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ARTICLE 27 - HEALTH AND SAFETY <br /> The parties recognize that manning (crew size, on duty shift force) vitally affects the efficient <br /> and economic operation of the Department in providing the best possible service to the <br /> community and, further, that changes from the present minimum level agreed to in prior <br /> contracts do affect the safety and job security of the members of the Union, and therefore agree <br /> as follows: <br /> The City agrees to maintain a firefighting force of at least twenty-five (25) firefighters on duty at <br /> all times. The City further agrees to maintain at least three (3) firefighters on each fire <br /> suppression company, one of whom shall be a captain; to maintain two (2) firefighters on each <br /> aid car and to maintain a battalion chief who shall be on duty with each fire suppression platoon. <br /> The City further agrees to use the attrition method in reaching the twenty-five (25) firefighter <br /> minimum crew level. Attrition is defined as voluntary quit, dismissal for just and sufficient cause, <br /> permanent disability, retirement or death. <br /> Provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the City may, during the course of the <br /> contract year, seek to effect a change in the minimum manning provided by paragraph one <br /> above. If the City desires to effect such change, it shall propose to the Union a written proposal <br /> as to the reduction sought including reason for the change, prior to the date of the change. At <br /> least 90 days prior to the proposed effective date of the change, the City shall meet with <br /> 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 <br /> change within 60 days of the first formal conference, the parties shall submit the proposal to <br /> arbitration as provided for by Article 6, Step 4. The Arbitrator shall resolve the issue based <br /> upon a finding that the proposal of the City will improve efficiency of service and that it does not <br /> reasonably impair the safety of the firefighting force. <br /> 36 <br />