AGREEMENT PAGEREF _Toc204244583 \h 1

ARTICLE I PAGEREF _Toc204244584 \h 2

RECOGNITION PAGEREF _Toc204244585 \h 2

DISCRIMINATION AND COERCION PAGEREF _Toc204244587 \h 4

UNION SECURITY PAGEREF _Toc204244589 \h 4

UNION DUES/DEDUCTIONS PAGEREF _Toc204244591 \h 4

MANAGEMENT RIGHTS PAGEREF _Toc204244593 \h 6

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE PAGEREF _Toc204244595 \h 7

NO-STRIKE PLEDGE PAGEREF _Toc204244597 \h 11

PROBATION PERIOD PAGEREF _Toc204244599 \h 12

SENIORITY PAGEREF _Toc204244601 \h 12

WAGES PAGEREF _Toc204244603 \h 12

HOLIDAYS PAGEREF _Toc204244605 \h 13

LONGEVITY PAGEREF _Toc204244607 \h 13

VACATION PAGEREF _Toc204244608 \h 14

ARTICLE 14 PAGEREF _Toc204244610 \h 15

SICK LEAVE PAGEREF _Toc204244611 \h 15

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE PAGEREF _Toc204244613 \h 17

MILITARY LEAVE PAGEREF _Toc204244615 \h 18

JURY DUTY PAGEREF _Toc204244617 \h 18

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT PAGEREF _Toc204244619 \h 18

OVERTIME PAGEREF _Toc204244621 \h 20

HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE PAGEREF _Toc204244623 \h 21

BOROUGH/UNION COOPERATION PAGEREF _Toc204244625 \h 22

UNIFORMS PAGEREF _Toc204244627 \h 23

INJURY LEAVE PAGEREF _Toc204244629 \h 24

UNION REPRESENTATIVE PAGEREF _Toc204244631 \h 25

BULLETIN BOARDS PAGEREF _Toc204244633 \h 25

LEAVES OF ABSENCE PAGEREF _Toc204244635 \h 25

PERSONAL LEAVE PAGEREF _Toc204244637 \h 25

REPLACEMENT OF TOOLS PAGEREF _Toc204244640 \h 26

VOLUNTEER FIRE OR FIRST AID SQUAD DUTY PAGEREF _Toc204244642 \h 26

USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES PAGEREF _Toc204244644 \h 26

MUTUAL RESPECT CLAUSE PAGEREF _Toc204244646 \h 26

WORK IN HIGHER CLASSIFICATION PAGEREF _Toc204244648 \h 26

UNION LEAVE PAGEREF _Toc204244650 \h 27

CONTINUATION CLAUSE PAGEREF _Toc204244652 \h 27

FULLY BARGAINED PROVISIONS PAGEREF _Toc204244654 \h 27

SEPARABILITY AND SAVINGS CLAUSE PAGEREF _Toc204244656 \h 27

TERM AND RENEWAL PAGEREF _Toc204244658 \h 28

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION PAGEREF _Toc204244659 \h 28

All permanent, full-time employees, and all permanent, part-time employees, who are members of the bargaining unit on the date of execution of this Agreement, may remain members of the bargaining unit in good standing.

It is agreed that at the time of hiring, the Borough will inform newly hired employees, who fall within the bargaining unit, that they may join the Union ninety (90) calendar days thereafter.

All vacant positions shall be posted giving employees five (5) working days to apply for such openings.

Payroll division is to notify Union of all new hires and titles (plus promotional) upon notification from Administrator's office.

Payroll division is to provide Union Steward with a list of all Local 74 members, their addresses, Social Security number and base pay on a yearly basis.

The Borough agrees to deduct Union dues from the wages of employees within the bargaining unit provided the employee executes a proper written legal authorization for such dues deduction. Said dues shall be deducted monthly and remitted monthly to the Union Treasurer. The Union shall notify the Borough in writing of the amount to be deducted. The Borough shall not be responsible for the transmission, receipt and use of the funds when payment has been placed in the mail or picked up by the Union.

