.
Proof of the payments shall be made on a monthly basis to the City as a condition of continued
exemption from the requirement of financial support to the Association [Govt. Code Section
3502.5(c)].
B. Declarations of, or applications for, religious exemption and any other supporting
documentation shall be forwarded to the Association within fourteen (14) calendar days of
receipt by the City. The Association shall have fourteen (14) calendar days after receipt of a
request for religious exemption to challenge any exemption granted by the City. If challenged,
the deduction to the charity of the employee’s choice shall commence but shall be held in
escrow pending resolution of the challenge. Charitable contributions shall be made by regular
payroll deductions only.
Section 5. Rescission.
The agency shop provision in this memorandum of
understanding may be rescinded by a majority vote of all the employees in the unit covered by
the memorandum of understanding, provided that:
A. A request for such a vote is supported by a petition containing the signatures at least
thirty percent (30%) of the employees in the unit;
B. The vote is by secret ballot;
C. The vote may be taken at any time during the term of the memorandum of
understanding, but in no event shall there be more than one rescission vote taken during that
term. Notwithstanding the above, the City and the Association may negotiate, and by mutual
agreement provide for, an alternative procedure or procedures regarding a vote on an agency
shop agreement [Govt. Code Section 3502.5(d)].
D. If a “rescission vote” is approved by unit members during the term of a current
Memorandum of understanding, the Association agrees not to petition for or seek Agency Shop
status for the duration of the current memorandum of understanding.
26
Section 6. Indemnification.
The Association shall indemnify, defend, and hold the City
harmless against any liability arising from any claims, demands, or other action relating to the
City’s compliance with the agency fee obligation including claims relating to the Associations
use of monies collected under these provisions [Govt. Code Section 3502.5(b)]. The City
reserves the right to select and direct legal counsel in the case of any challenge to the City’s
compliance with the agency fee obligation, and the Association agrees to pay any attorney,
arbitrator, or court fees related thereto.
ARTICLE XVIII
NO STRIKE - NO LOCKOUT
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Section 1.
The Association, its officers, agents, representatives and/or members agree
that during the term of this Agreement they will not cause or condone any strike, walkout,
slowdown, sick-out, or any other job action withholding or refusing to perform services.
Section 2.
The City agrees that it shall not lockout its employees during the term of this
Agreement. The term "lockout" is hereby defined so as not to include the discharge,
suspension, termination, layoff, failure to recall or failure to return to work of employees of the
City in the exercise of its rights as set forth in any of the provisions of this Agreement or
applicable ordinance or law.
Section 3.
Any employee who participates in any conduct prohibited in Section 1
above, shall be subject to termination by the City.
Section 4.
In addition to any other lawful remedies or disciplinary actions available to
the City, if the Association fails, in good faith, to perform all responsibilities listed Section 1
above, the City may suspend any and all of the rights, privileges, accorded to the Association
under the Employee Relations Resolution in this Memorandum of Understanding including, but
not limited to, suspension of recognition of the Association, grievance procedure, right of
access, check-off, the use of the City's bulletin boards and facilities.
ASSOCIATION RESPONSIBILITY
Section 1.
In the event that the Association, its officers, agents, representatives, or
members engage in any of the conduct prohibited in Prohibited Conduct, Section 1 above, the
Association shall immediately instruct any persons engaging in such conduct that their conduct
is in violation of this Memorandum of Understanding and unlawful and they must immediately
cease engaging in conduct prohibited and return to work.
Section 2.
If the Association performs all of the responsibilities set forth in Association
Responsibility, Section 1 above, its officers, agents and representatives shall not be liable for
damages for prohibited conduct performed by employees who are covered by this Agreement.
27
ARTICLE XIX
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Section 1. Grievance.
Grievance shall be defined as a dispute between the
Association, employee or employees and the City, regarding interpretation or application of
specific provisions of this Agreement, personnel rules, or departmental rules and regulations.
Section 2. Conduct of the Grievance Procedure.
A. An employee may request the assistance of another person of his own choosing,
who is not a representative of another recognized bargaining organization, in preparing and
presenting his grievance at any level of review, or may be represented by the Association, or
may represent himself. The employee shall not suffer any reprisal from management for
utilizing the grievance procedure set forth herein.
