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1 signatures so far! Petition created by: citizenstruth.com This petition is design to show support for the City of Billings should actively pursue modifying the labor contract with Local 521 with many of the suggestions found at CitizensTruth.com. We believe it is time that the Taxpayers best interest is sought over the best interests of the union and its members. 1 have signed so far - help us get to 100,000.  We have achieved 0% of our goal. Let's keep going! Sign the petition! Details, Impact and Progress Changes should include most of the following: 1. Shift Change Suggestion 1 1. Change the shift cycle to the following: 1. 9 shifts per 27 days 1. This will reduce the number of required Firefighters by approximately 24 at a significant cost savings to the Taxpayers. 2. If there were not a reduction in staff, there would be an increase in available coverage of 8 per shift at a cost of about 2.6 Million. OR 3. Change the shift cycle to the following: 1. 8 shifts per 27 days 1. This will reduce the number of required Firefighters by approximately 12 at a significant cost savings to the Taxpayers. 2. If there were not a reduction in staff, there would be an increase in available coverage of 8 per shift at a cost of about 1.3 Million. 2. Consideration of swing shift schedules where a majority or larger number of Firefighters were scheduled during peak call hours. 1. Could result in a reduction in payroll costs but depends upon the model applied. 3. Modifying the payroll from an hourly rate to a salary to reduce the overtime costs and control payroll. 1. Would require well defined "overtime or bonus pay" definition and conditions 2. Could reduce costs in benefits and retirement program 4. Remove the health Insurance benefit from being included in the salary. 1. Would reduce the retirement benefits cost to the taxpayers 5. Alarm Time should not be the initial hour of work 1. Like any other employer, the employer has the right to expect the employee to show up for work ready to start. 6. Sundays should be considered regular work days 1. Due to the nature of Firefighting and the different schedule it only makes sense that the employer should be able to expect productive work form the employees during the normal work schedule 2. There is no expectation in any other contract that city has for an employee to expect to be paid while being held to perform regular services or duties 7. Any Firefighter that elected to represent the Union should expect any compensation to be paid by the Union and if duties performed are required during the shifts or work schedule, the City should not have to pay for the time while performing the Union duties. 1. The members of the union pay for the representation through their union dues 2. If the Firefighter is representing the union or carrying out Union business, it should not be expected that the Taxpayers pay for this time. 3. All time paid for by the City should be for city services and duties 8. All Firefighters should be held to complete yearly training 1. Failure to complete will result in no further pay increases until the training requirement is met 9. Certifications must be re certified at a minimum of every 24 months to continue receiving Special Certification Pay 10. The city as an employer has the right to request any firefighter to carry out special duties so long as equal compensation is made during such special requests. These situations are as follows but not limited to: 1. Representation of the Fire Department or City at special events or training 2. Pickup or delivery of equipment 3. Miscellaneous other special circumstances or needs 11. Grievances should be valid; else, the Union filing should be responsible for all costs related to the processing and resolution of the grievances filed. 1. There is a pattern of grievances filed for little or no valid reason costing the Taxpayers substantial costs through: 1. Legal Research 2. Meetings 3. Other Departments payroll or time to resolve 4. Miscellaneous other costs 2. By holding the Union liable for the costs if found invalid it will reduce the costs and promote dialogue when minor issues arise 3. Consider the EMS Board or another Citizens Board to consider and decide what is valid 4. In no way is this an attempt to limit the ability for an employee to file grievances, just give thought to its validity I would support the City Council and Administrator if they included the suggested changes even if it meant a lawsuit could result. I would support whatever action it took to obtain a new labor agreement that saved the US the Taxpayers and was fair. We believe the taxpayers are currently being taken advantage of and need the City to do the right thing. Comments Note: This service is provided as a service to TakingITGlobal Members. This petition does not necessarily represent the views of TakingITGlobal as an organization. |
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