The Borough recognizes the form of Union security known as “Agency Shop”. Any non-member employee in the bargaining unit who chooses not to authorize the deduction of membership dues, initiation fees and assessments charged by the Union to its own members shall pay a representation fee which is derived from the cost of the benefit provided to employees of the Union (including but not limited to) Union service, grievance and bargaining representation, but in no event shall such fee exceed 85% of the regular membership dues. The Union shall advise the Borough in writing of the amount due from each non-member employee as aforesaid and certify that such sum does not exceed 85% of the regular membership dues.

Any non-member employee in the bargaining unit who pays a representation fee in lieu of dues as aforesaid, shall have the right to demand and receive from the majority representative under proceedings established and maintained in accordance with N.J.S.A. 34:13A-5.6, a return of any part of that fee paid by him which represents the employee’s additional pro-rata share of expenditures by the majority representative that is either in aid of activities or causes by a partisan, political or ideological nature only incidentally related to the terms and conditions of employment or applied toward the cost of any other benefits available only to members of the majority representative. The pro-rata share subject to refund shall not reflect, however, the cost of support of lobbying activities designed to force the policy goals and collective negotiations and contract administration or to secure for the employees represented advantages in wages, hour and other condition of employment in addition to those secured for collective negotiations with the public employer.

The Union shall be solely responsible to account to such employees for the receipt and disbursement of all funds collected pursuant to this Paragraph and shall indemnify and hold the Borough harmless from all loss and liability including, without limitation, all cost of defense on account of any claim asserted by any person relating to the collection, disbursement and purposes for which such funds may or shall be used. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this section shall not be construed to prevent the Borough’s attorney from appearing or participating in any litigation to which the Borough is a party.

If, during the term of this Agreement, the Union effectuates any change in the rate of membership dues, the Union shall furnish to the Borough written notice of same sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of such change.

Within fifteen (15) days of deduction, the amounts so deducted shall be certified to the Borough by the Union and the aggregate deductions of all employees shall be remitted to the Union together with the list names of all employees for whom the deduction were made.

The Union shall provide the necessary “check-off authorization” form and the Union shall secure the signatures of its members on the forms and deliver the signed forms to the Borough. The Union shall indemnify, defend and save the Borough harmless against any and all claims demands, suits or other forms of liability that shall arise out of or by reason of action taken by the Borough in reliance upon the salary deduction authorization forms submitted by the Union to the Borough.

An employee may terminate his/her dues deduction in writing to the Union and Borough in accordance with State Law. The Borough shall cease deducting dues for said employee as of January 1, or July 1 next succeeding the date on which the notice of termination was filed by said employee.

Upon receiving written authorization from an employee, the Employer will deduct from each employee’s regular weekly (bi-weekly) wages, the sum designated by the employee on said authorization and forward the sum deducted to the Local 74 U.S.W.U. within one week’s time. No deduction shall be made in a pay period where the employee’s wages are less than the sum designated to be deducted.

In order to effectively administer the affairs of the Borough and to properly serve the public, the Borough hereby reserves and retains unto itself, as public employer, all the powers, rights, authorities, duties and responsibilities conferred upon and vested in it by law or otherwise prior to signing of the Agreement. In accordance with Civil Service Rules and Regulations, except where expressly modified by the Agreement, the Borough’s prerogatives included the following rights without the limit of the foregoing.

7.To discharge employees from duties because of lack of work or for other legitimate reasons, such layoff to be made in order of seniority, in the class, the person(s) last appointed to be first laid off; and

11.To promulgate rules and regulations from time to time, which may effect the orderly and efficient administration of municipal government.

With respect to Paragraph A above, the Borough’s use and enjoyment of its powers, rights, authorities, duties and responsibilities, the adoption of its policies and practices or the promulgation of rules and regulations in furtherance thereof, and the exercise of discretion in connection therewith, shall be limited only by the terms of the Agreement and to the extent that the same conform to the laws of New Jersey and of the United States.

