HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2022-080 SPEA 3 Year Contract Sponsored by: Bower
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-080
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, APPROVING THE AGREEMENT COVERING TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA AND THE SEWARD PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
(SPEA) EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2023 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31,
2025
WHEREAS,on March 27, 2018, Resolution 2018-024 authorized a union representation
election to take place and determined which staff positions would be eligible to be included in the
Seward Public Employees Association(SPEA); and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2019, the Seward City Council voted to authorize the City
Manager to enter into an agreement with the Alaska Public Employees Association(APEA), also
known as the Seward Public Employees Association(SPEA),effective January 1, 2019; and
WHEREAS,the current contract between the City of Seward and SPEA, as approved by
Resolution 2021-086,will expire on December 31, 2022; and
WHEREAS, on May 31 and June 1, 2022, negotiation teams for the City of Seward and
SPEA met to negotiate a three-year contract for the period of January 1, 2023 through December
31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, on June 10, 2022, the membership of SPEA voted to approve the proposed
contract which is now coming to council for ratification.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. The City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the
Seward Public Employees Association for the period of January 1, 2023—December 31, 2025, in
substantially the form as attached herein.
Section 2.This contract shall go into effect on January 1, 2023.
Section 3.This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this the
27th day of June 2022.
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-080
TIC C SEWA A,SKA
C4 is Ter , Mayor
AYES: DeMoss, Wells, McClure, Casagranda, Calhoon, Osenga, Terry
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
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:renda J. Ball , M C
City Clerk
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City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: June 27, 2022
To: City Council
From: Janette Bower, City Manager
Agenda Item: Resolution 2022-080: Approving the Agreement Covering Terms and
Conditions of Employment Between the City of Seward, Alaska, and the
Seward Public Employees Association (SPEA) Effective January 1, 2023, and
Ending December 31, 2025
Background and justification:
The current contract between the City of Seward and the Seward Public Employees Association
(SPEA) expires on December 31, 2022. SPEA membership is comprised of employees in various
departments across the City, and this contract has financial impacts on 2023-2025 in all
departments.
SPEA has been existence since 2019 and this contract constitutes the third collective bargaining
agreement with the City of Seward. The intent is to provide for a fair and equitable agreement for all SPEA
members from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025. Negotiations were professional, polite, and took
place from May 31-June 1, 2022.
The contract includes a 2.5% cost of living adjustment and a .45% increase between the steps for
2023. In 2024, there will a 1.5% cost of living adjustment and the same .45% increase between the
steps. In 2025, there will a 1.5% cost of living adjustment and the same .45% increase between the
steps. These increases will be included in the appropriate budget.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 3.7 Provide Public Services
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Certification of Funds
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 0
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of: $
Creates expenditure in amount of: $ 0
Creates a savings in the amount of: $
x Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s): Fiscal changes will be included in the 2023-2025 operating budgets
Not budgeted
x Not applicable
62
Unassigned Fund Balance and Available Unrestricted Cash Balance Information
Fund (✓):
General SMIC Electric Wastewater
Boat Harbor Parking F1 Water F1 Healthcare
Motor Pool Other
Unassigned Fund Balance*: $ *unaudited numbers
Available Unrestricted Cash Balance*: $
Finance Director Signature:
Attorney Review,/ Administration Recommendation
RxYes x Adopt Resolution
Not applicable Other:
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ARTICLE 1 - PREAMBLE AND PURPOSE
This Agreement is made and entered into between the City of Seward, hereinafter referred to as
the "City," and the Seward Public Employees Association, referred to as the "Union."
The purpose of this Agreement is to set forth the terms and conditions of employment with the
City and to promote orderly and peaceful labor relations.
The parties recognize that the interests of the community and the job security of the Employees
depend upon the City's success in establishing proper and cost-efficient service to the
community. To these ends, the City and the Union encourage, to the fullest degree, friendly and
cooperative relations between their respective representatives at all levels and among all
Employees.
The parties also agree that it is their mutual intent to maintain and strengthen the merit
principles in the bargaining unit.
ARTICLE 2 - RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
2.1 Recognition & Rights
The City recognizes the Union as the sole bargaining agent for and exclusive representative of
those Employees whose job classifications are set out in Appendix A to this Agreement and
have not elected to opt out of representation for collective bargaining with respect to salaries,
wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. The City shall not negotiate,
confer, or handle grievances with any Employee organization other than the Union or its
designee on matters concerning unit members of the Seward Public Employees Association.
2.2 Excluded Positions
1. This Agreement excludes from the bargaining unit and does not include any
Employee who has exercised their right to be governed by the City and the
following classifications:
Assistant City Manager, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Finance
Director, Deputy Finance Director, IT Manager, Deputy City Clerk, Human
Resource Officer, Planner, Police Chief, Deputy Chief, Police Executive Assistant,
Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Public Works Director, Street Foreman, Parks and
Recreation Director, Park and Campground Operations Supervisor, Library
Director, Library and Museum Program Coordinator, Harbormaster, Deputy
Harbormaster.
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2. If SPEA deems an excluded position should be included in SPEA, a Unit
Clarification Petition will be submitted to the Alaska Labor Relations Agency
(ALRA).
2.3 Purpose of Bargaining
The City and the Union now enter into an Agreement reached through collective bargaining
which will have the following purposes:
1. To promote fair, reasonable, consistent, and safe working conditions.
2. To recognize the legitimate, reasonable employment-related interests of the
Union to participate through collective bargaining in the determination of the
terms and conditions of Employees' employment with the City.
3. To promote harmonious relations between the City and the Union.
4. To promote individual efficiency in service to the citizens of the City of Seward.
5. To avoid any interference with efficient and safe operation of the City of Seward.
6. To provide a basis for the adjustment of any matter of mutual interest by means
of amicable discussion.
7. To contribute to the continuation of good Employee relations and to be in all
respects in the best public interest.
2.4 Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA)
Both parties recognize that the Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA) retains its authority to
determine bargaining unit assignments. New positions and/or classifications created by the
Employer shall be placed in the appropriate bargaining unit consistent with prior ALRA rulings.
The SPEA shall be notified of all new job classifications created, or revisions to existing
classifications, within ten (10) working days of such action. The notification shall include a copy
of the job class specifications. Notification shall be via email and job class specification shall be
attached.
No filled position shall be removed from this bargaining unit without written notification to
SPEA. If SPEA does not file a written petition with the ALRA challenging the proposed bargaining
unit change within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of the notice to SPEA, the Employer is
free to take the proposed action.
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No filled position shall be changed to exempt or partially exempt status without at least thirty
(30) calendar days' notice to SPEA prior to submitting the request to ALRA. Concurrent with the
notice, the Employer shall provide a written explanation of the transfer request to SPEA.
2.5 Management Rights
It is recognized that the Employer retains the right, except otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, to manage the affairs of the City of Seward and to direct its workforce. Such
functions of the Employer include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Determine the overall mission and purpose of the City.
2. Determining the services to be rendered, the operations to be performed, the
technology to be utilized, or the matters to be budgeted and the priorities therefor.
3. Determine the overall methods, processes, means,job classification and descriptions,
work schedules, work assignments, and personnel by which the work of the City is to be
conducted.
4. Direct, supervise, hire, recruit, select, promote, train, evaluate, transfer within a job
classification, assign, and schedule Employees.
5. Discipline Employees for just cause.
6. Lay off Employees from duties because of lack of work or funds or under conditions where
the City determines that continued work would be inefficient or nonproductive.
7. Establish reasonable work rules, assign the hours of work, and assign Employees to shifts
of its designation.
8. Adopt policies, regulations, educational programs, safety programs, and any other
measurers, not in conflict with this Agreement, necessary to assure the efficient and
effective operations of the City.
9. Contract out work if no Employee covered by this Agreement will be laid off or have their
hours of work cut.
10. Develop and/or modify job descriptions.
2.6 Contracting Work
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It is the general policy of the City to continue to utilize its Employees to perform the work they
are qualified to perform. However, the City reserves the right to contract out any work it deems
necessary, in the interest of efficiency, improved work product, economy, or emergency, as long
as no Employee covered by this Agreement will be laid off or have their hours of work cut.
ARTICLE 3 - UNION MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
3.1 Membership Requirements
Any eligible Employee who is or becomes a member of the Union during the life of this
Agreement shall remain a member during the term of the Agreement, except that such
individual may withdraw from membership upon serving thirty (30) calendar days written
notice to the Union and Employer. Any employee who later decides to join the Union may only
opt out during either the thirty (30) calendar day period immediately preceding the annual
anniversary date or the scheduled termination date of this Agreement, or the thirty (30)
calendar day period immediately preceding the anniversary date of the individual's most recent
official Membership Application and Dues Deduction Authorization form(s). No employee may
join the Union while subject to an active disciplinary investigation or has a reasonable belief
that a disciplinary investigation is imminent; during the grievance process; or for the purpose of
filing a grievance.
The City will provide the name, personal email, personal phone number, address, and job title
of a new eligible Employee twenty-four (24) hours before the new Employee's start date. The
new Employee will have ten (10) working days from their start date to opt-in or out of the
Union. The Union shall provide the Employee with a copy of this Agreement. The City will
provide the Union with a copy of the membership form and/or opt-out form.
3.2 Dues/Fees
Upon written authorization of an Employee on a form provided by the Union, the City shall
deduct from the Employee's paycheck the monthly amount of union dues or agency fees and
transmit such amount to the Union.
1. Membership Dues: Membership dues and fees for Employees who join the Union shall
be collected in accordance with the bylaws of the Union.
2. Voluntary Agency Fees: Employees covered by this Agreement who choose to become a
Voluntary Agency Fee Payer shall have such fees collected in accordance with the
bylaws of the Union.
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3.3 Payroll Deductions
1. The payment of membership dues or voluntary agency fees shall commence with the
first payday of the month after thirty-one (31) calendar days following the initial date of
employment.
2. The City shall promptly pay to the Union those authorized membership dues/agency
fees deducted from Employee wages each month. Employees, who choose to change
their status from membership to a voluntary agency fee payer or to a non-member, may
do so after written notice to the Union and the City Administration. Such status change
shall become effective immediately based on the date of the written notice. Any
adjustments to the deductions shall occur at the next full pay period.
3.4 Union and Employee Responsibility
This Agreement is binding for every Employee in the bargaining unit. Each Employee,
individually and collectively, accepts full responsibility for carrying out all the provisions of this
Agreement. The Union agrees that it shall actively dissuade absenteeism and tardiness, all
forms of illegal harassment, and any other practices which may hamper the City's operation.
The Union will support the City's efforts to eliminate waste and inefficiency, to improve the
quality of work, and to promote harmonious relations between the City and Employees. The
Union shall make every effort to see that Employees obey all City workplace policies,
procedures, rules, and instructions which are not in conflict with the terms of this Agreement.
3.5 Union Representatives and Activities
1. The Union may have six (6) Employee Representatives who shall be authorized to handle
complaints and grievances arising under this Agreement. The Union shall provide to the
City a list of all authorized Employee Representatives. The Union may designate
different Employee Representatives at any time within thirty (30) calendar days written
notice to the City Administration.
2. An Employee Representative may make reasonable visits within the work area the
Employee represents for the purposes of handling specific complaints and grievances
arising under this Agreement. The Employee Representative shall first notify and obtain
the approval of the Department Head in advance of such visit, advising the Department
Head where the Employee Representative shall be and how long the Employee
Representative anticipates such visit shall take. The Employee Representative shall
arrange such visits to occur at times when they will least impact City operations and the
performance of work. Prior to conducting such visit, the Employee Representative shall
fill out the appropriate time record recording the time the Representative left the work
assignment/area. Upon concluding the visit, the Employee Representative shall
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promptly notify the Department Head that the visit was concluded, and that the
Representative has returned to the work assignment/area, at which time the
Representative shall record on the appropriate time record that the visit has concluded.
