AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
DOVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY
OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
and
TEAMSTERS LOCAL 97 OF NEW JERSEY
January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE............ .............................................................................2
ARTICLE I RECOGNITION................................................................................... 2
ARTICLE II PROBATIONARY PERIOD................................................................ .2
ARTICLE III NON-DISCRIMINATION.......... ...........................................................3
ARTICLE IV MANAGEMENT RIGHTS.................. ..................................................3
ARTICLE V SEVERABILITY .........5
ARTICLE VI GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ....5
ARTICLE VII NO-STRIKE PLEDGE ...8
ARTICLE VIII SENIORITY.. .9
ARTICLE IX POSTING OF JOB VACANCIES. ..11
ARTICLE X UNION BUSINESS ...11
ARTICLE XI WORK SITE VISITATION. ..13
ARTICLE XII FULLY BARGAINED PROVISIONS ...13
ARTICLE XIII BULLETIN BOARD PRIVILEGES ...14
ARTICLE XIV LEAVE OF ABSENCE ...14
ARTICLE XV HOLIDAYS ...15
ARTICLE XVI JURY DUTY ...16
ARTICLE XVII MILITARY DUTY ...16
ARTICLE XVIII INSURANCE BENEFITS ...16
ARTICLE XIX WAGES ...18
ARTICLE XX LONGEVITY ...18
ARTICLE XXI VACATIONS ...19
ARTICLE XXII SICK LEAVE ...20
ARTICLE XXIII PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS ...21
ARTICLE XXIV HOURS OF WORK AND OVERTIME ...22
ARTICLE XXV MINIMUM CALL IN-PAY/STAND BY PAY ...23
ARTICLE XXVI UNIFORMS ...24
ARTICLE XXVII BEREAVEMENT PAY ...25
ARTICLE XXVIII INCLEMENT WEATHER/EMERGENCY CLOSING POLICY ...25
ARTICLE XXIX TERM AND RENEWAL ...26
PERIODIC PERSONNEL EVALUATION ...27
SALARY GUIDE 2003
SALARY GUIDE 2004
SALARY GUIDE 2005
SALARY GUIDE 2006
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PREAMBLE
THIS AGREEMENT made this 1st day of January, 2003, by and between the DOVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY, in the Township of Dover, County of Ocean and State of New Jersey, a public employer of the State of New Jersey (hereinafter referred to as the "Authority") and TEAMSTERS LOCAL 97 OF NEW JERSEY (I.B.T.W.), (hereinafter referred to as the "Union"), represents the complete and final understanding of the parties on all bargain-able issues.ARTICLE I
RECOGNITION The Authority recognizes the Union as the exclusive representative for the purpose of collective negotiations with respect to the terms and conditions of employment of all non-supervisory regular full-time non-craft blue collar and white collar employees employed by the Authority, but excluding all supervisors, foremen, superintendents, craft employees, managerial executives, confidential employees, security personnel and all other employees of the Authority.
ARTICLE IIPROBATIONARY PERIOD A. From the first day through the ninetieth (90) day of continuous employment, an employee shall be considered a probationary employee. This probationary period may be extended for any reason, upon reasonable notice to the employee and the Union for not more than an additional ninety (90) days. The Authority may terminate a probationary employee at any time during his probationary period for any reason, without challenge by either the employees or the Union, and without resort to any grievance procedures or any other hearing procedure.
B. Probationary employees shall be paid seventy-five percent (75%) of the starting rate for their position. In addition to the foregoing, employees shall not be entitled to any benefits such as sick days, vacations days, medical insurance, military leave or other insurance benefits.
C. Any new employee in the bargaining unit who does not join within ninety (90) days of initial employment within the unit and any employee previously employed within the unit who does not join within ten (10) days of re-entry into employment within the unit shall as a condition of employment pay a representation fee to the Union by automatic payroll deduction. The representation fee shall be in an amount equal to 85% of the regular Union membership dues, fees and assessments as certified to the Employer by the Union. The Union may revise its certification of the amount of the representation fee at any time to reflect changes in the Union membership dues, fees and assessments. The Union's entitlement to the representation fee shall continue beyond the termination date of this Agreement so long as the Union remains the majority representative of the employees in the unit, provided that no modification is made in this provision by a successor Agreement between the Union and the Employer. For the purpose of this provision, employees employed on a ten month basis or who are reappointed from year to year shall be considered to be in continuous employment.
ARTICLE IIINON-DISCRIMINATION Neither the Authority nor the Union shall discriminate against any employee because of race, creed, religion, color, age, sex, or national origin. ARTICLE IV
MANAGEMENT RIGHTS A. The Authority hereby retains and reserves unto itself, without limitation, all powers, rights, authority, duties and responsibilities conferred upon and vested in it prior to and after the signing of this Agreement by the Laws and Constitution of the State of New Jersey and of the United States, including but without limiting the generality of the foregoing the following rights.
