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