All time spent on such visits shall be designated on the time record as Union Leave and
deducted from the appropriate Union Leave account.
3. The Union may have representatives who are not Employees of the City who also shall
be authorized to speak for the Union in all matters governed by this Agreement and
shall be permitted to visit any work area for the purpose of administering this
Agreement at reasonable times upon advance approval of the City Administration or
designee. Such approval will not be unreasonably denied. The Union shall arrange such
visits to occur at times when they will least impact City operations and the performance
of work. The Union shall provide to the City a list of all such authorized representatives.
4. During working hours, the Employee Representative may handle complaints and
grievances arising under this Agreement with the proper City Representative. These
visits shall be scheduled, held and accounted for in the same manner and in accordance
with the procedures set forth in Section 2 above. Employee Representatives will not
leave their work duties during emergency or critical situations.
5. Upon the concurrence of the Department Head and when the normal flow of work will
not be unduly disrupted, the Employee Representative will be allowed to confer
periodically and for a reasonable length of time with Employer Representatives to work
out solutions to problems on matters not deemed critical but which, because of
convenience to both management and labor, can be moved toward resolution. These
visits shall also be scheduled, held and accounted for in the same manner and in
accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2 above.
3.6 Union Leave and Leave Bank
1. Employees granted Union leave shall be paid for their leave time from the Union
Business Leave Bank as set out in Subsection 2 below, so long as there is accumulated
leave in the bank. The City shall not be obligated to compensate the Employee
Representatives for any time spent on Union leave. The hours spent on Union leave will
not be counted as hours worked for purposes of computing overtime. Union leave shall
be granted in the following manner:
a. No more than six (6) Employee members of the Union negotiating committee shall
receive Union leave for all time necessary for the conduct of contract negotiations,
including reasonable time for negotiating committee meetings outside of the
negotiations themselves.
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b. Union leave shall be granted for all reasonable time necessary to process grievances,
including arbitrations, for grievants, Employee Representatives and elected Union
officers who may be involved, and witnesses.
c. Employee Representatives shall be granted up to five (5) workdays per calendar year
of Union leave to attend Union sponsored training.
d. Elected Union officers shall be granted a reasonable amount of Union leave for the
purpose of conducting Union business. Such time shall not normally exceed four (4)
hours per week.
e. Union leave will not be unreasonably denied. However, it is understood and agreed
that such leave may be denied if the Employee's services are needed by the City.
Requests for association business leave will normally be made through the Union
President or designee. The Union will endeavor to give as much notice as possible
for business leave.
2. Union Business Leave Bank
a. There is hereby created a Union Business Leave Bank which shall be administered by
the Employer with records kept by the Employer. The Bank shall be established by
an automatic transfer each January 16 of two (2) hours of PTO leave from the leave
account of each Employee in the bargaining unit. If an Employee does not have two
(2) hours of PTO leave as of January 16, the two (2) hours shall be transferred when
the Employee has accrued them. The Bank will be used consistent with the terms of
this Article.
b. The Union may cancel the automatic leave deduction for any year in which enough
cash is available for purposes of the Bank.
c. The Employer agrees that reasonable effort will be made to release Employees
consistent with the terms of this Article. However, the parties recognize that
situations may arise that prevent representatives from being released.
3.7 Meeting Space
Where there is available meeting space in City owned facilities, such space may be used for
meetings by the Union at no cost to the Union with a written reasonable notice to the City.
Approval shall not be unreasonably denied.
3.8 Bulletin Board
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The Union shall have the right to use bulletin board space at mutually agreeable locations for
the purposes of posting Union information. The union contract and union calendar shall be
placed in all city Employee break rooms and shall be plainly visible.
ARTICLE 4 -JOB CLASSIFICATION,JOB DESCRIPTIONS & PAY PLAN
It is the obligation of the City to establish and maintain a classification system and a pay plan.
4.1 Classification Rights and Duty
1. The City shall have sole authority and duty to establish, decide, determine, and
designate all occupational classifications it has to offer Employees, including the right to
establish new classifications, reclassify, change, consolidate or abolish existing
classifications at any time, and to determine job content, duties and responsibilities. The
City shall also have the authority to allocate and reallocate positions.
2. The City may establish new classifications and rates for classifications. The City shall
notify the Union when any new classification is established within ten (10) working days
of such action. The notification shall include a copy of the job class specifications.
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, notification shall be via email and job class
specification shall be attached. In the event the Union, within five (5) calendar days
thereafter, notifies the City in writing that it disagrees with said rate, the matter shall be
subject to negotiations between the parties. The rate shall be effective as of the first
date Employees were assigned to the classification.
4.2 Job Descriptions
The City shall maintain job descriptions which identify essential functions but are not inclusive
of every duty of a position. Job descriptions shall include a statement of qualifications
consistent with Section 4.4 below. The City will notify the Union of proposed changes to Job
Descriptions which will impact Employees currently employed in the affected position(s) within
ten (10) working days prior to being adopted. The notification shall include a copy of the job
class description. Notification shall be via email and job class specification shall be attached. In
the event the Union, within five (5) calendar days thereafter, notifies the City in writing that it
disagrees with said rate, the matter shall be subject to negotiations between the parties.
4.3 Duties of Employees
An Employee may be required by the City to perform the duties described in the job description
for the Employee's class as well as any other duties which the Employee has the skills and
qualifications to perform.
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4.4 Qualifications Statements
The qualifications statements in each job description establish minimum requirements that
must be met by an individual before consideration for appointment or promotion to a position.
Common alternative combinations of education, training or experience are specified in the job
description.
4.5 Job Titles
1. Official Job Titles: Each position shall have an official job title which is specified in the
classification plan and is used to identify each individual position. The official job title
shall be used to designate positions in all budget estimates, payroll documents, and
personnel records and reports.
2. Working Job Titles: For all purposes other than those described in Subsection 1 above,
any suitable working job title may be used.
3. Position Levels: The job titles are generally indicative of the work of the position and of
the level of its importance and responsibility. Where Roman numerals or numbers are
affixed at the end of a title to indicate level within an occupation subseries, the higher
numbers represent the higher levels.
4.6 Review of Job Classifications and Job Classes
1. The City Manager shall provide for a systematic and periodic review of classes of
positions if the City Manager determines, in his or her sole discretion, that duties,
responsibilities, and authority have changed substantially, or other conditions, including
but not limited to an Employee request for review, warrant such a review. The City
Manager shall allow the Union and Employees to provide input into such a review.
2. When an Employee, or the Union acting on the behalf of an Employee, feels that the
duties and responsibilities of his/her position are not accurately reflected in the job
description, the Employee or the Union will provide a written request in writing to
Human Resource Officer to re-analyze the job description.
3. The Union may appeal in writing the findings of the Human Resources Officer to the City
Manager within ten (10) working days. The City Manager will render a decision within
thirty (30) working days.
4. The Union may request not more than three (3) studies of significant substance under
Subsection 2 above in a calendar year.
4.7 Wage Schedule
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The pay plan shall include the schedule of pay ranges, consisting of minimum, intermediate,
and maximum rates of pay for all positions. The development of the pay plan shall be directly
linked with the classification plan and shall be based on the principle of equal pay for equal
work. The City Administration shall be responsible for developing the pay plan and pay
schedule.
a. Wage schedules are posted in Appendix B.
ARTICLE 5 - PERSONNEL ACTIONS
5.1 Personnel Actions
The City shall have the sole and exclusive right to make appointments, including but not limited
to recruiting, examining, selecting, promoting, and transferring Employees of its choosing and
to determine the times and methods of such actions. The City retains the right to fill any
position from outside the bargaining unit, although the City recognizes the benefits of selecting
a qualified Employee covered by this Agreement who has applied for a vacancy. All personnel
actions shall be documented.
5.2 Definitions
1. "Appointing authority" means the City Manager, except that the City Clerk shall be the
appointing authority for all positions in the City Clerk Department.
2. "Department Head" means each of the following: The Finance Director, the Manager of
Engineering and Construction, the Manager of Electric Utility, the Public Works Director,
the Harbormaster, the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief, the Director of Parks and
Recreation, and the Library/Museum Director.
3. "Personnel officer" means the Human Resource Officer.
4. "Exempt employee" means an employee whose position is classified under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as an executive, professional, or administrative position.
These positions are not subject to overtime compensation.
5. "Regular employee" means an employee in a regular position, full-time or part-time,
who has successfully completed all probationary periods and is not a temporary,
seasonal, on-call, or emergency employee.
6. "Regular position" means a position which is expected to exist for more than nine (9)
months.
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7. "Full-time employee" means an employee who regularly works forty (40) hours per
week.
8. "Part-time employee" means an employee who regularly works one (1) to thirty-four
(34) hours per week.
9. "Probationary employee" means an employee who has not yet completed the
probationary period imposed (reference the article not the code).
5.3 Job Announcements
1. The City shall post all bargaining unit position job openings, whether newly created or
vacant, at mutually agreeable locations in each department for a period of five (5)
calendar days prior to the expiration date for submission of applications. The posting
timeframe may be shortened when required by circumstances beyond the City's control
or where necessary to ensure the continuity of City operations. Justification must be
provided in the announcement and to the union.
2. All qualified bargaining unit members who hold regular status and submit an application
for a posted vacancy will be considered for any job vacancy covered by this Agreement
along with any other applicants.
3. Qualified Employees covered by this Agreement who apply for any vacancy shall be
granted an interview for the position. The City acknowledges the value of current
Employees and agrees to give Employees who interview for a vacant position full and
fair consideration.
5.4 Types of Appointments
1. Emergency Appointment: The appointing authority may authorize emergency
appointments not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days without recourse to usual
certification procedures. Such appointments shall be made only in cases of an
unforeseen emergency and when necessary to prevent impairment to City services.
Emergency appointments are not entitled to any benefits.
2. On-call Appointment: Employees may be hired on an on-call basis upon the
recommendation of the Department Head and approval of the City Manager. On-call
appointments may be for no more than 180 calendar days.
3. Probationary Appointment: All appointments to positions in City service, including new
hires, rehires, demotions for disciplinary reasons, and promotions shall be on a
probationary basis. Length of probation period for a regular full-time employee is 180
calendar days unless probation is extended.
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4. Regular Appointment: A regular appointment occurs after an Employee has satisfactorily
completed a probationary appointment to the position.
5. Temporary Appointment/Seasonal Appointments:
a. Temporary appointments shall not exceed nine (9) consecutive months. No
temporary employee shall work more than nine (9) months in a calendar year.
b. Seasonal Appointment: Seasonal appointments shall be made on a seasonal basis
with the expectation that the Employee will return to their position consistent with
the City's needs, although the hiring will be temporary pursuant to Temporary
appointments. No Employee shall have the absolute right to continue employment
in any particular position.
c. Employees hired on a temporary or seasonal basis with prior City work status may
be given preference for re-employment for the same position on the
recommendation of the Department Head and approval of the City Manager.Job
announcements for temporary or season positions shall contain notice that persons
with priority City work status may be accorded preference for re-employment.
