HomeMy WebLinkAbout03- Montana Public Employees Association Collective Bargaining Agreement, 2002-2007
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CITY OF BOZEMAN .
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. MONTANA PUBLIC .
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: EMPLOYEES ASSOCIA TION ~
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~ 2002-2003 through 2006-2007 :
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.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. III III III III . . ,. . . . . .. . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . III . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. .. . :
CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 - RECOGNITION .......................................................................................... 1
ARTICLE 2 - DEFINITIONS ..... .......... ............................... ......... ........ ..... ......... ........... .... 2
ARTICLE 3 - ASSOCIATION RIGHTS.............................................................................. 2
ARTICLE 4 - ASSOCIATION SECURITy.......................................................................... 3
ARTICLE 5 - MANAGEMENT RIGHTS .............................................................................3
ARTICLE 6 - NONDISCRIMINATION ............................................................................... 4
ARTICLE 7 - PAY AND HOURS ...................................................................................... 4
ARTICLE 8 - HEAL TH/DENTAL/ VISION INSURANCE........................................................ 6
ARTICLE 9 - HOLIDAYS ................................................................................................7
ARTI CLE 10 - LEAVES.................................................................................................. 8
ARTICLE 11 - GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION ............................................................. 10
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ........... ... ......................... ...... ...... ... ........ ........ ..... ..... 10
RULES OF GRIEVANCE PROCESSING ............................................................... 10
RULES FOR ARBITRATION................................................................................ 11
ARTICLE 12 - OVERTIME AND COMPENSATORY TIME.................................................. 11
ARTICLE 13 - JOB SECURITY ..................................................................................... 12
ART I C L E 14 - S E N lOR I TY ........................................................................................... 1 3
ARTICLE 15 - VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS ............................................................. 14
ARTICLE 16 - RATINGS AND WARNINGS..................................................................... 14
ARTICLE 17 - CONTINUING EDUCATION...................................................................... 15
ARTICLE 18 - OTHER ................................................................................................. 15
ARTICLE 19 - SEVERABILITY ...................................................................................... 16
ARTICLE 20 - ENTIRE AGREEMENT ............................................................................ 16
ARTICLE 21 - TERM OF AGREEMENT .......................................................................... 17
ARTICLE 22 - NO STRIKE/NO LOCKOUT ...................................................................... 17
APPENDIX A - POSITION RANGES .............................................................................. 18
APPENDIX B - SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM ............................................... 19
APPENDIX C - GRIEVANCE REPORT FORM................................................................... 21
CONTENTS
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
between
CITY OF BOZEMAN
and
MONTANA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
-------------------
AGREEMENT
This Agreement, made and entered into this c90 th day of February, 2003 between the City of
Bozeman, Montana, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as "Employer", and the Montana
Public Employees Association, hereinafter referred to as "Association".
It is the intent and purpose of this Agreement to assure sound and mutually beneficial working rela-
tionships between the Employer and its employees, to provide an orderly and peaceful means of re-
solving grievances, to prevent interruption of work and interference with the efficient operation of the
City of Bozeman, and to set forth herein a basic and complete agreement between the parties con-
cerning terms and conditions of employment which are not otherwise mandated by statute. It is un-
derstood that the Employer is engaged in furnishing an essential public service which vitally affects
health, safety, comfort and general well-being of the public; and both parties hereto recognize the
need for continuous and reliable service to the public.
ARTICLE 1 . RECOGNITION
A. The Employer recognizes the Association as the sole and exclusive representative of all em-
ployees within the bargaining units as defined and certified by the Board of Personnel Appeals.
B. The bargaining unit includes all employees of the City of Bozeman who work at least twenty
hours per week or more on a continual basis, excluding supervisors, management officials,
confidential employees, professional engineers and engineers in training, and excluding those
employees whose positions are included in bargaining units represented by other labor organi-
zations. The bargaining unit excludes seasonal, temporary, short term, and grant funded em-
ployees as defined below:
Seasonal: An employee who is designated by the City as seasonal, who per-
forms duties interrupted by the seasons and who may be recalled without the
loss of rights or benefits accrued during the preceding season.
Temporary: An employee who is designated by the City as temporary for a defi-
nite period of time generally not to exceed twelve months and is not eligible for
regular status without applying through the regular process.
Short Term Worker: An employee who is hired by the City to work for not more
than 90 days in any calendar year and is not eligible for regular status without
applying through the regular process.
1_
Grant Funded: Employees funded by grants which do not expect to be employed
more than twelve months.
ARTICLE 2 ~ DEFINITIONS
Whenever the following words or phrases appear in this agreement, they shall have the meaning as-
signed to them by this Article. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present
tense shall include the future; the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the sin-
gular.
Exempt Employee: An employee in a position designated as executive, administrative
professional, computer specialist and others not subject to the overtime pay provisions
of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and its regulations.
Non-Exempt Employee: An employee subject to the overtime provisions of the Federal
Fair Labor Standards Act and its regulations.
Regular Position: A position designated as a regular position.
Regular Employee: An employee assigned to a regular position. These employees
have successfully completed the initial employment period. Except for layoffs and/or re-
ductions in force, regular employees may only be terminated for just cause. Regular
employees may appeal dismissal, suspension or other punitive disciplinary actions
through the grievance procedure.
Seniority: The length of continuous service as a regular employee since the most recent
date of hire with the City of Bozeman.
ARTICLE 3 ~ ASSOCIATION RIGHTS
A. The Association may select not more than six employees to act as representatives and shall
immediately notify the City in writing of each such appointment and any changes.
B. The internal business of the Association shall be conducted by the employees during their non-
duty hours, provided, however, that a selected and designated Association officer or appointee
shall be allowed paid time to act as an employee representative in a disciplinary meeting when
requested by the employee, but the Employer will not compensate the aforementioned indi-
viduals for time spent investigating or preparing for such activities; and these activities will be
conducted outside their normal work schedule.
