Contract Between
Edison Tp B/E-Middlesex
- and -
Edison Tp Cust/Maint Assn
* * *
07/01/2009 thru 06/30/2013


CategorySchool District
UnitCustodians, Other

Contract Text Below
Page 34 of 34
Page 1 of 34


PREAMBLE

This agreement is entered into on this day, between the Board of Education of the School District of the Township of Edison, in the County of Middlesex, a Municipal Corporation of the State of New Jersey, hereinafter called the “Board” and the New Jersey Education Association, the Edison Public Schools Custodians and Maintenance Association, Incorporated, hereinafter called the “Association”.





ARTICLE I

RECOGNITION
Unit
    The Board hereby recognizes the Edison Public Schools Custodians and Maintenance Association, Incorporated and the NJEA as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for all custodians, maintenance, grounds and helper employees in all matters specifically provided for herein pertaining to wages, hours, conditions of employment and grievance procedures.

Definition of Employees

The Board recognizes the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the Association toward its members in protecting rights in employment, as well as the good and welfare of its members and recognizes such rights as are provided by Constitution and Statutes.
    Unless otherwise indicated, the term “employee” when used hereinafter in this Agreement shall refer to all male and female custodians, maintenance, grounds, helpers and/or any other employee in this bargaining unit.




    ARTICLE II
    RIGHTS, AUTHORITY, RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD

    Subject to rights and privileges granted to the Association herein, the Board retains and reserves unto itself all powers, rights, authority, duties and responsibilities conferred upon and vested in it by the laws and Constitution of the State of New Jersey, including the right:


    Board Authority

    To the executive management and administrative control of the school system and its properties and facilities, to maintain the efficiency of the school district operations entrusted to the Board, and to determine the methods, means and personnel by which such operations are to be conducted.





    To determine work schedules, places of work, transfers of employees with due cause, the right to contract or subcontract any work to any person, persons, corporation or association, the right to eliminate any job and/or job classification as designated herein, except as provided in this Agreement.
      The exercise of the foregoing powers, rights, authority, duties and responsibilities by the Board, the adoption of policies, rules, regulations and practices in furtherance thereof, and the use of judgment and discretion in connection therewith shall be limited only by the specific and express terms of this Agreement and then only to the extent such specific and express terms thereof are in conformance with the Constitution and Statutes of the State of New Jersey and the Constitution and laws of the United States. The Board does not contest, nor shall this Agreement be construed to abrogate any duties and powers provided it by Federal and State Constitutions and Statutes.

      To do all things necessary and proper to effect the foregoing powers, duties and responsibilities of the Board.

      Board Rights

      To hire all employees, determine their qualifications, conditions for continued employment, dismissal, promotion, transfer, or, with just cause, to take disciplinary action as may be required.

      Medical Examination
        To require any employee to undergo a medical examination at least once each year as the Board may require, and may require additional individual psychiatric or medical examination of any employee as it deems advisable. A violation of this paragraph shall, on notice, result in suspension of the employee, without pay, until satisfactory compliance is accomplished.

        Job Vacancy

        It is the Board’s intent that any custodial, grounds, or helper position vacated by an employee resigning, retiring, and/or transferring shall be filled within thirty (30) working days. Any maintenance position vacated by an employee resigning, retiring, and/or transferring shall be filled within thirty (30) working days, or as soon as possible, at the discretion of the Board, depending upon the availability of qualified personnel.

        Job Posting

        A job posting shall be posted at each worksite not less than five (5) workdays before the final date when applications must be submitted. A copy of the job posting shall be given to the President of the Association at the time of posting. The qualifications for the position, its duties, hours, and location shall be clearly stated on each posting.

        All employees shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be notified of any job openings or vacancies together with hours of work. Nothing herein shall diminish any rights vested in an employee by tenure and the Statutes of New Jersey.





        ARTICLE III

        NEGOTIATION PROCEDURE

        Notification

        On or before the 15th day of January in the school year that the Agreement should expire, either party shall advise the other of the intention to discuss those matters as provided herein.

        Exchange of Information

        During negotiations, the Board and the Association shall present relevant data, exchange points of view, and make proposals and counterproposals. By mutual agreement, each party shall make available to the other, upon request, information within its possession which is not privileged under law and which is relevant to the subject under discussion. Either party may, if it so desires, utilize the services of outside consultants and may call upon professional and lay representatives to assist in the negotiations.

