TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution approving the 2016-2019 Memorandum of Understanding with the Long Beach Firefighters Association. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In accordance with instructions from the City Council, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement has been reached with the Long Beach Firefighters Association (FFA) bargaining unit. The FFA represents approximately 350 sworn employees in ranks of Firefighter through Battalion Chief.
Since May 2016, City management and FFA representatives have held 13 negotiation sessions along with numerous joint salary survey meetings regarding their open MOU, which expired on September 30, 2016. A tentative agreement has been reached and jointly signed by representatives of the City and the FF A.
The joint salary survey results indicated that the City ranked on the lower end compared to other agencies in the region. The salary survey included the following agencies: Anaheim, Glendale, Huntington Beach, Los Angeles City and County, Orange County, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Torrance. The proposed agreement provides for salary increases and incentives aimed at improving workforce productivity and skill levels, as well as provisions to address healthcare costs and economic uncertainties.
The proposed MOU is for a three-year agreement from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2019, and includes the following major provisions:
1. General Wage Increase:
• 3 percent effective October 1, 2016
• 3 percent effective October 1, 2017
• 3 percent effective October 1, 2018
2. Skill Pay Adjustments:
a. Align the Fire Boat Operations Assignment and Qualified Relief Program skill pay and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) skill pay with other current programs of Hazardous Materials (HazMat) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). This change will be partially offset by the elimination of the current monthly stipends.
b. Add a Paramedic Preceptor Program per diem skill pay at a rate of 10 percent top ste...
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