C. With prior approval and so as not to disrupt work in progress, the Association's staff will be al-
lowed to visit work areas of the employees during work hours and confer on employment rela-
tion matters.
D. The Association may utilize space on bulletin boards currently used for employee notices.
2.
E. Accredited Association representatives shall, with the written approval of the employee, have
the right to inspect an employee's personnel file, with the exception of medical information
unless the issue involves such matter.
F. The Association may be allowed to use the Employer's facilities for Association meetings, con-
tingent upon availability and management approval.
ARTICLE 4 - ASSOCIATION SECURITY
A. Employees covered by the terms of this Agreement shall not be required to become members
of the Association but must, as a term and condition of employment, pay a representation fee
to the Association.
B. Upon receipt of a written authorization from an employee covered by this Agreement, the Em-
ployer shall deduct from the employee's pay the amount owed to the Association by such em-
ployee for dues or a representation fee. The Employer will remit to the Association such sums
within thirty calendar days. Changes in the Association membership dues rate and representa-
tion fee will be certified to the Employer in writing over the signature of the authorized officer or
officers of the Association and shall be done at least thirty calendar days in advance of such
change.
C. All employees covered by the terms of this Agreement shall, within thirty days of signing of this
Agreement, or within thirty days of employment, whichever is later, pay dues or the representa-
tion fee to the Association. Employees who fail to comply with this requirement shall be dis-
charged by the Employer within thirty days after receipt of written notice of default by the Asso-
ciation. The Association may make written notice of default and demand for discharge after the
30 day period specified above. The Employer shall initiate discharge of the affected em-
ployee(s) on the 30th day from receipt by the Employerofthe Association's written notice of de-
fault and demand for discharge.
D. The Employer, within thirty days of the signing of this Agreement, shall present the Association
with a list of the names and addresses of all current employees covered by this Agreement,
and shall update such list each month of all new hires.
E. The Association will indemnify, defend and hold the Employer harmless against any claim
made and against any suit instituted against the Employer, including attorney fees and costs of
defense thereof, on account of any provision of this Article.
ARTICLE 5 - MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
(In compliance with Section 39-31-303, M.C.A.)
The Association shall recognize the prerogatives of the Employer to manage, direct and control its
business in all particulars, in such areas as, but not limited to:
1. direct employees;
2. hire, promote, transfer, assign and retain employees;
3. relieve employees from duties because of lack of work or funds or under condi-
tions where continuation of such work would be inefficient and non-productive;
3.
4. maintain the efficiency of government operations;
5. determine the methods, means, job classifications and personnel by which the
Employer operations are to be conducted;
6. take whatever actions may be necessary to carry out the missions of the Em-
ployer in situations of emergency; and
7. establish the methods and processes by which work is performed.
Such rights are retained by the Employer unless such rights are specifically relinquished in this Agree-
ment.
ARTICLE 6 - NONDISCRIMINATION
The Employer and the Association affirm their joint opposition to any discriminatory practices in con-
nection with employment, promotion or training, remembering that the public interest requires the full
utilization of the employees' skills and abilities without regard to any prohibited category. Claims of
discrimination shall be processed through the procedure provided by the applicable statute.
ARTICLE 7 - PAY AND HOURS
A. Wages:
1. All employees covered under this Agreement will receive a 6% pay increase, retroactive
to July 1, 2002, subject to the following:
a. Employees who received a Step increase prior to the implementation of this
Agreement will have the amount of the Step increase deducted from the retroac-
tive calculation.
b. Employees who left the MPEA bargaining unit between July 1,2002 and the im-
plementation date of this Agreement shall receive this retroactive pay for all
hours worked under the collective bargaining agreement. This retroactive pay
will be based on the hourly rate in effect at the time the work was performed.
c. Employees who have changed positions within the MPEA Bargaining Unit be-
tween July 1, 2002 and the implementation date of this Agreement shall receive
retroactive pay for all hours worked under the collective bargaining agreement,
based on the hourly rate in effect at the time the hours were worked.
2. On July 1, 2003, all employees covered under this Agreement shall receive a 6% pay
Increase.
3. a. At a minimum, on the indicated dates, employees covered under this Agreement
will receive following the following wage adjustments:
July 1, 2004 3%
July 1, 2005 3%
July 1, 2006 3%
b. Wages paid will be carried out to 4 decimal places.
c. Any individual increase exceeding 3% in years 2004 through 2006 shall be de-
termined by the Alternative Pay Plan Committee described in #4 below.
4. Alternative Pay Plan Committee: The parties agree to establish an "Alternative Pay
Plan Committee" consisting of six members (three chosen by the City; three chosen
by MPEA), that will meet on a bi~weekly basis to prepare a market survey for each
position in the bargaining unit (See Appendix A)
4.
a. The first meeting will commence within one month offinal ratification of this con-
tract by both parties; no later than March 31, 2003;
b. Time taken for meetings will be considered paid release time for these purposes;
c. Training will be provided by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services
(FMCS) in Interest-Based Problem Solving.
1. Either party may call upon the Board of Personnel Appeals or FMCS at
any time for facilitation during the committee process.
d. The Committee shall establish mutually agreed upon written ground rules.
e. The Committee shall establish the mechanism by which the employees will be
paid through an Alternative compensation plan.
f Any new hire into a bargaining unit position will begin at a starting wage de-
fined in Appendix A, Position Ranges.
g The Committee shall establish a 'market value' for each position covered under
the Bargaining Unit as outlined in Appendix A, Position Ranges
B. City of Bozeman Supplemental Retirement Program: See Appendix B.
C. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a guarantee or limitation of the number of
hours to be worked per day, days per week, or for any other period of time.
D. A regular work day shall normally consist of eight hours of continuous work, including two duty
free rest breaks. The employee shall be granted a duty free meal break (sometime around
mid-day or mid-shift), the length and scheduling of which will be determined through mutual
agreement with the employee and his/her immediate supervisor. The meal break shall be nor-
mally without pay unless established otherwise by the Employer.
