SUBJECT
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Approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Polk County and the International Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) and Paramedics Local 917 R-5 SEIU/NAGE (IAEP)
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DESCRIPTION
The proposed change is the result of successful bargaining between Polk County and the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP) for a one-year CBA (Article XXXII), a wage tenure increase of 1.5 percent and one (1) step increase (Article XX) for all eligible bargaining unit employees, and the other attached Articles (XVIII, XIX, XXVI).
ARTICLE XXXII: DURATION, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION
This Agreement shall be effective upon ratification and, except for the provisions of Article XXI, Section 21, shall continue in full force and effect until 12 o'clock midnight on the 30th day of September, 2025
ARTICLE XX: RATES OF PAY
Effective the September 30, 2024 pay period or the first full payroll period after ratification by both parties, whichever is later and contingent upon Board approval, all eligible bargaining unit employees will receive a one-time tenure pay increase of 1.5% and shall progress 1 step on the existing 13-step pay plan, except in those cases where:
1. EMT INTRAVENOUS (IV) CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE
For those employees already having submitted their certification, or effective the second pay period following submission of proof of Certification, the incentive rate will be twenty-five (25) cents per hour and will be added to the employee's current rate on an ongoing basis.
2. FIELD TRAINING OFFICER (FTO) PREMIUM PAY
EMTs and Paramedics who are designated as qualified and who are assigned as a Field Training Officer (FTO) will receive a premium of one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per hour for hours actually assigned and worked as an FTO while training employees.
3. EMT TO PARAMEDIC PROMOTION BONUS
Polk County EMTs, who successfully pass the Paramedic training, attain a State of Florida Paramedic Certification and who are newly promoted to the regular bargaining unit position of Paramedic will be eligible for a one-time $2,000 promotion bonus and subject to the eligibility and reimbursement requirements set forth in the agreement.
4. SUMMARY OF RATES OF PAY
Polk County reserves the right to start new employees within the established pay ranges, based upon education, experience, skill and training, up to but not exceeding the mid-point of the range.
5. WORKING OUT OF CLASSIFICATION EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN TO PARAMEDIC
When assigned to work OUT of Class, the employee will receive two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per hour extra for all hours that the employee worked Out of Class as a Paramedic.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of the IAEP Articles XXXII Duration, Modification and Termination; XX Rates of Pay; XVIII Discipline and Discharge; XIX Hours of Work and Overtime; XXVI Uniforms
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget for the wage tenure and step increases
CONTACT INFORMATION
Kandis Baker-Buford
Equity and Human Resources Director