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall operate to deny to or restrict the Borough in the exercise of its rights, responsibilities and authorities pursuant to the laws of this State or the United States.

The Union hereby acknowledges that the Borough being a public agency is free to use Union or non-union contractors and sub-contractors without interference from the Union, its officers or its members. Further, the Borough shall have the right, at its sole discretion, to apportion work by subcontract or other similar means, as it may see fit, in order that the services to be performed by the Borough may be carried out for the benefit of the public.

Purpose:

The purpose of this procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible level, an equitable solution to the problems which may arise affecting the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The parties agree that this procedure will be kept as informal as may be appropriate. Where there is dispute, and pending the grievance procedure, work shall continue in a regular and orderly manner without interruption.

Nothing herein contained shall be construed as limiting the right of any employee having a grievance to discuss the matter informally with any appropriate member of his/her departmental supervisory staff and having the grievance adjusted without formal proceedings.

Definition:

The term “grievance” as used herein means any controversy arising over the interpretation, application or violation of the provisions of the Agreement and may be raised by an individual, the Union or the Borough.

“Days” mean working days exclusive of weekends and holidays.

Steps of the Grievance Procedure:

Step One: Department Head

A member of the bargaining unit having a grievance shall, within ten (10) days after the occurrence of the grievance, submit such grievance, in writing, signed and dated, to the department head. Any grievance not filed within ten (10) days of its occurrence shall be considered void.

The written grievance must identify the grievant by name(s); if filed by the Union, it must identify the Union’s representative as well; must set forth with particularity a clear and concise statement of the facts constituting the grievance, including the specific action or failure to act alleged, the time and place of occurrence of such specific action or failure to act, and the names of the person(s) causing such action or failure to act, if applicable, and the specific contract provision(s) forming the basis of the grievance; and must set forth with particularity the remedy sought by the grievant. The matters and persons specified and identified in a written grievance shall not be expanded upon or added to subsequent to its filing.

Once a grievance comporting with the foregoing requirements of specificity and identification is timely filed, the department head shall render a decision within five (5) working days after receipt of the grievance.

Step Two: Department Director

In the event the grievance is not resolved to the grievant’s satisfaction at Step One, or in the event the immediate superior has not served a timely written response at Step One, then within five (5) working days after the response date set forth in Step One the grievant may present the written grievance and any written response received at Step One to the Department Director, together with a written, signed and dated statement of the grievant’s dissatisfaction with the results at Step One.

Upon receipt of the grievance, the Department Director, or his representative, shall render a decision in writing within five (5) working days from the receipt of the grievance.

Step Three: Borough Administrator

In the event the grievance is not resolved to the grievant’s satisfaction at Step Two, or in the event the Department Director has not served a timely written response date set forth in Step Two, the grievant may present the grievance and any written response(s) received at Step One and/or Step Two to the Borough Administrator, together with a written, signed and dated statement of the grievant’s dissatisfaction with the results in Step Two.

Upon receipt of the grievance, the Borough Administrator, or his representative, shall render a decision in writing within ten (10) working days from the receipt of the grievance.

Step Four: Arbitration

Should the aggrieved person be dissatisfied with the decision of the Borough Administrator, or should the Borough Administrator fail to respond within the time period prescribed in Step Three, then such aggrieved person may file within twenty (20) working days for binding arbitration. The Arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the rules of the New Jersey Board of Mediation.

If the aggrieved elects to pursue Civil Service procedures, the arbitration hearing shall be cancelled and the matter withdrawn from arbitration.

The arbitrator shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and restricted to the application of the facts presented to him involved in the grievance. The arbitrator shall not have the authority to add to, modify, detract from or alter in any way the provisions of this Agreement or any amendment or supplement thereto.

The cost of services of the arbitrator shall be borne equally between the Borough and the Union. Any other expense incurred, including, but not limited to, the presentation of witnesses, shall be paid by the party incurring same.