        Representation

        Neither party in any negotiations shall have any control over the selection of the negotiations representatives of the other party. The parties mutually pledge that their representatives be empowered to make proposals, consider proposals, and make counter-proposals in the course of negotiations.

        Meeting Information

        Whenever members of the bargaining unit are mutually scheduled by the parties hereto to participate during working hours in conferences, meetings or in negotiations regarding the collective bargaining agreement, they will suffer no loss in pay.

        Requests for a meeting or meetings shall contain specific statements as to the requests to be considered.

        A mutually convenient time shall be set within fifteen (15) days exclusive of Board-designated holidays or vacations.

        Modification of Agreement

        Representatives of the Board and the Association’s negotiation committee shall meet upon the request of either party for the purpose of amending this Agreement, and to resolve problems that may arise. These meetings are not to bypass the grievance procedure.
          Each party shall submit to the other at least three (3) days prior to the meeting an agenda covering matters it wishes to discuss.
            All meetings between the parties shall be regularly scheduled, whenever possible, to take place when the employees involved are free from assigned responsibilities unless otherwise agreed.
              Should a mutually acceptable amendment to this Agreement be negotiated by the parties, it shall be reduced to writing, be signed by the representatives of the Board and the Association, and be submitted for ratification to the Board and to the Association.

              ARTICLE IV
              GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

              The Board recognizes the rights of an employee who has a grievance to carry his/her appeal to the Board. The Board recognizes the rights of public employees, guaranteed to them by the New Jersey Constitution, and in N.J.S.A. 34:13A-1 et. seq. as to presenting and processing a grievance.


              Purpose

              The purpose of this procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible level, equitable solutions to the problems, which may from time to time arise affecting employees. Both parties agree that proceedings will be kept as informal and confidential as may be appropriate at any level of the procedure.


              Definition

              A “grievance” shall mean a complaint by an employee, group of employees or by the Association that there has been harm suffered by a misinterpretation, inequitable application, or violation of policies, agreements and/or administrative decisions of any of the provisions of the Agreement or concerning working conditions or employment.


              Pre-Grievance Intervention

              An employee, who has a concern/problem/issue that is based on contractual language, or Board policy or procedures, or an administrative decision, should first arrange an appointment with the principal or immediate supervisor involved, to discuss the matter. The grievant must have the Association’s designated representative present to discuss the grievance in question. The discussion should commence no later than five (5) working days after the concern/problem/issue became known.

              A pre-grievance conference is meant to be informal in nature. The concern/problem/issue should be clearly presented, and solutions or suggestions to address the concern may be offered by the individual or the Association representative. Every effort should be made to consider all reasonable solutions put forth, and to resolve the matter at this level. The Association representative however is charged with representing the views of the Association with regard to any resolution to the matter.


              Procedure

              If the concern/problem/issue is not resolved satisfactorily through the pre-grievance intervention, then the grievant and/or the Association should move to the level I grievance procedure. The procedure will be as follows:


              All initial grievances must be filed by the aggrieved party(ies) within ten (10) working days of the alleged occurrence of the complaint. An Individual employee can file a grievance at level one only.

              All grievances filed at any level of the grievance procedure must specify the specific violation of the interpretation or application of this contract, including the contract section, the date of the occurrence, the extent of the harm suffered and the relief sought.





              The Association, through a recognized representative, may appeal a decision to each next higher authority in turn. The sequence shall be (beginning at the lowest appropriate level):
                LEVEL I Principal or other immediate supervisor if building-based
                  LEVEL II Supervisor of Facilities
                    LEVEL III Business Administrator
                      LEVEL IV Superintendent of Schools or designee
                        LEVEL V Board of Education

                      LEVEL VI Arbitration



                      Arbitration

                      An arbitrator shall be selected through the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission and that arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding upon the parties.

                      The arbitrator shall not have the authority to add to, delete from, or modify this Agreement.

                      A grievance may proceed to binding arbitration only under the authority of the E.P.S.C.M.A.

                      The parties will arrange to have arbitration meetings at mutually agreed upon sites in Edison Township.

                      Only the Board, the aggrieved employee, and the association shall be given copies of the arbitrator’s report of findings and award. This shall be accomplished within thirty (30) working days of the completion of the arbitration hearing.

                      The expense of arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties to this Agreement.



                      Communications and Time limits
                        Upon its decision at each level, that person or party shall render that decision within ten (10) working days, in writing and with reasons.

