1
Office Technical Group Contract 2007-2009
AGREEMENT BETWEEN and
OFFICE/TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
For the Contract Term of:
January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Subject Page
1 Recognition 1
1.5 Management Rights 1
1.6 No Strike Clause 1
2 Negotiations Procedures 1
3 Employment Status 2
3.1 Hiring Practice - General 2
3.2 Probationary Employee 2
3.3 Temporary Employee 2
3.4 Part-Time Employee 3
3.5 Permanent Employee 3
3.6 Relatives 3
3.7 Resignation 3
3.8 Posting of Jobs 3
3.9 Job Classification 4
3.10 Employee Evaluations 4
3.11 Layoff and Recall 4
4 Salaries 5
4.1 Salary Increases 5
4.2 Paychecks 6
4.3 Payroll Deductions 6
4.4 Longevity Increment 6
4.5 Schedule of Job Titles and Salary Ranges 6
5 Hours of Work and Overtime 6
5.1 Normal Work Week 6
5.2 Flex Hours 6
5.3 Tardiness 6
5.4 Overtime 7
5.5 Comp Time 7
5.6 Civic Duty and Other Emergencies 7
6 Discharge and Discipline 7
7 Grievance Procedures 8
TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued
Section Subject Page
8 Holidays 8
8.4 Inclement Weather Days 9
9 Vacation 9
9.1 Vacation Time Earned 9
9.2 Vacation Request Procedure 9
9.3 Advance Vacation 9
9.4 Part-Time Employee Vacation 10
9.5 Illness During Vacation 10
9.6 Vacation Pay on Termination 10
9.7 Vacation Accrual 10
10 Leaves of Absence 10
10.1 Sick Leave 10
10.1.1 Sick Time Buy Down 11
10.2 Personal Leave 11
10.2.1 Death in Family 11
10.2.2 Personal Leave of Absence 11
10.2.3 Extended Personal Leave of Absence 11
10.3 Jury Duty 12
10.4 Maternity Leave 12
10.5 Leave Covered by Workers Compensation 12
10.6 Military Leave of Absence 13
11 Smoke-Free Facilities 13
12 Benefit Plans 13
12.1 Benefit Waiver Reimbursement 14
12.2 Other Benefits 14
12.3 Uniforms 15
12.4 Indemnification 15
13 Tuition/Upgrading 15
ATTACHMENT A 16
1. RECOGNITION
1.1 This Agreement has been entered into as of the first day of January 2007, by and between The Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority (hereinafter called the "Authority") and the Office/Technical Committee (hereinafter called the "O/T Committee"). This Agreement shall be in effect from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009.
1.2 If there is a question on anything in this Agreement at any time pertaining to clarifications and/or interpretation, a joint discussion will be held between the Executive Director and the O/T Committee. The results of said meeting shall be mutually agreed to by the Executive Director and the O/T Committee and be put in writing. The O/T Committee representatives, duly elected by the employees, are empowered to act on behalf of the employees.
1.3 The Authority and its agents will not discriminate in any manner whatsoever against any member of the O/T Committee because of said membership and activity.
1.4 Regular meetings of the O/T Committee will be held outside of working hours.
1.5 Management Rights
The Authority retains and reserves unto itself, without limitation, all powers, rights, authority, duties and responsibilities conferred upon it and vested in it by the laws and Constitutions of the State of New Jersey and the United States of America, except as may be specifically modified by this Agreement. These rights will include, but not be limited to, full operating efficiency and productivity in the direction of the workforce. All of the terms and conditions of employment not specifically set forth herein or not specifically covered by existing statutes are hereby reserved by the Authority as its management prerogatives and rights. Input via the O/T Committee will be considered when applicable.
The Authority retains the right to grant employee appreciation/recognition awards when recommended by the Department Director and approved by the Board of Commissioners for outstanding achievement, to be given as lump-sum awards up to a maximum of 3.5% of the employee's salary for the year.
1.6 No-Strike Clause
During the period of January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009, and notwithstanding any change in existing law, the employees shall not have the right to engage in any slowdown, work stoppage, strike, or similar type of concerted action. The sole method for resolving any disagreement of the employment relationship shall be covered by the procedure contained in this Agreement or by legal remedies available to the parties that do not constitute strikes or work stoppages.