6. Term Appointments: The appointing authority, or a Department Head with the approval
of the City Manager, may appoint term employees. A term employee is an employee in
a position, full or part-time, that is designed for a specified period of time of more than
nine (9) months and less than two (2) years for a specific purpose or project. A person
hired for a term appointment shall be hired under the same provisions and have the
same benefits as a regular employee, except that a term employee appointed to a
position of less than one year shall not accumulate annual leave or be authorized
military or education leave. However, annual leave shall be credited retroactive to the
date of term appointment if a term employee is appointed as a regular employee
without a break in service as an Employee of the City.
7. Acting Appointment /Temporary Assignment:
a. An acting appointment is made when a qualified Employee may be required to serve
temporarily in a higher-level position.
b. Time in an acting appointment may be counted toward experience for the class of
position
c. Employees filling an acting assignment shall not be asked or allowed to do jobs or
tasks that they are not adequately trained or licensed to do. An Employee who
obtains an acting appointment shall not always be required to perform all the duties
and responsibilities assigned to the incumbent. The duties and responsibilities that
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are assigned to the Employee who has obtained the acting appointment shall be
determined by the City Administration.
d. When an Employee is temporarily assigned to a position with a higher pay range for
a period of at least three (3) consecutive days but less than thirty (30) days, they
shall be compensated above their base rate by ten percent (25%). If an Employee's
base rate is the maximum of the pay range, they shall be compensated above the
maximum pay step by ten percent (25%). If the assignment is for a period of thirty
(30) calendar days or more, they shall be paid at the first step of the higher pay
range or they shall be given a ten percent (25%) increase as provided in the
preceding sentence, whichever is higher, for the full period worked in the temporary
assignment. An Employee who is temporarily assigned to a position with a lower pay
range for any period shall not receive a reduction in pay. An Employee acting in an
exempt position will still receive their hourly rate plus ten percent (25%) and will be
paid for overtime at time and a half.
5.5 Promotion
A promotion is the filling of a vacancy by the advancement of an Employee from a position
having a lower pay range. Promotions shall be based upon qualifications. All promotions shall
be advertised for seven (7) days to all City Employees. All qualified City Employees shall be
allowed to apply and complete the interview process before the position is posted to the
public.
5.6 Transfers
A transfer is the lateral movement from one bargaining unit position to another position in the
same or a parallel class in the same pay range without any break in service. The transfer may be
within a department, or from one department to another. An Employee must meet the
minimum qualifications for the position the Employee transfers to.
1. Voluntary Employee Requested Transfer: An Employee may request a transfer within or
between departments by submitting the request in writing to the City Administrators.
The request must include a current job application providing evidence of qualification
for the requested position. Upon approval of the City Administration, or designee, and
before completion of any transfer, the Employee shall be notified in writing of any
change in status, including pay step, anniversary date, length of service, and
requirement for serving a probationary period.
2. Reasonable Accommodation: A transfer may be offered to a qualified Employee with a
disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Failure to accept an offered transfer
in this situation may result in administrative separation if the Employee is unable to
perform the essential functions of his/her current position without accommodation and
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if the Employer can demonstrate that an accommodation would impose an undue
hardship.
ARTICLE 6 - PROBATIONARY PERIODS
6.1 Newly Hired Positions
1. The probationary period for full time positions is one hundred and eighty (180) calendar
days.
2. The probationary period for part-time positions is five hundred and twenty (520) hours
of consecutive service.
3. Probationary appointments entitle a newly hired Employee to the same benefits
available to an Employee who has obtained a regular appointment, subject to the
conditions of the benefit plans, and unless otherwise specified in this Agreement.
4. The Employee shall acquire regular status on the first working day following completion
of the probationary period unless action is taken to separate the Employee or to extend
the probationary period in writing prior to the end of the probationary appointment.
The probationary period may be extended for a period of time not to exceed ninety (90)
calendar days. Such an extension does not affect or change the initial hire anniversary
date with the City for the Employee.
6.2 Probationary Period after Promotion
1. Regular Employees who are promoted shall serve a new probationary period of one
hundred and eighty (180) calendar days in the new position. An Employee who holds
regular status in any position and who subsequently accepts a promotion to a new
position retains return rights to return to the last position in which Employee held
regular status if the position is vacant when the employee requests to return. The
Employee may exercise these rights voluntarily at any time prior to completion of
probation in the new position or upon notification that Employee has failed to
satisfactorily complete probation in the new position. An Employee who exercises this
return right shall not be required to serve a probationary period in a position where the
Employee has already held regular status. Return rights do not apply to an Employee
disciplined for just cause.
2. Unless the continuity of City services is at risk, the promoted Employee's previous
position will not be filled for fourteen (14) days in order for the newly promoted
Employee and the City to determine if the promotion is a proper fit. Either the Employee
or the City can invoke return rights to the Employee's previous position during this time
for any reason or no reason.
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3. A promoted Employee who returns to a previous position, regardless of the reason, will
be returned to the range and step the Employee held prior to promotion.
4. Employees who promote or transfer out of the bargaining unit have no rights to return
to their former bargaining unit position.
5. Promotional probationary employee means an employee who has not successfully
completed a probationary period for a position into which the employee was promoted
or hired.
6.3 Probationary Period after Demotion
When a Regular Employee is demoted for a non-disciplinary reason to a position in a job
classification where the Employee had previously completed a probationary period, no
probationary period shall be served. When a Regular Employee demotes into a position that the
Employee has not previously held regular status, the Employee shall be placed on a six (6)
month probationary period.
6.4 Discipline or Separation During Probationary Period
At any time during the probationary period, a newly hired Employee serves "at will" and may be
disciplined or discharged for any reason or no reason. Just cause is not required for any form of
discipline or separation during the probationary period under these circumstances.
ARTICLE 7 - PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS & PERSONNEL FILES
7.1 Performance Evaluations
The primary purpose of the Employee performance evaluation program is to inform Employees
how well they are performing and to offer constructive criticism on how they can improve their
work performance. Performance evaluations shall also be considered in decisions affecting
salary advancement, promotions, reassignments, dismissal, and training needs.
7.2 Periods of Evaluations
1. End of Probationary Period: Each Employee shall be evaluated within ten (10) working
days prior to the completion of their probationary period. If the probationary period
ends without being extended or the employee being terminated, it is assumed the
Employee performance is satisfactory even if a performance review is not completed,
and shall receive their pay increase.
2. Annual: Each Employee shall receive an annual performance evaluation. (see 7.3.5)
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3. Special: A special performance evaluation may be completed when there is a significant
change either upward or downward in the Employee's performance.
7.3 The Evaluation Process
1. Rating Officer: The rating officer shall be the Employee's immediate supervisor. The
rating officer shall be responsible for completing a performance evaluation on the form
provided and approved by the City. In the case of unsatisfactory performance, the rating
officer will include written comments as to the remedial actions required by the
Employee. The completed evaluation shall be discussed with the Employee, and the
Employee will be allowed to add comments if desired. After the discussion is completed,
both the rating officer and the Employee shall sign the completed evaluation form, but
such form shall not be considered incomplete or invalid because the Employee fails or
refuses to sign it.
2. Reviewing Officer: The reviewing officer shall be the rating officer's immediate
supervisor. The reviewing officer shall review the performance evaluation completed by
each rating officer under their jurisdiction before the report is discussed with the
Employee. The reviewing officer shall consider the performance evaluation completed
by the rating officer when evaluating the rating officer's performance.
3. The Employee shall be allowed five (5) calendar days to prepare written comments
which will become part of the evaluation. No further comments or changes may be
made on the form by management after it has been submitted to the Employee for final
signature. The original performance evaluation shall be filed in the Employee's
personnel file with a copy of the final document provided to the Employee.
4. Police officers shall not be evaluated on the number of traffic stops and citations they
write or the number of arrests they make, unless they are provided written directive by
the department head.To the extent that the number of stops, citations or arrests is
indicative of performance, the figures may be considered during an evaluation in
conjunction with other factors.
5. Employees who receive an overall rating of"unsatisfactory" on their annual evaluation
shall not be eligible to receive a step increase. Any unsatisfactory performance
evaluation will require review and concurrence by the City Manager.
6. When an annual evaluation is not completed and discussed with the Employee within
thirty (30) calendar days following the Employee's anniversary date in a position, it is
assumed the Employee is meeting performance expectations, unless shown otherwise
by substantial evidence. If a performance evaluation is not completed timely through no
fault of the Employee, it is assumed the Employee performance is satisfactory, and shall
receive their pay increase.
7.4 Personnel Files
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1. The City shall maintain a confidential personnel file for each Employee in the Human
Resources office. No confidential or protected information will be maintained by any
individual City department unless specifically identified within this Agreement or
required by law.
2. An Employee shall have access to their personnel file in a reasonable period of time
following notice to the Human Resources office. Employees shall also be provided a
copy of the Employee's personnel file, or any parts thereof, within a reasonable period
of time following the Employee's request for a copy.
3. The Union, or any other third party, shall have access to an Employee's personnel file
only upon written authorization by the Employee specifying what files or documents the
Union or third party may review.
4. Nothing in this Section precludes the City from releasing an Employee's personnel file as
required by law or a court order.
ARTICLE 8 - DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE
8.1 General Policy
1. All Employees shall be informed of applicable standards of performance and personal
conduct. All City Employees shall have in their possession a copy of an up-to-date
personnel regulations manual.
2. All disciplinary actions shall be documented in writing and presented to the Employee
and placed in the Employee's personnel file. The letter shall be reviewed with the
Employee and sincere efforts shall be made to obtain agreement with the Employee
that facts are stated correctly that the inappropriate or incorrect behavior did occur,
that it represents behavior that should be disciplined, that the discipline is appropriate
and that the behavior shall not be repeated. If agreed errors are found, the letter shall
be revised and again reviewed. Comments of the Employee shall be entered under the
appropriate heading.
8.2 Disciplinary Action Procedure
1. Regular Employees: The City shall notify SPEA Employees of meetings to be held that
may result in discipline in writing. The notification shall include the purpose of the
meeting, the date, time, and place that the meeting will be held, and that the Employee
has the right to request Union representation. Also, the notification will allow twenty-
four (24) hours as described in Section 8.3(2) to arrange for appropriate representation
to be secured if the Employee so desires. No Regular (non-probationary) Employee shall
be disciplined without just cause. The City will follow the principle of progressive
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discipline at the appropriate steps and as applicable. Progressive discipline steps may
include but are not limited to:
a. oral reprimand (memorialized in writing);
b. written reprimand;
c. suspension without pay;
d. demotion; or
e. dismissal.
2. Probationary Employees: At any time during the probationary period, a new or rehired
Employee may be disciplined or discharged for any reason or no reason. Just cause is
not required for any form of discipline or separation during the probationary period.
3. Mitigating circumstances may be considered when evaluating a just cause disciplinary
situation, to include the Employee's past performance, length of service, and existence
of past discipline.
4. A Bargaining Unit Member will have the right to examine his or her personnel files.
Reasonable requests for copies of material contained in personnel files will be honored.
Upon written request to the City Administration, disciplinary material may be removed
after two (2) years. In the event the requested material is not removed, the bargaining
unit member will be informed of the reasons why and the conditions necessary for its
removal.
8.3 Right to Union Representative During Investigative Interview
1. Employees will be entitled to their Weingarten rights when answering questions asked
by their supervisor or by a City representative, when they believe their response to the
question(s) could lead to their being disciplined or terminated or adversely affect their
personal working conditions.
2. Employees shall be given twenty-four (24) working hours' notice of a disciplinary
interview, so they can arrange to have their Union representative present.
3. The City will provide a copy of notices of a disciplinary interview to the Union President
and the APEA/AFT Field Representative.
8.4 Just Cause
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"Just cause" means that justification exists for a proposed disciplinary action. "Just
cause" includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Insubordination, including failure to comply with a supervisor's instruction and work
assignment.