E. A regular work week shall normally consist of five regular work days, Monday through Friday,
inclusive, totaling 40 hours. The regular work week is not the work week designation required
by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
F. A designated work week shall normally consist of forty hours composed of any five consecutive
work days, immediately followed by two days off.
G. Alternate Work Schedule: The Employer may establish an alternate work schedule wherein
forty hours may be worked as straight time in other than five days or eight continuous hour
days.
H. Excluding emergencies, employees placed on a regular or alternative work schedule shall not
have their work schedules changed unless given fourteen calendar days notice of the change.
I. Employees who are scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week and who are called out for
work and report outside the regular shift shall be paid for a minimum of two hours at a rate of
1112 times the regular rate of pay, except for holidays, as enumerated in Article 9, Section C.
Each hour after two hours shall also be paid at the above rates. It is understood that this provi-
sion does not apply to overtime work, which is essentially a continuation of the work day,
scheduled weekend overtime, scheduled staff meetings or scheduled training sessions.
F. When an employee is officially assigned to temporarily perform all of the primary duties as-
signed to a higher paid position for a period of forty hours or more over the course of a pay pe-
S.
riod (24th to 23rd as specified by the timesheet), the employee will receive a stipend of 5% of his
or her regular rate of pay for all such hours worked in excess of five work days. However, when
such an assignment lasts longer than 20 work days, the employee will for all such temporarily
assigned hours thereafter be paid at the pay rate assigned to the higher paid position.
ARTICLE 8 - HEAL TH/DENTALI VISION INSURANCE
A. The City will contribute the following amounts toward employee's health/dental/vision insurance
premiums for full time employees.
~"'.'- ..~.,.,. .~"'.- ~,. -.' .~' ". ..-.
)\JlYJ!.?002~)une 30, 2003 '.'.~'M,. July 1, 2993 - June 30,?O07_,
$375.00 The City is desirous of providing all employees a basic level
of health insurance coverage at no cost of the employee_
The City will pay insurance premium increases in each year
of the contract, up to the U.S. Consumer Price Index for all
Urban Consumers for All Items (Source: U.S. Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics), for the previous year.
If the City is unable to accommodate the premium increase,
the City may adjust the insurance deductible to mitigate the
premium increase, in an effort to provide an option that is of
no cost to the employee.
..__.~-""',"^""._--,,.. -,- ,~._-
B. The City will contribute the following percentages of the individual premium levels for part-time
employees:
REGULARL Y SCHEDULED HOURS EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION
.'.:tIII:,:,~- -~ ~~',~=::.-- .,,- ~,I!I:.,,=..:-
20 hours through 29 hours 50%
30 hours through 39 hours 75%
Individual premium levels are the same premium levels retirees pay for in-
surance coverage for each of the following categories: Single, 2-party, Fam-
ily, & Employee/Child.
""' Effective July 1, 1996, the City's contribution toward employee's health/dental/vision insurance will be
1.
added to the employee's gross pay. As part of this collective bargaining agreement, employees are
required to authorize a payroll deduction from the employee's gross pay equal to the City's contribution
toward employee's health/dental/vision insurance. This deduction from the employee's gross pay will
be paid into a fund maintained to provide health/dental/vision insurance benefits for employees.
The purpose of including the City's contribution toward employee's health/dental/vision insurance in
the employee's gross pay is solely for the purpose of augmenting the employee's eventual retirement
benefit. The purpose of including the City's health/dental/vision contribution in the employee's gross
pay is not to result in additional net income to the employee. It is hereby acknowledged that both em-
ployee and employer retirement contributions will be required on this additional gross income, causing
a decrease to the net income of the employee. It is also acknowledged that the inclusion of the City's
health/dental/vision insurance contribution in the employee's gross pay does not by its nature affect
overtime compensation, future pay increases, or other similar benefits. In the event that any subse-
quent law, court, arbitrator, or other lawful authority determines that the inclusion of the City's
health/dental/vision insurance contribution in the employee's gross pay affects overtime compensa-
I
I
6.
tion, then the parties agree that there will be a corresponding adjustment to the affected hourly rate,
pay, or benefit, to carry out the intent of this provision.
ARTICLE 9 - HOLIDAYS
A. For pay purposes, the following shall be recognized holidays for bargaining unit employees:
New Year's Day ........................................................................... January 1
Martin Luther King Day........................................ Third Monday in January
Lincoln's/Washington's Birthdays........................ Third Monday in February
Memorial Day............................................................... Last Monday in May
I ndependence Day............................................................................. .July 4
Labor Day......................................................... First Monday in September
Veteran's Day........................................................................ November 11
Thanksgiving Day........................................ Fourth Thursday in November
In lieu of Columbus Day.......................................... Day after Thanksgiving
General Election Day/personal day................................. in alternate years
Christmas............................................................................... December 25
The Library Board of Trustees may establish alternate days for holidays, but in no case shall
employees receive fewer holidays without appropriate compensation.
B. The holidays listed in Section A shall be granted at the regular rate of pay to all eligible full-time
employees except as provided for in Section C. Eligible part-time employees shall receive 1112
times the regular rate of pay for actual hours worked on a holiday, plus prorated hours at
straight time for the holiday, based on the number of hours the employee is scheduled to work
during the month. To be eligible for holiday pay, an employee must be in pay status on the last
scheduled working day immediately before the holiday or on the first regularly scheduled work-
ing day immediately after the holiday. If a part-time employee suffers a reduction in total hours
as a result of a proration in holiday hours, then that employee can make up those lost hours at
a different time, within the work week, subject to scheduling of work time by the immediate su-
pervisor.
