HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 06-6897 - Adopt Downey City Employees' Association/Miscellaneous Unit MOURESOLUTION NO. 06-6897
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/MISCELLANEOUS UNIT.
WHEREAS, the City has met its obligation to meet and confer pursuant to the Myers-
Milias-Brown Act and Employee Relations Ordinance No. 1 1 18; 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/ Miscellaneous 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 City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and provide
for the distribution thereof.
ATTEST:
gadaM W.gMMo
KATHLEEN L, MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk
-I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of
the City of Downey at a regular meeting held on the 24th day of January, 2006, by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN :
5 Council Members: Bayer, Cartozian, Gafin, Trejo, Mayor Perkins
0 Council Member: None
0 Council Member: None
0 Council Member: None
V@&@>#.
KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AND
THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIA
MISCELLANEOUS UNIT
November 1 , 2005 - October 31, 2008
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AND
THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION/
MISCELLANEOUS UNIT
ARTICLE NO.
I
TITLE OF ARTICLE PAGE NO
RECOGNITiON
11 NON-DISCRIMINATION
111 BASIC COMPENSATION PLAN 2
Sec. 1 – Adjustments
Sec. 2 - Plan of Salary Schedules
Sec. 3 - Eligibility for Merit Salary Advancement
Sec. 4 - Salary Schedule Step Reduction
Sec. 5 - Merit Longevity
Sec. 6 - Eligibility for Promotion Increases
Sec. 7 - Acting Pay
Sec. 8 - Out-Of-Class Pay
Sec. 9 - Bilingual Pay
Sec. 10 - Supervising Librarian Pay
Sec. 11- Water System Operator Certificate Pay
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IV WORK WEEK 6
Sec. 1 - Work Week
Sec. 2 - Voluntary Reduction of Full Time Hours
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OVERTIME (COMPENSATORY TIME)
Sec. 1 - Compensation for Overtime
Sec. 2 - No Pyramiding
Sec. 3 - Discouragement of Overtime
Sec. 4 - When Absent from Duty
Sec. 5 – Overtime
Sec. 6 – Ineligibility
VI
VII
VIII
IX
COMPENSATION FOR SPECIAL CALL-IN
HOLIDAYS
VACATION
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Sec
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Sec
Sec
Sec
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Sec
Sec
Sec
Sec
Sec
Sec.
1 - Leaves of Absence
2 - Written Notice of Intent to Return
3 - Outside Employment While on Leave
4 - Sick Leave
5 - Emergency Leave
6 - Personal Leave
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7 - Workers' Compensation Injury on Duty
8 - Employee Disability Leave
9 - Military Leave
10 - Jury Duty
11 - Maternity Leave
12 – Family Leave
FRINGE BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION
XI HEALTH, DENTAL AND LIFE INSURANCE 15
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Sec. 1 - Medical Insurance
Sec. 2 - Dental Insurance
Sec. 3 - Life Insurance
Sec. 4 - Long Term Disability Insurance
XII RETIREMENT 16
Sec. 1 - PERS Coverage/
Employer Paid Member Contribution
Sec. 2 - Employee's Contribution
Sec. 3 - Retiree Medical Annuity
Sec. 4- PERS Coverage
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TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
SENIORITY
CITY RIGHTS
EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
Sec. 1 - Dues Deductions
Sec. 2 – Indemnification
Sec. 3 - Release Time for Meet and Confer
Sec. 4- Maintenance of Membership
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NO STRIKE - NO LOCKOUT
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Sec. 1 – Grievance
Sec. 2 - Conduct of the Grievance Procedure
Sec. 3 - Grievance Procedure Steps
MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 1 - Substance Abuse Policy
Sec. 2 - Labor Management Committee
Sec. 3 - Transfer Rights
Sec. 4 – Rest Periods/Breaks
Sec. 5 - Survey
Sec. 6 – Reopener
SOLE AND ENTIRE MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING
WAIVER OF BARGAINING DURING TERM OF
THIS AGREEMENT
EMERGENCY WAIVER PROVISION
SEPARABILI TY
TERM OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
RATIFICATION AND EXECUTION
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AND
THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION/
MISCELLANEOUS UNIT
ARTICLE I
RECOGNITION
Pursuant to the provisions of the Employee Relations Ordinance of the City of Downey,
the City of Downey (hereinafter called the "City") has recognized the Downey City Employees'
Association (hereinafter called the "Association") as the recognized majority representative of all
full-time employees and part-time employees (who work an average of 30 hours per week)
covered in the classifications listed on 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 Ordinance 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 City and the Association agree that they shall not discriminate against
any employee because of race, color, sex, marital status, age, national origin, political or
religious opinions or affiliations. The City and the Association shall reopen any provision of this
Agreement for the purpose of complying with any final order of a federal or state agency or court
of competent jurisdiction requiring a modification or change in any provision or provisions of this
Agreement in compliance with state or federal anti-discrimination laws.
