Metro will continue to follow FLSA stipulates and pay time and a half the normal rate when they work over 40 hours. (Carrell & Heavrin, 2013, p. 254). Members will only be paid once for the same hours. This is to avoid Pyramiding of overtime.

• Second Area that Cannot Change: Article 4-Metro Government Rights (All Sections)
  • Rationale: Metro Government will continue to operate and manage its affairs in accordance with its responsibilities. Metro will continue to set mission of its departments and set a standard of service. Metro will follow the rules and regulations set by the Louisville Metro Police Merit Board. Metro will continue to make decisions in the best interest of the Department in regards to selection of employment, assignment, transfer, and promotions subject to applicable state law and rules and regulations of the Merit Board (Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government & River City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #614, 2008). This will promote good morale within the Department, and guarantee that all Members are working under the same expectations and standards.

• Third Area that Cannot Change: Article 15-Health and Safety (All Sections)
  • Rationale: The health and safety of our Members remains a top priority for the Department. During working hours, Metro will abide by the standards of safety and sanitation. The Department will inspect equipment on a regular basis and replace if needed (Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government & River City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #614, 2008).

• Fourth Area that Cannot Change:Article 24-Salary
  • Rationale: The current formula in Article 24 states that a percentage increase equal to half of the percentage increase in tax revenue with a guaranteed 2%. Each 1% wage increase for the bargaining unit cost about $800,000 (Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government & River City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #614, 2008). Metro desires to keep the link between tax revenue growth and the percentage formula. Economic conditions fluctuate and this effects the tax revenue growth. Maintaining this formula will keep raises for our Members financially attainable.

1. Areas that Must Change:

• First Area that Must Change:Article 33-Health Insurance (All Sections)
  • Rationale: When comparing cost of Health Insurance cost per employee, Metro found that they were paying a significant amount more than other programs. The average cost of a police officer on the FOP-only plan is $4,200 more expensive than the average cost of the non-FOP plan. This cost saving per Member will free up funds to allocate to other areas of concern that benefits all Members.

• Change: Metro would like to offer a "two tier" health insurance program that would place all new hires in the non-FOP health insurance program (Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government & River City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #614, 2008). In addition to this change, Metro seeks to increase copays and premiums. By increasing copays 100%, the savings would be $150,000 per year. By increasing all premiums by $80 per month, the savings would be $100,000 per year.

• Second Area that Must Change:Article 24-Wage and Longevity Schedule (Appendix 2)
  • Rationale: This is an outdated plan based on turnover rates. With the improvement and consistency of having turnover rates less than 1% over the past 10 years, Metro believes that the 13 longevity wage step is no longer necessary. With each step increase, it cost Metro around $540,000 per year.
  • Change: Metro would like to drop the first 5 steps of this plan in order to free up funds to allocate to other important areas of need.

• Third Area that Must Change:Article 24-Entry Salary
  • Rationale: The starting pay for a new officer is too low and must be changed to remain competitive. The current starting salary is $31,832.49. The education requirements have increased for officers, and require at least two years of postsecondary education. With the starting pay as it is, it makes recruitment difficult, as the pay does not reflect the educational level of our graduating officers.
  • Change: Metro would like to increase the starting pay for our new hire officers. This pay shall reflect the educational level of the officers, and help our department remain competitive with recruiting.

• Fourth Area that Must Change:Article 17-Disciplinary Procedure and Bill of Rights (Section 3)
  • Rationale: The polygraph test is required for all applicants when hired, but upon investigation, it currently has to be signed off by the citizen. For the purposes of investigations, it should be to the discretion of the Chief to perform a polygraph text depending on the circumstances. This will provide a fair and thorough investigation that will provide details to aid in decision making.
  • Change: A polygraph test can be given at the discretion of the Chief for purposes of internal investigations.

1. Areas that are Negotiable:

• First Area of Contract that is Negotiable:Article 12-Grievance Procedure
  • Rationale:

• Second Area of Contract that is Negotiable:Article 40-Term
  • Rationale: Changing the length term will provide more stability to the Police Department. It will be a model for other Unions.
  • Change: Extend the term to 5 years.

• Third Area of Change that is Negotiable:Article 25-Pension
  • Rationale: Metro is willing to negotiate specific contribution expectations

• Fourth Area of Change that is Negotiable:Article 31-Sick Leave (Section 5)
  • Rationale: The current leave is granted for immediate family. This is stated to include parents, spouse, and children. Metro agrees that this can be negotiated to include grandparents.

References:

Carrell, M. R., & Heavrin, C. (2013).Labor relations and collective bargaining: Public and private sectors (10^thed.). Pearson.

Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government & River City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #614 (2008).Collective bargaining agreementbetweenLouisville/Jefferson County Metro Government and theRiver City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #614,June 30, 2008 - June 30, 2011.https://ttu.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/execute/content/file?cmd=view&mode=designer&content_id=_10226158_1&course_id=_224669_1

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The provided document outlines various areas of a contract negotiation between the LouisvilleJeffers... View the full answer