2. Dishonesty, either verbally, in writing, or in action, including but not limited to
falsification of employment application or other City documents and time sheets.
3. Drugs and Alcohol.
a. Employees will be terminated for use or possession of alcohol, marijuana or illegal
drugs at the work site during work hours. Unlawful manufacture, distribution,
dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the
workplace.
b. Employees are encouraged to voluntarily seek professional support for drug or
alcohol-related problems. Employees who seek treatment shall discuss the
situation with their supervisors if leave time, with or without pay, is required for
the employee to obtain treatment or hospitalization.
1. Supervisors are encouraged to grant leave, with or without pay, for such
requests.
2. When leave without pay is involved, the employee shall provide a statement
from the attending physician or counselor to the supervisor, stating that
treatment is being received and describing the length of the treatment
program.
3. An employee's job security or promotion opportunities shall not be jeopardized
by a request for leave to obtain counseling or treatment.
c. In all matters concerning employees' drug or alcohol-related problems, strict
confidentiality shall be maintained by supervisors, administrators, and
administrative support personnel.
1. Failure to comply with safety regulations.
2. Fighting or other disorderly conduct on City premises or while on City business.
3. Stealing of or unauthorized use of City tools, equipment, or property.
4. Recurring absenteeism, tardiness, or leaving the worksite early.
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5. Conviction of a crime which damages the image or reputation of the City or
conviction of a crime which impairs or compromises the Employee's credibility,
eligibility, or fitness for work.
6. Inefficiency, including waste of working time or materials.
7. Failure to conduct oneself on duty in a cooperative manner.
8. Exhibiting on duty conduct or behaviors which interfere with the Employee's
performance or the City's business, operations, or image.
9. Willful violation of any personnel regulations.
10. Violations of applicable state or City laws and regulations concerning ethics and
conflicts of interest.
11. Any act or omission which had or will have a material adverse effect on the
business, operations, or financial condition of the City.
12. Harassment of other Employees or the public.
13. Loss of necessary license or required certification for the position.
14. Any other conduct identified in the Seward City Code as grounds for discipline or
dismissal from employment; or
15. Any other conduct commonly recognized by reasonable persons as justification
for discipline, including dismissal.
8.5 Garrity Rights for Licensed Personnel of Police Department
Uniformed personnel of the Police Department shall be accorded the protections and
obligations provided in Garrity v. New Jersey, which requires, among other things, warnings
concerning right to counsel and the potential uses of statements made in the course of
investigatory interviews.
ARTICLE 9 -GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION PROCEDURES
9.1 Definition of Grievance
A grievance is a dispute involving the interpretation, application, or alleged violation of any
provision of this Agreement. It is the mutual intent of both parties to resolve any differences at
the lowest level. All Employees shall be encouraged to bring any disagreements to their
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immediate supervisor initially to resolve such problems through informal and free
communication before the formal grievance procedure begins.
9.2 Procedural Steps
1. All grievances presented at Step 2 of this Article and beyond shall set forth: the facts
giving rise to the grievance; the provision(s) of the Agreement alleged to have been
violated; the names of the aggrieved Employee(s); and the remedy sought. All
grievances at Step 2 and beyond shall be signed and dated by the aggrieved Employee
and/or Union representative. All written answers submitted by the City shall be signed
and dated by the appropriate City representative.
2. Grievances involving a disciplinary suspension, or a termination of employment, must be
entered into the formal grievance procedure at the Step 2 level.
Step 1: The aggrieved Employee or group of Employees shall present the grievance
orally to the immediate supervisor within ten (10) working days of its occurrence,
not including the day of the occurrence. Pre-grievance discussion will not extend the
ten (10) working day period. The supervisor or department head shall give an oral
reply within five (5) working days of the date of presentation of the grievance, not
including the date of presentation.
Step 2: Written Grievance to Department Head. The Employee, through the Union,
no later than fifteen (15) working days after the event giving rise to the grievance, or
fifteen (15) working days after the Employee or Union should reasonably have
learned of the event giving rise to the grievance, whichever is later, must submit a
written grievance to the Department Head. The Department Head shall give
Employee written answer to the grievance within fifteen (15) working days after
receipt of the grievance.
Step 3: Written Appeal to the City Administration. A grievance appealing a dismissal
of a grievance, or a grievance not settled at Step 2 shall be filed at Step 3. The
Employee, through the Union, no later than fifteen (15) working days after a
dismissal or the receipt of the Department Head's written answer at Step 2 may file
a written appeal of that answer to the City Administration. No later than fifteen (15)
working days after receipt of the written appeal, the City Administration, or
designee, shall meet with the Employee and the Union representative. The City
Administration, or designee, shall give Employee written answer to the grievance
within fifteen (15) working days after such meeting, which answer shall be final and
binding on the Employee, the Union, and the City, unless it is timely appealed to
arbitration by the Union in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 9.5
of this Article.
Step 4: Appeal to Arbitration per Section 9.5.
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3. Any Step in the grievance procedure may be eliminated by mutual consent. Mutual
consent shall be indicated in writing and shall be signed by all parties.
9.3 Time Limitations
1. If the grievance procedures are not initiated within the established time limits, the
Employee shall be considered as having waived his/her right to grieve the particular
violation or complaint.
2. Any grievance not taken to the next step of the grievance procedure within the
established time limits shall be considered settled based on the last reply made.
3. If the City fails to meet or answer any grievance within the established time limits, such
grievance shall automatically advance to the next step.
4. If the grievance hearing before the appeal board under Step 4 of the grievance
procedure is not held within ninety (90) days from the date of the hearing request, the
grievance shall be considered abandoned and the matter shall end, except if failure to
hold the hearing is caused by the City's refusal to meet at any time during that period, it
shall be deemed that the City has considered the grievance to be in favor of the grievant
and shall resolve the matter accordingly.
5. The time limitations set forth in this Article are of the essence of this Agreement. No
grievance shall be valid unless it is submitted or appealed within the time limits set forth
in this Article. If the grievance is not timely submitted at Step 1 or Step 2, it shall be
deemed waived. If the grievance is not timely appealed to Step 2 or beyond, it shall be
deemed to have been settled in accordance with the City's Step 2 answer. If the City fails
without reasonable cause to request an extension or otherwise communicate with the
aggrieved party within the time limits or in the manner set forth in this Article, the
Union shall be granted the remedy requested. Any default remedy cannot be used as
precedent against the City if a similar situation arises in the future.
9.4 Extension of Time Limits
The established time limits may be extended by mutual consent of the parties involved.
Likewise, any step in the grievance procedure may be eliminated by mutual consent. Mutual
consent shall be indicated in writing and shall be signed by all parties.
9.5 Appeal to Arbitration
Any grievance, as defined in Section 9.1 of this Article, that has been properly and timely
processed through the grievance procedure set forth in Sections 9.2 through 9.4 of this Article
and that has not been settled at the conclusion thereof, may be appealed to arbitration by the
Union by serving the City with written notice of its intent to appeal. The failure to appeal a
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grievance to arbitration in accordance with Section 9.6 within fifteen (15) working days after
receipt of the written answer of the City at Step 3 of the grievance procedure set forth in
Section 9.2 of this Article shall constitute a waiver of the Union's right to appeal to arbitration,
and the written answer of the City at Step 3 of the grievance procedure shall be final and
binding on the aggrieved Employee, the City, and the Union.
9.6 Selection of Arbitrator
Unless otherwise agreed, no later than fifteen (15) working days after the Union serves the City
with written notice of intent to appeal a grievance to arbitration, the City and the Union shall
jointly request the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to furnish to the City and
the Union a list of seven (7) qualified and impartial arbitrators. After receipt of that list, the City
and the Union shall alternatingly strike names from the list until only one (1) name remains (the
order of striking to be determined by the toss of a coin flipped by the Union Representative and
called by the City). The arbitrator whose name remains shall hear the grievance
9.7 Arbitrator's Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction and authority of the arbitrator and his or her opinion and award shall be
confined exclusively to the interpretation and/or application of the express provision(s) of this
Agreement at issue between the Union and the City. The arbitrator shall have no authority to
add to, detract from, alter, amend, or modify any provision of this Agreement. The arbitrator
shall not hear or decide more than one (1) grievance without the consent of the City. The
written award of the arbitrator of any grievance adjudicated within his or her jurisdiction and
authority shall be final and binding on the aggrieved Employee, the Union, and the City.
9.8 Fees and Expenses of Arbitration
The losing party as determined by the arbitrator shall bear the fee of the arbitrator; if, in the
opinion of the arbitrator, neither party can be considered the losing party, then such fees
should be apportioned as determined by the arbitrator.
9.9 Extension of Time Frames
Time frames for the grievance/arbitration process may be extended only by mutual agreement
of the Union and the City.
9.10 Delivery of Grievances and Responses
1. When a written grievance or response is delivered by mail, it shall be sent return receipt
requested to the respondent or to the person filing the grievance. When a written
grievance or response is hand-delivered, the respondent or the person filing the
grievance shall acknowledge receipt in writing of the grievance or response. When a
written grievance or response is delivered by electronic communication, a hard copy
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shall be delivered by mail. Copies of all written responses to grievances at any step shall
be sent to the APEA/AFT Field Office in Anchorage.
2. For the purposes of the time frames in this Article, a grievance or response delivered by
mail or electronic communication shall be considered submitted on the date of mailing
or date of electronic communication, but the time for response or for filing the next
step shall not begin to run until the day after actual receipt. A hand-delivered grievance
or response shall be considered submitted on the date of delivery, and the time for
response or for filing the next step begins to run on the day after that date. If the last
day of a time period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the period will be extended
until the next business day.
9.11 Sole and Exclusive Nature of Grievance Procedure
The grievance procedures of this Agreement are the sole and exclusive remedies of the
Employees of the City of Seward alleging violations of this Agreement and/or any disciplinary
actions or complaints.
ARTICLE 10 - SEPARATION/SENIORITY/LAYOFF
10.1 Actions That Constitute Separation from City Service
An Employee shall be separated from City service upon the occurrence of any of the following,
including but not limited to, resignation, medical separation, retirement, dismissal for cause,
release during probationary period,job abandonment, or layoff.
10.2 Resignations
1. Notice of Resignation: An Employee who desires to resign in good standing shall give at
least fourteen (14) calendar days' written notice to their immediate supervisor.
Members of the Police and Fire Departments must provide at least thirty (30) calendar
days' advance written notice. The period of notice may be reduced or waived by the City
upon recommendation of the Department Head. A notice of resignation shall become
part of the personnel file. Employees who resign or are terminated shall be paid in
accordance with state and federal law.
2. Withdrawal of Resignation: An Employee may withdraw his or her resignation prior to
the effective date stated in the notice of resignation only with the written approval of
the Department Head and the City Administration.
3. Failure to Give Adequate Notice: Failure to give adequate notice shall be noted on the
Employee's separation documents and shall constitute a factor in consideration of any
future application for employment with the City.
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4. Effective Date of Resignation: The effective date of resignation pursuant to a notice of
resignation shall be the last day on which the Employee works.
10.3 Medical Separation
An Employee who is unable to return to work following approved medical leave, with or
without pay, shall be separated in good standing from City of Seward employment. Depending
on the type of injury or illness, and whether it happened on or off the job, the Employee may
be able to take part in either the Long-Term Disability Program with the City of Seward health
benefit plan or the Long-Term Disability Plan under the retirement system. Employees are
responsible to make themselves aware of the particular requirements in both Long-Term
Disability plans and should contact the City if further information is required, beyond what is
provided in the plan documents.