Section 3. Whenever the masculine gender is used in this Agreement, it shall be
understood to include the feminine gender.
Section 4. The City and the Association agree to comply with applicable federal and
state laws and regulations regarding the employment of the handicapped.
ARTICLE 111
BASIC COMPENSATION PLAN
Section 1. Salary Increases/ Adjustments
A. Salary Increase. All employees covered by this Memorandum of Understanding shall
receive the following salary increases:
1. Effective October 24, 2005, four percent (4%). Employees who are on active
payroll status the date of the adoption of the agreement and employees who have
retired after October 24, 2005 shall be eligible for the retroactive adjustment.
2.Effective October 23, 2006, four percent (4%).
3 Effective October 22, 2007, four percent (4%)
B. SalarvAdjustments.
1. Effective October 24, 2005, the following classifications shall receive salary
adjustments as indicated:range
Administrative Assistant, Administrative Clerk I & II;
Executive Secretary, Personnel Technician, Public
Works Technician, Secretary, Sr. Building Permit Technician,
Building Permit Technician, and Senior Account Clerk 1 .75%
Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, Plan Checker,
Sr. Building Inspector, and Plan Check Engineer 2.20%
4.0%
Assistant Civil Engineer, Associate Civil Engineer, and
Junior Civil Engineer
Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, Principal Water
Technician, Public Works Supervisor I & II, Residential
Rehab Supervisor I and Water Construction Specialist 3.25%
Library Assistant and Sr. Library Assistant
Theatre Supervisor
Reprographics Specialist
Senior Code Enforcement Officer
3. 125%
4.2%
3.5cyo
4.2%
2. Effective October 23, 2006, the following classifications shall receive salary
adjustments as indicated:
Administrative Assistant, Administrative Clerk I & II;
Executive Secretary, Personnel Technician, Public
Works Technician, Secretary, Sr. Building Permit Technician,
Building Permit Technician, and Senior Account Clerk 1 .75%
2
Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, Plan Checker,
Sr. Building Inspector, and Plan Check Engineer 2.20%
4.0%
Assistant Civil Engineer, Associate Civil Engineer, and
Junior Civil Engineer
Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, Principal Water
Technician, Public Works Supervisor I & II, Residential
Rehab Supervisor 1 and Water Construction Specialist 3.25%
Library Assistant and Sr. Library Assistant
Theatre Supervisor
Reprographics Specialist
Senior Code Enforcement Officer
3.125%
4.2%
3.5c70
4.2c70
Section 2. The Plan of Salary Schedules.
A. Description of Schedules. 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. Hourly Equivalent Calculation. 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 Merit Salary Advancement.
A. Eliqibilitv for Salary Step Increases.
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 work performance expected of
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City employees shall be qualified to advance to the salary steps B, C, D and E.
3. If an employee does not receive a merit increase as a result of the performance
evaluation, the employee may appeal through the grievance procedure.
C. Merit Evaluation
1.Every employee shall receive an objective, written job performance rating, no
sooner than three (3) weeks before, no later than five (5) 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, or authorized supervisor, from giving
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 and
that 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. Eliqibility 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 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. Eligibility for Promotion Increases.
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A. Any employee receiving a promotion shall receive a salary increase equivalent to one
step, or shall be placed on the first step of the salary schedule for the class to which he is
promoted, whichever is greater.
B. Any employee receiving a promotion who would otherwise have been eligible to
receive a merit increase within sixty (60) days of the effective date of such promotion, shall be
granted the merit increase prior to the application of provision A of this Section.
Section 7. Acting Pay. An employee who has been designated by the City to serve in an
acting capacity for 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 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 .
Section 8. Out-Of-Class Pay. The City may temporarily assign employees to work out of
classification. The selection of employees for an out-of-classification assignment shall be at the
discretion of the department head or designee. A temporary out-of-rank pay differential of 5.5%
shall be authorized when an employee has actually worked in a position of higher rank for a
period of 15 consecutive workdays. 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.
Section 9. Bilingual Pay. Employees required to speak or translate Spanish as part of
their regular duties will be compensated $23.08 per biweekly pay period in addition to their
regular salary. The Assistant City Manager 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 Personnel Director to administer such examination.
Employees must recertify at least every eighteen (18) months to maintain the eligibility. Effective
October 30, 2000, qualified employees will be compensated at $46.15 per biweekly pay period.
