(1) In addition to the current end of year carry-over vacation policy of five days, revise the employee handbook for non-contract employees and allow an employee to opt to carry over up to ten days of vacation into the following year, provided that:
(a) The up to ten day carry over option must be used by June 30 or those up to ten days are forfeited; and
(b) The CEO position is ineligible unless approved by the Board under a separate action.
(2) Create a vacation buy-back program, provided that:
(a) An employee may sell up to 40 hours if the employee is entitled to three weeks of vacation that year;
(b) An employee may sell up to 80 hours if the employee is entitled to four or more weeks of vacation; and
(c) The CEO position is ineligible unless approved by the Board under a separate action.
(3) Offer relocation packages for those employee candidates outside the metropolitan area on the condition that:
(a) It is on a reimbursable basis after receipts are received;
(b) For positions at grade 22 or above;
(c) Up to 10% net of candidate’s salary (and Metra to contribute an additional amount for the estimated federal tax portion of the amount, but only if relocation fees are generally taxable to employees); and
(d) Candidate agrees to sign a contract agreeing to:
1. Stay at Metra for at least 24 months;
2. If candidate leaves voluntarily before said period, candidate will reimburse Metra the full relocation and any tax amount prorated over 24 months, plus any court costs and legal fees; and
3. Candidate agrees to permit Metra to withhold said amounts not in dispute from candidate’s last paycheck (which would include cash out of earned but unused vacation days).
(4) Consistent with the RTA pension ordinance, provide for an employer 401(k) retirement contribution program in lieu of RTA pension contributions for non-contract employees hired since January 1, 2022, who waive participation in the RTA pension. Such 401(k) program shall be consistent with that offered jointly by RTA and PACE in terms of vesting period, participation and waiver period and contribution percentages; and
(5) For a period of one year after any transfer of operations from a purchase of service agreement (“PSA”) carrier to the Division or the Corporation, allow for the direct hiring and transfer of contract and non-contract PSA employees without posting the positions and with a provision for retention of contract seniority provided that such jobs are not currently Metra positions and are for the transfer of PSA operational and managerial positions.
(Ord. MET 22-07, passed 7-20-2022)