2. NEGOTIATION PROCEDURES
2.1 On or about October 1 of the calendar year preceding the expiration of this Agreement, the Authority and O/T Committee agree to enter into collective negotiations on a successor Agreement in accordance with Chapter 303, Public Law 1975, as amended.
2.2 On or about October 1, the O/T Committee shall present its entire written proposal to the
Authority. A negotiation session shall then be held.
2.3 If a successor Agreement is not finalized by December 31st of the current year, the present
Agreement will remain in effect until such time as a new Agreement is signed.
3. EMPLOYMENT STATUS
3.1 Hiring Practice - General
The Authority will hire on the basis of qualifications, without regard to race, color, sex, age, religious belief, national origin, physical handicap, political affiliation, membership or non-membership in any organization.
3.2 Probationary Employee
For appointments in Authority service, the working test or probationary period shall be three months, not subject to extension. During that period, the probationary employee will receive no benefits as described in this collective bargaining agreement. Holiday pay, however, will be held by the Authority and be paid to the employee upon successful completion of the probationary period.
The Authority may terminate the service at any time of any such appointee if, in the opinion of Management, the appointee is incapable, unable, or unwilling to perform the duties of the position satisfactorily or is of such reputation, habits, or capabilities as not to merit continuance in the service. In each such case, the Authority shall give notice to the appointee whose service is discontinued.
During the probationary period, it shall be mandatory for the Supervisor to evaluate the employee twice: once at the end of the first month and again at the end of the third month. These evaluations, along with Management assessment of the progress of the probationary employee, will constitute grounds for continuation or dismissal.
There shall be a probationary period of three months for new employees and for employees who have changed classification.
For a change in department/division, or for promotion, the probationary period shall be for three months, and all current benefits will continue during this period. The wage for such position shall be based upon the established salary range of the job classification, with the starting wage posted along with the job description. An increase within the established salary range for the job classification may be granted by Management after the probationary period, depending on the required evaluation of job performance.
3.3 Temporary Employee
A temporary employee is one who is:
(a) hired as seasonal help;
(b) hired to replace a regular employee who cannot work for a specified period of time;
(c) hired for a specific job, for a specified period of time.
If the temporary job turns into a permanent one, then the job will be posted, the same as any
other opening in the company. Anyone hired for a temporary position longer than three months
will be issued uniforms, if required for the position, and will receive all benefits.
Temporary personnel will have the right to bid on jobs posted; however, they will not be given
credit for length of service or experience gained while on temporary status.
3.4 Part-Time Employee
Part-time employment shall not exceed 20 hours per week.
Part-time employees will be compensated at an hourly rate agreed to by the O/T Committee
and the Authority. The criteria for determining said rate shall be the qualifications of the
employee and the requirements of the position.
Various responsibilities may be designated for such part-time employee during any period of
employment.
Part-time employees will have the right to bid on full-time jobs posted; however, no portion of the part-time employment shall be credited towards benefits or in computing length of service in the full-time employment.
Part-time employees shall receive only those benefits specifically enumerated in the collective bargaining agreement. In the event of layoff, all part-time employees shall be laid off before full-time employees.
The Authority reserves its managerial right to eliminate part-time positions at its sole discretion and at any time.
3.5 Permanent Employee
A permanent employee is one who has completed the probationary period. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, sick time and vacation time shall accumulate from the first day of employment, but any unearned time absent (except for emergency closings or Authority holidays as described in Section 8.1) during the probationary period will not be payable.
3.6 Relatives
Relatives of an employee may be hired, but under no circumstances shall a relative be allowed to be supervised by a relative. This restriction shall be effective for new employees hired as of January 1, 1980.
3.7 Resignation
Notice of resignation is to be submitted to the Supervisor in writing, stating the reason and the exact date of resignation. A minimum notice of two weeks is required for the resignation to be in good standing, unless a special request is made by the employee to leave sooner, which must be approved by the Authority. The employee will remain on duty for the period of notice. Failure to give adequate notice will result in a resignation that is not in good standing.