Section 10. Supervising Librarian Assignment Pay. Effective July 22, 1997, the City
Librarian, with the approval of the Director of Community Services, shall have the authority and
discretion, up to budget authority, to designate and/or remove any Librarian who is performing
supervisory duties as a “Supervising Librarian". The City Librarian will have the authority to
establish job requirements and duties for “Supervising Librarian”. A Librarian designated and
assigned as a “Supervising Librarian” shall receive 8.25% per pay period as additional
compensation above their regular scheduled rate of pay while assigned as a Supervising
Librarian. The Association and its members understand, agree and acknowledge that should a
Librarian transfer and discontinue “supervising” that the discontinuance of this assignment pay
does not constitute a punitive action. The City and Association agree that a Librarian who is
removed from the supervising assignment shall be entitled to grieve the removal, but, in no
instance shall be allowed to grieve beyond “Step Three” of the grievance procedure contained in
this MOU
Section 11. Water System Operator Certificate Pay. Effective August 30, 2004
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
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Department of Health Services Distribution System
Classification certificate(s).
Classification and Treatment Facility
A. Employees who are assigned to the Water Division and who maintain a D1 and/or T1
certificate shall be eligible for Certificate Level One Pay of $50 per month. Effective
February 2006, Certificate Level One pay shall be $75 per month.
B. Employees who are assigned to the Water Division who maintain a D2 and/or T2
certificate or above shall be eligible for Certificate Level Two Pay of $100 per month.
Effective February 2006, Certificate Level Two pay shall be $225 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.
ARTICLE IV
WORK WEEK
Section 1. The regular work week for all employees covered by this Agreement shall be
forty (40) hours per week.
A. The 9/80 schedule provides 80 hours scheduled work in a two-week cycle: (1) one
week the employee works four 9-hour days and one 8-hour day; (2) the other week consists of
four 9-hour work days with one day off. The "work week" for FLSA overtime purposes shall be
established as four hours into the shift of the 8-hour day. Management shall maintain the right
to schedule employee’s workdays, start and end times, establishing FLSA "work weeks", etc.
B. Employees with hardships may request to their department head to stay on the five
eight-hour days. 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.
C. Management shall retain the right to modify the work schedule, including but not
limited to, returning to a schedule of five eight - hour days (40 hours per week); provided that
the City gives written notice to the Association and employees at least twelve weeks prior to
implementing the change.
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-week pay period.
This section shall not apply to employees who request reductions of more than
sixteen (16) hours in a pay period.
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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 MOU.
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 pay periods. Employees shall only make two
requests/changes per fiscal year.
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. Compensation for Overtime. All approved overtime worked by an employee in
excess of forty (40) in the employee's work week shall be paid at the rate of time and one-half
the employee's regular hourly rate.
Section 2. No Pyramiding. There shall be no ''pyramiding" of overtime, which means that
employees shall not be compensated more than once for the same hours under any provision of
this Agreement.
Section 3. Discouragement of Overtime. 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 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
emerQency, overtime is authorized by the department head or his designate.
Section 4. When Absent From Duty. In the event an employee is absent from duty
whether for vacation, compensatory time, sick leave or other disability for a period exceeding
five (5) work days, overtime during that work cycle will not be paid.
Section 5. Overtime. Overtime may be compensated in time off or money. Employees
who are assigned to work overtime shall have the right to be paid money, unless the form of
compensation has been discussed in advance. Management may inform employees prior to the
performance of the work that only "comp. time" is available. In this instance, employees shall
have the right to refuse the overtime assignment.i
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Section 6. Ineligibility. Employees in the classification of Principal Planner are ineligible to
receive overtime compensation of any type.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION FOR SPECIAL CALL-IN
Section 1. Employees covered by this Agreement, "called in" to perform work on an
unscheduled basis, 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 overtime rate of time
and one-half. Employees shall be entitled to call-in pay in the event the employee is required to
report back to work after completing the employee’s normal work shift, left City premises, and/or
the employee's 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 for two and six-tenths (2.6) hours or less before the
start of the regular work shift, such employee shall not be given the two and six-tenths (2.6)
hour guarantee.
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. Veteran’s 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 be able to add one 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 Friday preceding 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
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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 employee shall receive holiday pay
which shall be eight (8) hours of pay at the employee's regular hourly rate of pay together with
pay at the employee’s regular hourly rate of pay for each hour worked on the holiday.
Section 4. Should one 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
attached and have been employed by the City for three years and are enrolled in the Public
Employee’s Retirement System and have a work schedule of over thirty hours per week on a
regular and consistent basis, will receive 75% of this leave benefit (6 hours per holiday).
ARTICLE VIII
VACATION
Section 1. Full-time employees covered by this Agreement shall accrue vacation leave with
pay on the following scheduled basis:
Year of Service
0 -3
4 - 5
6 - 10
11 - 15
16+
Hours Per Year
80
96
120
136
160
Monthly Accrual
6.7 Hrs.
8.0 Hrs
10.0 Hrs
11.3 Hrs
13.4 Hrs
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
0 - 34- 5
6 - 10
11 - 15
16+
Hours Per Year
60
72
90
102
120
Monthly Accrual
5.0 hrs.
