RES NO 12-05-2003 CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. 1a -2003
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A LABOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
WITHIN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR
THE COMMITTEE.
WHEREAS, The fire department desires to establish a labor- management
committee in an effort to bring together members of labor and
management within the fire department for the common goal of
problem solving within the department while most effectively
providing for the needs and safety of the community; and
WHEREAS, A public hearing has been held and the Civil Service Commission
has recommended the establishment of a labor management
committee and the guidelines therefore; and
WHEREAS, The City Council believes that the said labor management
committee will benefit the fire department and the citizens of the
City of Van Buren.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: That the Labor Management Committee for the Van Buren Fire
Department is hereby established and the attached guidelines
hereby adopted for the committee.
SECTION 2: All current employees shall receive a copy of the guidelines.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS S DAY OF DECEMBER, 2003.
MAYOR RIG6
ATTESTED:
CITY CLERKITREASURER
0
Van Buren Fire Department Labor/Management Committee Guidelines
Purpose
The purpose of forming a Labor/Management Committee is to bring together members of
both Labor and Management for the common goal of problem solving. Combining
efforts allows for a better work environment by avoiding misunderstanding and increase
lines of communication. The committee shall investigate, study and discuss possible
solutions to mutual problems affecting the relationship between Labor and Management
to better provide the emergency services assigned to the Van Buren Fire Department in a
manner that best serves the needs and safety of the Citizens of Van Buren and its
Firefighters.
Scope
The Labor Management Committee will open lines of communication between the Labor
(line) and Management (staff) of the Van Buren Fire Department, to establish and revise
job descriptions, policies, procedures, general rules and regulations, budgeting, training,
civil service regulations, standard operating procedures, standard operating guidelines,
safety and health issues, uniform policies, purchasing and specifications for all fire
equipment and disciplinary actions to enhance morale, efficiency and public safety.
Members
The VBFD Labor Management Committee shall consist of eight members as follows:
Labor- (4) Principal officers of the Van Buren Professional Firefighters Local 4078
Management- (3) Staff Personnel
(1) Fire Chief
Duties
Duties and responsibilities for members of the committee:
1. Attend each monthly meeting and special meetings if
necessary. Proper notification shall be given to all committee
members.
2. Secretary of Local 4078 will record minutes for each meeting
and provide a copy of the minutes from the previous meeting to
committee members at each meeting.
3. Training Officer shall keep records of all action.
4. Keep meetings informal if possible. If it is found to be
ineffective, the committee will elect a chairperson for that
meeting. The same person on consecutive meetings will not
perform the chairperson's duties.
5. A set agenda will be established and sent to each committee
member no later than (3) three days before a labor /management
meeting.
6. A summary report of each meeting will be posted at all stations
by the secretary of the committee.
Procedures for Decisions
Once an area of concern is identified, researched, studied and brought before the
committee, each member will be given the opportunity to voice support or opposition in
an open forum with all members of the committee. Next, the committee will vote,
concerning each identified problem. Majority rules principle will apply. Decisions will
be forwarded through proper channels i.e., Civil Service Commission, Mayor, City
Council, City Attorney. If necessary, items receiving a majority vote may be sent to the
Mayor for review and placement on the City Council agenda for ratification.
Appeals Process
Should the committee reach an impasse, the Mayor may be asked to cast the deciding
vote. Either Labor or Management shall have the option to appeal to the City Council.
Both parties will have opportunity to present opposing positions.