C. When a non-exempt full-time employee is required by the Employer to work on a holiday listed
above, he/she will be paid at the rate of 2112 times his/her regular rate of pay, or at the em-
ployee's option, 1% times his/her regular rate of pay and an alternate day off, to be taken at a
time agreeable to the employee and Employer. Non-exempt full-time employees shall be given
the opportunity to select their option on the commencement of their employment and shall be
bound by their choice for at least a one year period, unless otherwise agreed to by the Em-
ployer. Full-time exempt employees and employees who request and are authorized to work
on a holiday shall receive their regular rate of pay and an alternate day off, to be taken at a
time agreeable to the employee and the Employer. Eligible non-exempt part-time employees
shall receive benefits granted in this Section on a prorata basis.
D. Any eligible full-time employee who is scheduled for a day off on a day which is observed as a
legal holiday, except Sundays, shall be entitled to receive a day off with pay either on the day
preceding the holiday or on another day following the holiday, in the same pay period or as
scheduled by the employee and his/her supervisor, whichever allows a day off in addition to the
7.
employee's regularly scheduled days off. Eligible non-exempt part-time employees shall re-
ceive benefits granted in this Section on a pro rata basis.
ARTICLE 10 - LEAVES
A. Jury and Witness Duty: Employees summoned to serve as jurors or witnesses shall be granted
leave per Section 2-18-619, M.C.A.
B. Sick Leave: Employees shall be granted sick leave per Section 2-18-618, M.C.A., and accord-
ing to the following:
1. Each regular full-time employee shall earn sick leave credits from the first day of em-
ployment. For calculating sick leave credits, 2,080 hours (52 weeks x 40 hours) shall
equal one year. Sick leave credits shall be credited at the end of each pay period. Sick
leave credits shall be earned at the rate of 12 working days for each year of service
without restriction as to the number of working days that may be accumulated. Employ-
ees are not entitled to be paid sick leave until they have been continuously employed 90
days. An employee may not accrue sick leave credits while in a leave without pay status
exceeding 15 working days. Regular part-time employees are entitled to pro rated leave
benefits if they have worked the qualifying period.
2. An employee who terminates employment with the Employer is entitled to a lump sum
payment equal to % of the pay attributed to the accumulated sick leave. The pay attrib-
uted to the accumulated sick leave shall be computed on the basis of the employee's
salary or wage at the time he/she terminates his/her employment with the Employer.
3. Notification of absence because of illness shall be given as soon as possible to either
the immediate supervisor or to the individual designated to receive such calls.
4. In the event that an employee on annual leave becomes ill, the employee shall be af-
forded the right to change his/her annual leave status to sick leave status and to utilize
available sick leave credits upon furnishing Management acceptable medical certifica-
tion.
5. The Employer may not require a doctor's certification to substantiate sick leave usage
from an employee in the bargaining unit unless the employee has been away from work
in excess of three days on sick leave or unless the Employer has good reason to sus-
pect sick leave abuse. A proven abuse of sick leave may result in termination and a
waiver of the sick leave cash-out per Montana statute.
C. Annual Leave: It is understood that employees may take annual leave, with prior Management
approval, at their individual discretion as long as the execution of this right does not cause an
undue burden for the Employer's operation.
1. Each regular full-time employee shall earn annual leave credits from the first day of em-
ployment. For calculating vacation leave credits, 2,080 hours (52 weeks x 40 hours)
shall equal one year. Vacation leave credits earned shall be credited at the end of each
pay period. However, employees are not entitled to any vacation leave with pay until
they have been continuously employed for a period of six calendar months. Regular
part-time employees are entitled to prorated vacation benefits if they have worked the
8.
qualifying period. An employee may not accrue annual leave credits while in a leave
without pay status exceeding fifteen working days.
2. Annual leave may be accumulated to a total not to exceed two times the current maxi-
mum number of days earned annually as of December 31 of any calendar year. Vaca-
tion time accrued in excess of the allowable accumulation is not forfeited if it is taken by
March 31 of the succeeding calendar year. It is the responsibility of the Employer to
provide reasonable opportunity for an employee to use rather than forfeit accumulated
leave. If an employee makes a reasonable written request by January 15th to use ex-
cess vacation leave before the excess vacation leave must be forfeited, and the Em-
ployer denies this request, the excess vacation leave is not forfeited. Instead, the Em-
ployer must ensure that the employee may use the excess vacation leave before the
end of the calendar year in which the leave would have been forfeited.
3. Vacation leave credits shall be earned at a yearly rate calculated in accordance with the
following schedule, which applies to the total years of employment with any Montana
city, county or state government, regardless if there is a break in service.
_ ~"RAYS PER YE~_R
15
18
21
24
D. Emergency Leave: Accrued and available sick leave will be allowed for necessary attendance
to the illness of a member of the employee's immediate family unless other attendance can be
reasonably obtained.
E. Leave Without Pay:
1. A leave without pay must be requested by the employee in advance, and Management
shall then determine if the employee can be excused for the time requested. The em-
ployee shall use the standard leave request form. The approval or disapproval from
Management shall be based on the needs of the agency, the reason for the request,
and the employee's work record. The employer may require the employee to utilize un-
used annual leave or compensatory time prior to authorizing leave without pay.
2. Employees on leave of absence without pay will be responsible for not only their portion
of any and all insurance premiums, but also the employer's contribution.
F. Military Leave: Military leave shall be granted per Section 10-1-604, M.C.A. and Federal Law.
G. Workers' Compensation Leave: A regular employee injured on thejob and eligible for Workers'
Compensation benefits shall retain all rights provided by 39-71-317, MCA, and the Family and
Medical Leave Act.
H. The City will comply with federal and state leave laws, as described in the Employee Handbook.
I. Bereavement Leave: Bereavement leave shall be granted per the provisions of City Policy.
9.