6.0 hrs
7.5 hrs
8.5 hrs
10.0 hrs.
Section 2. 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 rate earned at the time the employee
would have taken his or her vacation. All accumulated vacation in excess of two (2) years shall
be taken off within ninety (90) days, at a time mutually agreeable to both the supervisor and the
employee. If at all possible the supervisor shall accommodate the employee's desires as to the
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taking of vacations. If the employee does not take the excess vacation time off within the ninety
(90) days, the employee will forfeit this excess time.
Section 3. 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 rate of pay in effect at
the time of separation.
Section 4. 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 1 above, to which the
employee is eligible to receive based upon the employee's years of service with the City.
Section 5. Full time permanent employees who are separated from their employment with
the City after completion of the probationary period, shall be paid all accrued vacation, if any, on
a pro-rata portion of their unused vacation. Pro-rata vacation shall be calculated on the basis of
one-twelfth (1/12th) of the employee's annual vacation pay for each full month of service worked
by the employee during the employee’s employment with the City.
ARTICLE IX
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Section 1. Leaves of Absence. 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 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 Personnel
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. 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. 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.
Section 2. 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 3. Outside Employment While On Leave. An employee who engages in outside
employment during said leave of absence shall be subject to termination. Any employee who
falsifies 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 4, 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.
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B. Sick leave shall be accrued by covered employees at the rate of eight 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. 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 within two (2) hours of the time set for beginning duty, unless
notification is physically impractical. 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 one (1 ) work day and if there is reasonable cause to indicate abuse of sick leave, the
department head concerned may require a physician's certificate stating the cause of absence
before said leave shall be approved 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 physicians, a third physician shall be
selected by the first two physicians and the final decision shall be made by the City Manager,
who may seek the advice of the Personnel Advisory Board of the City.
G. Sick Leave Conversion on Retirement or Death.
1 Upon retirement of an eligible employee, 90% of an employee’s unused
accumulated sick leave shall be applied to pay full premiums for employee and
dependent City health insurance coverage. The maximum number of hours that
will be converted is 1,296 (90% of 1440). Effective February 2006, the maximum
number of hours that will be converted is 1,575 (90% of 1 ,750).
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(
H. In the event of a permanent or indefinite layoff, an employee with ten (10) years of
continuous service with the City shall be entitled to the above benefit. If such employee resigns
after receiving official notification of his impending layoff, he shall be eligible for the above
benefit
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 calculated at the rate prevailing
at the end of the fiscal year in which it was earned.
2.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 for each day of sick leave one (1) day’s pay at the employee's rate
of pay in effect at the time of taking sick leave. For covered employees hired
prior to June 30, 1974; and/or retirees with 20 years of City service; or retirees
with a physical disability, or a psychological disability resulting from a direct
consequence of a violent act, sick leave shall be converted at the prevailing rate.
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 (1 ) fiscal year.
i Section 5. 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 (1/2) work day for each month of regular
employment, that is deducted from accumulated sick leave, not to exceed twelve (12) work days
per year. 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 the 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 family's incapacitation 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.
Section 6. Personal Leave. With approval of the department head twenty-four (24) hours
per year of an employee's sick leave may be used on personal matters which are of an unseen
combination of circumstances which call for immediate action 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
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time. The nature of the matter 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.
Section 7. Workers' Compensation Injury On Duty.
A. When an employee is absent from work by reason of an injury or illness covered by
Workers' Compensation, the City will pay the difference between the amount granted pursuant
to the Workers' Compensation Act and the employee's regular rate of pay for up to one year.
Employees, who are covered by this Agreement and are hired after May 13, 1997, and are
absent from work by reason of an injury or illness covered by Workers' Compensation, the City
will pay the difference between the amount granted pursuant to the Workers’ Compensation Act
and eighty-five percent (85%) of the employee’s regular rate of pay for up to six months (twenty-
six pay periods). Thereafter, the employee will be paid the amount required by the Workers’
Compensation Act.
B. 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 consistent with the City's affirmative action program and
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.
Section 8. Employee Disability Leave.
A. This Section establishes a disability leave plan at seventy-five (75) percent of the
base salary for employees having more than one (1) year continuous service with the City and
who have exhausted all accumulated sick leave, vacation and compensatory time due to non-
industrial illness or injury under the following eligibility schedule:
Maximum Time Allowance (Hours)
Before
Reimbursement
Additional After
ReimbursementYears of Service Total
1 through 5
6 through 10
Over 10
240
360
480
120
184
240
360
544
720
B. Application for disability leave shall be made by the employee through the
department head, to the City Manager, accompanied by full medical justification from a
physician chosen by the City at the discretion 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, in writing, of such approval.