B. Any retroactivity on monetary grievances shall be limited to the date that the
grievance was filed, in writing, except in cases where it was impossible for the employee to
have had prior knowledge of an accounting error.
C. All time limits specified may be extended to a definite date by mutual agreement of
the employee or his Association representative, and the decision making management
representative involved at each step of the grievance procedure. Such mutual agreement shall
be evidenced in writing and signed by the employee or Association representative and
management representative.
Section 3.
Grievance procedure shall provide for the following steps; except for
grievances which are a result of disciplinary action, which shall begin at Step Two.
Step One
. An employee must attempt first to resolve a grievance on an informal basis
through discussion with his immediate supervisor within ten (10) working days from the date of
the alleged incident or action giving rise to the grievance. If, after such discussion, the
employee does not believe the problem has been satisfactorily resolved, he shall have the right
and obligation to discuss it with his supervisor's immediate supervisor, if any, and his
department head, if necessary. Every effort shall be made to find an acceptable solution by
these informal means at the most immediate level of supervision. At no time may an informal
process go beyond the department head concerned. In order that this informal procedure may
be responsive, all parties involved shall expedite this process. In no case may more than thirty
(30) calendar days elapse from the date of the alleged incident or action giving rise to the
grievance, and the filing of a written grievance in Step Two, or the grievance shall be barred and
waived.
Step Two
. Department Head Response. If the grievance is a result of disciplinary action
which has been processed through the "Skelly Process," an appeal may be filed at Step 4 of
this procedure. If the non-disciplinary grievance is not resolved in Step One, of if no answer has
been received within five (5) working days from the presentation of the oral grievance, the
employee may, within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the incident giving rise to the
grievance, present the grievance in writing to his department head. Failure of the employee to
take this action will constitute termination of the grievance. The department head shall further
review and discuss the grievance with the employee and shall render its decision and
28
comments, in writing, and return them to the employee within ten (10) working days after
receiving the grievance.
Step Three
. Management Representative. If the grievance is not resolved in Step Two,
the employee may within ten (10) working days after receiving the department head's decision,
present the grievance in writing to the designated management representative for processing.
Failure of the employee to take this action will constitute termination of the grievance. In the
event the employee is not being represented by the Association, the designated management
representative shall attempt to resolve the grievance. If the employee is being represented by
the Association the designated management representative shall convene a joint meeting of the
Association and himself, within five (5) working days, in an attempt to resolve the grievance. In
the event the grievance is not satisfactorily adjusted or settled through discussion at this level,
management shall advise the employee and/or employee Association, in writing, within ten (10)
working days as to its position on the grievance.
Step Four
. Grievance Hearing. If the grievance is not resolved in Step Three, the
employee may, within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the written position from
management representatives, present a “request for hearing” in writing to the Human
Resources Director. However, the only grievances which may be submitted for review are
matters which have resulted in a suspension without pay, reduction in pay, demotion,
termination, or otherwise have monetary value to the employee. Failure of the employee to take
this action will constitute termination of the grievance. The Human Resources Director shall
request from the State Mediation and Conciliation Service, or mutually agreed upon alternative
organization, a list of seven (7) neutral hearing officers. In the event that the parties cannot
agree upon a mutually acceptable hearing officer from the list of seven, the parties shall
alternately strike names from the list, with the City striking the first name. The identity of the last
remaining individual on the list will be selected as the hearing officer. The hearing officer shall
preside over a full and fair evidentiary hearing and, within thirty (30) calendar days of its
conclusion, render a written decision that includes findings of fact and a recommendation to the
City Manager. That decision shall be served jointly upon the grieving party and the City
Manager.
Step Five
.City Manager’s Decision. Within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of
the decision of the hearing officer, the City Manager shall, in writing, adopt, modify or reject that
decision. The decision of the City Manager shall be the final administrative decision.
ARTICLE XX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Substance Abuse Policy.