If any employee has given two weeks notice and is advised that he may leave before the notice period expires, he will receive pay for the remaining portion of the notice period. All uniforms, keys, rain gear and identification issued to the employee must be turned in prior to receipt of the final paycheck.
3.8 Posting of Jobs
All openings for permanent positions will be posted on bulletin boards, and a copy of the posting will be supplied to the O/T Committee. All employees may bid on such job openings, and applications submitted in writing will be reviewed jointly by the Supervisor, Department Head, and Executive Director.
The following conditions apply to posting of jobs:
(a) Jobs are to be posted for three working days.
(b) Applications are to be submitted in writing to the Department Head.
(c) All applicants will be notified in writing as to selection within five working days after
approval.
(d) Jobs will be filled on a temporary basis if a grievance as to selection is submitted in writing.
(e) If more than one employee qualifies for the position, seniority shall prevail, provided all
other qualifications are equal.
(f) The Department Head shall notify the O/T Committee of selection prior to filling the
position.
Employees will not be permitted to downgrade themselves, unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the Executive Director which are in the best interests of the Authority and the employee concerned.
If the Executive Director finds it necessary to fill any position on a temporary basis for longer than a two-week period, the O/T Committee representatives will be notified prior to the appointment being made.
3.9 Job Classification
The Authority reserves the right to review the present job classification of each employee and, should the Authority deem it necessary, may promote or demote to a higher or lower level. Said promotion or demotion will take place only after a joint meeting with the O/T Committee and the Executive Director.
Job descriptions for all positions covered by this Agreement will be made part of the Agreement document.
3.10 Employee Evaluations
Every employee will be evaluated twice a year by the immediate Supervisor, on a schedule and procedure as formulated by the Executive Director.
The performance and disciplinary appraisal will be conducted twice a year in narrative form and shall become part of each employee's personnel file.
Signing of the evaluation form by the employee after discussing it with the Supervisor indicates only acknowledgment that the evaluation was received, not concurrence with what it contains.
After five years employment, evaluations will only be conducted yearly. However, the Authority reserves the right to evaluate all employees every six months.
3.11 Layoff and Recall
In the event of layoff or transfer, the last person hired in the position in question shall be the first to be laid off or transferred. Within each division, an employee scheduled for such action has the option to bump a less senior employee in another classification, provided that the qualifications for the other classification are met. Similarly, the last person laid off or transferred shall be the first to be recalled, in accordance with seniority.
4. SALARIES
Individual salaries shall be based upon a salary range for each job description. These ranges shall have an upper and lower limit which shall be agreed upon by the O/T Committee and the Authority. Individual salaries within the salary ranges shall also be agreed upon during the term of the contract.
4.1 Salary Increases
Effective January 1, 2007, all permanent, full-time employees shall receive a 3.9%,
or $2,000 (whichever is greater) salary increase.
Effective January 1, 2008, all permanent, full-time employees shall receive a 3.9%,
or $2,100 (whichever is greater) salary increase.
Effective January 1, 2009, all permanent, full-time employees shall receive a 3.9%,
or $2,200 (whichever is greater) salary increase.
These salary increases and any applicable retroactive payments, shall apply only to persons employed by the Authority on the date of execution of this collective bargaining agreement.
The starting rate and range of pay for each job classification are established as per the attached schedules.
After satisfactory completion of the initial three-month probationary period, the employee may receive an increase in salary as determined through performance review by Management, up to the maximum rate of pay established for a job classification by the Authority.
For the term of this contract, the hourly rate of pay shall be constituted as follows: The minimum rate of pay for a position shall normally be paid upon initial appointment to that position. Higher rates of pay can be established for employees after the probationary period of three months or through advancement if the employee possesses unusual qualifications for the job, as determined through performance review by Management, up to the maximum rate of pay established for a job classification by the Authority.
Salary increases or advances within the established range of a job classification shall not be automatic but shall depend upon a specific written recommendation by the Supervisor. This recommendation shall be based upon predetermined standards of performance as indicated on employee performance reviews. The increase or advance shall be discussed with the O/T
Committee prior to becoming effective, but the Executive Director shall make the final determination.
4.2 Paychecks
Paychecks will be issued weekly. If the normal pay day falls on a holiday, paychecks will be issued on the closest possible prior workday.
