Contract and Wage Information
Perhaps no piece of information is as important as the local’s contract, memorandum of understanding or salary schedule. Once received, these documents are analyzed for both economic and clause data.
The scenario below will show examples of both single city demographic and economic charts and jurisdiction wage comparisons that can be prepared using this data.
Scenario
Lake Wobegone’s contract is expiring and the local president wanted to be thoroughly prepared for negotiations.
Step 1
The local president contacted his district vice president for technical assistance.
Step 2
He was informed to put his request in writing pursuant to the IAFF technical assistance policy. The local did so and outlined the primary issues as wage improvements.
The local was interested in having a contract for two years in duration with four percent increases received in both years. The local also had definite ideas on jurisdictions that they wanted to use as comparables. The primary emphasis would be on population, specifically, jurisdictions with more than 1,000,000 in population.
Step 3
IAFF General President approved the request for technical assistance and a meeting was scheduled at IAFF Headquarters in Washington.
Step 4
Document Status Report: After determining a group of comparables, the next step in the technical assistance process would be to generate a document status report to determine if we have current information on file (contracts, MOUs, salary schedules, etc.)
Demographic Status Report: A demographic report for these jurisdictions should be generated to demonstrate the appropriateness of the group.
Economic Reports: Generally when a local requests economic information, we prepare charts for seven points in time:
- Maximum base salary
- Average over a 20-year career
- First year of service
- Sixth year of service
- Eleventh year of service
- Sixteenth year of service
- Twentieth year of service
For purposes of this example, we have provided an example economic report at the first point in time: maximum base salary.
If you look at our salary comparison example, you will note that this report provides significant lags for Lake Wobegone. In this instance, the lags are significant whether you look at base salary, total compensation or cost per hour worked. It is worth noting that although the lag is significant it is reduced when economic incentives, scheduled hours and leave entitlements are factored in.
Example Reports
Once received, economic information is cataloged and analyzed for economic and clause data. The analyzed information is then put into a database and can be used to assist local affiliates.