SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the collective bargaining agreement as negotiated between the City of Clearwater and Communication Workers of America, Local 3179 (CWA), from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The collective bargaining agreement between the City of Clearwater and CWA Local 3179 expired on September 30, 2023. The parties reached a tentative agreement on October 12, 2023. The agreement was ratified by the CWA bargaining unit on October 18, 2023 by a vote of 440 (yes) to 19 (no).
A summary of the changes are as follows:
Article 3, Rights of Parties
Deleted language that the City shall deduct dues.
Article 7, Personnel Practices
Changed several sections regarding personnel practices.
Increased the percentage from 10% to 15% for the placement of a candidate above the established entry of the salary range based on candidate’s job-related education, training, and experience.
Changed provisions regarding appointments and promotions.
Article 8, Leaves of Absence
Added Juneteenth to the Designated Holidays list.
Increased vacation accrual rates to those of SAMP employees.
Increased vacation cap to 320 hours.
Updated language for Leaves of Absence Without Pay.
Added Vacation Buyback language.
Article 9, Wages & Compensation
2% increase to minimums and maximums of the pay plan in the first year.
8% merit pay increase in the first year.
Pay increases retroactive to October 1, 2023.
Wage re-opener for years two and three.
Increase to Longevity Award.
Increased meal money from $10 to $25.
Increased Standby Rates.
Monday - Friday $35 to $50
Saturday - Sunday $40 to $70
Holidays $45 to $80
Increased tuition reimbursement from $1500 to $2500.
Article 15, Duration, Modification and Termination
Added termination clause.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
5.1 Attract and retain top-quality personnel through the maintenance of a competitive compensation program.
5.3 Generate organizational success through collaborative engagement and inclusive decision making to create shared value outcomes.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
The cost associated with the implementation of this agreement are anticipated to be approximately as follows:
FY 2023/24 $3,981,211
FY 2024/25 $687,292 (Vacation & Standby Estimate)
FY 2025/26 $687,292 (Vacation & Standby Estimate)
Please note costs for year two and three do not include Merit Increases and Longevity because of the reopeners. Total cost thus far is $5,355,795. Funding is available in current year budget, and future budgets will include the contract costs in the proposed budgets.