                        The number of days indicated at each level should be considered as a maximum and every effort shall be made to expedite the process. The time limits specified may, however, be extended by mutual agreement of the Association and Superintendent or designee. All days referred to in this procedure shall be workings days.












                        Appeals

                        Prior to each appeal, the Association shall inform the authority who last rendered a decision of its intention to appeal to the next higher authority.

                        All notices of appeals must be made in writing within ten (10) working days of receipt of the written decision, to the next highest authority; otherwise, the appeal shall be deemed abandoned.

                        To appeal to the Board, the Association shall, in writing, notify the School Board Secretary within the designated time of its intention to appeal. A majority of the Board members shall hear the appeal at a time scheduled by the Board. A written decision shall be rendered within ten (10) working days of the hearing, which, together with any pleadings, shall be submitted to the employee and the Association. The employee shall, at all steps be permitted to be joined and represented by the Association.


                        Miscellaneous

                        If, in the judgment of the grievance committee, a grievance affects a group or class of employees in more than one building, the Association will initiate the grievance at level II.

                        The grievance committee may process any grievance that affects a group or class of employees through all levels of the grievance procedure regardless if the aggrieved person(s) does not wish to do so.

                        No reprisals of any kind shall be taken by the Board, or by any member of the administration, against any grievant, any member of the grievance committee, or any other participant in the grievance procedure by reason of such participation.

                        Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, all meetings and hearings under this procedure shall not be conducted in public and shall include only such parties in interest and the designated or selected representatives heretofore referred to in this article.

                        If an employee is required by the Board and the Association to appear at any grievance, arbitration, or P.E.R.C. hearing, it shall be without any loss of pay while attending such hearings.

                        A form pertaining to the filing of grievances shall be prepared jointly by the Superintendent and the Association and given appropriate distribution so as to facilitate operation of the grievance procedure.











                        ARTICLE V

                        JOB SECURITY AND SENIORITY


                        Tenure

                        Employees hired effective January 1, 1995, or thereafter, are and shall be employed for fixed terms and shall not be eligible for tenure.

                        Seniority

                        District seniority shall be defined as length of continuous service with the Edison Township Board of Education from the last date of hire. Track or departmental seniority, defined as length of time on a permanent basis in a particular track, either as custodian or in the maintenance/grounds departments shall be used only for determining layoffs and recalls. Recalls for custodians who have been laid off but are not on either track, shall be placed on a list and recalled based upon district seniority.

                        Two seniority lists shall be kept: one, district seniority and two, departmental seniority. The Board of Education shall provide the Association each September with the current seniority list in each category.
                          In the event that two (2) employees commence their employment on the same date, their respective seniority shall be determined by the toss of a coin.
                            An employee’s seniority shall cease and employment status shall terminate for any of the following reasons:
                              Resignation or retirement.
                              Discharge for just cause or dismissal under the tenure statutes.

                              Failure of laid-off employees to report for work either: 1) on the date specified in written notice of recall or, within three (3) working days after date of receipt of the registered mail notice of recall, unless the employee has a justifiable excuse for his failure to return to work as provided herein. The Board shall give careful consideration to an employee’s reasons, which may have caused a delay in his return to work. Written notice of recall to work shall be sent by the Board by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the employee’s last known address, as shown on the Board’s personnel records. The Association President will be sent a copy of the recall notice.
                              Failure to report to work for a period of three (3) consecutive scheduled working days without a reasonable excuse for such absence.
                              Layoff for a period exceeding one (1) year.














                            Layoff and Bumping Rights

                            In the event of layoffs, an employee may bump another employee with less seniority in either of two ways: 1) an employee in one of the tracks could bump the least senior employee in that track based upon the employee’s seniority in the track (e.g., a maintenance or grounds employee with ten (10) years of maintenance or grounds seniority whose position is eliminated could bump the least senior maintenance or grounds employee in this track), or, 2) this same employee, if he is the least senior employee in the maintenance or grounds track, could bump the least senior employee in the custodian position. Custodians, whether day or night, would have bumping rights based on their district seniority.
                              Any bumping or recall must take into consideration the employee’s ability to perform the job.
                                Any employee whose position is eliminated or filled by another employee whose position has been eliminated and who refuses a position which he has a right to claim under above shall lose all seniority rights under Section B of this Article. A full-time employee may refuse to claim a part-time position and shall maintain seniority rights under this Article.