10.4 Dismissal for Just Cause
1. The City Manager or Department Head, upon approval of the City Manager, may dismiss
a regular Employee for just cause, as stated in Article 8, Section 8.4.
2. The appropriate steps of progressive discipline shall be followed.
10.5 Seniority
1. Seniority means the total length of service and continuous employment with the
Employer in positions covered by this Agreement. Employees shall not accumulate
seniority during their probationary period. After an Employee has completed their
probationary period and has been granted regular status, their seniority shall be dated
from the date of their employment. Leave without pay shall not be used in the
calculation of seniority.
2. The Seniority of an Employee shall terminate under any of the following conditions:
a. When laid off for a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months;
b. When an Employee resigns from employment with the Employer;
c. When an Employee is discharged for just cause; or
d. When an Employee who is temporarily laid off fails to return to work within fourteen
(14) calendar days after written notice by certified mail to the Employee's last
known address (or delivered to the Employee personally) requesting such return
and, if such Employee fails to notify the City of the Employee's intention to return to
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work within forty-eight (48) hours after receiving such notification or arrange for a
mutually agreeable return date.
3. When it is necessary to reduce the number of employees because of lack of work or funds,
or abolition of positions, the department head concerned shall make a thorough
investigation of the problem and report his/her findings and recommendations to the city
manager, who shall decide which employees shall be laid off. Analysis of proposed layoffs
shall consider first the types of activities to be curtailed and the classes of positions thereby
affected. The department head shall then proceed to the selection of individual employees
to be released. Employee efficiency shall be the major factor and determining the order
that employees shall be released, and consideration shall then be given to employee's
length of service with the City. advisability of reassigning Employees in higher classes to
lower classes for which they are qualified and laying off those in lower classes shall also be
considered. There will be no discrimination based on union membership or lack thereof.
10.6 Layoffs
1. The decision to layoff Employees shall be made solely by the City and shall not reflect
discredit upon the services of the Employee.
2. Notice Requirements:
a. An Employee shall be given at least thirty (30) calendar days advance notice of a
layoff.
b. The Union shall be notified in writing of any proposed layoff concurrently with the
Employee. The Union and City agree to discuss alternatives to the proposed layoff
prior to the effective date of the layoff and to negotiate the effects of any layoff if so
requested by the other party.
3. The City shall not lay off an Employee and reclassify their former position with the
intention of filling the position with a temporary hire.
4. Layoffs may occur for any of the following reasons:
a. reduction in force because of a shortage or reduction of work or funds;
b. the abolition of a position;
c. change in departmental organization;
d. termination of a grant; or
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e. any other legitimate business reason not inconsistent with the terms of this
Agreement.
5. A regular Employee shall be offered a vacant position for which the Employee is
qualified in lieu of layoff. The Employee will be subject to the same qualifications review
as any new Employee to determine an appropriate wage.
6. A regular Employee retains the right to be recalled to a vacant position in the same or
similar job class, in the same or different department that the Employee previously was
regularly employed, for one (1) year after the layoff so long as the Employee has
indicated that the Employee is qualified and interested and available to return to work.
7. Regular or probationary Employees shall not be laid off while casual/temporary
Employees are in a position in the same department for which the regular or
probationary Employees meet the minimum qualifications.
10.7 Dismissal Notice or Severance Pay
In the case where a regular Employee who has completed a probationary period is laid off, the
City shall give the Employee forty five (45) days' notice or forty five (45) days of severance pay.
10.8 Separation Paperwork
On or before the Employee's last day of work, the Employee shall complete all separation
paperwork and return all City property as required by the City.
ARTICLE 11 - PAY AND PAYROLL
The pay plan shall include the schedule of pay ranges, consisting of minimum, intermediate,
and maximum rates of pay for all positions. The development of the pay plan shall be directly
linked with the classification plan and shall be based on the principle of equal pay for equal
work. The City Administration shall be responsible for developing the pay plan and pay
schedule.
The parties agree to discuss steps and years of services during the next negotiation cycle, as the
parties agree that years of service are important and alternatives to the longevity bonus should
be discussed during the next negotiation including possibly reflecting years of service in an
employee's range and step.
11.1 Wage Schedule and Pay Rates
1. Wage schedules are posted in Appendix B.
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2. The Salary Schedule for the first year of the Collective Bargaining Agreement shall
include the 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
3. The Salary Schedule for the 2nd and the 3rd years of the Collective Bargaining
Agreement shall include 1.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
4. Regular rate of pay means the hourly rate of pay actually paid an Employee for normal,
non-overtime work week for which he/she is employed.
5. As of January 1, 2023, members in pay ranges 1-9 shall remain in their current range and
Pay step and shall receive the higher pay that comes with this change over the previous
contract Appendix B.
6. As of January 1, 2023, members in the open ranges 10-13 shall have their pay
increased the same amount as their range was increased.
If the City Council adopts an ordinance that freezes wages for all City employees,
the parties agree to confer immediately for the purpose of arriving at a mutually
satisfactory letter of agreement.
11.2 Starting Rate on Initial Employment
All newly hired Employee's shall begin at Step A within the stated range for their position,
unless a higher Step is approved, in advance of the offer, by the Human Resources
Administration, the Department Administration and the City Administration using a City
approved wage matrix. Before a higher step may even be considered, the applicant must
demonstrate experience and/or education beyond the minimum required for the position as
specified in the position description.
11.3 Rate of Pay on Promotion
1. When an Employee is promoted from one position to another having a higher pay
range, the Employee shall receive an increase of not less than one pay step. If the
Employee's current rate of pay is below the minimum rate of the new position, the pay
shall be increased to the minimum step of the new position. If the Employee's current
rate of pay falls within the range of the new position, the pay shall be adjusted to the
next higher pay step in the range for the new position which is at least equal to one step
increase above his/her current pay rate.
2. Upon completion of an approved course of education, including training that results in a
job-related certification, an Employee will receive up to a five (5) percent increase in pay
effective in the next payroll cycle. The Employee shall furnish all relevant diplomas,
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certificates, transcripts, or other documentation prior to processing. This increase shall
endure while the certification or training remains valid. The Department Head shall
compile and maintain a list of valid trainings and certifications that meet the
requirements of this increase and shall submit the current list for review by SPEA no
later than March 15 of every year. An Employee may petition to the City Manager or the
City Manager's designee for consideration of an education program that is not on the
pre-approved list.
11.4 Rate of Pay for a Reclassification of a Position
In any case where a position is reclassified, the pay step of the Employee occupying the position
shall be that step in the new range which will provide the Employee with initial compensation
at least equal to the step held in the old range. Anniversary date remains unchanged and no
additional probationary period shall be required beyond that required of the position that is
reclassified if the essential functions are the same between the old and new classification. In
the event the reclassification results in a pay decrease, the Employee's rate of pay shall be
frozen.
11.5 Upward or Downward Range Change of a Job Class
In the case of a proposed decrease in the pay range for a class of positions, employees keep
their current rate of pay.
11.6 Promotion Following Demotion In lieu of Layoff
If within one (1) year following a demotion in lieu of layoff, an Employee is reassigned back to a
position in the former job classification the Employee was in at the time of Layoff, the
Employee shall be placed at the same range and step the Employee was paid at prior to the
demotion in lieu of layoff.
11.7 Transfers
When an Employee is assigned to a new position in the same class for which the Employee is
qualified, the Employee shall be transferred at the step the Employee was receiving, and no
probationary period shall be served. The Employee's anniversary date shall remain the same as
in the former position.
11.8 Demotion
When an Employee is demoted, the Employee's pay step shall be that step which is determined
by the Department Head and approved in advance by the City Administration.
11.9 Completion of Probation
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Upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period after initial appointment, the entrance
salary of the Employee shall be advanced one step. An Employee will not receive a probationary
increase if the Employee was hired at Step B or above initially.
11.10 Annual Step Increase
1. Employees who receive a performance evaluation of average or good to excellent shall
receive an annual step increase.
2. A new Employee, after serving a six-month probationary period of satisfactory
performance, shall receive a step increase. An Employee who has transferred to a new
position and who must serve a promotional probationary period shall receive a
probationary step increase upon successful completion of the promotional probationary
period. A probationary step increase is a special, one time only, step increase. For an
Employee to receive further step increases up to step P, he/she must continue to
demonstrate satisfactory service.
3. Anniversary date is the date that an Employee assumes regular status after the
successful completion of a probationary period. This date does not change regardless of
other personnel transactions, promotions, demotions or transfer that may occur during
the course of an Employee's service with the City, except for a period of leave without
pay in excess of thirty (30) days, in which case the Employee's anniversary date and
length of service date shall advance by the number of days in excess of thirty (30).
4. . Current regular Employees will be placed at the step and pay that reflects actual and
credited years of service in their current department. Employees may receive credited
service through the evaluation process or advance step placement.
5. In the event of a future wage and/or classification study in which grades and/or steps
are changed, no regular Employee may be placed below their current step and pay per
article 11.10.4.
11.11 Acting Appointments
When any Employee is temporarily assigned to a position with a higher pay range for a period
of at least three (3) consecutive days but less than thirty (30) days, he/she shall be
compensated above his/her base rate by twenty-five percent (25%). If an Employee's base rate
is the maximum of the pay range, he/she shall be compensated above the maximum pay step
by twenty-five (25%). If the assignment is for a period of thirty (30) calendar days or more,
he/she shall be paid at the first step of the higher pay range or he/she shall be given a twenty-
five percent (25%) increase as provided in the preceding sentence, whichever is higher, for the
full period worked in the temporary assignment. An Employee who is temporarily assigned to a
position with a lower pay range for any period shall not receive a reduction in pay. An Employee
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acting in an exempt position will still receive his or her hourly rate plus twenty-five percent
(25%) and will be paid for overtime at time and a half.
11.12 Field Training/School Resource Officer
Police Officers, Dispatchers and Correctional Officers assigned Field Training Officer (FTO) and
School Resource Officer (SRO) duties shall receive a pay differential of two and one-half percent
(2.5%) for each hour so worked as an FTO or SRO. Individuals lacking documentation of
attendance at a formalized FTO training program are not eligible for FTO pay.
11.13 Overtime
1. All overtime work by a non-exempt Employee must have the prior written approval of
the Department Head. The Department Head shall review the record and certify
overtime approved for payment.
2. Non-exempt Employees shall be paid at one and one-half (1.5) times their regular rate
of pay for all hours actually worked in excess of their regularly scheduled shift or forty
(40) hour consecutive hours without having at least one day off.
3. For employees who are working a 12-hour schedule (4 days on and 3 days off/4 days
off and 3 days on) to work more than 40 hours consecutive without receiving overtime
pay. They shall be paid overtime for more than 80 hours worked in a pay period.
11.14 Call-Out Pay
1. Employees shall receive overtime pay if their normal shift has been completed
and after returning home they are "called out" to perform additional work by their
supervisor or if the Employee's supervisor requires the Employee to report before
Employee's normal shift is scheduled to begin. This "call out pay" shall have a
two (2) hour minimum.
2. Supervisors called off duty for questions from subordinates shall be paid in 15-
minute increments of overtime.
3. Early Call-Out. An employee called into work between the hours of midnight and
7 am shall receive time and a half the employee's regular pay rate. The
employee's pay rate will revert to the employee's regular pay rate at 7 am on the
employee's normal schedule workday.
11.15 Stand-By Pay
Only Department Heads are authorized to create a stand-by schedule. Employees that are
placed on a schedule and must remain available for work after regular scheduled hours shall be
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designated as Stand-By and receive two (2) hour of overtime at his or her regular rate of pay
with a two (2) hour minimum for a call-out. Employees receiving stand-by pay must answer any
incoming calls and be able to respond within thirty (30) minutes of the call being placed.