1. The executive management and administrative control of the Authority and its properties and facilities, and the activities of its employees;
2. To hire all employees and to determine their qualifications and conditions of continued employment or assignment, and to promote and transfer employees;
3. To suspend, demote, discharge or take other disciplinary action as necessary;
4. To establish a code of rules and regulations of the Authority for the operation of the Authority.
5. To make all decisions relating to the performance of the Authority's operations and maintenance activities, including but not limited to the methods, means, processes, materials, procedures and employees to be utilized;
6. To establish any new job classifications and job content and qualifications.
7. To change, combine, or establish and schedule the working hours of employees, and to give reasonable notice of same to the employees, by posting the schedule;
8. To change the job content and duties of any classification;
9. To take any actions considered necessary to establish and maintain efficiency and cost effective operations and maintenance;
10. To determine the work performance levels and standards of performance of the employees;
11. To change, modify or promulgate reasonable rules and regulations
12. To assign work as it determines will benefit the Authority and/or the public it serves;
13. To request an employee to temporarily work in a job having a different classification.
14. To utilize the services of a contractor when, in the judgment of the Authority, such services would be more efficient, and
15. To establish or change any term or condition of employment which is not specifically covered within this Agreement.
B. The exercise of the foregoing powers, rights, authority, duties or other responsibilities of the Authority, the adoption of policies, rules, regulations and practices in furtherance thereof, and the establishment or change in any term or condition of employment, and the use of judgement and discretion in connection therewith, shall be limited only by the express terms of the Agreement, and then only to the extent such terms hereof are in conformance with the Constitution and Laws of New Jersey and of the United States.
C. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deny or restrict the Authority in its exclusive right to administer and control the work of its personnel, nor to deny or restrict the Authority in any of its rights, responsibilities and authority under N.J.S.A. 40A:14A or l4B (the Sewerage Authority Law) or any other national, state, or local laws or ordinances.
D. The failure to exercise any of its foregoing rights, or any right deemed to be a management right by tradition, by agreement, by mutual acceptance, or by practice, shall not be deemed to be a waiver thereof, all management rights ever granted or exercised heretofore are specifically incorporated herein. Any act taken by the Authority not specifically prohibited by this Agreement shall be deemed a management right, and shall be considered such as if fully set forth herein.
E. The parties will draft a side letter or agreement regarding the Authority policy in the event an employee has his drivers license suspended. (The Authority policy on CDL drivers adopted January 1, 1996 will prevail.)ARTICLE V
SEVERABILITY If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Agreement should be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect; and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are hereby declared to be severable.ARTICLE VI
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE A. DEFINITIONS
1. The term "grievance" as used herein, means any controversy arising over the interpretation, application or alleged violation of policies or administrative decisions affecting terms and conditions of employment or of the express terms of this Agreement, and may be raised by an individual employee, a group of employees, or the Union, at the request of any such individual or group (hereinafter referred to as the "grievant").
B. PURPOSE
1. The purpose of the grievance procedure is to secure an equitable solution to grievances as herein defined. The parties agree that grievances should be resolved at the lowest possible administrative level. Therefore, no grievance shall by-pass any step of the grievance procedure except as expressly provided herein and any failure to prosecute a grievance within the time periods provided shall constitute an absolute bar to relief and shall estop the grievant from prosecuting his grievance in any forum thereafter. The instant grievance procedure constitutes the sole and exclusive methods for raising and disposing of controversies within the definition of this term.
C. PROCEDURE
Step One - Immediate Supervisor (Foreman)
1. A grievant must file his grievance in writing with the Immediate Supervisor within five (5) days of the occurrence of the matter complained of. A copy shall be provided to the Shop Steward.
2. The written grievance must identify the grievant by name(s) and be signed by him (them) and the Shop Steward. It must set forth a statement of the facts constituting the grievance, the approximate time and place of occurrence of the facts leading to the grievance, the name of all Authority representatives whose action or failure to act forms the basis of the grievance, the names of all witnesses the grievant intends to present, and the specific contract provision(s), if any, forming the basis of the grievance, and must set forth the remedy sought by the grievant. Any written grievance failing to comport with the foregoing requirements shall be null and void, need not be processed by the Authority and shall constitute an abandonment of the grievance. The matters and persons specified and identified in a written grievance shall not be expanded upon or added to subsequent to its filing and the grievant shall be precluded from raising or presenting additional facts, witnesses or contract provisions thereafter, except with the express written consent of the Authority.