ARTICLE 11 ~ GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION
Having a desire to create and maintain labor relations harmony between them, the parties hereto
agree that they will promptly attempt to adjust all disputes involving the interpretation, application or
alleged violation of a specific provision of this Agreement.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Step 1. Any dispute involving the interpretation, application or alleged violation of a specific provision
of this Agreement shall be brought up with the employee's immediate supervisor within five working
days of the grievance. The immediate supervisor shall have five working days to respond. All griev-
ances must be discussed with the immediate supervisor prior to the filing of a formal grievance, and
no formal grievance may be filed until the immediate supervisor has been given opportunity to attempt
resolution,
Step 2. If the grievance is not resolved informally, a formal grievance may be presented in writing
within seven working days from the receipt of the immediate supervisor's response to Step 1 to the
appropriate Management official. The Management representative at the second step shall have
seven working days from the receipt of the grievance to respond in writing.
Step 3. If the grievance cannot be resolved at Step 2, it shall be forwarded to the City Manager. The
City Manager shall render a decision within ten working days.
Step 4. If the grievance cannot be resolved at Step 3, the Association shall, within ten working days of
receipt of the Step 3 response, notify the City Manager of its decision to take the grievance to final and
binding arbitration.
No issue shall be subject to the Grievance and Arbitration, unless the grievance shall allege the
breach of an express provision of the Agreement, and a grievance shall be filed, answered and ap-
pealed using the form supplied in Appendix C.
RULES OF GRIEVANCE PROCESSING
A. Time limits of any stage of the grievance procedure may be extended by written mutual agree-
ment of the parties at that step.
B. A grievance not filed or advanced by the grievant within the time limits provided shall be
deemed permanently withdrawn as having been settled on the basis of the decision most re-
cently received. Failure on the part of the Employer's representative to answer within the time
limits set forth in any step will entitle the employee to advance the grievance to the next step.
C. An appointed authority may replace any titled position in the grievance procedure, provided that
such appointee has full authority to act in the capacity of the person being replaced.
D. When the grievance is presented in writing, there shall be set forth both of the following:
1. A complete statement of the grievance and facts upon which it is based. The grievance
must state the specific section of the contract alleged to be violated and the remedy
sought by the employee.
10.
2. The rights of the individual claimed to have been violated and the remedy or correction
requested.
E. Those employees desiring to use alternative grievance procedures may not pursue the same
complaint under the provisions of this contractual procedure. Similarly, an employee pursuing
a grievance under the provision of this contract may not pursue the same grievance under an-
other procedure.
RULES FOR ARBITRATION
A. Within ten working days of receipt of the Association's notice of its intent to arbitrate a griev-
ance, the Association shall call upon the Montana Board of Personnel Appeals for a list of
seven potential arbitrators.
B. Each party shall be entitled to strike names from the list in alternate order, and the name so
remaining shall be the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall render a decision, which shall be final and
binding.
C. Each party shall share equally the cost of the arbitrator. In the event one of the parties wants
transcripts from the proceedings of the arbitration, the party requesting the transcripts shall pay
all costs. If each party requests a transcript, they shall equally share the costs.
D. The arbitrator may not add to, subtract from or modify the terms of this Agreement.
E. In the event the arbitrator charges a fee(s) for canceling an arbitration hearing, the party re-
questing the cancellation is responsible for payment.
ARTICLE 12 ~ OVERTIME AND COMPENSATORY TIME
A. "Nonexempt" employees shall be paid at a rate of one and one-half times their regular rate of
pay for all authorized time they work over forty hours per week. By agreement between the
parties, a nonexempt employees may choose to accrue compensatory time in lieu of overtime
pay under the following rules:
1. Compensatory time for employees will accrue at the rate of one and one-half hours for
each hour of overtime worked.
2. Compensatory time may not be accrued beyond on 180 hours, which represents not
more than 120 hours of actual overtime worked.
3. An employee must have the appropriate supervisor's prior approval to accrue or use
compensatory time.
4. Upon termination, unused accumulated compensatory time will be paid to the employee
at their final regular rate of pay.
11.
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--
B. "Exempt" employees shall be given compensatory time, under the following provisions:
1. Compensatory time will be credited on an hour-for-hour basis, for all authorized time
worked in excess of eight hours per day or forty hours per week.
2. Compensatory time will be recorded in increments of no less than one-half hour, but all
time earned or taken in fractions of one hour will accumulate until the one-half hour mini-
mum is attained, at which point the time will be recorded.
3. Compensatory time may be accumulated to a maximum of 180 hours. Compensatory
time in excess of 180 hours will be forfeited if not taken within 90 calendar days from the
last day of the calendar year in which the excess was accrued (March 31 of the suc-
ceeding calendar year).
4. Compensatory time shall be earned as approved by the Employer and shall be taken at
a time agreeable to the employee and the Employer.
C. The Employer will make a good faith effort to equalize the offer of scheduled overtime and
compensatory time among the employees in the same work unit and classification where train-
ing and ability are sufficient to do the work.
D. If job related travel time is scheduled for other than the employee's normal work week, such
travel time shall be compensated in accordance with the FLSA.
E. No supervisor will regularly perform the work of a bargaining unit employee except in the case
of instruction and training, assisting employees, in emergency situations and in the preparation
of reports or documents.
F. The Employer agrees not to block out periods of time during which, by policy, employees will
not be allowed to use accrued compensatory time so long as it is understood that the Employer
may approve or disapprove compensatory time usage dependent upon the needs of the Em-
ployer.
G. Employees may convert 1 or 2 days of compensatory time each year to deferred compensa-
tion. Hours will be converted in September of each year, consistent with the sick leave pro-
gram. The program will commence in FY 95 (hours as of June 30, 1994) which will be con-
verted in September of 1994. The same for subsequent years.
H. The City may cash out accumulated compensatory credits from time to time with the agreement
of the subject employee.
ARTICLE 13 - JOB SECURITY
A. A six month initial employment period shall be utilized for the most effective adjustment of a
new employee and for the elimination of an employee in his/her initial employment period
whose performance does not, in the judgment of the employee's supervisor, meet the required
standard of performance. If the Employer determines at any time during the initial employment
period that the services of the employee in his/her initial employment period are unsatisfactory,
the employee may be separated upon written notice from the Employer. The initial employ-
12.
ment period may be extended in writing for a period of three months if, in the opinion of the
Employer, extenuating circumstances dictate.