                                Promotions

                                Whenever the Board acts with respect to promotions, transfers, assignments and layoffs, the Board will consider the employee’s skill, ability, work record, periodic evaluations and seniority with the District, but will give preference to the district seniority of an employee, provided the employee has had an acceptable work record with the Board for the preceding two (2) years. This will not be in effect for promotions outside the bargaining unit.
                                  Promotional positions are defined as any position with an increase in pay except day to night shift or midnight to any shift.
                                    The Board shall have the right to hire a Floater (VII.J.) to fill the opening created when promotional vacancy (ies) occurs.

                                  Whenever an employee successfully bids for a change in position, he/she shall be required to remain in that position for at least six (6) months before bidding for a further change. The only exceptions shall be those bids for a change from night to days for a promotional position, midnights to any shift or if no other employee has bid on the new opening.


                                  Recall

                                  Employees who have been reduced in rank or compensation because their job title has been eliminated as a position by the Board of Education shall be placed back in that position if it is reestablished by the Board at any later date.









                                  ARTICLE VI

                                  WORK WEEK and PAYROLL WEEK


                                  Work Week

                                  Payroll Week shall mean seven (7) eight-hour days from 7:00 a.m. on Monday to 7:00 a.m. on the following Monday. Normal workweek shall mean five (5) eight-hour days from Monday through Friday. Exceptions to normal workweek will be at the high schools, midnight shift, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., which includes Monday through Saturday morning. Exceptions may also be made by the Board to cover contingencies such as snow removal.

                                  Flexible Work Week

                                  The flexible custodial workweek in the high schools and middle schools will be five (5) days including Saturday. Employees on a flexible workweek will work days on Saturday and the afternoon shift on the weekdays.

                                  Assignment to the flexible shift and 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. midnight shift will be determined utilizing the following selection procedure:

                                    First by seeking a qualified volunteer(s) from within the school where the flexible or midnight shift will be utilized;
                                    If no qualified volunteers respond in subsection 1., above, the flexible or midnight shift position will be posted district-wide;
                                    If there are no qualified volunteers for the position in accordance with subsection 2., above, the Board shall have the right to assign the least senior qualified employee currently working in the building.

                                  Employees on the flexible and midnight shift(s) will be paid the shift differential(s) for all five (5) work days when appropriate.


















                                  ARTICLE VII

                                  HOURS OF WORK AND OVERTIME

                                  Work Hours and Lunch Break

                                  All employees to whom this Agreement applies will be scheduled to work a forty (40) hour week as defined herein. The workday shall consist of eight (8) hours excluding a one-half hour lunch period, except when school is not in session when the lunch period shall be included within the eight (8) hour day. Employees may be permitted to leave the school building during their lunch period with proper notification to their immediate Supervisor.


                                  Overtime Pay

                                  Overtime pay shall be one and one-half times base pay. Overtime pay shall apply to hours of authorized work in excess of forty (40) hours actually worked, within a workweek. Sick days on Monday and Friday only and deduct days within the work week shall not be deemed hours actually worked. Overtime at double the base pay rate will be paid for authorized time worked on Sundays. Holidays will be paid at double time plus the holiday pay.


                                  Emergency Pay

                                  For an emergency call-in between midnight and 5:00 a.m., a minimum of two (2) hours’ overtime is to be paid at double time. If the call-in occurs between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., a minimum of one (1) hour overtime is to be paid at time and a half. For an emergency call-in between 6:00 a.m. and midnight, a minimum of two (2) hours overtime is to be paid at time and one-half.


                                  Shift Assignment

                                  The Board of Education, through its agents, has the right to determine which shift any employee shall work and to redetermine at any time what hours shall compose any of the shifts. Any shift change will be based on the ability and qualifications to do the work, but seniority will prevail if ability and qualifications are equal. If a temporary shift change is required due to an absence of a Facility Manager/Foreman, it will be based on the ability and qualifications to do the work, but seniority will prevail if ability and qualifications are equal.
                                    Shift changes may be made with a minimum of six (6) hours prior notice to the effected employees in emergency situations. When emergency shift changes are made, all hours worked between midnight and 5:00 a.m. will be paid at double time. All hours worked after 5:00 a.m. will be paid at either straight time or time and one half in accordance with the overtime provisions of Article VII, B. The provisions of Article VII, A shall also apply to emergency shift changes.


                                    Floater Assignment

                                    Floater (custodians without a fixed assignment) custodians may be required to change work shifts on an as needed basis.