3. Once a grievance comporting with all the foregoing requirements is timely filed, and the Immediate Supervisor shall investigate the grievance and render a written response, which shall be given to the grievant within ten (10) days from receipt of the grievance.
Step Two - Department Head
1. In the event the grievance is not resolved to the grievant's satisfaction at Step One, or in the event the Immediate Supervisor has not served a timely written response at Step One, then within five (5) days after the response date set forth in Step One, the grievant may present the written grievance and any written response(s) received at Step One to the Department Head. Upon receipt of the grievance by the Department Head, the procedures set forth in Step One shall be followed, except that the parties shall meet within ten (10) days of the presentation of the grievance to the Department Head and the Department Head shall have five (5) days thereafter to respond.
Step Three - Executive Director
1. In the event the grievance is not resolved to the grievant's satisfaction at Step Two, or in the event the Department Head has not served a timely written response at Step Two, then within five (5) days after the response date set forth at Step Two, the grievant may present the written grievance and any written response(s) received at Step Two to the Executive Director. Upon receipt of the grievance by the Executive Director, the procedures set forth in Step Two shall be followed, except that the meeting date period shall be thirty (30) days and the response period shall be thirty (30) days thereafter.
2. Time limits may only be extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing.
Step Four - Commissioners
1. In the event the grievance is not resolved to the grievant's satisfaction at Step Three, or in the event the Executive Director has not served a timely written response at Step Three, then within five (5) days after the response date set forth at Step Three, the grievant may present the written grievance and any written response(s) received at Step Three to the Commissioners. Upon receipt of the grievance by the Commissioners, the procedure set forth in Step Two and Step Three shall be followed, except that the meeting date period shall be thirty (30) days and the response period shall be thirty (30) days thereafter.
1. Time limits may only be extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing.
2. This Agreement provides for binding arbitration for discipline or discharge and contract interpretation only.ARTICLE VII
NO-STRIKE PLEDGE A. The Union covenants and agrees that during the term of this Agreement and during negotiations of a Successor Agreement, neither the Union or any person acting in its behalf will cause, authorize or support, nor will any of its members take part in any strike (i.e., the concerted failure to report for duty or willful absence of any employee from his position, or stoppage of work, or abstinence in whole or in part from the full, faithful, and proper performance of the employees duties of employment), work stoppage, slowdown, walk-out or other job action against the Authority. The Union agrees that such action would constitute a material breach of this Agreement.
B. The Union agrees that it will take all reasonable actions to prevent its members from participating in a strike, work stoppage, slow- down or other activity aforementioned.
C. In the event of a strike, slowdown, walk-out or any other job action, it is covenanted and agreed that participation in such activity by any Union member shall be deemed grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of employment of such employee or employees, together with such other disciplinary action as it shall choose.
D. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to limit or restrict the Authority in its right to seek and obtain such judicial relief as it may be entitled to have in law or in equity for an injunction or damages, or both in the event of such breach by the Union or any of its members.
E. It is expressly understood that the Authority shall not be required to negotiate with the Union under any conditions so long as any of the employees are engaged in any form of job action.
F. It is expressly understood that this clause shall survive the Agreement.ARTICLE VIII
SENIORITY A. It is hereby agreed that the parties hereto recognize and accept the principle of seniority in all cases of layoffs, recalls, transfers and promotions. In all cases, however, ability to perform the work in a satisfactory manner and qualifications will be the most significant factor in designating the employee to be affected.
B. The seniority of an employee is defined as the length of continuous uninterrupted service as an Authority employee dating back to his last date of hire.
C. In the event of layoffs and rehiring, the last person hired shall be the first one to be laid off, and the last person laid off shall be the first to be recalled in accordance with this seniority, provided, in the judgement of the Authority, the more senior employee is able to do the available work in a satisfactory manner, and provided that he has the proper qualifications. Management shall have no obligation to recall any employee who has been laid off for a period in excess of nine months.
D. When promotion to a higher position or transfers to other positions are in order, the Authority shall first attempt to make promotions or transfers from its regular employees for non-management or non-supervisory positions. Considerations for such promotions or transfers shall be based first upon the ability to perform the work and qualifications, and then upon seniority, and if an employee so promoted or transferred is not deemed qualified after a ninety (90) day trial period, the Authority may remove him and re-transfer him to his former position if still available. The decision of the Executive Director or his designee as to whether an employee is most qualified is final and not subject to the grievance procedure.
The grievance procedure including arbitration will be available in matters concerning promotions with the condition that arbitration will only be allowed if the Authority fails to follow its "Job Promotion Appraisal Criteria”, and revised from time to time. (Copy attached). If this procedure is followed the grievance procedure will stop at the Fourth Step - the DMUA Commissioners.