Advance pay will be given for vacation days provided the request is for five days or more. Advance vacation pay will be given only for the number of vacation days which fall on or before the pay days on which the employee will be on vacation.
All requests for advance vacation pay must be received by the Payroll Department by the Friday prior to the pay day when the check is to be received.
4.3 Payroll Deductions
Payroll deductions will be made for Federal and State income taxes, Social Security tax, State Unemployment Insurance, State Disability Insurance, and, in the case of permanent employees, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) payments.
At the employee's option, deductions shall be made for contributory insurance, savings bonds, and savings accounts.
Should the O/T Committee arrange to form a Credit Union, the Authority will allow payroll deductions for this purpose at the employee's option.
4.4 Longevity Increment
In addition to the rate of compensation for each position, a longevity payment will apply to all permanent employees after completion of consecutive years of satisfactory service, paid on the anniversary date, according to the following schedule:
Service Time Completed Longevity Payment Per Annum
5 years through 9 years $ 1,000
10 years through 14 years $ 2,000
15 years through 19 years $ 3,000
20 years through 24 years $ 4,000
25 years through 29 years $ 5,000
30 years through 34 years $ 6,000
4.5 Schedule of Job Titles and Salary Ranges
See Attachment A.
5. HOURS OF WORK AND OVERTIME
5.1 Normal Work Week
The normal work week shall be five days of seven or eight hours each, in accordance with past practice, within the period commencing 12:01 a.m. Monday and ending at midnight on Sunday as assigned, with a one-hour, non-paid meal period each day between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. as assigned.
5.2 Flex Time
Flex hours will be considered for employees wishing to pursue this option. However, all shift
changes will be considered with the efficient and orderly operation of the authority in mind.
These shift changes can be brought forth by both labor and management and the Authority
reserves the right to create and staff shifts that will provide for the most efficient use of
manpower.
5.3 Tardiness
Penalties for tardiness will be incurred as follows:
1-6 minutes after start of shift: no deduction from pay.
7-30 minutes after start of shift: 30 minutes pay.
More than 30 minutes after start of shift: exact time involved.
An employee who is tardy more than four times during any year of this Agreement will be subject to a hearing by the O/T Committee and the Executive Director to determine what action, if any, should be taken.
5.4 Overtime
Employees shall be expected to complete their work in the time allotted to them in a normal workday. Any employee scheduled by management to work beyond the standard shift shall be paid at the rate of one and one-half times the regular base pay for all hours worked in excess of the normal shift in any given day.
Any hours worked beyond the normal work week will be paid at the appropriate overtime rates. In this case, "normal work week" will include holidays and emergency closings.
Employees working a five-day work week will receive straight time for the first five days; one and one-half times the regular straight base rate for the sixth day; and twice the regular straight base rate for authorized work performed on the seventh day, regardless of the starting day of the work week.
Those employees who must remain at work when others are discharged early (Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve) shall receive straight time for the number of hours involved, in addition to their normal pay. During such times, no adjustment will be given to those employees who are on vacation or absent for personal or sick time.
5.5 Comp Time
All employees covered by this contract can opt for comp time or overtime payment for any hours worked in excess of their 40 hour work week with the consent of their respective supervisor / department director.
5.6 Civic Duty and Other Emergencies
Whenever necessary for the protection of life and property, employees are expected to perform any reasonable duties, including major fire fighting, civilian defense, and other types of emergency services. In the event of such an emergency, the employee must notify the Supervisor before leaving the job. Management reserves the right to request a letter from either the Civil Defense Coordinator or the Fire Chief, which would be submitted after the fact, indicating that the services of this particular individual were necessary to provide such defense. Regular pay will be given for the time spent away from the Authority on such duties. If, in the opinion of Management, this allowance is being abused, disciplinary action will result.
6. DISCHARGE AND DISCIPLINE
Employees who violate this Agreement will be subject to disciplinary action. When an employee is reprimanded, a full report in writing shall be given to the individual concerned and to the O/T Committee representative. A copy of the report will be placed in the employee's personnel file. At any discussion concerning disciplinary action, the employee will be entitled to have an O/T Committee representative present.