The City of Downey and the Association have a
vital interest in maintaining safe, healthful and efficient working conditions. Being under the
influence of a drug or alcohol on the job may pose serious safety and health risks not only to the
user but to co-workers and the citizens of Downey. The possession, use or sale of an illegal
drug or of alcohol on the job also poses unacceptable risks for safe, healthful and efficient
operations. "On the job" means while on City premises, at work locations, or while on duty or
being compensated on an "on call status."
The City of Downey and the Association recognize that their future is dependent on the
physical and psychological well being of all employees. The City and the Association mutually
29
acknowledge that a drug and alcohol-free work environment benefits Downey's employees and
citizens.
The purpose of this section is to define the City's drug and alcohol policy as well as the
possible consequences of policy violation.
A. Possession, sale, use or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the
job is strictly prohibited. This prohibition shall not apply to legitimate undercover activities of
Police Officers which are undertaken in accordance with the direction of the Police Department.
B. When reasonable suspicion exists, the City may require an employee to submit to a
medical examination, including, but not limited to, a substance screening. Substance screening
means the testing of urine or other body fluids as reasonably deemed necessary by a physician
to determine whether an employee has a restricted substance in their system.
1. Reasonable suspicion is cause based upon objective facts sufficient to lead a
reasonably prudent supervisor to suspect that an employee is under the
influence of drugs or alcohol so that the employee's ability to perform the
functions of the job is impaired or so that the employee's ability to perform his/her
job safely is reduced.
2. Post-accident testing under this Article shall be conducted based on reasonable
suspicion as defined in this Section and shall not be automatic, unless as
required by law per Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration Regulations (FMCSA) (refer to City of Downey Controlled
Substance and Alcohol Misuse Policy and Procedures Manual).
C. Any manager or supervisor requesting an employee to submit to a substance
screening shall document in writing the facts constituting reasonable suspicion and shall give
the employee a copy. The employee shall be given an opportunity to provide additional facts.
An employee who is then ordered to submit to a substance abuse screening may request to be
represented. Because time is of the essence in substance screening, a representative must be
available within a reasonable time or the employee will then be ordered to submit to substance
screening. An employee who refuses to submit to a substance screening may be considered
insubordinate and shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
D. The supervisor, or designee, shall transport the suspected employee to the testing
facility. Testing shall occur on City time and be paid for by the City. Employee urine samples,
or other body fluids, will be by a certified system which includes methods or mechanisms
designed to assure the integrity of the sample. The facility used for testing shall be certified by
the National Institute on Drug Abuse and comply with established guidelines for "chain of
custody" to insure that identity and integrity of the sample is preserved throughout the collecting,
shipping, testing and storage process.
E. Any positive test for alcohol or drugs will be confirmed by a scientifically sound
method. An employee who tests positive on a confirmatory test will be given the opportunity to
discuss the results with a physician to be designated by the City. The employee should be
prepared at that time to show proof of any valid medical prescription for any detected substance
or to otherwise explain, if he or she so chooses, a positive test result.
30
F. While use of medically prescribed medications and drugs is not per se a violation of
this policy, this policy shall establish that no employee shall operate a City vehicle or dangerous
machinery or equipment while taking any kind of medication or drugs which are clearly marked
that they may cause significant drowsiness or impair an employee's performance. An employee
shall notify his/her supervisor, before beginning work, when taking such medications or drugs.
In the event there is a question regarding an employee's ability to safely and effectively perform
assigned duties while using such medications or drugs, clearance from a physician designated
by the City may be required. The City reserves the right to send an employee home on sick
leave under this circumstance.
G. Employees with substance abuse problems are encouraged to participate voluntarily
in the City-sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Assistance through the EAP may
be sought by an employee with complete confidentiality and without adverse consequences to
his/her employment. Employees should be aware, however, that a request for assistance
through the EAP will not insulate the employee from disciplinary action already contemplated.
Depending upon the facts surrounding the reasonable suspicion determination, positive test
result, and/or other violation of this policy or other City/department rules and regulations, the
City may refer an employee to the EAP. Such referral could, at the discretion of the City, be
made available to the employee as an alternative to disciplinary action. Referral would be
subject to agreement by the employee to enroll, participate in and successfully complete a
rehabilitation and/or counseling program and other terms and conditions in a "Last Chance
Agreement."