E. Once per year, the Authority shall prepare and forward to the Union a seniority list of all employees by classification and by length of service with the Authority. Seniority lists shall be updated when necessary, and shall be posted on the bulletin boards showing the employees' names, classifications and seniority dates.
F. Seniority shall terminate: when the employee resigns; when the employee is discharged; when the employee is laid off for a period in excess of nine (9) months upon absence without leave in excess of two (2) consecutive working days without justifiable reason; and upon failure of an employee to accept recall within one (1) working week's notice of recall from the Authority.
G. Notice of recall shall be sent to the employee by certified mail or telegram to the employee's last address of record with the Authority*. Recall notice shall not require return to work earlier than one (1) week from the following Monday.
*It shall be the employee's obligation to notify the Authority of any change of address during the term of his employment or during any period of time such employee has been laid off.ARTICLE IX
POSTING OF JOB VACANCIES A. All new and vacant positions covered by this Agreement shall be posted on the bulletin board for a period of seven (7) days. Employees applying for such vacancies shall make a request in writing to the Department Head where the vacancy exists.
B. Employees covered by this Agreement shall be given priority in applying for job openings covered under this Agreement, provided that such employees are, in the sole discretion of the Authority, qualified.
C. If two (2) or more qualified employees apply for such position or promotion, seniority will be considered along with qualifications in determining which employee shall be selected to fill the position, before any new employee is hired. The Authority reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to select the most qualified candidate to fill the position.
D. Applicants may apply for positions only during the posting period.
E. If promoted, an employee shall serve in the new capacity for a probationary period of ninety (90) days. During that probationary period such employee shall retain his salary of his former position and all benefits of that position. However, all other provisions applicable to a probationary employee under Article II shall be applied. In the event of termination, the employee shall return to his former position.
F. When an employee is requested by the Authority to temporarily work in a higher classified job, the employee will be given additional compensation, the terms of which shall be agreed upon by all parties before starting work in the higher job. The additional compensation shall be based on the additional responsibilities and length of time required.ARTICLE X
UNION BUSINESS A. The Authority's sole responsibility in the administration of all Union matters shall be with the Shop Stewards. Wherever notice is required to the Union, and whenever official dealings with the Union are required, the Shop Stewards shall be the designated representatives of the Union for such matters which take place at the work place.
B. The Union may designate no more than two (2) Stewards.
C. The Steward shall be given an opportunity to engage in the adjustment of the grievances as provided for under the Grievance Procedure herein with Authority representatives.
D. The Steward shall not leave his job without the permission of his Supervisor, and shall not contact another employee on Union business without prior permission of that employee's Supervisor or his own.
E. Under no conditions shall the Shop Steward interfere with the performance of the work of others.
F. The Steward has no authority to give orders regarding work to any person employed by the Authority, by virtue of his position as Steward.
G. The Union shall notify the Authority in writing immediately following the selection of a Steward.
H. The authority of the Shop Steward shall be limited to and shall not exceed the following lawful duties and activities:
1. The investigation and presentation of grievances to the Authority or the Authority’s designated representative, in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
2. The transmission of such messages and information which shall originate with and are authorized by the Local Union, or its offices, provided such messages and information:
a. have been reduced to writing, or
b. if not reduced to writing are of a routine nature and do not involve work stoppage, slowdowns, refusal to handle goods or any other interference with the Authority’s business.
ARTICLE XI
WORK SITE VISITATION An officer or duly accredited representative of the Union may be permitted to visit the work site only after prior authorization from the Executive Director or his designee. An escort may be provided at the discretion of the Executive Director or his designee. Such work site visitation shall not interfere with the conduct of the Authority’s business or with the duties of any of its employees.ARTICLE XII
FULLY BARGAINED PROVISIONS
A. This Agreement represents and incorporates the complete and final understanding
and settlement by the parties of all bargain-able issues which were or could have been the subject of negotiations.
B. The parties acknowledge that during the negotiations that resulted in this Agreement, each had the unlimited right and opportunity to make demands and proposals with respect to any matter or subject not removed by law from the area of collective bargaining and that the understandings and agreements arrived at by the parties after of the exercise of that right and opportunity are set forth in this Agreement.
C. The Authority and the Union, for the life of this Agreement, each voluntarily and unqualifiedly waive all bargaining rights, and each agrees that the other shall not be obligated to bargain or negotiate with respect to any subject or matter referred to or covered in this Agreement, or with respect to any matter or subject not specifically referred to or covered in this Agreement even though each subject or matters may not have been within the knowledge or contemplation of either or both parties at the time they negotiated or signed this Agreement.
