Approve MOU with SCAQMD Professional Employees Association Regarding the Professional Bargaining Unit
SYNOPSIS:
AQMD management and representatives of SCAQMD Professional Employees Association (SC-PEA), representing the Professional Bargaining Unit, have reached agreement on a labor contract for the period July 1, 1999, through June 30, 2002, which has been ratified by bargaining unit members. This action is to present the ratified agreement to the Board for its approval as new multiyear labor contract covering bargaining unit members represented by SC-PEA.
COMMITTEE:
Not Applicable
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize AQMD’s Negotiator to sign the ratified Memorandum of Understanding between AQMD and SC-PEA, covering employees in the Professional Bargaining Unit
Adopt the attached Resolution to permit employee contributions to retirement to be made, as allowed by the Internal Revenue Code, on a pretax basis (This Resolution would apply to all management, confidential and attorney employees, as well as to employees in the Professional Bargaining Unit.)
Appropriate $458,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to the Salary and Employee Benefits Major Object and transfer $216,500 from the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account, to the Salary and Employee Benefits Major Object to fund the additional costs for FY 99-00
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
The labor contract for the Professional Bargaining Unit expired on June 30, 1999. Management’s negotiations with SC-PEA for a successor agreement have resulted in a three-year labor agreement that has been ratified by Professional Bargaining Unit employees.
Proposal
The union-ratified agreement, which would extend through June 30, 2002, includes the following changes from the previous contract:
Cost-of-living salary increases of 3% on July 12, 1999; 2.5% on June 26, 2000; and 2.5% on June 25, 2001
Increase in AQMD’s monthly contribution toward health insurance premiums to $441.01 the first year, $471.88 the second year, and $504.91 the third year
AQMD’s layoff and reduction provisions revised to base layoffs and reductions on seniority, except for those with a less-than-satisfactory performance rating, who would be laid off or reduced before other employees
Employee contributions to retirement to be made on a pre-tax basis, as allowed by Internal Revenue Code Section 414(h)(2)
Modified agency shop provision of previous contract revised to require all bargaining unit members to join SC-PEA or to contribute to a charitable organization an amount equivalent to Association dues (These same terms currently apply to the other two bargaining units, which are represented by Teamsters Local 911.)
Employee-initiated classification study process revised to require Human Resources screening of requests and to expedite the study process
Grievance procedure revised to require scheduling grievance hearings at the earliest practicable time
A labor-management insurance committee to recommend employee health benefits options
Bereavement leave permitted for the death of a domestic partner meeting AQMD certification requirements
Annual sick leave accrual increased from 96 to 100 hours, to match sick leave accrual rate of all other employees
Locked bulletin board space provided, as available, for Professional Unit postings
The MOU also includes the same cost-of-living adjustments to travel and mileage reimbursements that are recommended in the Board letter regarding noncontract management, confidential, and attorney employees scheduled for consideration by the Board at this October 8, 1999, meeting.
Staff believes this negotiated agreement addresses Professional Bargaining Unit issues in ways that will improve employee morale and maintain management’s ability to conduct efficient operations, as well as making adjustments that keep AQMD competitive in its labor market.
Resource Impacts
The fiscal year cost of this agreement for the Professional Bargaining Unit is approximately $674,500, and the three-year cost is approximately $1,934,540. Consistent with the Three-Year Budget Forecast, $458,000 would be appropriated from the Undesignated Fund Balance. The remaining portion for the current fiscal year would come from cuts to the approved FY 1999-00 Budget, with $216,500 being transferred from contract expenditures to Salaries and Benefits.
Attachments Memorandum of Understanding Resolution
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This page updated:
August 06, 2010
URL: http://www.aqmd.gov/hb/1999/991010a.html