The arbitrator shall set forth his findings of facts and reasons for making the award within thirty (30) calendar days after conclusion of the arbitration hearing unless agreed to otherwise by the parties. The award of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties.

Scheduling of Conferences, Meetings and Hearings

Grievance and arbitration conferences, meetings and hearings shall be held at mutually acceptable times and places, provided that such conferences, meetings and hearings shall be scheduled after an employee’s regular working hours whenever reasonably possible. The individual grievant may have, if he chooses, an employee representative from the Union to assist in the resolution of the grievance at such conferences, meetings and hearings. In the event such conferences, meetings and hearings are scheduled during employees’ regular working hours, the individual grievant, the participating employee representative from the Union, and any necessary employee witnesses shall be released from work without loss of regular straight time pay for the purpose of participating there at. Requests for employee representatives and witnesses shall be made to the Borough administrator Administrator in writing by no later than three (3) days prior to the date of any conference, meeting or hearing, and such dates shall be scheduled considering the availability of all parties and witnesses and the needs of the Borough.

Borough Grievances:

Grievance Representative:

Civil Service Jurisdiction:

Grievance Limitation:

Disciplinary Proceedings:

The Union covenants and agrees that during the term of this Agreement neither the Union, its officers or members, nor any person acting in its behalf will cause, authorize, or support, nor will any of its members take part in any strike (i.e., either the concerted or planned failure to report for duty, or stoppage of work or abstinence in whole or in part, from the full, faithful and proper performance of the employee’s duties of employment), work stoppage, slow-down, walkout or other job action against the Borough. The Union agrees that such action would constitute a material breach of the Agreement.

In the event of a strike, slow-down, walkout or other job action, it is covenanted and agreed that participation in any such activity by any employee covered under the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed grounds for termination of employment of such employee or employees.

The Union will actively discourage and will take whatever affirmative steps are necessary to prevent any strike, work stoppage, slow-down, walkout or other job action against the Borough. In the event that any of the employees violate the provisions of this Article, the Union shall immediately order any of its members who participate in such action back to their jobs, forward copies of such order to the Borough, and use every means at its disposal to influence the employees to return to work.

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to limit or restrict the Borough in its rights to seek and obtain such judicial relief as it may be entitled to have in law or in equity for injunction or damages or both in the event of such breach by the Union or its members.

The Borough shall not “lock out” members of the bargaining unit on a concerted or discriminatory basis, as a means of bringing them to accept the Borough’s terms.

The most senior employee shall be given preference in the selection of vacations, provided that there is no interruption of the normal operations of the Borough.

Overtime shall be distributed by a listing starting with the most senior qualified employee in a descending order to the least senior qualified employee.

On promotions in the unclassified service where two candidates’ ability, past performance, experience, qualifications, education, aptitude, and other job requirements or qualifying criteria are equal, the most senior employee shall be promoted.

The annual vacation leave with pay for members of the bargaining unit shall be earned at the following rate:

An employee will not be granted vacation leave during the initial three (3) months of employment but such period may be credited towards annual vacation allowance.

Eligibility for additional vacation days based upon length of service shall vest at the time of an employee’s anniversary date. However, such additional vacation days may be utilized as of January 1, in any calendar year in which an employee shall become so eligible.

An employee may request approval to carry over to the year immediately succeeding not more than ten (10) vacation days. No such carry over shall be approved without the prior written consent of the Department Head and the Borough Administrator.

Except in the case of retirement, (as specified in Section F) or termination resulting from moral turpitude, an employee who is terminated or who voluntarily terminates his/her employment, shall be entitled to the vacation allowance for the current year pro-rated upon the number of months worked in the calendar year in which the separation becomes effective.

If at any time during a calendar year an employee retires after twenty-five (25) years or more of employment, he shall be entitled to pro-rated vacation allowance during the last year of employment. If an employee attends any retirement conference and then retires within the next year, the day would be paid back.