D. This Agreement shall not be modified in whole or in part by the parties except by an instrument in writing only executed by both parties.ARTICLE XIII
BULLETIN BOARD PRIVILEGES A. SPACE AVAILABILITY
1. The Authority shall supply a bulletin board in each lunch room for the use of the Union to post announcements.
B. AUTHORIZATION
1. All notices are to be signed by the Union President, Secretary or duly authorized representatives, and there shall be no posting of any notices other than as described in Paragraph C below, except after such notice has been approved in writing by the Supervisor and the Union.
C. MATERIAL
1. The Union may use the bulletin board to post the following announcements:
a. Notice of Union recreation or social affairs.
b. Notice of Union elections and results of such elections.
c. Notice of Union meetings.
d. Notice of Union appointments.
e. Union minutes of joint conferences or of general meetings.
The material posted by the Union shall be of a noncontroversial nature.
2. The Authority reserves the right to refuse to allow the posting of any notice not comporting with the foregoing.ARTICLE XIV
LEAVE OF ABSENCE A. An official leave of absence may be granted by Resolution of the Authority.
B. At the discretion of the Executive Director, and with the approval of the Authority, any employee may be granted a leave of absence without pay.
C. An employee on leave of absence without pay, except military leave, does not accrue vacation leave, sick leave, or any other benefits. No payments will be made to the pension system or health plan during this leave of absence, however, unless the employee agrees to bear the costs. Written notice of the foregoing shall be given to the employee prior to taking such leave.
D. A leave of absence shall not exceed three (3) months in length, after which it may be reconsidered and any requested extension shall either be granted or denied.
E. Employees are required to notify the Authority of the anticipated date of return, as soon as such date is known to the employee. Failure to return on such date without notice shall be considered a voluntary resignation.
F. The Authority shall have the sole discretion in matters of leaves of absence and each decision made shall be on its own merits. In no event shall the decision whether or not to grant a leave be precedential as to any other decision regarding a leave, nor shall denial be the subject of a grievance.ARTICLE XV
HOLIDAYS A. For each year of this Agreement, employees shall be entitled to the following fourteen (14) paid holidays:
New Years Day; Martin Luther King Day; Lincoln's Birthday; Washington's Birthday; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; General Election; Veteran’s Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving; and Christmas Day.
B. Hours worked on a holiday shall be compensated at time and one half plus the days pay.
C. Holidays shall be counted as time worked for overtime purposes.
D. Any employee who is absent without Authority approval on the day before or after a holiday shall not receive holiday pay unless such absence was approved in advance.ARTICLE XVI
JURY DUTY A. Employees called for jury duty shall be granted leave with straight pay less any compensation they may receive for attending required jury duty for a maximum of two (2) weeks per year.
B. If an employee is required to serve on jury duty, such employee shall be required to notify the Executive Director in advance and report for their regularly assigned work on the calendar day immediately following their final discharge from jury duty. If discharged from jury duty prior to the end of a work day, employees shall report for work for the duration of the work day.
C. If there is a change in the originally established jury duty leave, the employee must notify the Executive Director to make the necessary arrangements to return to work, otherwise, the employee shall receive no pay from the Authority.
D. Employees are expected to cooperate with the Authority and report to work where possible. The Executive Director must be notified in advance any day that they are not required to report for jury duty.
E. Jury duty on an unscheduled work day shall not be paid for by the Authority.ARTICLE XVII
MILITARY LEAVE A. Military leave shall be provided in accordance with applicable law.ARTICLE XVIII
INSURANCE BENEFITS A. Effective January 1, 1996, the Authority will provide group health insurance as described below:
1. For those employees hired prior to January 1, 1996, NJ PLUS and/or New Jersey State Health Benefits Plan approved Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO’s), will be provided at no cost to DMUA employees and their eligible dependents.
2. Employees who select the Premium Health Care Package (Traditional Blue Cross/Blue Shield), shall pay 1% of their base salary toward the costs, but not less than $20.00 per month, if they choose to remain with the premium health care package.*
3. Employees hired after January 1, 1996 who choose the premium care package will be required to pay the full difference between the premium care package and the average of the NJ PLUS and State approved HMO Plan. *The six (6) current employees hired prior to January 1, 1996 receiving the premium health care package (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) are grandfathered.
4. Dental Insurance as presently provided by Bollinger Insurance Company. All employees covered by this Agreement shall contribute $6.00 (Six Dollars) per pay period toward the dental insurance coverage.
B. For each calendar year, the Authority shall provide a self insurance program, at its expense, to provide for reimbursement to each employee, his spouse and unemancipated children (if any), a maximum of $750.00 (with no carry-over of funds from year to year) per employee for bona-fide prescription drugs purchased under orders from a doctor. Prescription eyeglasses may be included in this amount. Receipts acceptable to the Authority must be provided. The Authority reserves the right to use a commercial carrier at its option for this purpose as long as not less benefits are provided.