C. After the employee returns to work, the employee shall reimburse the City one-half
(1/2) of the time used for such employee disability leave at a minimum rate of one-half (1/2) day
of sick leave per month or may contribute vacation to accelerate employee's reimbursement to
the City for providing the benefits under this Article.i
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D. When the "maximum time allowance" has been reimbursed as set forth above, the
employee shall be eligible to apply for additional disability leave on the basis of one (1) day's
leave for each half (1/2) day reimbursed to the City; 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. Disability leave shall not deprive an employee of his rights to vacation and sick leave
accumulation during such leave.
F. 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 disability leave was procured by fraud, misrepresentation or mistake.
3. The employee has not cooperated fully in supplying all information and
submitting to any examination requested by the City to determine the existence
or continuing nature of the employee's disability.
Section 9. 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 10. 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.
a 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.
Section 11. Maternity Leave. The City agrees to comply with the State maternity leave
law. Administrative Regulation No. 418 is by reference incorporated herein.
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Section 12. Family Leave. The City agrees to comply with the State and Federal family
leave laws. Administrative Regulation No. 430 is by reference incorporated herein.
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 Agreement.
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 Agreement, 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 Agreement, 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 health plan administrator or method of
funding the coverage.
ARTICLE XI
HEALTH. DENTAL AND LIFE INSURANCE
Section 1. Medical Insurance.
A. The City shall continue to contribute 100% to a medical benefit package for the
employee and his/her dependents for the term of this Agreement. Effective November 1, 2000,
the City agrees to add to the Kaiser Plan the benefit of eyewear every twenty-four months.
B. Employee Withdrawal from City Health Plan. The City agrees to permit an employee
to withdraw from the City health plan as follows:
1.The employee is either enrolled in the Kaiser Plan; or
2. The employee had claims paid for the year prior to the open enrollment in an
amount equal to or greater than the employee premium rate, and
3. The employee presents written proof that the employee is covered by another
health plan; and
4. The employee notified the City during the open enrollment period
The City agrees that the employee who is qualified to withdraw shall receive $81.00 per
month if the withdrawal is for employee only coverage, $162.00 per month if the withdrawal is
for employee plus one coverage, or $229.00 per month if the withdrawal is for family coverage,
to be added to the employee's paycheck or to be placed in the City's deferred compensation
plan
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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. The City will continue to make a maximum contribution of
$31.95 per month per employee for dental insurance coverage. Effective January 1, 2006
(benefit year 2006), the City agrees to increase the maximum benefit under the Delta Dental
coverage from $1,000 to $2,000 for each enrollee per calendar year. The city agrees to absorb
any increase in cost and the association agrees that the employee’s contribution will continue to
be $37.52 per month. The City and Association agree that the City’s contribution amount will be
capped at the amount equal to the premium to be effective July 1, 2007 minus the employee
contribution of $37.52.
Section 3. Life Insurance. Each employee covered by this Agreement shall be provided
with a group term life insurance benefit of $10,000.
Section 4. Long Term Disability Insurance. Effective January 1, 1990, each employee
covered by this agreement shall be provided long term disability insurance.
ARTICLE XII
RETIREMENT
Section 1. PERS Coverage/Employer Paid Member Contribution. Employees covered
by this Agreement participate in the Public Employees Retirement System. Employee options
are described in a contract between the City of Downey and the Public Employee Retirement
System and are incorporated into this Memorandum of Understanding. The City agrees to
amend the PERS contract to provide the benefit known as 2.7% at 55, effective August 19,
2002
A. When the 2.7% @ age 55 PERS contract amendment is effective (estimated as
August 19, 2002), the City agrees to “pick-up” the additional one percent
employee contribution required under PERS law.
Section 2. Employee's Contribution. Seven (7) percent of the employee's gross salary is
applia] to the employee's contributions to the Public Employees Retirement System.
Section 3. 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; and
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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 California Public Employees' Retirement System.
D. The City's obligation to pay up to a maximum of $98.00 per month toward 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:
1.During any period the retired employee 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 retired employee becomes eligible to enroll, automatically or voluntarily, in
Medical 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 retired employee pays the balance owing
for such coverage if any.
4 Upon the death of the retired employee, 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.
Section 4. PERS Coverage. The City agrees to process the amendment to the PERS
contract to provide the benefit known as Fourth Level 1959 Survivor Benefit, when:
1 ) All non-safety groups have agreed if PERS should charge the City an employer rate
for the 1959 Survivor Benefit greater than the current rate (0%), then the City is
entitled to establish a corresponding payroll deduction for each employee
represented by the Association; and
2) Each Association has submitted a written statement that their members have
approved of the PERS amendment and have been advised of the potential cost.