1. It is the City's intent to use the EAP option for first offenders except the City
reserves the right to discipline for those offenses which are a significant violation
of City/department rules and regulations or where violation did or could have
resulted in serious injury or property damage.
H. Department of Transportation (DOT) Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing
Program
1.Administration. In accordance with City of Downey Resolution No. 5934, policy
and procedures for compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA) Regulations (49 CFR Parts 40 and 382) shall remain in
effect for those employees who are required to possess and maintain a
commercial driver’s license as a condition of employment for the performance of
safety sensitive duties. This program is documented in the City of Downey
Controlled Substance and Alcohol Misuse Policy and Procedures Manual which
is incorporated by reference in this Agreement. As applicable, the City’s policy
and procedures will be amended to comply with changes in law.
Unless otherwise designated, the Human Resources Director is the Designated
Employer Representative (DER) and shall be responsible for overseeing compliance and
implementation of this City’s DOT Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing Program.
2. Consequences of a Positive Controlled Substance and/or Alcohol Test. A
covered employee who tests positive for a controlled substance and/or alcohol
may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination from
employment.
31
As a result of a positive controlled substance and/or alcohol random test, a temporary
non-safety sensitive job assignment for an employee who is removed from the performance of
safety sensitive duties or who is restricted from driving non-commercial City vehicles, may be
approved by the department head based on the availability of meaningful work to meet
operational need.
An employee must use accrued leave time or request personal leave of absence without
pay if time off from work is necessary for any treatment or rehabilitation program. The costs of
rehabilitation or treatment services, whether or not covered by the employee's medical plan, are
the ultimate responsibility of the employee.
The cost of a split specimen under a random test shall be paid by the City or reimbursed
to the employee on a negative result only. The cost of a controlled substance and/or alcohol
test under follow-up testing is the responsibility of the employee.
Section 2. Lateral Transfer Procedures.
A. Announcement of Vacant Position. Prior to the initiation of an open-competitive or
promotional examination to fill a vacant position, notice of the vacancy shall be posted for a
period of five (5) working days at the worksite of all employees in the same classification who
potentially may be interested in a lateral transfer. The announcement shall specify the position
title, the nature of the work to be performed, the name of the official to contact to express
interest, and the final filing date.
B. Application for Transfer. Employees interested in making a lateral transfer into a
vacant position within their classification shall express their interest in writing to the official
indicated in the announcement prior to the end of the work shift on the final filing date.
C. Examination for Transfer. All employees who have expressed an interest in a lateral
transfer shall be given due consideration by the official responsible for filling the vacancy by
virtue of a personal interview or other examination deemed appropriate by the department head
and the Human Resources Director.
D. Selection for Transfer. Among the factors to be considered by management in the
selection of employees for lateral transfers are seniority, skills, knowledge, abilities, work record
and job performance.
Section 3. Labor-Management Committee.
Representatives of the Association and
management shall meet on a quarterly basis for purposes of improving communication and
resolving labor relations matters. Agendas shall be agreed upon in advance, with both parties
having equal opportunity to submit items. Any matter agreed upon by both parties may be
discussed; but discussion does not constitute waiver of access to the grievance process.
Chairmanship of the committee shall be alternated among the parties.
Section 4. Leave Entitlement.
The City will comply with State and Federal laws with
regard to family leave. The City has issued Administrative Regulation 430 to implement
compliance and by reference becomes part of this Agreement.
Section 5. Court Referrals.
The City will assign referrals to help City employees with
their routine job assignments. A Public Works Supervisor will assign court referrals as best
32
suits the City and the abilities of the court referral. The supervisor will provide assignments and
any necessary guidelines to City employees who are assigned a court referral.
City employees who are assigned court referrals will follow the supervisor's guidelines.
City employees may be required to provide instructions to the court referrals in order to
implement the supervisor's assignments. At the end of the work day, the City employees will
report to the supervisor the work completed by the court referrals.
Court referrals are to be treated with respect, but any court referral that is threatening,
disruptive, or refuses to work should be returned to the yard and sent home. Court referrals
should wear orange mesh shirts over their regular clothes. Court referrals may not operate City
vehicles or motorized equipment.