C. Effective 1986 the Authority has enrolled employees in the State Disability Plan.
D. Workers’ Compensation is administered as set by State Statute. The DMUA has a liberal policy of allowing the use of sick, personal or vacation time to be used for the first five (5) days of absence for work-related injury. When the employee reaches the sixth (6th) day of absence for a work-related injury, Workers’ Compensation goes back to the first day of absence. The employee has the option of “buying back” used sick, personal or vacation time for the first five days of Workers’ Compensation or retain it.
ARTICLE XIX
WAGES A. A 4.00% across the board salary increase for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2003 will be paid to all bargaining unit members; plus step increment, if and when due. For the calendar year beginning January 1, 2004, all bargaining unit members will receive a 4.00% across the board salary increase; plus step increment, if and when due. Effective January 1, 2005, the salaries of bargaining unit members will be increased by 3.50%; plus step increment, if and when due. Effective January 1, 2006, the bargaining unit members will receive a 3.50% across the board salary increase; plus step increment, if and when due.
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B. All Alpha Steps (A, B, C, AA, BB) will be eliminated over the four years of the 2003-2006 Contract Agreement*.
*Effective January 1, 2003, the six current employees hired after January 1, 1996 but prior to December 31, 2002 will advance one step in order to eliminate the Alpha Steps over the current four year contract period. The six affected employees have been properly notified of their advance in step and grade in writing by the Payroll Department..
**In order to eliminate the Alpha Steps by December 31, 2006, all new hires:
If hired in calendar year 2003 - Skip Alpha AA Step - Start with Step BB
If hired in calendar year 2004 - Skip Alpha Steps AA and BB - Start with Step A
If hired in calendar year 2005 - Skip Alpha Steps AA, BB and A - Start with Step B
If hired in calendar year 2006 - Skip Alpha Steps AA, BB, A and B - Start with Step C
Effective January 1, 2007, only the original Steps of 1 through 7 will exist. ARTICLE XX
LONGEVITY A. Each employee shall be paid, in addition to his base pay, a longevity increment based upon years of service in the employ of the Dover Municipal Utilities Authority in accordance with the following schedule:
Longevity - Years of Service
Upon completion of 9 yrs. service $ 770.00
Upon completion of l2 yrs. service $1,010.00
Upon completion of l5 yrs. service $1,250.00
Upon completion of 17 yrs. service $1,490.00
Upon completion of 19 yrs. service $1,730.00
Upon completion of 21 yrs. service $1,970.00
C. Each employee shall qualify for the longevity increment on the date of the anniversary of his employment and such increment shall be paid from and after such date.
D. In computing any overtime pay which may become due any such employee, longevity payments shall not be included.ARTICLE XXI
VACATIONS A. Each permanent full time employee who has had the length of continuous employment as specified in the following table, shall be entitled to the working time shown as vacation with pay at his regular hourly rate of pay:
Vacation Schedule:
One (1) yr. but less than five (5) yrs.........2 weeks
Five (5) yrs. but less than ten (l0) yrs.......3 weeks
Ten(10)yrs. and over............................... 4 weeks
Fifteen (15) yrs. and over.........................5 weeks
B. Eligibility for vacation shall be computed as of the day of the month in which hired.
C. Vacations will be scheduled, to the greatest extent possible, according to the needs of the Authority, by seniority.
D. Procedural aspects of vacation scheduling shall be as determined by the Authority.
E. All vacations for the year shall be scheduled by March 31 of that year.
F. It is specifically understood between the parties that the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the "peak" season for the Authority's work. Vacations during this period are discouraged and may be limited to one (1) employee per department at a time.
G. Should scheduling conflicts or other extenuating circumstances prevent an employee from taking all "earned" vacation in any current year, then management will "carry-over" the unused portion and add it to only the following year's vacation time. It is understood and agreed to by both parties that (the intention of) this shall be a rare and infrequent occurrence and not a standard practice.
H. An employee who has resigned or was otherwise separated from employment for a justifiable reason, such as retirement, illness, or mandatory military service, shall be entitled to the vacation allowance pro-rated on the basis for the number of months worked in a calendar year which the separation becomes effective. This paragraph shall not apply to discharge for cause.ARTICLE XXII
SICK LEAVE A. All employees covered by this Agreement shall be granted fifteen (15) sick leave days with no loss of regular straight time pay.
B. A probationary employee under Article II shall not be entitled to sell such sick days back to the Authority notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary.
C. The amount of such leave not taken shall accumulate from year to year, and such employee shall be entitled to such accumulated sick leave if and when needed. Sick leave taken will be charged first against the current year, then against prior years with the most recent being utilized first.
