03/20/2015 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARTICLE 17 - STAFFING In negotiations, the Union attempted to introduce a requirement that eight employees be off on approved leave per shift and that that requirement be mandatory. The County argued that there are certain circumstances, such as specialized training and hurricanes, which would require discretion. In response, the Special Magistrate issued the following recommendation: The County will allow eight (8) employees off on approved leave per shift. Such approved leave may be denied and/or rescheduled due to (l) mandatory specialized training scheduled to be held during that time or (2) if hurricane conditions are eminent [sic]. In other words, the Special Magistrate attempted to address the position of the County. The County rejected the Special Magistrate's recommendation. In resolving any issue relating to leave time, it is important to understand the work week of firefighters as set forth in Article 16 - Hours. Shift employees are scheduled 24 hours on -duty followed by 48 hours off-duty for an average work week of 56 hours. In any particular week, shift employees are scheduled to work either 48 hours per week or 72 hours per week. That is scheduled time, before overtime. One overtime shift would put shift employees at either 72 hours for the week or 96 hours for the week. In light of the foregoing, leave time is important for firefighters especially in light of recent conduct by Fire Administration. Recently, Fire Administration issued a blanket order denying all shift exchanges. Although that decision was set aside in the grievance procedure, the Union is concerned about such blanket denials by Fire Administration when the word "may" is used. That is why the Union is proposing the word "will" which was adopted by the Special Magistrate. Local 2201 respectfully requests that a motion be made to adopt the Union's proposal for Article 17 - Stafling which immediately follows on the next page. 96