Vacations should be taken in segments of at least one (1) week, that is, five (5) or more consecutive vacation days. One half (1/2) days shall be discouraged; single days may be taken upon adequate prior notice, if approved by the Department Head and Division Head, and shall not be unreasonably denied.

Where a conflict of vacation schedules among employees occur, the most senior employee shall have preference.

If upon termination from the Borough’s service, an employee has used more paid vacation leave than that to which he is entitled under this Article, he shall have deducted from his/her final pay an amount equal to his/her daily rate of pay for each day of paid vacation leave taken in excess of the number of paid vacation leave days to which he is entitled. For purposes of computing such entitlement, vacation allowance for the current year shall be pro-rated upon the number of months worked in the calendar year in which the termination from service becomes effective, and any paid vacation leave which may have been carried over from the preceding calendar year pursuant to paragraph C & D above.

The Borough may “buy back” unused vacation days at the employees regular rate of pay provided that the said employee requests same in writing and such request is approved by the Administrator no later than December 1 in the year the vacation days are earned.

Credit for Sick Leave:

Sick leave may be utilized by employees when they are unable to perform their work by reason of personal illness, accident or exposure to contagious disease. Sick leave may also be used for short periods for the attendance of the employee upon the member of the immediate family who is seriously ill.

Such sick leave shall not include any extended period where the employee serves as nurse or housekeeper during this period of illness.

Amount of Sick Leave:

Verification of Sick Leave:

An employee who shall be absent on sick leave for three (3) consecutive working days shall be required to submit acceptable medical evidence substantiating the illness.

An employee who has been absent on sick leave unverified by a physician, for periods totaling ten (10) days in one (1) calendar year consisting of periods of less than five (5) days, shall submit acceptable medical evidence for any additional sick leave in that year unless such illness is of chronic or recurring nature requiring repeated absences of one (1) day or less, in which case only one (1) certificate shall be necessary for a period of six (6) months.
The Borough may require proof of illness of a member on sick leave whenever such requirement appears reasonable. Abuse of sick leave shall be cause for disciplinary action.
The Superintendent of Public Works or his designee may conduct a home visit of an employee who has used four (4) or more consecutive sick days. If an employee has used three (3) consecutive sick days or less, a home visit should not be conducted as a routine matter, but only upon a documented reasonable suspicion set forth in writing by the Superintendent or his designee documenting the circumstances surrounding the event triggering a home visit.

In case of leave of absence due to exposure to contagious disease, a certificate from the Department of Health and/or physician shall be required by the Borough.
The Borough may require an employee who has been absent because of personal illness, as a condition of his/her return to duty to be examined, at the expense of the Borough, by a physician designated by the Borough. Such examination shall establish whether the employee is capable of performing his/her normal duties and that his/her return will not jeopardize the health of other employees.
A doctor's note will be required on return to work for all sick days used on the day before and the day after all recognized Borough holidays.

Reporting of Absence on Sick Leave:

Failure to notify his/her supervisor may be cause of denial of the use of sick leave for the absence and constitute cause for disciplinary action.
Absence without notice for five (5) consecutive days shall constitute a resignation.

Sick Leave Compensation:

Sick Leave Incentive Plan:

In case of death to immediate family, an employee shall be granted up to five (5) days leave provided the employee attends the funeral or memorial services.

Immediate family shall be defined as the employee’s husband, wife, child, stepchild, mother, father, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, maternal and paternal grandparents, grandchild, step-parents and guardians.

Reasonable verification of the event may be required by the Borough.

In the event of a death in the immediate family which could cause the employee to travel considerable distance or would otherwise entail additional time off, additional days may be granted by the Borough Administrator at his/her discretion in unusual or extraordinary circumstances.

Any employee covered under this Agreement, who is a member of the National Guard or Naval Militia of the State or the Military or Naval Forces of the United States, and is required to undergo annual active duty field training, shall be entitled to such additional leave as is provided by State Law.