                                    Emergency Shift Assignment

                                    The Board may change the assignments within any shift category in any emergency situation. Any change in regular assignment or transfer will consider and give preference to the district seniority of an employee provided the employee has the necessary qualifications and will be on notice to the Association and employee.


                                    Overtime Authorization

                                    Overtime shall be authorized in the sole discretion of the Board through the Office of Buildings and Grounds.

                                    Pre-Scheduled Overtime
                                      All pre-scheduled Custodial overtime events at each school/building shall be worked, first by all employees assigned to said building on a seniority rotation basis. If no employee is available to work overtime or additional manpower is required for overtime, then the overtime seniority list will be used.

                                      All pre-scheduled maintenance/grounds overtime shall be worked within their respected departments, first by any maintenance/grounds employee already working on a current job, or second, by any specific skill(s) required to perform said job, not by seniority. If overtime is required for a new job and skills are equal, then seniority will prevail. If additional manpower is required for overtime, then the overtime seniority list will be used.

                                    Voluntary Rotating Seniority Overtime Lists
                                      The Supervisor of Facilities shall develop two voluntary rotating seniority overtime lists based on district seniority. The concept of the rotating seniority list is to establish an overtime list that offers overtime assignments based on seniority first; but, also, to equalize the overtime assignments among all employees.

                                      Only during the month of June, of the previous year, employees will be notified if they want to be placed on the voluntary rotating seniority overtime lists, by signing up. A phone number where employees can be reached at all times must also be submitted when signing up. One list will be for employees who work during the day time shift and the second list for employees working on the night shift. A floater or an employee whose work hours fall during both shifts will be placed on both lists.

                                      The rotating seniority lists for overtime shall be utilized, so that the most senior employee is offered the first available overtime assignment. Each overtime assignment will then be first offered to the employee who is next on the seniority list, after the employee who accepted the most recent overtime assignment. When the employee is called and there is no answer, or employee refuses, a message will be left that you were being sought after for overtime and you are now being skipped over. The next senior employee on the list will be called until the overtime assignment is accepted.

                                      All newly hired employees will be asked at the time of their initial employment if they would like to be placed on the voluntary rotating seniority overtime list.










                                    Black Seal License

                                    All custodians are required to possess a Black Seal Fireman’s/Boiler Operator’s License. The Board shall pay all yearly renewal fees of said licenses while employee is employed by the Board. All employees covered by this contact who were hired and possessed their Black Seal License prior to July 1st, 1991 will receive compensation in accordance with Article XXII, Section B.


                                    Emergency Snow Removal

                                    All employees must report for emergency snow removal. Employees who do not report for emergency snow removal will not be paid for that day, unless they a) utilize an available vacation day; b) personal day; or c) sick day accompanied by a doctor’s note.

                                    The Board shall reimburse any employee called in for work during a declared “State of Emergency” who receives a citation or traffic violation for being on the roads during a “State of Emergency” only. Any employee who receives a citation or traffic violation for being on the road during a “State of Emergency” and is sent home by authorities shall suffer no loss in pay for that day. No other citations will be applicable to this clause.


                                    Employee Employment
                                    Employees recognize that their obligation to the Board is primary. Therefore, no employee shall hold any additional job that interferes with his/her employment with the Board of Education. In the event an emergency exists, employees are expected to work overtime as assigned by the Supervisor of Facilities. Emergencies shall be defined as any condition that would affect the opening, safety or integrity of the buildings as determined by the Superintendent’s Office.



                                    ARTICLE VIII
                                    PROBATIONARY PERIODS AND DISCIPLINE

                                    Probationary Time

                                    All employees shall be probationary for the first sixty (60) days of initial employment by the Edison Township Board of Education.

                                    Permanent Employment Training

                                    The Board recognizes that the health and safety of all employees is important, therefore the Board will establish a training period whenever a new employee is hired.

                                    Probation Discipline

                                    A probationary employee may be recommended by the Supervisor of Facilities or Business Administrator to the Superintendent for discipline or dismissal for any justifiable reason. Notification of discipline or dismissal shall include a written statement of reasons for non-reemployment. Within five (5) calendar days of receipt of notification of dismissal, the employee may request in writing to discuss the termination with the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent shall schedule a meeting within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the written request from the employee. The Superintendent must notify the employee in writing of his final determination within three (3) days of the meeting. Such disciplinary action of a probationary employee shall not be subject to the grievance procedure of this Agreement.