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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 shal! be
reimbursed for courses as recommended by the department heads with job related justification
and approved by the City Manager, with quarterly reports to the City Council including the
names of individuals, their positions, and the courses taken. Employees must receive a passing
grade in order to be reimbursed for the course. Reimbursement shall be made at the rate of
tuition equivalent to the rate charged at California State University at Los Angeles for courses
on the quarter system, and California State University at 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 employee
who is on probation for up to an additional three (3) months. During the probationary period an
employee may be terminated at any time because of unsatisfactory performance. During the
probationary period the employee's supervisor shall attempt to counsel the probationary
employee on a periodic basis, prior to the end of the probationary period regarding his
performance.
Section 2. If the service of the probationary employee has been satisfactory to the
appointing authority, then the appointing authority shall file with the personnel officer 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 the services of the employee are deemed to be
unsatisfactory and his employment is to be terminated at or before the expiration of the
probationary period, the appointing authority shall file with the Personnel Officer, a statement in
writing setting forth this action to be taken.
Section 3. All probationary periods shall extend to the first day of the month following the
period of probation.
Section 4. Rejection Following Promotion. Any employee rejected during the
probationary period following a promotional appointment or at the conclusion of the probationary
period by reason of failure of the appointing power to file a statement that his services have
been satisfactory, or at the discretion of the employee, shall be reinstated to the position from
which he was promoted unless charges are filed and he is discharged in the manner provided in
the Personnel Ordinance and the rules for positions in the classified service. If there are no
vacancies in the position from which he was promoted, the provisions of ARTICLE XV shall
apply
ARTICLE XV
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SENIORITY
Section 1. Employee seniority is the length of continuous service of the employee with the
City from his most recent date of hire or rehire.
Section 2.
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 3. 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 (1) 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/she 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/her seniority
subject to the same limitations. If an employee does not successfully complete the thirty (30)
day trial period, he/she will be laid off, provided that the employee may grieve such a layoff and
be entitled to Skelly rights.
D. For purpose of this section, job families are established in Exhibit B attached to this
Agreement.
Section 4. A separation from service, other than an approved leave of absence or layoff,
shall causes the employee to lose his seniority rights.
Se'ction 5. 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 6. 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
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severance payment upon termination equal to three (3) months of the employee's current salary
amount.
ARTICLE XVI
CITY RIGHTS
Section 1. 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 Agreement or
bY law to manage the City, as such rights existed prior to the execution of this Agreement. 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 that 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.
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
including, but not limited to, quality and quantity standards; and to require compliance therewith.
L. To discharge, suspend, demote, or otherwise discipline employees for proper cause.
M. To determine job classifications and to reclassify employees.
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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 maintain order and efficiency in its facilities and operations.
Q. 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 Memorandum of Understanding.
R. To take any and all necessary action to carry out the mission of the Agency in
emergencIes.
Section 2. Except in emergencies, as defined in Article XXIII, 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 Agreement or in the
Personnel or departmental rules and regulations and salary resolutions. By agreeing to meet
and 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.
The City shall not exercise the foregoing rights in an arbitrary or capricious or invidiously or
discriminatory manner or in such a manner as to imperil the health and/or safety of the
employees.
ARTICLE XVII
EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1. Dues Deductions. The City shall deduct dues on a regular basis from the pay
of all employees in the classifications and positions recognized to be represented by the
Association, who voluntarily authorize such deduction, in writing, on a mutually agreed upon
form to be provided for this purpose. The City shall remit such funds to the Association within
thirty (30) days following their deduction.
Section 2. Indemnification. The Association agrees to hold the City harmless and
indemnify the City against any claims, causes of actions or lawsuits arising out of the deductions
or transmittal of such funds to the Association, except the intentional failure of the City to
transmit to the Association monies deducted for the employees pursuant to this Article.
Section 3. Release Time for Meet and Confer. The Association may select a maximum
of three (3) members to attend scheduled meetings with the Personnel Officer or other
management representatives on subjects within the scope of representation during regular work
hours. In addition, they may meet for a maximum of one hour per meet and confer session for
the purpose of preparation of such sessions.
21
(
Section 4. Maintenance of Membership. Any employee who is currently a member of the
Association or becomes a member of the Association after the adoption of this Agreement shall
continue to pay to the Association those dues or fees regularly charged members of the
Association for the life of this Agreement; except that during October of each year, any
employee may withdraw from the Association and discontinue dues deductions.
