SECTION TITLE. Section titles are for descriptive purposes only and shall not control or limit the meaning of this Agreement as set forth in the text.
SECTION TITLE. Rules and Regulations The existing official rules and regulations, code of conduct, general, and special orders of the Helena Fire Department are to be kept on file for review in the department watch rooms and the office of the City Clerk. Changes in the rules of a mandatory subject will be negotiated through the normal bargaining process.
SECTION TITLE. Vacation Leave
SECTION TITLE. Sick Leave
SECTION TITLE. Residency The employer agrees that employees may reside outside of the legal boundaries of the City of Helena.
SECTION TITLE. Hours of Work
SECTION TITLE. Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage The City will contribute to health insurance premiums in the same amount as it contributes to the same plan for City employees not included in a bargaining unit. Employees will participate in the City of Helena’s dental, vision and life insurance program at no cost to the employee.
SECTION TITLE. Hiring Advisory Board The employer recognizes the hiring advisory board as a committee consisting of five (5) members. The purpose of the committee is to conduct interviews, formulate scores, and provide input to the Chief for hiring. All final decisions are up to the discretion of the Chief. The Chief will select three (3), and the Union will elect two (2) representatives. The Chief may select one representative from the Union. Human Resources, with input from the Fire Chief, will select the chairperson, who upon completion of interviews and formulation of scores will verify the scoring list with the Fire Chief or his designee.
SECTION TITLE. Promotions To be promoted applicant must meet all criteria in Appendix “B”. The Fire Chief may make changes to the promotion process. Any proposed change must be posted and filed with the Union at least 6 months before taking effect. All members shall maintain their current rank and promotion eligibility established in past and current promotion processes.
SECTION TITLE. Discipline Employees may be disciplined or discharged only for just cause. Discipline will be applied at progressive and escalating levels to allow the employee proper notice of misconduct or performance shortcomings and an opportunity to improve. The level of discipline imposed will be based on the employee's prior record of service, length of service, severity of offense and prior record of discipline. For a serious first offense, an employee could be discharged without first being given a verbal or written warning.