Every employee shall have the right to review his/her own personnel file in the presence of his/ her Supervisor or the Personnel Clerk. A request to do this must be done through the employee's Supervisor, who will make the necessary arrangements for the review after working hours.
If an employee wishes to have an infraction letter removed from the file, the employee may make such a request in writing to the Executive Director, with a copy submitted to the Department Head. Consideration of the request will be given by a review board consisting of the Executive Director and the O/T Committee representative. Upon consent of the review board, the infraction letter under consideration will be removed.
7. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Any employee or group of employees may present a grievance with freedom from coercion, reprisal, or discrimination. The grievance procedure is as follows:
The employee must submit the grievance in writing to the department director within two
working days of the occurrence. Failure to act within said two-day period will be deemed to
constitute a waiver of the grievance.
If the grievance is not resolved within five working days, the O/T Committee may bring it to the attention of the Executive Director.
If the grievance is not responded to by the Executive Director within ten working days after submittal, the O/T Committee may submit it to the Authority Personnel Committee.
Within five working days of submittal to the Personnel Committee, a meeting will be arranged to discuss the grievance, after which a written response will be provided to the employee and the O/T Committee representative within five working days after the meeting.
The employee may attend the grievance meetings.
8. HOLIDAYS
8.1 The Authority recognizes the following thirteen days as holidays:
New Year's Day Independence Day Veterans Day
Lincoln's Birthday Labor Day Thanksgiving Day
Washington's Birthday Columbus Day Day after Thanksgiving Day
Good Friday Election Day (General) Christmas
Memorial Day
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed as a holiday; if it falls
on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a holiday.
8.2 In order to receive holiday pay, employees must work the day before and the day after, if each of those days is a normal work day. Should an employee call in sick on either of said days, a doctor's certificate may be required.
8.3 If required to work because of a unique circumstance on an approved holiday, the employee will receive double time for the standard shift plus the standard normal shift pay. If the employee should work beyond the standard shift time, the employee will receive double time for the additional time.
Compensation for a holiday not worked shall be computed the basis of the employee's standard shift hours. Part-time employees will receive holiday pay on a pro-rated basis, depending upon the hours normally worked.
8.4 Inclement Weather Days:
When the weather is such that the County Offices and banks are closed due to hazardous road conditions, or when weather emergencies exist, the Executive Director or his designee shall make the decision as to whether or not the Authority offices shall close. If the Authority offices are closed, critical personnel as designated by the Department Head or Supervisor may be called in. The decision shall be relayed according to the phone method, as well as on the radio stations authorized. Office personnel will be called by 7:00 a.m. to inform them of closing.
Critical personnel who are called in and work will receive a full day's pay plus compensatory pay which may be used in conjunction with, or in lieu of, vacation, sick, or personnel days. Compensatory time may be taken any time during the year.
Non-critical personnel will receive a full day's pay.
9. VACATION
9.1 Vacation Time Earned
Employees will earn annual paid vacation time according to the following schedule:
0-1 year 1 day/month
1-5 years 12 days
6-10 years 18 days
11-15 years 20 days
16-20 years 26 days
For the purpose of computing overtime pay, earned vacation days taken during the pay period
will be considered as days actually worked. Overtime during this pay period must be approved
by the Department Head in advance.
9.2 Vacation Request Procedure
In December of each year, vacation requests for the coming year will be submitted to the
employee's immediate supervisor for approval. Upon approval by the Department Head, the
request will be submitted to the Executive Director.
All other vacation requests must be submitted five days in advance. Such a request must be
approved by the Supervisor, Department Head, and Executive Director.
Vacation requests will be scheduled with full consideration for the effective operation of the
department, and employees with the greatest length of service will receive preference in choice
of vacation period insofar as effective staffing requirements are met. However, once a vacation
request has been approved, it cannot be displaced by a higher seniority person.
9.3 Advance Vacation
Employees with one year or more of service may request vacation time in advance for no more
than the number of days to be earned during the calendar year.
9.4 Part-Time Employee Vacation
Part-time employees, with the exception of summer employees who receive no vacation time, will receive vacation allowance on a pro-rate basis -- e.g., employees on half-time service will receive six days per year after the first year of service, etc.