ARTICLE XVIII
NO STRIKE - NO LOCKOUT
A. 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 by 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 below in B, Section
1, the City may suspend any and all of the rights and privileges accorded to the Association
under the Employee Relations Ordinance and this Agreement including, but not limited to, right
of access, check-off, the use of the City's bulletin boards and facilities.
B. ASSOCIATION RESPONSIBILITY
Section 1. In the event that the Association, its officers, agents, representatives, or
members engage in any of the conduct prohibited in A, Section 1 above, the Association shall
immediately instruct any persons engaging in such conduct that their conduct is in violation of
this Agreement and unlawful and they must immediately cease engaging in conduct prohibited
in A, Section 1 above, and return to work.
Section 2. If the Association performs all of the responsibilities set forth in Section 1 above,
its officers, agents, representatives shall not be liable for damages for prohibited conduct
performed by employees who are covered by this Agreement in violation of Section 1 above.
ARTICLE XIX
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
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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. An employee may request the
assistance of another person of his own choosing in preparing and presenting his grievance at
any level of review, or may be represented by a recognized employee organization or may
represent himself. The employee shall not suffer any reprisal from management for utilizing the
grievance procedure set forth herein. Any pending disciplinary action shall not affect the
grievance procedure nor suspend the operation thereof.
A. 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.
B. 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. The grievance procedure shall provide for the following steps; except for
qrievances that are a result of disciplinary action, which shall beqin at Step Two.
Step One. Informal Procedure. An employee must attempt first to resolve a grievance
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 on an informal basis. 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) 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 qrievance is a result of disciplinan/
action which has been processed throuqh the "Skelly Process”, or if the grievance is not
resolved in Step One, or if no answer has been received within five (5) working days from the
presentation of the oral grievance, the employee may, within thirty (30) working 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 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, or if no answer has been received within time limits established in Step Two, the employee
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may within ten (10) working days, 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 a
recognized employee organization, the designated management representative shall attempt to
resolve the grievance. If the employee is being represented by a recognized employee
organization, the designated management representative shall convene a joint meeting of the
recognized employee organization 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 organization,
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 Personnel
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. With the approval of the Personnel Advisory Board, the Personnel
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
acknowledge that a drug and alcohol-free work environment benefits Downey's employees and
citizens
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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 that 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.
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 drug 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 collected in a DOX Security Container System or other 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 Druq 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
prepamd 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.
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
25
by the City may be required. The City reserves the right to send an employee home on sick
leave under these circumstances.
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.
Section 2. 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 oppor{unity 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 3. Transfer Rights. The City agrees that if an employee's current supervisor or
department head does not approve an employee's transfer to another department who has
offered that employee a position, the employee may appeal the decision to the Personnel
Director
Section 4. Rest Periods/Breaks. The City Manager hereby authorizes department heads
to permit their employees to take brief rest periods during any working day at such times and of
such duration as will result in an increase in their work output and thus promote efficiency. Rest
periods shall not exceed fifteen minutes per break and nor shall exceed two breaks per
workday. No such rest period shall be taken during the first or last hour of any employee’s
working period. The taking of rest periods is hereby declared to be a matter of privilege and not
of right. Supervisors shall have the right to schedule rest periods to maximize the efficiency of
their operations. Any rest period not taken at the time permitted shall be deemed waived and
shall not be accumulated or carried over from one work period to any subsequent work period,
or compensated in any form.
Section 5. Survey. During the term of this agreement, the City agrees to meet with the
Association to develop criteria for a total compensation survey. The survey will be completed
and given to the Association no later than August 31, 2008.
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Section 6. Reopener. Should the City grant a salary increase to the DCEA Maint. Unit or
Safety Auxiliary Unit totaling more than four per cent (4%) November 2005 or four per cent (4%)
November 2006 or four per cent (4%) November 2007 and the Association requests to meet;
the City agrees to meet and confer over the salary increase issue. The City and Association
agree that for the purpose of this provision, salary adjustments to specific classifications to
correct inequities shall not be considered salary increases.
ARTICLE XXI
SOLE AND ENTIRE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Section 1. It is the intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Agreement shall
supersede all prior agreements and memoranda of understanding, or memoranda 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 Agreement 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 Agreement, 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 Agreement or in the negotiations leading 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 Agreement. Regardless of the waiver
contained in this Article, the parties may:
1. By mutual agreement, in writing, agree to meet and confer about any matter
during the term of this Agreement.
2.May meet and confer in accordance with Article XVI, Section 2.
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
Agreement or the Personnel Rules or Resolutions of the City, which restrict the City's ability to
27
(
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 Agreement and
any Personnel Rules and Policies.
ARTICLE XXIV
SEPARABILITY
Should any provision of this Agreement be found to be inoperative, void, or invalid by a court
of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect for the duration of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XXV
TERM OF THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The term of this Agreement shall commence on November 1, 2005, and shall continue in
full force and effect until October 31, 2008.