The employee shall make formal written request through the Department Head to the Borough Administrator as soon as reasonably possible after receipt of orders. The employee shall submit a copy of the Military Order to the Department Head, unless such order is of a classified nature. The employee, upon return from duty, shall submit a certificate showing the dates of participation in the training program.

Department of Public Works:

Full-Time Clerical:

The regular workweek for full-time employees (excluding the police dispatcher and police records clerk) shall be from Monday to Friday, both inclusive, and shall consist of five (5) days of seven (7) hours each exclusive of one (1) hour for lunch. The lunch break shall be scheduled by the Department Head.

Police Records Clerk:

The regular workweek for the full-time police records clerk shall be Monday to Friday, and shall consist of five (5) days of eight (8) hours each, inclusive of one (1) hour for lunch.

Public Safety Telecommunicator:

The regular workweek for the full-time Public Safety Telecommunicator shall consist of twelve (12) hour shifts. The exact workweek shall be scheduled by the Police Chief.

Coffee Break:

Employees will be granted two (2) fifteen minutes coffee breaks daily, one (1) such coffee break shall be in the morning and the other in the afternoon at times and locations, in areas as close to the work site as possible, designated by the Department Head, Foreman or Supervisor.

Clean-up Time Department of Public Works:

Employees of the Department of Public Works shall be entitled to fifteen (15) minutes to clean up at the Department of Public Work Building prior to all meals and quitting time. The Borough may install such time recording procedures as it sees fit.

1. Double-time rate of pay for all full-time Borough employees after first sixteen (16) hours have been worked at existing rate of pay (straight time, time and one-half, double time).

2. Any work performed in excess of forty (40) hours during the regular work week except as provided in Article 18, Section 1, shall be considered overtime and compensated for at one and one-half (1 1/2) times the regular hourly rate of pay or by compensatory time off at the discretion of the Borough Administrator and with the agreement of the employee. Unused compensatory time shall be taken by the end of each calendar year, or it shall be forfeited, provided that with the prior written approval of the Borough Administrator, any compensatory time earned from November 1, through December 31 may be carried over and taken before March 1, 2012/2013/2014, but if not taken by said date, shall be forfeited.

If an employee is called into work outside the regular working hours, he/she will be guaranteed a minimum of four (4) hours pay at the overtime rate, provided that said four (4) hour guarantee does not apply if an employee is required to remain on the job after regular hours without his/her having already left work for the day or if the employee has already been called in and received the four (4) hour guarantee during the preceding six (6) hours.

1. Double time rate of pay will be earned only after the first eight (8) hours are worked at the time and one half rate of pay.

2. Any D.P.W. employee required to work on any of the Borough’s recognized Holidays (Article 11), shall be paid for such work at the double-time rate of the employee’s regular pay, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours.

Overtime shall be distributed in seniority order provided the employee has the ability to do the work. The only exception is, each time water or sewer work is needed, employees working in those areas will be offered the work first, in seniority order before the work is offered to the rest of the bargaining unit. Scheduled overtime shall require forty-eight (48) hours notice. A published overtime list of all employees based on seniority and qualifications shall be maintained and overtime shall be offered to each qualified employee as his/her turn arises, except for Water and Sewer Departments. If an employee is unavailable, he shall forfeit his/her turn.

If an emergency situation is anticipated or declared by the Department Head, each and every employee shall be subject to call for overtime duty. During this "State of Emergency" twelve (12) hour shifts will be implemented. Based upon an arbitration agreement the compensation shall be straight time for the first four (4) hours and time and a half for the next eight (8) hours. This arrangement will apply to both shifts based on an adjusted work period of 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, if possible. If the “State of Emergency” is declared by governmental agency higher than the municipality, it is absolute and cannot be grieved. If the “State of Emergency” is declared at the municipal level, the Union shall cooperate during the period of such declaration, but shall have the right to grieve it.