9.5 Illness During Vacation
Should an employee become ill during vacation, a doctor's certificate will be required to substitute sick time for the vacation time.
9.6 Vacation Pay on Termination
Unused vacation time will be paid to any employee leaving the service of the Authority. Payment will be made on a pro-rated basis of the individual's current vacation schedule. Similarly, unearned vacation time which may have been taken in advance will be deducted
from the final pay check.
9.7 Vacation Accrual
Employees cannot, at any time, carry more than one year of accrued vacation time on the books. Vacation time will not accrue while an employee is on extended leave of absence,
worker's compensation, or disability absence.
10. LEAVES OF ABSENCE
10.1 Sick Leave
"Sick Leave" is defined as absence from duty because of personal illness or accident by reason of which the employee is unable to perform the usual duties of his position; exposure to a contagious disease; or a period of emergency attendance upon an ill family member requiring the presence of the employee.
The employee is entitled to use the accumulated sick leave, with pay, if and when needed.
Employees absent on sick leave for a period of five days or longer shall present to the supervisor upon return to work a certificate of medical disability completed by a physician. Such certification may be required for absences of less than five days for employees having records of repeated absences.
In the case of absence on sick leave, the employee must notify the supervisor as early as possible before the regular starting time. Failure to notify the supervisor may constitute for disciplinary action.
Employees will earn paid sick leave according to the following schedule:
During the first year of employment: 1 day for each month worked
After the first year of employment: 12 days per year
Part time employees will earn paid sick leave on a pro-rated basis, depending upon the hours
normally worked.
Except for those employees who will retire prior to the expiration of this contract, all other
employees agree to buy-down on their sick time as noted within section 10.1.1.
10.1.1 Sick Time Buy Down
In December of each year, all employee sick time accumulations will be reviewed for Buy
Down.
Those employees who work a 35-hour week will be paid for all accumulated sick time in
excess of 280 hours, and those employees who work a 40-hour week will be paid for all
accumulated sick time in excess of 320 hours as of December 15th of each year.
All employees will be paid 1:1 at their current rate of pay for sick time over their minimum.
At the time of separation in good standing from the company, provided the person has been
employed for at least five years, payment will be made in full for all sick time accrued, not to
exceed $15,000.00
10.2 Personal Leave
Death in the Family
For absence due to death of a member of the employee's immediate family: up to four days
days with pay. "Immediate family" is defined as spouse; parent of employee or parents of
spouse; child; sister or brother of employee or spouse; grandparent/grandchild of employee or
spouse.
For absence due to death of a close member of the employee's family: one day with pay. "Close
member" is defined as uncle/aunt of employee or spouse; niece/nephew; sister-in-law/brother-
in-law. Such absences shall not be more than two days per year.
When there is a death in the family and an employee cannot attend work, it is intended that this
time be used to handle matters related to said death. Absence due to death in the family is not to
be charged to Personal Leave.
Personal Leave of Absence
Three days shall be allowed each year for personal business that cannot be conducted outside
of normal working hours.
Unused personal leave days can accrue for a period of no longer than two years.
10.2.3 Procedure for Extended Personal Leave of Absence
When there are important personal reasons to justify it, employees may request an extended
personal leave of absence without pay, by submitting the following information in writing to
the Executive Director:
- Reason for leave;
- Period of leave;
- A statement to the effect that the employee understands that if the period of leave is exceeded,
that is, the employee does not return on the date specified or obtain an authorized formal
extension, employment will be automatically terminated.
Such request shall be submitted thirty days in advance when possible; otherwise, a reasonable
notice, based on circumstances, shall be given.
The Executive Director will determine whether the conditions justify the request, and will inform the employee within five days, in writing, as to whether the request has been granted or
denied. The written request for leave will remain in the employee's personnel file.
Such extended leave of absence will be granted for a period of three months. Employees may request an additional three months, which shall be subject to the approval of the Authority.
Prior to the start of the leave of absence period, the employee must make arrangements with the Payroll Department in regard to health benefits plan payments during the leave period. The employee may continue coverage in accordance with prevailing law. It must be stressed that failure to make these arrangements will result in loss of benefits. The employee may continue coverage for the leave period only by making personal remittance to the Authority. The premium must be remitted monthly in advance; such premium to include the cost for both employee and dependent charges, if any.