ARTICLE XXVI
RATIFICATION AND EXECUTION
[
The City and the Association acknowledge that this Agreement 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 Agreement is hereby executed by the authorized
representatives of the City and the Association and entered into this day of ,
2006
CITY OF DOWNEY:THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES'
ASSOCIATION/MISCELLANEOUS UNIT
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
28
EXHIBIT “A“
CLASSIFICATIONS REPRESENTED BY
THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION/MISCELLANEOUS UNIT
Accountant
Account Clerk I
Account Clerk II
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Clerk I
Administrative Clerk II
Assistant Civil Engineer
Assistant Planner
Assistant Superintendent of Physical
Services
Assistant Superintendent of Water Utilities
System
Associate Civil Engineer
Associate Planner
Automation Circulation Systems Operator
Building Inspector
Building Permit Technician
Civil Engineer
Computer Operator I
Computer Operator II
Computer Operator III
Construction Inspector
Data Entry Operator
Engineering Aide
Equipment Maintenance Supervisor
Executive Secretary
Fire Education Specialist
Fire Mechanic
Hazardous Material Fire Inspector
Housing Planner
Housing Specialist I
Housing Specialist II
Integrated Waste Coordinator
Junior Accountant
Junior Civil Engineer
Junior Engineering Aide
KDB Coordinator
Librarian
Library Assistant
Library Associate
Network Administrator
PABX Operator/Receptionist
Parking Permit Inspector
Personnel Analyst
Personnel Technician
Plan Check Engineer
Plan Checker
Police Records Supervisor
Principal Building Inspector
Principal Planner
Programmer
Project Assistant
Public Works Supervisor I
Public Works Supervisor II
Public Works Technician
Real Estate Officer
Recreation Coordinator
Recreation Supervisor
Reprographics Specialist
Residential Rehabilitation Supervisor I
Revenue Supervisor
Secretary
Secretary to the City Attorney/
Development Services Director
Secretary to the City Clerk
Senior Accountant
Senior Account Clerk
Senior Building Inspector
Senior Building Permit Technician
Senior Code Enforcement Officer
Senior Engineering Aide
Senior Librarian
Senior Library Assistant
Senior Library Associate
Senior Planner
Senior Programmer/Analyst
Special Projects Coordinator
Supervising Accountant
Technical Coordinator/Theater
Theater Supervisor
Transit Coordinator
Water Construction Specialist
Water Quality Contract Administrator
Water Systems Operator
Water Systems Supervisor II
Water Systems Technical Supervisor
t
1
EXHIBIT "B"
JOB FAMILIES
1.Account Clerk I
Account Clerk II
Senior Account Clerk
Junior Accountant
Accountant
Senior Accountant
Supervising Accountant
7.Administrative Clerk I
Administrative Clerk II
Secretary
Secretary to the City Attorney/
Development Services Director
Secretary to the City Clerk
Executive Secretary
2 Junior Engineering Aide
Engineering Aide
Senior Engineering Aide
Junior Civil Engineer
Assistant Civil Engineer
Associate Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
The Following Classifications Have
No Job Family:
Administrative Assistant
Assistant Superintendent of Physical Services
Assistant Superintendent of Water Utilities
System
Building Permit Technician
Construction Inspector
Equipment Maintenance Supervisor
Fire Mechanic
Hazardous Material Fire Inspector
Housing Planner
Housing Specialist I
Housing Specialist II
Integrated Waste Coordinator
KDB Coordinator
PABX Operator/Receptionist
Parking Permit Inspector
Personnel Analyst
Personnel Technician
Police Records Supervisor
Project Assistant
Public Works Supervisor I
Public Works Supervisor II
public Works Technician
Real Estate Officer
Recreation Coordinator
Recreation Supervisor
Reprographics Specialist
Residential Rehabilitation Supervisor I
Revenue Supervisor
Senior Code Enforcement Officer
Senior Building Permit Technician
Special Projects Coordinator
Technical Coordinator/Theater
Theatre Supervisor
Transit Coordinator
Water Construction Specialist
Water Quality Contract Administrator
Water Systems Supervisor II
Water Systems Operator
3 Library Assistant
Senior Library Assistant
Automation Circulation Systems
Operator
Library Associate
Senior Library Associate
Librarian
Senior Librarian
4.Planning Technician
Assistant Planner
Associate Planner
Senior Planner
Principal Planner
5.Building Inspector
Plan Checker
Senior Building Inspector
Plan Check Engineer
Principal Building Inspector
6 Data Entry Operator
Computer Operator I
Computer Operator II
eomputer Operator III
Programmer
Programmer/Analyst II
Senior Programmer Analyst
Network Administrator
2