Any employee who is required to work for ten or more consecutive hours shall be provided a meal allowance, for the next appropriate meal, and one-half hour off, compensated, for said meal. Meal allowances shall be for the actual cost of the meal, but not to exceed six dollars ($6.00).

All clerical employees must be at their assigned position and working by 8:00 a.m. Overtime rate of pay shall be paid to all clerical employees after 5:00 p.m. (employee option comp. time or overtime). Supervisor and Administrator shall pre-approve all requests for overtime/compensatory time (clerical division).

All employees regularly working in excess of 20 hours per week covered by this Agreement and eligible members of their family shall be entitled to full coverage of Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Rider J and Major Medical Insurance as provided for in the State Health Plan and shall be entitled to coverage of the New Jersey Dental Plan, Intermediate Level, Plan B, effective July 1, 1980. The premiums for these benefits shall be paid in accordance with Chapter 78 of P.L. 2011 with applicable employee contributions.

Effective January 1, 1999, the Borough will increase the Dental Plan benefit to two thousand ($2,000) dollars per year for employees and each of their insured eligible dependents. Effective January 1, 1999, “Traditional Coverage Plan” will no longer be available.

The Borough shall have the right to change insurance carriers so long as equivalent benefits are provided.

Coverage shall continue while on paid sick leave.

All employees, upon retirement, after 25 years or more of continuous full-time employment with the Borough, shall continue to receive full health benefits coverage as described above and adopted by the Governing Body on April 27, 1987 resolution, R87-1 38.

The Borough shall replace eyeglasses if broken on the job.

The Borough shall institute an Eye Care Plan for the employees and each of their insured eligible dependents. The maximum reimbursement per year, per person, shall be three hundred ($300.00) dollars for eye exam and glasses/corrective lenses.

Dental coverage for children shall extend to December 31 of the year in which the children reach the age of twenty-three (23), regardless of whether they are current students.

Effective August June 1 20122007, all new hires will only be eligible for Major Medical Health Benefits that is different than the current package that is available to current employees. The new package will have co-payment obligations of approximately $20.00 to be paid by the employee. The premiums for these "employee benefits" shall be paid by the Borough except that payments shall be made by the employees for additional coverage beyond "employee coverage" at one hundred percent (100%) of the coverage premiums differential above that for "employee (individual) benefits coverage". Contributions for premium shall also be paid by employees in accordance with Chapter 78, P.L. 2011.

Employee Performance:

maintain and improve levels of performance;

cooperate in the installation of methods and technological improvements and suggest other improvements where possible;

assist, where possible, in building good will between the Borough and the Union and the public at large.

Employee Training:

Keeping abreast of changes occurring in their operation; and

Participating in development activities in order to perform more efficiently in current and future assignments; and
Utilizing and sharing with fellow employees new skills acquired through training.

Borough representatives and the Union agree to meet to consider training and development programs for employees covered by this Agreement. Such programs as required by the Borough, shall include full reimbursement by the Borough for approved courses, which are completed by employees as part of employee training program.

Employee Safety and Health:

The Union pledges to encourage all members to use safety equipment and observe safety rules. The Borough shall, at all times, endeavor to maintain safe and healthful working conditions, and provide employees with tools or devices to promote the safety and health of said employees.
A Borough representative and designated Union member shall meet periodically to discuss safety rules and health conditions and recommend to the Borough all the necessary provisions to ensure the safe use and operation of all tools, equipment and work sites.
It shall be the responsibility of D.P.W. employees covered hereby to ensure that all locker rooms, washrooms and dressing room facilities are maintained in clean and healthy conditions.
When safety equipment is provided by the Borough (helmets, goggles, gloves, safety vests, etc.) an employee’s failure to wear said equipment may be cause for disciplinary action and/or non-coverage of incurred injury (employee may appeal via grievance procedure or Workmen’s Compensation Board, not both).