D. Upon retirement or termination of employment, up to six (6) months of accumulated sick leave earned as of December 31, 2002 shall be purchased by the Authority at the rate of pay existing at the date accumulated, except that all sick leave accumulated as of December 31, 1983, shall be calculated in accordance with December 31, 1983 wage rates. Accumulated sick leave earned after January 1, 2003 shall be purchased by the Authority at the employee’s current rate of pay at retirement or termination. Sick leave may not be taken as terminal leave, but must be taken as a lump sum payment.
E. Sick leave may be utilized only for bona-fide illness, accident, or exposure to contagious disease, which necessitates absence from work.
F. An employee absent on sick leave for a period of three (3) consecutive days shall submit acceptable medical evidence substantiating the illness if requested by the Executive Director. The Executive Director may require proof of illness of an employee on sick leave, whenever such requirement appears reasonable. Abuse of sick leave shall be cause for disciplinary action.
G. In the event an employee intends to be absent on account of illness on any day, such employee shall notify the Authority prior to their normal starting time. Failure to report daily shall be deemed grounds for refusal to grant sick leave.
H. If an employee has not used all of his allotted sick days for the current year, the Authority will buy back a maximum of ten (10) days at the end of that year at the current rate of pay.ARTICLE XXIII
PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS A. Employees are entitled to three (3) days leave with pay for personal business annually. Where possible, requests for leave shall be asked for and obtained in advance of the requested date or dates from the employees department head. Dates requested shall be subject to the approval of the employees department head, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Leave days must be used within the one (1) year period and shall not be cumulative from year to year, however, unused leave days will be converted to sick days at the end of the year. Leave days requested at the beginning of or end of a vacation or weekend will not be granted except under extraordinary circumstances.
B. An employee shall not be required to specify the personal business reason for the personal day request, except in emergency situations when two or more employees performing similar job functions within the Department apply for personal leave to be taken on the same day.
C. During the first year of employment, an employee shall earn days at the rate of one (1) day for each four (4) months of employment. Probationary employees under Article II are not entitled to personal days.
D. An employee who does not expect to report for work on any working day because of personal business or for any of the reasons set forth in Section A must notify the Authority by telephone prior to their scheduled shift start.ARTICLE XXIV
HOURS OF WORK AND OVERTIME A. The normal work day for white collar personnel shall be comprised of eight (8) hours, including a one (1) hour unpaid meal break and two (2) fifteen (15) minutes paid coffee breaks. Specific shifts and hours shall be scheduled by the Authority from time to time.
B. The normal work day for blue collar personnel shall be eight and one-half (8 1/2) hours, including a one-half (l/2) hour unpaid meal break, and two (2) fifteen (15) minute paid coffee breaks. Specific shifts and hours shall be as scheduled by the Authority from time to time, with reasonable notice of same being given by posting.
C. Overtime at time and one-half (1-1/2) the base rate shall be provided for authorized work in excess of forty (40) hours worked per week for blue collar personnel. Overtime at time and one-half (1-1/2) the base rate shall be provided for authorized work in excess of thirty seven and one-half (37.5) hours worked per week for white collar (clerical) personnel. Hours worked per week shall include time off for sick and personal days as well as vacation days.
D. Any time not recorded shall be considered as time not worked.
E. All employees will work overtime, when requested, in addition to any scheduled weekend duty, unless excused by their immediate supervisor.
F. There shall be no pyramiding of overtime or premium pay.
G. The Authority reserves the right to schedule employees in accordance with its needs; this right specifically includes, but is not limited to, scheduling Saturdays and Sundays as normal work days for some staff. The Authority shall give reasonable notice to Shop Stewards and Teamsters Local #97 should it be deemed necessary to schedule Saturdays and/or Sundays as permanent "normal" work days.
H. Wash-Up time - The Authority will permit all line maintenance employees and field employees adequate time to wash-up before the normal quitting hour. Employees will not be permitted to mill around prior to or after wash-up.
I. Meal Allowance - The Authority will continue the past practice of purchasing or reimbursing employees for a meal after a ten (10) hour work day. This practice shall continue to be implemented by the senior employee or supervisor on the job site. It is not the intention of this provision to provide an employee a meal during any normal work day, or to provide a meal if the employee responds to a normal short-term emergency call-out.
J. Summer Hour Schedule - The Authority will implement a summer hours schedule (7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.) between Memorial day and Labor Day for line maintenance employees (exclusive of inspection staff). At its discretion, if the Authority deems necessary, one or more employees may be required to work a standard schedule (8:00 A.M. to (4:30 P.M.) during the summer in order to ensure adequate coverage for maintenance, repair and emergency response to the system.ARTICLE XXV
MINIMUM CALL IN PAY------STAND BY PAY A. If any employee is not scheduled and is called into work, he shall be guaranteed a minimum of three (3) hours work or pay at time and one-half (1-1/2). Such pay shall include traveling to and from the work place.