11.16 Stand-By Pay for Police Officers
An Officer will be placed on a schedule and designated as on call, subject to Stand-By Pay 11.15,
on Fridays and Saturdays nights when only one officer is assigned to work a shift.
11.17 Shift Differential
Shift differential compensation applies to all Employees of those departments which schedule
work twenty-four (24) hours per day who are not exempt from the overtime requirements of
the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act on the following bases:
1. Swing shift: The Employee who is assigned to swing shifts shall receive +v•;^ ^A^' ^R^ "^'f
three percent (-2-.43%) additional pay to his/her current salary for the period he/she
serves on swing shift.
2. Graveyard shift: The Employee who is assigned to graveyard shifts shall receive f+ae six
percent (§6%) additional pay to his/her current salary for the period he/she serves on
graveyard shift.
11.18 Payroll and Pay Periods
1. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit retroactive pay approved by the City Council or
required because of administrative oversight or error as determined by the City
Administration. Personnel action implementing any change in status or pay shall be
effective upon approval of the City Administration provided such changes are received
by the Payroll Office at least ten (10) working days prior to the effective date.
2. The payroll period shall consist of the period from midnight Sunday to the following
midnight Sunday. The standard work day shall be midnight to midnight.
3. Each Employee is responsible for a true and accurate reporting of actual hours worked.
a. Department Heads, or designee, shall be responsible for providing the information
needed to correctly process the payroll.
4. Break in service is defined as at least one (1) entire pay period off.
ARTICLE 12 - HOURS OF WORK
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12.1 Hours of Work and Scheduling
1. Regular Hours of Work and Shifts: Regular working hours of City Employees shall consist
of a five (5) day week, eight (8) hours a day, forty (40) hours a week. The standard work
week shall consist of the period from midnight Saturday to the following midnight
Saturday. The standard workday shall consist of the period between midnight and
midnight.
2. Modified Schedule: Upon request and with approval of the Department Head, an
Employee may work a designated schedule period (e.g. 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) during
which Employees may select an eight (8) or ten (10) or twelve (12) hour work period,
with the approval of their Department Head.
3. Department Heads may, with at least two (2) weeks advance written notice to affected
Employees, revise the schedule from an eight (8) hour workday to a ten (10) hour
workday or a twelve (12) hour workday or the reverse. Employees shall also have the
right to request their schedule be changed from an eight (8) hour workday to a ten (10)
hour workday or a twelve (12) hour workday or the reverse. Approval of such a request
is at the discretion of the Department Head but shall be accommodated whenever it will
not adversely affect the needs of the Department.
4. Employees of the Police Department work a varied shift totaling forty (40) hours or
more weekly.
a. Employees assigned a 12 hour schedule may work more than 40 hours a week
without being paid overtime so long as they do not exceed 80 hours in a two week
"work period." Employees will be paid overtime for hours worked in excess of 12
hours worked in a day and in excess of 80 hours in a two-week period.
b. All other employees working 12-hour shifts who are not exempt from the overtime
requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act shall be paid at time and one
half for work over 12 hours in a day or 80 hour work period.49 hears in ask
�eel�.
c. Employees assigned to work 12-hour shifts shall be assigned to day, swing or grave
shift. Shift times may be delegated by the Department Head. Swing shift is paid a
three percent 3-2-.4% differential and grave shift is paid a six percent 615 differential.
d. If a shift is temporarily adjusted to meet the needs of the department aue
c.,,. aFd Qty C:ed §2 ' 9.999(b) and ends during the normal scheduled shift, shift
differential will be based on the normal scheduled shift and be pursuant to
Section11.17 of the contract.
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e. Holidays are paid at 8 hours a day at the current rate of pay. z- -4-ate r in S :_,aFd Git
Cade ;3.59.919.1 Arrangements need to be made to work 4 hours at the current rate
of pay or arrange to take annual leave for 4 hours on the holiday, or pursuant to
Article 13 of the contract.
f. An annual leave day off is 12 hours of leave.
5. An Employee's work schedule shall normally provide two (2) consecutive days off, unless
an emergency situation arises.
6. Nothing in this Agreement precludes Employees from requesting different work hours
or a different shift than that designated by the Employee's Department Head. With the
approval of the Department Head, flexible work hours may be implemented on a
departmental basis to accommodate Employees. The City will endeavor to work with
Employees and grant their requests based on seniority and when operational
requirements allow.
12.2 Temporary Schedules
Department Heads may implement temporary shifting of Employees' working hours to meet
routine needs. Changes of more than thirty (30) minutes may not be approved without a
minimum of one (1) week's advance notice to the affected Employees. Nothing in this
paragraph precludes temporary changes in Employee working hours in an emergency situation.
If the essential functions of a position include emergency response during non-scheduled hours,
refusal to work an alternate schedule or extra hours in an emergency situation without cause
could result in discipline, up to and including dismissal.
12.3 Lunch/Break Period
1. Department Heads shall authorize either a one (1) hour or a half (1/2) hour unpaid lunch
period to meet operational staffing requirements. Such periods will normally be taken at
mid-shift. Employees who are not authorized a specific unpaid lunch period under this
Section will be allowed to take lunch when work permits. If, at the City's direction, the
Employee works through lunch, the Employee shall be paid for such time.
2. Employees may work straight shifts with no lunch break if approved by the Department
Head. Straight shifts will be considered a Modified Schedule and subjected to the terms
of Subsection 12.1.2. A straight shift or "working through lunch" is not available on an
ad-hoc basis to allow an Employee to "make up time" if he/she is unable to work the
regularly scheduled shift for the day.
3. All Bargaining Unit Members are allowed one (1) relief period not to exceed fifteen (15)
minutes during the first half of the shift and one (1) relief period not to exceed fifteen
(15) minutes during the second half of the shift. Breaks shall not be scheduled to extend
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the meal break, unless by mutual agreement. The relief period shall be taken in a
manner which does not interrupt the flow of work.
4. Police Officers and other first responders get a paid lunch under FLSA because they are
required to respond to calls.
Any City Employee called out during off hours for four (4) hours or more will be provided for a
meal. If a meal cannot be provided, a meal will be reimbursed up to the applicable per diem
rate. Aps+t , ;f r tieab4_
12.4 Changes of Permanent Schedules
All changes to permanent working schedules shall provide those Employees affected at least
fourteen (14) calendar days' notice of any such change, except in unforeseen emergency
situations or when the Employees waive the need for notice, or they will be paid at time and
one-half(1.5) the Employee's regular rate of pay for hours worked during the notice period.
ARTICLE 13 - HOLIDAYS
13.1. Recognized Holidays with Pay
Except for Firefighters, the following days will be recognized as holidays with pay for all
Employees in full and part-time positions.
New Year's Day Veterans Day
President's Day Thanksgiving Day
Seward's Day Day after Thanksgiving Day
Memorial Day Christmas Eve Day
Independence Day Christmas Day
Labor Day
Alaska Day
and such other days as may be proclaimed by the Mayor, Governor, or President.
13.2 Holiday Falling on a Regular Day Off
When a recognized holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be recognized as the
holiday. When a recognized holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following shall be recognized
as the holiday. When a full-time Employee's regularly scheduled time off falls on a recognized
holiday, the City Administration shall allow, if scheduling permits, that Employee to take
another day off during the pay period as the Employee's recognized holiday. In such a case, the
Employee's timesheet will reflect the holiday on the alternate date, with all other compensable
time recorded as per the Employee's normal Schedule.
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If the Employee is unable to take the time off, the Employee shall be compensated with regular
pay equivalent to the number of hours in an Employee's regular shift in lieu of the holiday. The
hours will be recorded on the Employee's timesheet on the date of the recognized holiday. This
payment is in addition to and does not impact pay (wages) for hours actually worked during the
pay period, whether hours actually worked include a recognized holiday (Section 13.1) or
regularly scheduled workdays. This may result in holiday hours entered for a normal day off
with no compensable time or holiday hours recorded in addition to actual hours worked on the
date of the recognized holiday.
13.3 Computation of Holiday Pay
1. Full-Time Employees: Full-time employees shall receive their regular straight time rate
of pay for recognized holidays.
a. The number of hours included in holiday pay is equal to the number of hours worked
in an Employee's assigned shift and shall be paid at the shift differential of the shift
the employee worked.
b. In the event the employee is scheduled off, the employee shall be paid 8 hours of
holiday pay.
2. Part-Time Employees: Part-time employees shall receive pay for recognized holidays
based on their position's percentage of a full-time position.
a. The number of hours included in holiday pay is equal to the number of hours
worked in an Employee's assigned shift and shall be paid at the shift
differential of the shift the employee work.
b. In the event the employee is scheduled off, the employee shall be paid 8 hours
of holiday pay.
3. Holiday during Paid Time Off: A recognized holiday occurring during an Employee's PTO
leave shall not be counted as a day of PTO leave.
13.4 Forfeiture of Holiday Pay
Employees shall forfeit their right to payment for any holiday if they are on leave without pay
(to include injury, military, or other non-compensable leave status) or have an unexcused
absence on the Employee's last regularly scheduled workday before such holiday or on the
Employee's next regularly-scheduled workday following such holiday
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ARTICLE 14 - PAID TIME OFF/LEAVE
14.1 Paid Time Off("PTO")
1. TAnnual_leave shall be used for any and all purposes for which sick and/or
annual leave has heretofore been used.
2. Requests for Time Off
a. Requests to take peFsenal Annual leave for other than illness or injury must be
requested in writing and require written approval. Leave requests require the prior
written approval of the supervisor before any leave is taken. Employees in a
probationary status are not eligible to take personal leave (unless the request was
approved prior to hire or the leave is requested due to illness or injury as described
in Subsection 3 below).
b. Employee requests to take peFsenal Annual leave shall be given full consideration
and, to the extent practicable, approved. However, the parties agree that the final
decision with regard to approval or disapproval of any request shall be based on the
supervisor's determination of operational needs. The employee's supervisor shall
respond to an Employee's request for time off within fourteen (14) calendar days for
leave requested thirty (30) days in advance. In the event of multiple requests for the
same timeframe, the Department Head may consider the Employee's seniority.
c. peFsenal Annual leave may not be approved for Employees following notice of
intended resignation and Employees may not without permission of the Department
Head be kept on leave status to "run out" their PTO balance prior to termination.
d. dal Annual leave must be pre-approved, and therefore cannot be used in lieu
of tardiness or for a same-day request, except as noted in Subsection 3 below.
3. Requests for time off due to illness and injury.
a. When an Employee needs to use peFsenal Annual leave for illness or injury, the
Employee shall notify the supervisor of their expected absence not later than the
start of the Employee's scheduled shift.
b. When a member takes three (3) or more consecutive workdays of peFsenal Annual
leave due to an illness or injury (not necessarily consecutive calendar days), the
supervisor shall require the member to provide a physician's certificate stating the
reason for the absence.
14.2 Leave Accrual Rate
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1. All Regular Employees holding permanent or probationary status will accrue leave as
follows:
Years of Services Hours Per Year Hours Pay Period
0-2 160 6.15 2�3
3 -5 200 7.694�4
6-9 240 9.234rA
10- 14 303.33 11.67 243
15+ 347.1 13.35 443
2. The minimum numbers of hours of annual leave that must be taken yearly are as
follows:
a. For personnel with less than three years of service, 40 hours of leave must be
used.
b. For personnel with three to six years of service, 60 hours of leave must be used.
c. For personnel with six years of service or more, 80 hours of leave must be used.
d. These limitations shall not apply to new employees until January 1 of the second
calendar year following the hire's date.