Standards for Borough Vehicles and Equipment:

D.P.W. Employees:

Other Conditions:

When an employee covered under this Agreement suffers a work-connected injury or disability, the Borough shall continue such employee at full pay for twelve (12) months during the continuance of such employee’s inability to work. During this period of time, all temporary disability benefits accruing under the provisions of the Worker’s Compensation Act shall be paid over to the Borough.

After the twelve (12) months period, the Borough will continue to provide full pay until a final judgment is made by the State Workmen’s Compensation Board.

The injured employee shall be required to present evidence by a certificate of a responsible physician that he is unable to work and the Borough may reasonably require the said injured employee to present such certificates from time to time.

In the event the employee contends that he is entitled to a period of disability beyond the period established by the treating physician, or a physician employed by the Borough or by its insurance carrier, then, and in that event, the burden shall be on the employee to establish such additional period of disability by obtaining a judgment in the Division of Worker’s Compensation, or by the final decision of the last review court which shall be binding upon the parties. If the review is found in the employee’s favor, all sick time will be credited back to the employee.

For the purpose of this Article, injury or illness incurred while the employee is working in any Borough authorized activity shall be considered in the line of duty, in keeping with State Law or applicable court decisions.

In the event a dispute arises as to whether an absence shall be computed or designated as sick leave or as an injury on duty, or as to the extent of temporary disability, the parties agree to be bound by the decision of an appropriate Worker’s Compensation judgment, or, if there is an appeal therefrom, the final decision of the last reviewing court.

Accredited representatives of the Union may enter the Borough facilities or premises at reasonable hours for the purpose of briefly observing conditions and assisting in the adjustment of grievances. When the Union desires to have its representatives enter the Borough facilities or premises, it shall give prior notice thereof to the appropriate Borough representative and the Union representative shall not be reasonably denied access to the premises. There shall be no interference with the normal operations of the business of the Borough government or the normal duties of employees. There shall be no Union business transacted nor meetings held on the Borough time.

The Union shall notify the Borough of the officers and stewards representing the Union in connection with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. A steward, upon prior notice to and approval by his/her immediate supervisor, may investigate a grievance during working hours without loss of pay. Such approval by the superior shall not be unreasonably denied.

This Agreement represents and incorporates the complete and final understanding and settlement by the parties of all bargain able bargainable issues, which were or could have been the subject of negotiations. During the term of this Agreement, negotiations shall not be initiated with respect to any such matter whether or not covered by this agreement, and whether or not within knowledge or contemplation of either or both parties at the time they negotiated or signed this Agreement, unless both Union and the Borough mutually consent in writing to the reopening of negotiations concerning the specified matter(s).

This Agreement shall not be modified in whole or in part by the parties except by an instrument in writing duly executed by both parties.

It is understood and agreed that if any provision of this Agreement or the application of the Agreement to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, by operation of law or by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be inoperative and the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

If any such provisions are so invalid, the Borough and the Union will meet for the purpose of negotiating changes made necessary by applicable law.

As applied to members whose salaries are not at the maximum range:; a $1,200 increase shall be added to base salary on January 1, of each year of the Agreement.

Employees shall receive these increments on their base pay exclusionexclusive of premiums, longevity or merit increases.

Public Works Employees in the bargaining unit shall receive the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) commencing six (6) months after the date of hire and every succeeding six (6) month period until the employee has achieved their maximum rate in their classification. If any employee shall have any balance less than the aforestated amount, then that balance shall be paid in full at the next six (6) month interval. This payment shall commence with the first pay period after January 1, 2012 and all years thereafter.

Clerical Employees in the bargaining unit shall receive the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) commencing six (6) months after the date of hire and every succeeding six (6) month period until the employee has achieved their maximum rate in their classification. If any employee shall have any balance less than the aforestated amount, then that balance shall be paid in full at the next (6) month interval. This payment shall commence with the first pay period after January 1, 2012 and all years thereafter.

Employees shall receive these increments on the base pay exclusive of premiums, longevity or merit increases.