(a) The City hereby recognizes Local 2373, International Association of Firefighters, as the exclusive bargaining agent for all full-time employees of the Fire Department. Membership in the Association shall not be prohibited by the City in any way. Employees shall be allowed to perform Association functions as necessary so long as such activities do not interfere with the functions, operations and duties of the Department.
(b) It is the desire of the City to maintain the highest standards of safety and health for all of its employees. Therefore, protective devices and other equipment, and wearing apparel, which the City deems necessary to properly protect firefighters, shall be provided by the City. Such devices, equipment and apparel shall be inspected on a quarterly basis by the Fire Chief and two representatives of the Association in order to ensure proper maintenance and replacement. The Chief and representatives of the Association shall also make an immediate and detailed investigation of each accident, death or injury, suffered by employees of the Department to determine the fundamental cause therefore. All reports generated by such an investigation shall be forwarded to the Safety Director with recommendations to alleviate hazardous conditions. Each such report shall contain a suggested date for abatement of the hazardous conditions.
(Ord. 43-84. Passed 3-26-84; Ord. 104-89. Passed 12-12-89.)