3.
1,mpI.,yee may eleet to Il,-,.Ap Ap ;;A hA.-P fAr hA.-P h-,,;M,; Arder to ,-.,mply With
heuFs FequiFed. sueh letter shall -he made a paFt ef the peFsennel file ef vhe Empleyee
It shall be the
responsibility of the department head to see that each employee under the supervisor's
supervision has taken the minimum annual hours of leave required by this section.
The department head shall provide in writing to the city manager the reasons an employee in
the supervisor's department failed to take the minimum annual leave hours required.
Such The documentation letter shall be made a part of the personnel file of the employee in
question. The city manager may waive these leave use requirements.
+ hl' h P +' n 4 h 1 ,,., h^II be deducted- frem the €mpleyee'S -,I I.,-,.,.,
e�cavii�iiev iiii veccivir-� vcivvv �iis
h I RG., a R.d P a Ga
h
4. Timin Gf U68EMPIGY886 Wh a_aR��tlad_ tannri io anni IAI ItQ�A�io i�rt
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SPEA CBA 1/1/23 to 12/31/25 Redline
anni al. leave q,nro date of appeiRtM(9 + Probationary employees may
use their leave with the department head approval.
5. Leave does not accrue during periods of leave without pay
14.3 Leave Anniversary Date
Changes in the leave accrual rate take effect on the first day of the pay period immediately
following the date on which the Employee completes the prescribed period of service.
14.4 Maximum Accrual
The maximum leave which may be in annual leave balance is 720 hours.
14.5 Payment of PTO upon Termination
Upon separation during initial probation, PTO shall not be granted or paid the employee. In
other separations, the PTO balance shall be paid in a lump sum based on the employee's
regular rate of pay.
14.6 PTO Leave Cash-Out
r r, fAr+h p dPf.,rr-,I
Any employee who has a balance of more than 240 hours of annual leave may submit a request to cash-in
any number of annual leave hours at the employee's regular rate of pay so that the balance of remaining
leave does not reduce the leave balance below 240 hours. An employeey submit such leave cash-in
requests no more than twice in any given fiscal year. In documented cases of unforeseen financial
emergencies, consistent with city policies of deferred compensation cash-in, the ci , manager may
authorize the city to purchase an employee's annual leave at 1�the employee's regular rate of pay,
provided that in no case shall a cash-in be allowed to reduce an employee's annual leave balance below 40
hours.
14.7 Donated Leave
ee.Ave-Fted- ipte heur_,; ef equal value based upeR the FegulaF Fate ef pay Af the reeeiv'
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Donation of annual leave to another employee will be allowed in cases of serious, unforeseen
medical emergency circumstances and upon approval by the city manager. The value of the
donated leave time will be computed at the regular rate of pay of the donating employee and
converted into hours of equal value based upon the regular rate of pay of the receiving employee.
All guidelines set forth by the city imager shall be observed.
14.8 Military Leave
Employees shall be entitled to military leave in accordance with State law, including but not
limited to AS 39.20.340, and Federal law, including but not limited to USERRA.
A. Absence from city duty for the purpose of participating as a member of a United
States reserve component, either in active military service of the state or in military
training, is authorized and will be treated administratively in such manner that the
individual will not suffer a decrease in income or a loss of benefits during the first 30
days of the military active duty or training period.
B. The city manager will be provided with a copy of the individual's orders to duty
C. The absence will be recorded during the first thirty calendar days as administrative
leave without charge to annual leave.
D. The city will pay the difference between the amount paid by the military, excluding
allowances, and the sum the employee would have received for city work during the
same period at the regular rate.
E. An employee called to active duty for a period exceeding 30 calendar days shall be
granted a leave of absence without pay for a period terminating 90 calendar days
beyond termination of such active duty.
14.9 Worker's Compensation
An employee injured in the line of duty shall be entitled to workers'
compensation pay from the city's insurance carrier without deduction
from annual leave balance for up to six weeks. During the six weeks,
the city shall pay the difference between what the employee receives
from the insurance carries and the amount the employee would have
received working 40 hours at their base rate. Retirement benefits,
annual leave accrual, and medical insurance coverage shall
continue. If aR eMPIG.- yVP-rLorc' GE)MpeRsatinn pay free
inci ir�nno n.�rrior dI iriRg the time ho/c�he icy �I�� ronoiiinrr
�rr�ararrv�carrrcra-arrrr���-n. cn-rrc-iTc��ric-r.�--��vTcccrv-rrrg
yVP-r ce 5' GGMpeRsatiGR pay frre Tm the Gif�T/cho ch;ll rofi irn hic/her
f-dl yVA-rLorG' nGmnoRsatiGR pay #tem thte inc+--FaRGe name-r try the pity.
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2. After six weeks have expired, the employee may elect to use annual leave. At that time
the employee will retain his/her insurance workers' compensation benefits. While on
annual leave, retirement benefits, annual leave accrual, and medical insurance coverage
shall continue.
3. After all annual leave has expired, or if the employee elects not to use annual leave, the
employee will receive only insurance workers' compensation benefits and will be
considered on leave without pay from the city. While on leave without pay, retirement
benefits and annual leave accrual are suspended, but medical insurance coverage
continues. This is to be in effect until a doctor's statement is submitted advising that the
employee is physically fit and capable to perform his/her job description with or without
reasonable accommodations.
14.10 Jury Duty/Court Leave
Jury Duty shall be treated as administrative leave (with pay) from the City. Services in court
when subpoenaed as a witness on behalf of the City, or when called as an expert on a matter of
City concern, or relating to a municipal function, will be treated the same as jury duty. In order
to be entitled to jury duty leave, the Employee shall provide the department head with written
proof of the requirement of his/her presence for the hours claimed. Fees paid by the court
(other than travel and subsistence allowance) will be turned in to the City, except the fees paid
for court duty which occurs on the Employee's normal non-work days may be retained by the
Employee. Witness service for any purpose other than those described above will be covered
by annual leave or leave without pay and any fees received in this connection may be retained
by the Employee.
Employees serving on jury duty during their regular time off will be allowed to flex the time to
their regular work week or receive overtime pay at the discretion of the department head.
14.11 Leave Without Pay
Tee ski OR!y be gFa r�ted_ teF -;;A €m p l eye e haSc�ha-U-Sted- all d t+eat A-ff. The
OpeF@tiORS.
1. Leave without pay may be granted to an employee upon recommendation of the department
head and approval of the city manager.
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2. Each request for suEk the leave shall be considered in the light of the circumstances
involved and the needs of the city.
3. Leave without pay shall not be requested nor granted until ,,,.,� all annual leave
has been exhausted, except when an employee is absent and drawing workers'
compensation pa.
4. Normally, not more than 90 calendar days leave without pay may be granted for personal
reasons, unless the employee is on Family Medical Leave (FMLA).
5. No benefits will accrue while on leave without pay except medical insurance which will
continue to be paid as long as the employee is employed by the cit.
14.12 Family and/or Medical Leave of Absence
The City shall comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of
Alaska Family Leave Act (AFLA). FMLA and AFLA, when both are applicable, run concurrently,
and paid leave, when available, is charged during periods of approved family leave until
exhausted. During family leave, when the Employee is receiving no pay from the City, the
Employee is still responsible for remitting the Employee portion of any benefit-related charges
to maintain the benefit.
14.13 dal Bereavement Leave
Each full-time Employee shall be eligible for seven (7) consecutive
working days of leave for use upon the death e^eh al of a
member of the Employee's immediate family limited to one time per
calendar year. Such leave shall not be deducted from the Employee's
PTO account.
Leave without pay up to an additional five days will be granted and
maybe extended with approval from the City Manager.
14.14 Definition of"Immediate Family"
The ef immediate family will be as previd-ed- fer on the Pammly
As related to this section, "immediate family" means the following: spouse, father,
mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, grandfather and grandmother including
adopted, step or foster, and mothers and fathers-in-law and legal guardians.
ARTICLE 15 -WORK RULES
15.1 Work Rules
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The City shall have the right to establish and notify Employees of workplace policies,
procedures, and/or rules regarding any matter, and to require Employees to abide by such
policies, procedures, and/or rules, so long as such policies, procedures, and/or rules are not
inconsistent with any express provision of this Agreement. An arbitrator shall have no authority
to interpret, apply, add to, detract from, alter, amend, or modify such policies, procedures,
and/or rules.
15.2 Protection of Rights
An Employee shall not be required, in the performance of his or her duties, to violate any
federal, state, or local law. In performing his or her duties, an Employee shall comply with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws.
1. Each Employee is required to act with due care and regard for Employee's own safety
and that of fellow Employees and to respect the person and property of other
Employees and persons.
2. The City agrees that it will not deduct the cost of lost, missing, stolen, or damaged
property belonging to the City from an Employee's pay, provided the loss or damage
was not willfully or negligently caused by or through the actions of the Employee.
3. It is recognized that GPS in City vehicles is a valuable and necessary safety tool.
a. GPS tracking shall not be used to initiate any formal action, including discipline,
demotion, or discharge. GPS tracking shall not be solely used to begin an investigation.
b. GPS tracking can be used to further an investigation already in progress. GPS
tracking may also be used for health and safety purposes, such as to locate a City vehicle
when the driver has missed security check-ins, when a City vehicle has been involved in an
accident, or to resolve a citizen's formal written driving complaint involving a City vehicle.
c. For good cause shown,City and SPEA shall have the right to review all GPS tracking
records of all City vehicles for the time period under investigation.
ARTICLE 16- SAFETY
16.1 Safety Rules
1. Safety rules, policies and procedures of the City, which the City may modify from time to
time, are incorporated by reference and made part of this Agreement. All Employees
must at all times comply with such safety rules, policies and procedures. Any Employee
who is injured on the job must make an immediate report to the Employee's supervisor,
no matter how slight the injury. Failure of an Employee to follow safety rules, including
the immediate reporting of injuries, may result in discipline up to and including dismissal
through the progressive discipline process.
2. The City and Union are mutually committed to the reasonable efforts to maintain safe
and healthful working conditions for all Employees. It shall not be a violation of this
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Agreement or grounds for discipline or dismissal if an Employee, in good faith, refuses to
work in/on what the Employee reasonably believes to be unsafe conditions for his or
her job which would subject the Employee to serious injury or death. Whenever
possible, an Employee must first seek from the City a correction of the dangerous
condition. Employees shall not knowingly continue to work in what they know to be a
dangerous condition.
3. An Employee who notices an unsafe work condition is mandated to report the unsafe
condition to their immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor shall proceed to
copy the City's designated OSHA Safety Officer or Human Resources Administration.
16.2 Drug Testing
The City and Union agree that any drug and/or alcohol testing policy or procedure adopted by
the City Council or required by law shall be applicable to the Employees covered by this
Agreement. Failure of an Employee to comply with such policy or procedure shall be grounds
for discipline up to and including dismissal.
16.3 Safety Devices and Uniforms
The City shall provide all devices, apparel or equipment necessary for an Employee's safety in
accordance with applicable laws. Additionally, the City shall provide special tools, equipment,
clothing and uniforms it deems necessary to accomplish work assignments. All items provided
to Employees in accordance with this Section are the property of the City, may be used only for
official work purposes, and when practicable, shall remain in their place of employment at all
times that the property is not in use by the Employee and shall be returned in good working
order upon separation from City service.