                                    Promotion Probation

                                    Any employee promoted to a new job shall serve a thirty (30) working-day probationary period. If the employee is found to be unsatisfactory, he/she shall be returned to his/her former position with no loss of seniority.

                                    Violation of policies, rules, and regulations

                                    Violations of Board policy, rules or regulations shall be just cause for disciplinary action. No employee shall be disciplined, reprimanded, reduced in rank, reduced in compensation, deprived of any form of salary increment or increase, terminated, deprived of any form of occupational advantage or benefit without just cause. Tenured or non-tenured employees shall have the right to dispute any charge or alleged violation and may appeal such action through the grievance procedure provided under this Agreement. In all matters involving the discipline of employees the standards of progressive discipline as recognized within this Agreement shall be utilized. The American Arbitration Association shall be utilized as guidelines for the application of the just cause standard.

                                    However, the standards of progressive discipline as agreed to herein shall not mitigate or supplant the New Jersey Tenure Statutes as currently applied to bargaining unit employees.

                                    Required Meeting or Hearing Notice

                                    If an employee is required to attend a meeting or interview with the Superintendent or a designated representative concerning any matter, which may be disciplinary in nature, said employee shall be given up to two (2) days prior notice, and shall be entitled to have an Association representative present.

                                    Pre-Employment Medical Exam

                                    Offers of employment to prospective employees shall be contingent upon satisfactory medical examination by the district Medical Inspector.
                                    ARTICLE IX

                                    INSURANCE PROTECTION

                                    Medical Coverage

                                    The Board shall provide the State Health Benefits Direct 10 Plan which will include the major medical, surgical, hospitalization, etc. benefits as provided by the State of New Jersey under the State Health Benefits Program/School Employees' Health Benefits Program, to be further known as the SHBP/SEHBP. The benefit package as provided can be accessed at the state’s website: www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/shbp.htm. The network of participating doctors and hospitals can be accessed at the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield website: www.horizonblue.com/shbp. For in-network benefits, the co-payments will be Ten dollars ($10) per office visit and Twenty-five dollars ($25) for emergency room visit. For out-of-network benefits, the deductibles shall be One Hundred dollars ($100) per single and Two Hundred Fifty dollars ($250) per family. The Board of Education will not change insurance plans/carriers without first discussing the proposed change with the Association.

                                    The maximum out-of-pocket amount for in-network will be Four Hundred dollars ($400) per individual and One Thousand dollars ($1000) per family. The maximum out-of-pocket amount for out-of-network will be Two Thousand dollars ($2000) per individual and Five Thousand dollars ($5000) per family. The in-network lifetime maximum plan will be unlimited and the out-of-network lifetime maximum plan coverage will be One Million dollars ($1,000.000).

                                    The Association agrees to any mandated changes including, but not limited to co-payments and deductibles in the SHBP/SEHBP. The Board agrees to notify the Association in writing when any changes are made to any co-payments, deductibles, etc.


                                    A. Dental Coverage

                                    The Board shall provide dental insurance equal to the dental insurance carrier’s Usual and Customary Rate Program, which shall include single and family coverage. The maximum benefit per calendar year, excluding Class IV dental services, shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). The deductible shall be Forty dollars ($40.00) per single plan and One Hundred Twenty dollars ($120.00) per family plan. All deductibles are on all dental services except Class I diagnostic and preventive services.
                                      The Board will offer a voluntary dental plan HMO with no deductible and no maximum, but subject to applicable co-insurance amounts.
                                        The Association acknowledges the change to Metlife Dental as of June 2009 which allows for porcelain fillings and tooth implants and agree that, since no other dental carrier provides these coverage’s, that these 2 services will not be considered as requirements to satisfy the equal to or better than clause in this agreement, if and when, the district seeks to change the dental provider.

                                        Prescription Plan

                                        The Board shall provide the Bene Card Plan Prescription Card Plan or equivalent. The Board shall provide a prescription plan with the following co-pays:
                                              Retail/Single co-pay: Three dollar ($3) Generic/ Ten dollar ($10) Brand name for a 34 day or 100 pill unit supply, whichever is greater.
                                              Mail Order co-pay: Five dollars ($5) Generic/ Fifteen dollars ($15) Brand name for a 90 day supply.



                                        All out-of-network prescriptions will be paid at an 80% by the Board.

