Everett Firefighters Local No. 46 12/16/2022

39 ARTICLE 27 - HEALTH AND SAFETY The parties recognize that manning (crew size, on duty shift force) vitally affects the efficient and economic operation of the Department in providing the best possible service to the community and, further, that changes from the present minimum level agreed to in prior contracts do affect the safety and job security of the members of the Union, and therefore agree as follows: The City agrees to maintain a firefighting force of at least thirty-four (34) firefighters on duty at all times. The City further agrees to maintain at least three (3) firefighters on each fire suppression company, one of whom shall be a captain; to maintain two (2) firefighters on each aid car and to maintain a battalion chief who shall be on duty with each fire suppression platoon. The City further agrees to use the attrition method in reaching the thirty-four (34) firefighter minimum crew level. Attrition is defined as voluntary quit, dismissal for just and sufficient cause, permanent disability, retirement or death. Provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the City may, during the course of the contract year, seek to effect a change in the minimum manning provided by paragraph one above. If the City desires to effect such change, it shall propose to the Union a written proposal as to the reduction sought including reason for the change, prior to the date of the change. At least 90 days prior to the proposed effective date of the change, the City shall meet with representatives of the Union at reasonable times and places for the purpose of exploring the advisability of the change and agreement to the change. If the parties fail to agree to the change within 60 days of the first formal conference, the parties shall submit the proposal to arbitration as provided for by Article 6, Step 4. The Arbitrator shall resolve the issue based upon a finding that the proposal of the City will improve efficiency of service and that it does not reasonably impair the safety of the firefighting force.