B. The Employer may discharge any non probationary employee only for just cause. The Em-
ployer shall furnish an employee subject to discharge or suspension with a written statement of
the grounds and specific reason(s) for such actions. A regular employee may appeal his/her
dismissal, suspension or other punitive disciplinary action through the grievance procedure.
ARTICLE 14 - SENIORITY
A. Seniority means the length of continuous service as a regular employee since the most recent
date of hire with the City of Bozeman. Seniority shall cease to accrue during a period of layoff
or leave without pay that exceeds thirty working days or after a permanent transfer out of the
bargaining unit. Previously credited service, however, will not be lost; and an employee who is
recalled or transfers back into the bargaining unit will retain all prior seniority. Seniority shall be
revoked upon termination, retirement or discharge for cause.
B. Qualifications and capabilities shall be the controlling factors in filling new or vacant permanent
positions. When qualifications and capabilities are substantially equal, seniority will be used to
make the final decision.
C. Layoff:
1. Layoff caused by reduction in force shall be in order of seniority by job class within a di-
vision of the City. Letters of caution, consultation, warning, admonishment and repri-
mand may also be considered.
2. No regular employee will be laid off as a result of a reorganization unless his/her posi-
tion is eliminated and no other position within the budget unit for which he/she qualifies
is available, or his/her position has been restructured to render the current employee not
qualified or capable of performing the new duties and responsibilities.
D. Layoff Pool: Regular employees who have been notified of a layoff may submit an application
to Personnel which will be placed in a layoff pool for recall purposes. Eligible employees must
apply to the layoff pool within thirty days from the date of written notification of layoff, or their
rights to the layoff pool shall be waived. Applications for the layoff pool will be active for fifteen
months. Employees in the layoff pool may apply for any bargaining unit position for which they
qualify. Hiring authorities must first consider qualified and capable employees in the layoff pool
for open positions in the bargaining unit.
E. No regular employee shall be laid off while temporary or initial employment period employees
with the same qualifications and capabilities are retained.
F. The Employer shall give regular employees subject to layoff a minimum of fifteen working days
advance notice and shall deliver a copy of the notice to the Association.
G. Essential employees are exempt from seniority rules. The City shall not be required to layoff
an individual who has certain unusual working knowledge or is otherwise deemed to be an es-
sential employee.
13.
ARTICLE 15 - VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS
The following procedures will be observed in the posting and filling of vacant or newly-created perma-
nent positions. The purpose of this system is to inform employees of vacancies and newly-created
positions and to afford employees, who are interested and who feel they qualify, an equal opportunity
to apply for the vacant or newly-created position. It is understood that newly hired employees and
employees on a leave of absence for any reason may not have the same period of notice as other
employees concerning position vacancies.
A. When a vacant or newly-created permanent position is to be filled, the notice will be
posted in a specific place designated for job opening notices, and shall state where in-
terested employees are to make application, the cutoff date of application submittal and
the minimum qualifications.
B. The Employer will ensure that all such applications are considered in the selection proc-
ess. In the event similar qualifications exist, current employees will be selected over
non-employees. Members in the bargaining unit who are unsuccessful applicants shall
be so notified upon completion of the selection process.
C. All positions in the bargaining unit shall be posted, per the provisions of this Article, for
at least five working days.
ARTICLE 16 - RATINGS AND WARNINGS
A. Any employee may request, at any time, and shall receive a copy of his/her current job descrip-
tion.
B. Effective on March 1,2001, if Management makes changes to an incumbent's position that re-
sults in a significant change in required knowledge, skills and abilities, the parties shall meet
and confer about compensation.
C. A performance evaluation system may be utilized by the Employer in the evaluation of employ-
ees covered by this Agreement.
D. When performance appraisals are prepared, the results of the final evaluation shall be transmit-
ted to the employee in the form of a copy of his/her performance appraisal. The immediate su-
pervisor shall discuss the evaluation with the employee and note by signature, retained in the
personnel file, that the evaluation has been discussed with the employee. If the employee de-
sires to submit a brief written statement in explanation or mitigation of any remark on the per-
formance appraisal form, the statement shall be attached to the performance appraisal form in
the personnel file.
E. No information reflecting critically upon an employee shall be placed in the personnel file of the
employee that does not bear either the signature or initials of the employee indicating that
he/she has been shown the material, or a statement by a supervisor that the employee has
been shown the material and refused to sign it. A copy of any such material shall be furnished
to the employee upon request.
14.
F. An employee desiring that any material except annual personnel evaluations, which he/she
feels is incorrect and should be removed from the personnel file of the employee, shall have
the right to appeal it through the grievance procedure.
G. Letters of caution, consultation, warning, admonishment and reprimand shall be considered
temporary contents of the personnel file of an employee and shall be removed no later than
two years after they have been placed in the file, unless such items can be used in support of
possible disciplinary action arising from more recent employee action or behavior patterns or
are applicable to pending legal or quasi-legal proceedings. The employee must request, in
writing, to purge information from his/her personnel file. However, such removal shall not be
deemed as a restriction on the use of such in any subsequent personnel action. Material
placed in the personnel files of an employee without conformity with the provisions of this Sec-
tion will not be used by the Employer in any subsequent disciplinary proceeding involving the
employee.
ARTICLE 17. CONTINUING EDUCATION
Management agrees to implement a continuing education program for interested City employees that
will allow each employee to take one class per year in a field related to his/her current position and
approved by his/her supervisor. The program will either pay tuition for the class, or allow the class to
be taken during working hours without a reduction in the employee's pay. The program is subject to
the following additional conditions:
A. The training requires approval by the department head of the employee's respective
department;
B. Approval must be received in advance;
C. Granting of either time off or reimbursement for the course will be at the department
head's discretion; and
D. The employee must receive at least an average grade in order to be reimbursed for
the class.