B. Call-ins, requiring a degree of specialization or experience and expertise shall be kept within the department as required by the task to be accomplished. Overtime or call-in for general duties adequately accomplished by unskilled or semi-skilled labor will continue to be chosen from the rotating list.
WEEKEND STAND-BY
C. Weekends shall be defined as 3:30 P.M. on the last working day of the week to 7:00 A.M. of the first working day of the following week.
D. Stand by pay for the length of this Agreement will be compensated at:
$ 80.00 for two day weekend
$100.00 for three day weekend
$125.00 for four day weekendARTICLE XXVI
UNIFORMS A. In lieu of a uniform allowance for the first year of employment, each employee excepting probationary and clerical employees, shall be provided with the following complete uniform, which must be worn:
1. Five (5) shirts
2. Five (5) pants
3. Two (2) pairs steel-tipped work shoes
4. One (1) set raingear (top and bottom)
5. One (1) pair mud boots
6. Two (2) summer jackets with one (l) liner
7. One (1) winter jacket
8. One (1) hard hat
9. One (1) pair insulated coveralls
10. One (1) pair work gloves
11. One (1) hard hat liner
B. Employees are required to have, maintain, and wear all items included in the initial outfitting, including all protective safety apparel and equipment.
C. Clothing purchased and issued by the Authority shall be worn only in the employ of the Authority.
D. The Authority reserves the right of inspection of worn-out garments by supervisory personnel prior to replacement.
E. Uniforms - After the first year of employment, each employee shall have his worn-out uniform articles replaced as needed. The Authority reserves the right to inspect worn-out items. Employees shall be responsible for minor repairs, (buttons, small tears, etc.) to substantially useable items. Loss or negligent care of issued items shall be replaced at the employees' expense.
ARTICLE XXVII
BEREAVEMENT PAY
A. Every permanent full-time employee shall be granted, up to a maximum of three (3) consecutive days leave, including the day of the funeral, without the loss of regular straight time pay, upon the death of a member of his immediate family within the State of New Jersey, and up to five (5) consecutive days leave, including the day of the funeral, without the loss of regular straight time pay, if outside the State of New Jersey, with the consent of their Supervisor, or his designees, as appropriate.
B. Immediate family shall include spouse, children, parents, brother and sisters, spouse's parents, brothers and sisters, and grandparents of employee or spouse.ARTICLE XXVIII
EMERGENCY CLOSING POLICY A. During period of inclement weather and/or official state of emergency, the DMUA business office will be closed when the offices of Dover Township are officially closed. Office employees will be paid for the day.
B. All maintenance and inspection employees will report for work as usual unless excused by their supervisor. These employees will receive a future Comp. day, scheduling of which shall be subject to approval by their immediate supervisor.
C. Employees calling in sick on the day of inclement weather and/or official state of emergency, will be charged a sick day. Employees having a pre-scheduled vacation or personal day or those in a continuing sick leave status, will have the day reclassified as an officially closed day.
D. The Authority has no obligation to provide transportation to or from home to the workplace during any inclement weather and/or official state of emergency. ARTICLE XXIX
TERM AND RENEWAL This Agreement shall be in full force and effect as of the date hereof and shall be in effect to and including December 31, 2006.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands and seals at Toms River, New Jersey on this 1st day of January 2003.
TEAMSTERS LOCAL 97 OF N.J. DOVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY
(s)____________________________ (s)________________________________
Patrick Guaschino, Business Agent Paul Wnek, Chairperson
(s)____________________________ (s)________________________________
Roger Crespy, Shop Steward John Broome, Executive Director
(s)____________________________
Irene Maurer, Shop Steward
CRITERIA FOR APPRAISING PERFORMANCE FOR JOB PROMOTION
1. LONGEVITY (years with DMUA) _____years
2. ATTENDANCE RECORD
a. Late ______ times in ____ years
b. Absent ____ times in ____ years
3. WORK QUALITY (reliability, accuracy, neatness of work)
4. WORK QUANTITY (amount of work turned out)
5. JUDGEMENT (ability to make sound decisions in performing work)
6. INITIATIVE (interest shown in job, dedication, willingness to complete
tasks and accept additional responsibilities)
7. TEAMWORK (relationship with fellow employees)
8. DEPENDABILITY (reliability and responsiveness in completing assigned
tasks)
9. FOREMEN'S RECOMMENDATIONS:
10. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:
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