Upon return to work from leave of absence, the employee will return to the same classification as when the employee left. If the classification has increased due to cost of living or other reasons, appropriate consideration will be given to the employee by the Executive Director, based upon the length of the leave of absence.
10.3 Jury Duty
The Authority will reimburse an employee for jury duty only when the employee must physically be at the courthouse serving in the capacity of a juror.
Employees summoned to jury duty will be paid regular salary by the Authority during the period of such service; however, upon receipt of payment from the court, the employee will turn over such payment to the Authority, less traveling expenses.
10.4 Maternity Leave
Permanent employees may request that earned or accumulated sick leave be granted during the time prior to the expected date of delivery and for six weeks after the actual date of delivery. This request must be accompanied by a doctor's certificate and is dependent upon approval by the Department Head. Additional time beyond the six-week period after delivery may be granted, provided the doctor's certificate sets fourth the details of the condition requiring such additional leave.
10.5 Leave Covered by Workers Compensation
If an employee is injured on the job, payment will be made by Workers Compensation Insurance after the seventh working day of absence.
The Authority will continue to pay the full regular salary to an employee for a period of up to 12 weeks following the date of injury on the job; however, any payments made by Workers Compensation Insurance will be turned over to the Authority.
After 12 weeks of receiving a full regular salary, the employee must be examined and evaluated by a physician and/or therapist designated by the Authority. If the designated physician/therapist determines that the employee is able to return to work at that time, the employee's salary payments will cease and the employee will receive only workers compensation.
If it is determined by the designated physician/therapist that the employee cannot return to work, the Authority will continue to pay the full salary, and the workers compensation payments will be turned over to the Authority. The employee will be examined monthly by the designated physician/therapist until the employee returns to work or a determination is made by Workers Compensation Insurance. The decisions of the Authority's designated physician/therapist shall not be subject to the arbitration provision of this collective bargaining agreement.
After discharge, the employee may, at their option, use accumulated sick time proportionately to cover the difference between Workers Compensation Insurance payments and full salary.
10.6 Military Leave of Absence
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 38:23-1, entitled "Leave of Absence for Field Training and Reserve Corp. of United States," and N.J.S.A. 38:23-1.1, entitled "Leave of Absence for Field Training and National Guard, Naval Militia, Air National Guard, or Reserve Components," any permanent employee who is a member of any of the organized reserve units set forth in the aforestated statutes shall be entitled to leave of absence from the employee’s respective duty without loss of pay or time on all days on which the employee shall be engaged in compulsory field training. Such leave of absence shall be in addition to the regular vacation allowed each employee.
11. SMOKE-FREE FACILITIES
Effective January 1, 1991, all BTMUA buildings, facilities and vehicles were declared smoke-free. Suitable receptacles have been provided outside building entrances for smoking materials to be extinguished before entering.
12. BENEFIT PLANS
The following benefits are provided by the Authority to eligible employees covered by this
Agreement on a group basis:
(a) Basic and major medical insurance
(b) Dental insurance*
(c) Vision care plan
(d) Prescription drug plan
(e) Long Term Disability Insurance
These benefits are outlined in separate booklets describing each of the plans in detail.
*With the commencement of the contract year 2001 through 2003, the dental plan coverage
will be increased as follows:
Dental Coverage will increase from $1,000 to $1,800 per year
Orthodontia Coverage will increase from $500 to $1,500 per year
The Authority reserves the right to change insurance carriers if it should be in the best interests of the Authority and its employees.
12.1 Benefit Waiver Reimbursement
Beginning in 2001 and on a yearly basis thereafter, the authority will offer, to those employees who choose to waive their entire health benefits offered by this authority, the following compensation:
Single Coverage: $1,000 Husband/Wife: $2,300
Family: $2,500 Parent/Child: $1,400
These payments will be made at the end of each year. Any employee starting or ending employment during the year will have the payment pro-rated for the portion of the year benefits were waived.
There will be no compensation paid to the employee for the difference in the premium paid by the Authority for HMO coverage versus a traditional plan coverage.
12.2 Other Benefits
The following benefits are provided to the employees and are mandated by law:
(a) Participation in the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS).