ARTICLE 18 - OTHER
A. Personal Day: The City agrees to provide employees a personal day in non-general election
years. That day must be used by June 30, or the day will be forfeited. Employees must be
employed by December 31 of the fiscal year to be eligible for the personal day. Employees
must receive their supervisor's approval to use the day at least two weeks in advance. The
personal day will be prorated for part-time employees, in the same manner as holiday pay.
B. Swim Passes: The City agrees to allow employees to purchase swimming passes at a dis-
count. The passes will be honored at the Swim Center and at Bogert Pool (Bogert: nights and
weekends only). The cost of the passes will be:
Employee ....... ....... ......... ......... .............. ........ ............. ..... ....... ............... $ 10.00
Employee and family............................................................................ $ 35.00
15.
In 2002 - 2003, Swim Center passes are valid from July 1 through August 30th. Effec-
tive September 1,2003, Swim Center passes will be valid from September 1 stthrough
August 30th.
C. A Labor-Management Committee shall consist of three members selected by the City and three
selected by the Association. The Committee shall meet at any time either party requests that
an issue be considered, and no employee shall suffer a reduction in wages as a result of time
spent during such meetings. The Committee may submit to the City Manager a majority and
minority report for his/her consideration and action. Should the Manager decide to implement
any change involving a mandatory subject of bargaining, upon such notice the parties shall
meet at reasonable times and places to bargain over such change.
D. Financial and Legislative Contingencies: Should the Employer not receive anticipated appro-
priations or revenues, those portions of this Agreement which are contingent upon availability of
financial resources may be opened for renegotiation by the Employer.
E. If a joint insurance committee is established, the Association will be allowed to appoint one
member to said Committee.
F. All Association members will be provided copies of the Employee Handbook; and they will be
required to sign, attesting to their receipt of the Handbook. Association members will be noti-
fied of any changes in the Handbook. An updated copy of the Employee Handbook will be
maintained in each department.
ARTICLE 19 - SEVERABILITY
In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be declared invalid at any time or unenforce-
able by any court of competent jurisdiction or through government regulations or decree, such decision
shall not invalidate the entire Agreement, it being the expressed intention of the parties hereto that all
other provisions not declared invalid or unenforceable shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE 20 - ENTIRE AGREEMENT
A. The Employer shall not be bound by any requirement which is not specifically stated in this
Agreement. Specifically, but not exclusively, the Employer is not bound by any past practices
of the Employer, unless such past practices are speCifically stated in this Agreement. The As-
sociation and the Employer agree that this Agreement is intended to cover all matters affecting
wages, hours and other terms and all conditions of employment and similar or related subjects,
and that during the term of this Agreement, neither the Employer nor the Association will be re-
quired to negotiate on any further matters affecting these or any other subjects not specifically
set forth in this Agreement.
B. The parties recognize the right, obligation and duty of Personnel to promulgate rules, regula-
tions, directives and orders from time to time as deemed necessary insofar as such rules,
regulations, directives and orders that affect the members of the bargaining units covered by
this Agreement are not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement and are not inconsistent
with the laws of the State of Montana and Federal laws.
16.
ARTICLE 21 - TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall be effective as of July 1, 2002 or upon the final ratification by the parties, which-
ever is later, and shall remain in full force and effect through June 30,2007. If one of the parties de-
sires to modify this Agreement, it shall give the other written notice of its intent to do so no sooner than
120 days and no less than 90 days prior to the expiration date to renegotiate this Agreement.
ARTICLE 22 - NO STRIKE/NO LOCKOUT
A. Neitherthe Association nor its agents, members or representatives will cause, sanction or take
part in any strike, slow down, sympathy strike or any other interference with the Employer's
business.
B. During the term of this Agreement, there shall be no lockouts by the Employer.
CO
Tn Witness Whereof~ the parties hereto have set their hands
this dt:?~day of d~ ' 200~
FOR: CITY OF BOZEMAN FOR:
I
\ /-/~
'~_"OO,__\ _,--"oc::,::;o,\___ ---
Clark V. Johnson Thomas E. Schneider
City Manager Executive Director
{JL:J~L
Robin Sullivan es W. Collins
Clerk of the Commission R resentative
I (' - 0>'1
,~~_Ju ,Ll >'--, -'~
Julie A. Eik
Representative
17.
APPENDIX A - POSITION RANGES
In accordance with Article 7, Section A.4.f, the following shall determine the range the City may use in advertis-
ing open positions and the compensation the City may offer to newly hired employees.
