La Marque and Local 3282 continue bargaining over 48/96 schedule, certification pay and investigator on‑call pay; July 3 meeting set

La Marque officials and representatives of La Marque Professional Firefighters Local 3282 met June 16 to continue negotiations over the fire department’s collective bargaining agreement, discussing a proposed move from the current nine‑day/Kelly‑day rotation to a 48/96 schedule, pay for new and existing certifications, weekend on‑call pay for arson investigators and related staffing and operational impacts.

The discussion focused on three items central to the union’s package: (1) switching to a 48/96 schedule to reduce mandatory daily Kelly‑day staffing and overtime costs, (2) clarifying certification pay for hazmat roles and a recently introduced fire‑marshal certification, and (3) a proposed two‑hour weekend on‑call payment for investigators (identified in the meeting as arson investigators). City and union negotiators also reviewed a proposal to keep unused quartermaster (uniform/boot) allowances in a department fund rather than returning them to the general fund.

Why it matters: The schedule and pay changes affect daily staffing, overtime costs, equipment maintenance routines and how emergency medical and fire response teams are paired during high call volumes. Union leaders said the 48/96 model is increasingly common in the fire service and could reduce overtime and sick‑leave use; city staff and the fire chief sought written protocols and preliminary implementation plans before committing to a contract change.

Scheduling and overtime figures discussed Union representatives presented a feasibility and cost summary showing historical cost tied to Kelly days. For the 10/1/2023–10/1/2024 fiscal period the packet showed 1,860 Kelly‑day hours and a calculated cost of $70,082.01 (base pay caveat noted).…