Records will be kept of the hours worked by court referrals and will be forwarded to the
Downey Municipal Court on a regular basis. The division will maintain these records.
Section 6.American with Disabilities Act.
The City will comply with the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Section 7.Reopener.
If the City implements additional retiree medical benefits to the
DCEA Miscellaneous Unit or Public Safety Auxiliary Unit and the Association requests to meet;
the City agrees to meet and confer over retiree medical benefits.
ARTICLE XXI
SOLE AND ENTIRE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Section 1.
It is the intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Memorandum
of Understanding shall supersede all prior agreements and memorandums of understanding, or
memorandums of agreement, or contrary salary and/or personnel resolutions and ordinances of
the City, oral or written, expressed or implied, agreements between the parties or
understandings between the parties, and shall govern their entire relationship and shall be the
sole source of any and all rights which may be asserted hereunder. This Memorandum of
Understanding is not intended to conflict with Federal or State law.
Section 2.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1 above, there exists within the
City of Downey, certain personnel resolutions, ordinances and departmental rules and
regulations. To the extent that this Agreement does not specifically contravene provisions of
these personnel resolutions, ordinances, departmental rules and regulations; such personnel
resolutions, ordinances and departmental rules and regulations are specifically incorporated
herein.
ARTICLE XXII
WAIVER OF BARGAINING
DURING TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT
During the term of this Memorandum of Understanding, the parties mutually agree that
they will not seek to negotiate or bargain with regard to wages, hours, and terms and conditions
of employment, whether or not covered by this Memorandum or in the negotiations leading
33
thereto and irrespective of whether or not such matters were discussed or were even within the
contemplation of the parties hereto during the negotiations leading to this Memorandum.
Regardless of the waiver contained in this Article, the parties may, however, by mutual
agreement, in writing, agree to meet and confer about any matter during the term of this
Memorandum.
ARTICLE XXIII
EMERGENCY WAIVER PROVISION
In the event of circumstances beyond the control of the City, such as acts of God, fire,
flood, insurrection, civil disorder, national emergency, or similar circumstances, provisions of
this Memorandum of Understanding or the Personnel Rules or Resolutions of the City, which
restrict the City's ability to respond to these emergencies, shall be suspended for the duration of
such emergency. After the emergency is over, the Association shall have the right to meet and
confer with the City regarding the impact on employees of the suspension of these provisions in
the Memorandum of Understanding and any Personnel Rules and policies.
ARTICLE XXIV
SEPARABILITY
Should any provision of this Memorandum of Understanding be found to be inoperative,
void, or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions of this Memorandum of
Understanding shall remain in full force and effect for the duration of this Memorandum of
Understanding.
ARTICLE XXV
TERM OF THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The term of this Memorandum of Understanding shall commence on November 1, 2010
and shall continue in full force and effect until March 31, 2012.
34
ARTICLE XXVI
RATIFICATION AND EXECUTION
The City and the Association acknowledge that this Memorandum of Understanding
shall not be in full force and effect until ratified by the Association and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Downey. Subject to the foregoing, this Memorandum of Understanding is
hereby executed by the authorized representatives of the City and the Association and entered
rd
into this 23 day of August, 2011.
DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES'
CITY OF DOWNEY: ASSOCIATION - MAINTENANCE UNIT:
By:_____________________________ By:_____________________________
Irma Youssefieh, Human Resources Director Phil Cokkinos, President
By:_____________________________
Doug Kelley, Vice President
By:_____________________________
Luis Sierras, Secretary
By:_____________________________
Pat Blevins, Treasurer
Approved as to form:
______________________________
Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney
35
EXHIBIT A
CLASSIFICATIONS REPRESENTED BY THE DOWNEY CITY
EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION - MAINTENANCE UNIT
Equipment Maintenance Leadworker
Maintenance Worker I
Maintenance Worker II
Maintenance Leadworker
Mechanic
Residential Rehabilitation Worker II
Residential Rehabilitation Leadworker
Transit Driver
Transit Driver/Dispatcher
Tree Trimmer
Tree Trimmer Leadworker
Water System Leadworker
Water System Operator
36