ARTICLE 17 - BENEFITS
17.1 Health Insurance
1. The City will provide all full-time Employees and their qualified dependents a benefit
package in accordance with Council approved policies. Full-time Employees are those
Employees who are normally scheduled to work thirty (30) or more hours a week.
Employees are solely responsible for any personal tax liability incurred for said benefits.
a. Employees in positions exposed to unique hazards or which exhibit a proven risk for
the development of certain illnesses will be provided with medically recommended
immunizations or preventative screenings.
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2. The City shall pay to the health insurance program, in the manner as determined by
Council for all Employees. If the City wishes to increase the employee health insurance
cost share, the parties will renegotiate the contribution amounts, if necessary.
17.2 Health Insurance Renewal or Replacement
Within ten (10) working days of receipt of all health insurance options each year the City will
provide a copy of the options received to the Union. The City will review the options with the
Union prior to reviewing or replacing the health insurance program.
17.3 Lengev+ty Annual Bonus
1. All regular Employees, after completion of one (1)years' service equal to two thousand
and eighty (2,080) hours, shall be paid Annual pay at the rate of one and a half percent
(1.5%) of the employee's regular salary. Annual pay shall be paid once each year on the
first pay day of December.
2. Any break in City employment longer than thirty (30) calendar days will advance the
eligibility date by the number of days in excess of thirty (30). Time served as a
temporary Employee shall not be included.
17.4 Retirement
1. The City has in effect a retirement plan with the Public Employees Retirement System
(PERS) for all eligible City Employees included in this Agreement.
17.5 Training/Professional Development
1. The City and Union agree that education and training may enhance an Employee's job
performance and prepare the Employee for career advancement within the City. To that
end, the City and Union encourage Employees to take advantage of City-sponsored
training and/or professional development programs.
2. Department Heads shall provide active leadership in developing the Employees under
their supervision. In this capacity, they shall:
a. Cooperate closely with the city manager in determining the current and future
employee development needs in the department.
b. Participate with the city manager in developing and implementing employee
development programs
c. Budget sufficient funds to secure needed career development programs
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d. Evaluate the effectiveness of completed career development programs and make
recommendations for improvement where appropriate
e. Assure that Employees are provided with sufficient time to participate in career
development programs.
ARTICLE 18 - STRIKE/LOCKOUT/WORKSTOPPAGE/PICKET LINE
18.1 Strike/Lockout
The parties agree that there shall be no strikes, work stoppages, or lockouts during the life of
this Agreement.
18.2 Picket Lines
The parties agree that it shall be a violation of this Agreement and it shall be cause for
disciplinary action in the event an Employee refuses to go through or work behind any picket
line. The City specifically retains all of its rights under AS 23.40.200.
ARTICLE 19 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
19.1 Duration
This Agreement shall become effective January 1, 2W2 2023and shall continue in full force and
effect through midnight, December 31,2Q222025. Thereafter, it shall automatically renew itself
and continue in full force and effect from year to year unless written notice of election to
terminate or modify any provision of this Agreement is given by one party not later than
January 1st of any succeeding year.
19.2 Severability
1. Violations: If any term or provision of this Agreement is, at any time during the life of
this Agreement, adjudged by a court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction to
conflict with any law, such term or provision shall become invalid and unenforceable,
but such invalidity or unenforceability shall not impair or affect any other term or
provision of this Agreement.
2. Replacement: If a determination or decision is made pursuant to Subsection 1 of this
Article that part of this Agreement is found to be in violation of law, the parties to this
Agreement shall convene for the purpose of negotiating a satisfactory substitute for the
invalidated article, section or portion thereof.
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3. Printing of the Agreement: The parties agree that a Union representative and a person
appointed by the City will meet and mutually agree on the format, size, and
specifications of the Agreement to be printed. The Union shall print or be responsible
for the printing of the Agreement. The parties will designate the number of copies of the
Agreement each desire and each party will be responsible for the cost involved in
printing that number of copies.
19.3 Waiver of Bargaining Rights and Amendments to Agreement
During the negotiations resulting in this Agreement, the City and the Union each had the
unlimited right and opportunity to make demands and proposals with respect to any subject
matter as to which the Alaska Public Employment Relations Act imposes an obligation to
bargain. This Agreement contains the entire understanding, undertaking, and agreement of the
City and the Union, after exercise of the right and opportunity referred to in the first sentence
of this Section, and finally determines all matters of collective bargaining for its term.
19.4 Changes to Agreement
This Agreement may be amended with the mutual consent of the parties. Changes in this
Agreement, whether by addition, deletion, amended or modification, must be reduced to
writing and extended by both the City and Union in the form of a Letter of Agreement.
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Appendix A
Positions Eligible for Union Representation
Accounting Supervisor
Accounting Technician I (Payroll)
Accounting Technician 11 (A/P)
Accounting Technician 11 (Utility)
Accounting Technician III
Administrative Assistant- Recreation
Animal Control Officer
Building Inspector
Corporal
Corrections Officer
Corrections Sergeant
Curator
Custodian - Municipal Buildings
Dispatch Supervisor
Dispatcher
DMV Clerk
Executive Assistant
(Fire/PW/Parks/Electric/Harbor/Clerk/)
Fire/Building Inspector
Harbor Worker 11
Harbor Worker III
Maintenance Mechanic Operator
MIS Tech
Office Manager- Harbor
Part-time Animal Control Assistant
Part-time Library/Museum
Patrol Officer
Patrol Sergeant
Planning Technician
Program Coordinator(Campground/Recreation)
Senior Computer Technician
Shop Foreman
Technician
Water/Wastewater Foreman
Water/Wastewater Operator
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APPENDIX B
SALARY SCHEDULE FOR 2023
PAY RANGES with 2.5 COLA
Administrative and Technical
2.5%Between Each Step(A-P)
10%Between Each Grade(1-4)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
1 33,313 34,145 34,999 35,874 36,771 37,690 38,632 39,598 40,588 41,603 42,643 43,709 44,802 45,922 47,070 48,246
2 36,644 37,560 38,499 39,461 40,448 41,459 42,496 43,558 44,647 45,763 46,907 48,080 49,282 50,514 51,777 53,071
3 40,308 41,316 42,349 43,407 44,493 45,605 46,745 47,914 49,112 50,339 51,598 52,888 54,210 55,565 56,954 58,378
4 44,339 45,447 46,584 47,748 48,942 50,165 51,420 52,705 54,023 55,373 56,758 58,177 59,631 61,122 62,650 64,216
Supervisors and Advanced Technical
2.5%Between Each Step(A-P)
10%Between Each Grade(5-9)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
5 46,125 47,278 48,460 49,672 50,913 52,186 53,491 54,828 56,199 57,604 59,044 60,520 62,033 63,584 65,173 66,803
6 50,738 52,006 53,306 54,639 56,005 57,405 58,840 60,311 61,819 63,364 64,948 66,572 68,236 69,942 71,691 73,483
7 55,811 57,207 58,637 60,103 61,605 63,145 64,724 66,342 68,001 69,701 71,443 73,229 75,060 76,936 78,860 80,831
8 61,392 62,927 64,500 66,113 67,766 69,460 71,196 72,976 74,801 76,671 78,587 80,552 82,566 84,630 86,746 88,914
9 67,532 69,220 70,950 72,724 74,542 76,406 78,316 80,274 82,281 84,338 86,446 88,607 90,823 93,093 95,420 97,806
Directors and Senior Managers
Open Ranges
7.5%Between Each Grade(10-13)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B I C I D I E F I G I H I J K L M N O P
10 71,750 104,038
11 77,131 111,840
12 82,916 120,228
13 89,135 129,245
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APPENDIX B
SALARY SCHEDULE FOR 2024
PAY RANGES with 1.5 COLA
Administrative and Technical
2.5%Between Each Step(A-P)
10%Between Each Grade(1-4)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
1 33,812 34,657 35,524 36,412 37,322 38,255 39,212 40,192 41,197 42,227 43,282 44,365 45,474 46,610 47,776 48,970
2 37,193 38,123 39,076 40,053 41,055 42,081 43,133 44,211 45,317 46,449 47,611 48,801 50,021 51,272 52,553 53,867
3 40,913 41,936 42,984 44,059 45,160 46,289 47,446 48,632 49,848 51,094 52,372 53,681 55,023 56,399 57,809 59,254
4 45,004 46,129 47,282 48,464 49,676 50,918 52,191 53,496 54,833 56,204 57,609 59,049 60,525 62,039 63,590 65,179
Supervisors and Advanced Technical
2.5%Between Each Step(A-P)
10%Between Each Grade(5-9)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
5 46,817 47,987 49,187 50,417 51,677 52,969 54,293 55,651 57,042 58,468 59,930 61,428 62,963 64,538 66,151 67,805
6 51,499 52,786 54,106 55,458 56,845 58,266 59,723 61,216 62,746 64,315 65,923 67,571 69,260 70,991 72,766 74,585
7 56,648 58,065 59,516 61,004 62,529 64,092 65,695 67,337 69,021 70,746 72,515 74,328 76,186 78,090 80,043 82,044
8 62,313 63,871 65,468 67,105 68,782 70,502 72,264 74,071 75,923 77,821 79,766 81,760 83,804 85,900 88,047 90,248
9 68,545 70,258 72,015 73,815 75,660 77,552 79,491 81,478 83,515 85,603 87,743 89,936 92,185 94,489 96,852 99,273
Directors and Senior Managers
Open Ranges
7.5%Between Each Grade(10-13)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B I C I D I E F I G I H I J K L M N O P
10 72,826 105,598
11 78,288 113,518
12 84,160 122,032
13 90,472 131,184
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APPENDIX B
SALARY SCHEDULE FOR 2025
PAY RANGES with L.5 COLA
Administrative and Technical
2.5%Between Each Step(A-P)
10%Between Each Grade(1-4)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
1 34,319 35,177 36,057 36,958 37,882 38,829 39,800 40,795 41,815 42,860 43,932 45,030 46,156 47,310 48,492 49,705
2 37,751 38,695 39,662 40,654 41,670 42,712 43,780 44,874 45,996 47,146 48,325 49,533 50,771 52,041 53,342 54,675
3 41,526 42,565 43,629 44,719 45,837 46,983 48,158 49,362 50,596 51,861 53,157 54,486 55,848 57,245 58,676 60,143
4 45,679 46,821 47,992 49,191 50,421 51,682 52,974 54,298 55,656 57,047 58,473 59,935 61,433 62,969 64,543 66,157
Supervisors and Advanced Technical
2.5%Between Each Step(A-P)
10%Between Each Grade(5-9)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
5 47,519 48,707 49,925 51,173 52,452 53,764 55,108 56,485 57,897 59,345 60,829 62,349 63,908 65,506 67,143 68,822
6 52,271 53,578 54,917 56,290 57,697 59,140 60,618 62,134 63,687 65,279 66,911 68,584 70,299 72,056 73,858 75,704
7 57,498 58,936 60,409 61,919 63,467 65,054 66,680 68,347 70,056 71,807 73,602 75,443 77,329 79,262 81,243 83,274
8 63,248 64,829 66,450 68,111 69,814 71,559 73,348 75,182 77,061 78,988 80,963 82,987 85,061 87,188 89,368 91,602
9 69,573 71,312 73,095 74,922 76,795 78,715 80,683 82,700 84,768 86,887 89,059 91,285 93,568 95,907 98,304 100,762
Directors and Senior Managers
Open Ranges
7.5%Between Each Grade(10-13)
45%Range Spread from Minimum to Maximum
Grade A B I C I D I E F I G I H I J K L M N O P
10 73,919 107,182
11 79,463 115,221
12 85,422 123,862
13 91,829 133,152
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