City proposes vertical classification system; union seeks grandfathering and promotion protections

During bargaining on Sept. 17 the city presented conceptual language to move to a vertical classification system that would eliminate some written division distinctions in the classification table and rely on a single promotional process.

The Agency official described the idea as a simplification: classifications would be a single vertical system and promotional opportunities would be filled by those immediately below the vacancy after meeting time-in-class requirements. "We eliminate the divisions ... the classification system is going to be a single vertical classification system," the Agency official said.

Union representatives pressed the city to protect existing prevention-division personnel who hold classifications but not rank, and asked how vacancies that arise in prevention or fire marshal positions would be handled. Union speakers argued the new language could be applied only to new hires or through attrition; the Agency official agreed that, in practice, the new system likely would be available primarily to hires after the contract effective date and said the city would propose language to protect current staff.

On hiring, the city proposed that the fire chief prioritize qualified applicants who already hold paramedic certification when multiple candidates apply for the same vacancy, and that that priority policy remain in force until all vacancies existing at the contract's effective date are filled. Union representatives said that change would address concerns about hiring uncertified personnel into paramedic roles.

Ending: The city said it would draft clearer language on the vertical classification system and the proposed paramedic prioritization and circulate it to union leadership for review before the next meeting.