(b) Participation in the PERS Group Life Insurance Plan.
(c) Disability Income Insurance.
Information on these programs is contained in brochures from the Payroll Department.
12.3 Uniforms
Specific uniform articles will be supplied to those employees required to wear uniforms, as
noted below. The parties agree that the employees shall wear such uniforms only while on
MUA business.
Lab Technician/Sampler Watershed Sampler
5 pair pants 5 pair pants
2 pair shorts 2 pair shorts
3 short sleeve shirts w/logo 3 short sleeve shirts w/logo
3 long sleeve shirts w/logo 3 long sleeve shirts w/logo
1 pair shoes 1 pair shoes
1 sweater or sweatshirt w/logo 1 sweater or sweatshirt w/logo
1 winter jacket w/logo 1 winter jacket w/logo
Inspector Senior Inspector
6 pair pants 5 pair pants
1 pair coveralls 1 pair coveralls
3 short sleeve shirts w/logo 3 short sleeve shirts w/logo
3 long sleeve shirts w/logo 3 long sleeve shirts w/logo
1 pair work boots 1 pair work boots
1 lightweight jacket w/logo 1 lightweight jacket w/logo
1 winter jacket w/logo 1 winter jacket w/logo
1 navy blazer w/logo
12.4 Indemnification
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 59:10-4, entitled "Local Public Entities-Authority to Indemnify," the Authority shall have the right to indemnify employees consistent with the provisions of Title 59 of the New Jersey Statutes if the alleged act or omission upon which a claim is based occurred within the scope of the employee's employment with the Authority. However, in any case where the act committed by the employee constitutes an actual fraud, actual malice, willful conduct or intentional wrongdoing, or emanates from an act outside the scope of said employee's duties, the Authority shall not have the right to indemnify said employee.
An employee shall not be entitled to request indemnification unless within ten (10) calendar days of the time the employee is served with any summons, complaint, process, notice, demand or pleading, the employee delivers the original or a copy thereof to the Authority.
13. Tuition Reimbursement
The Authority will consider paying education expenses for employees wishing to upgrade their education. Each request for reimbursement shall be submitted in writing to the employee's immediate Supervisor prior to taking the course. The Supervisor will submit the request with his recommendation to the Executive Director, who will determine the merits and advantages to the Authority of such additional education. If approved, the employee shall be authorized to take the course and be reimbursed by the Authority upon successful completion.
Obtaining a license or other diploma which may qualify an employee for an upgrading will not entitle said employee to an immediate salary increase. Such license or diploma will be taken into consideration for a salary increase within the next contract period.
In such cases where an employee is required to take a particular course or training by direction of the Authority, the Authority will pay the full cost of tuition and books in advance.
Attachment A. JOB TITLES & SALARY RANGES
OFFICE/TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Starting Rate Increase
2008 2009
Inventory Clerk $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Receptionist $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Key Punch Operator $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Bookkeeper $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Computer Operator $30,000 - $50,000 $30,000 $30,000
Customer Accounts Clerk $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Senior Clerk $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Principal Clerk $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Payroll/Clerk $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Purchasing Clerk $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Secretary $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Design Draftsman $30,000 - $50,000 $30,000 $30,000
Inspection $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Senior Inspector $30,000 - $50,000 $30,000 $30,000
Lab Technician/ Sampler $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
Lab Equipment Operator $30,000 - $50,000 $30,000 $30,000
Field Secretary $20,800 - $45,000 $22,880 $23,920
SCADA Technical $30,000 - $50,000 $30,000 $30,000
Hourly Starting Rates to increase as follows:
2007 2008 2009
10.00 11.00 11.50
10.50 11.50 12.00
11.00 12.00 12.50
12.00 13.00 13.50
13.00 14.00 14.50
13.22 14.22 15.00
AGREEMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PAGE
ACCEPTED THIS_________ DAY OF _________________________, 2007:
For the Authority: ______________________________________________________
Patrick L. Bottazzi, Chairman
______________________________________________________
Kevin F. Donald, Executive Director
For the Office/
Technical Committee: ____________________________________________________
Margaret Mullen
____________________________________________________
David Guetzlaff |