PAY RANGES:
JOB TITLE MONTHLY HOURL Y
Accounting Clerk III 1987 - 2763 11.4660 - 15.9403
Accounting Technician 1813-2516 10.4590 -14.5178
Accounts Payable Clerk 1655 ~ 2293 9.5464 - 13.2267
Administrative Secretary I 1732 - 2402 9.9916 - 13.8563
Administrative Secretary II 1813~2516 10.4590 - 14.5178
Animal Control Officer 1732 - 2402 9.9916 - 13.8563
Assistant to the Controller 2081 - 2896 12.0077- 16.7056
Billing Clerk I 1581 - 2189 9.1213 -12.6278
Billing Clerk II 1655 - 2293 9.5464 - 13_2267
Building Inspector I 2506 - 3496 14.4584 - 20.1686
Building Inspector II 2626 - 3665 15.1495-21.1459
Cashier/Receptionist 1581 - 2189 9.1213 -12.6278
Clerk/Typist I 1444 - 1996 8.3327 - 11.5127
Clerk/Typist II 1511 - 2090 8_7174 - 12.0564
Clerk/Typist III 1581 - 2189 9.1213-12_6278
Data Processing Support Technician 2081 - 2896 12.0077 - 16.7056
Drafting Technician 2081 - 2896 12.0077 - 16.7056
Engineer I (no EIT or PE) 2506 - 3496 14.4584 - 20.1686
Engineering Aide 2283 - 3181 13_1726 - 18.3528
Engineering Assistant 2392 - 3335 13_8001 - 19.2390
Evidence Technician 1813-2516 10.4590 -14.5178
Grants Administrator 2180 - 3035 12_5758 - 17.5091
Historic Preservation Officer 2180 - 3035 12_5758 - 17.5091
Inventory Clerk 1898 - 2637 10.9498 -15.2121
Jr. Plans Examiner 2180 - 3035 12.5758 - 17_5091
Landfill Attendant 1581 - 2189 9_1213 - 12.6278
Librarv Aide I 1444 - 1996 8.3327 - 11.5127
Library Aide II 1511 - 2090 8.7174 - 12.0564
Library Assistant II 2180 - 3035 12.5758 - 17.5091
Neighborhood Coordinator 2180 - 3035 12.5758 - 17.5091
Nonsupervisory Librarian I 2283 - 3181 13.1726 - 18.3528
One Call Locator 1732 - 2402 9.9916 -13.8563
Parking & Animal Control Officer 1655 - 2293 9.5464 - 13.2267
Parking Clerk 1655 - 2293 9.5464 - 13.2267
Parking Control officer 1 511 - 2090 8.7174 - 12.0564
Planner I 2392 - 3335 13.8001 -192390
Planner II 2626 - 3665 15.1495 - 21.1459
Project Permit Coordinator 1813-2516 10.4590 -14.5178
Secretary I 1581 - 2189 9.1213 -12.6278
Secretary II 1655 - 2293 9.5464 ~ 13.2267
Senior Plans Examiner 2626 - 3665 15_1495-21.1459
Technology Assistant 1655 - 2293 9.5464 - 13.2267
Zone Code Enforcement Officer 2506 - 3496 14.4584 - 20.1686
18.
APPENDIX B - SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM
1. To reduce the amount of sick leave taken by employees.
2. To reward employees for staying healthy.
3. To discourage abuse of sick leave.
4. To provide for a supplement of employee's retirement.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1. Employees are allowed to move portions of their sick leave balance from sick leave to a sup-
plemental retirement account. The supplemental retirement account will operate in essentially
the same manner as vacation leave, sick leave and compensatory time, in that it is simply an
accumulation of hours. The supplemental retirement account hours will be paid at 75 percent
of the employee's hourly rate at retirement or termination. Employees will also have the option
of converting the supplemental retirement hours to cash (at the current hourly rate) and placing
the cash in the City's deferred compensation program. Employees are allowed to convert all or
portions of their supplemental retirement account to the City's deferred compensation program
once a year (at 75 percent of the current hourly rate). This will occur during the month of Sep-
tember of each year and cover hours as of June 30 of that year. Employees will not be able to
take the hours in the form of cash for current uses. Employees' sick leave balances will con-
tinue to be paid at 25 percent of the employee's hourly rate at retirement or termination.
2. Sick leave hours eligible to move to a supplemental retirement account are subject to the fol-
lowing restrictions:
A. Employees may not move sick leave hours if they do not have a minimum of two years'
sick leave accrual (192 hours) on the books nor will they be able to move any sick leave
hours which cause their sick leave balance to fall below 192 hours.
B. The amount of sick leave eligible to move to a supplemental retirement account will be
determined on an annual basis as of June 30 of each year.
C. The amount of sick leave eligible to move to a supplemental retirement account equals:
Sick leave accrual for the fiscal year (normally 96 hours) minus sick leave hours used
during the fiscal year minus 48 hours equals the number of hours eligible to move to a
supplemental retirement account (may not be less than zero).
Example: A full-time employee uses 1 day (8 hours) of sick leave during
the year. That employee would be eligible to move 40 hours from his/her
sick leave balance to a supplemental retirement account at the end of the
fiscal year. 96 (sick leave accrual) - 8 (sick leave used) - 48 (required to
go toward sick leave accrual) = 40 hours. This example assumes that the
employee has a sufficient sick leave balance so that the movement of 40
hours out of sick leave will not cause the balance to fall below 192 hours.
The employee will only be able to move as many hours as will result in
his/her sick leave balance to be 192 hours.
19.
3. If employees move hours to the supplemental retirement account and do not elect to convert
the hours to the deferred compensation program, the supplemental retirement account hours
may only be used for sick leave and may only be used if the employee's sick leave and annual
leave have been entirely exhausted. If an employee has transferred his/her supplemental re-
tirement to the deferred compensation program, the employee's access to the funds is gov-
erned by the deferred compensation program rules.
20.
APPENDIX C . GRIEVANCE REPORT FORM
I CITY OF BOZEMAN GRIEVANCE REPORT FORM Page 1 of 2 I
I Grievant: I Date of Grievance: I
STATEMENT OF GRIEVANCE:
A.
Contract Provision Violated:
B.
Contract Provision Violated:
C.
Contract Provision Violated:
use additional sheets if necessary
ACTION OR RELIEF REQUESTED: {A, B & C correspond to same above}
A.
S.
C.
Grievant's Si!:jnature: Date informallV discussed with Immediate Supervisor:
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR'S RESPONSE;
A.
S.
C.
Immediate Supervisor's Si!:jnature: Date given to Grievant:
GRIEVANT'S RESPONSE:
A.
S
C.
Grievant's Signature:
Date given to Appropriate Management Official:
21.
I Grievant: I CITY OF BOZEMAN Page 2 of 2 I
APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL'S RESPONSE:
A.
B.
C.
Appropriate Management Official Signature: Date given to Grievant:
GRIEVANT'S RESPONSE:
A.
B.
C.
Grievant's Signature: Date given to City Manager:
CITY MANAGER'S RESPONSE:
A.
B.
C.
City Manager's Signature: Date given to Grievant:
GRIEVANT'S RESPONSE:
A.
B_
C.
Grievant's Signature: Date given to City Manager:
This grievance is being submitted to arbitration.
Executive Director's Signature: Date given to City Manager:
22.