                                        The Board shall provide a Diabetic Prescription plan with no co-pays for Prescriptions, Supplies, and Equipment.

                                        All durable medical equipment in-network will be covered at 90% and all durable medical equipment out-of-network will be covered at 80% by the Board.

                                        The Association agrees to any mandated changes including, but not limited to co-payments and deductibles in the current prescription plan or equivalent. The Board agrees to notify the Association in writing if the Prescription Card Plan changes or to any changes in the co-payments, deductibles, etc.


                                        Policy on Insurance Coverage: Rules and Regulations

                                        The annual premiums for health and prescription coverage will be based on four categories: single, husband/wife (legally united by marriage certificate or certified civil union), parent/child (single parent with child(ren)) and family.
                                          Family Coverage

                                            An employee who has a spouse or certified civil union partner and dependent children shall be eligible for full family coverage.

                                          Husband/Wife Coverage
                                            An employee who has a spouse or certified civil union partner who does not have dependent children shall be eligible for husband/wife coverage.
                                            Single Coverage
                                              Any unmarried employee, divorced person, widow or widower who does not support a family with dependents shall be eligible for single coverage.
                                            Parent/Child Coverage
                                              Any single employee with a dependent child or children shall be eligible for parent/child coverage.


                                          Retirees shall be eligible to participate in all health benefits programs at group rates.

                                          It shall be the responsibility of the employee to fully furnish all essential evidence to establish eligibility.

                                          All employees shall notify the Board of Education, without delay, when eligibility changes or ceases. Employees shall be subject to payroll deduction as necessary to reimburse the Board or its carrier for benefits erroneously paid.

                                          Whenever any change in insurance benefits occurs for any other association representing employees in the Edison Township School District, the Board and Association may agree to reopen negotiations.

                                          The Board will not change insurance plans/carriers without first discussing the proposed change with the Association. Any unilateral change in coverage shall be equal to or better than that currently in effect during the life of the contract.



                                          A copy of the master policy from the health care provider can be accessed on the state’s website: www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/shbp.htm or shall be made available to the Association if not available online.


                                          Eligibility
                                            All employees will receive full medical, dental, and prescription coverage for themselves and their dependents, if any, after sixty (60) days of initial employment following their date of hire in accordance with the SHBP/SEHBP regulations, except if employee is hired on September 1st, then coverage will begin on that day. The Association agrees to any mandated changes in the SHBP/SEHBP.


                                            Non-participation

                                            Employees who elect not to participate directly in the medical insurance coverage and prescription plan as outlined in Section A above shall receive two thousand five hundred ($2,500) dollars annually at the end of each contract year of non-participation. The Board shall reimburse the premium cost for continued enrollment in the alternate insurance plan for any employee who elects not to participate in the medical insurance coverage and prescription plan as outlined in Section A above should said employee lose insurance coverage through another source until said employee is eligible to re-enroll in the insurance coverage provided by the Board. An additional two hundred ($200) dollars will be paid if the employee also does not participate in the dental coverage. Any employee that elects not to participate in the health plans must complete the opt-out form annually and certify that they have alternate health insurance coverage.


                                            Premium Increase Allowance

                                            The New Jersey Employees Health Benefits Plan/School Employees Health Benefits Plan (SHBP/SEHBP) will be the benchmark health coverage plan for major medical, NJ Direct 10 and BeneCard will be the benchmark prescription coverage plan for all prescriptions as agreed to. If the Board elects to subscribe to another plan, equal to or better than the NJ Direct 10 or BeneCard, the percent increase in premium for health and prescription coverage will be the lesser increase of the NJ Direct 10 plan than any new plan the Board of Education has opted to attain for Medical and/or Prescription coverage.

                                            Annually, the Board will assume any increase from 0% to 10%, separately for either major medical or prescription; the employee will assume any increase above 10% up to 20%, separately for either major medical or prescription; and the Board will assume any increase above 20%.

                                            Employee contribution, if necessary, will be deducted equally from each paycheck. The payroll deduction will be calculated as a percent of the annual premium based on the member’s coverage classification (i.e., 1.single, 2.husband/wife (legally united by marriage certificate or certified civil union), 3.parent/child (single parent with child(ren)), 4.family).






                                            ARTICLE X

                                            LEAVES OF ABSENCE

                                            Sick Leave

                                            Each employee shall be entitled to twelve (12) sick days per year. These days shall accumulate if not used.
                                              Sick leave is hereby defined to mean absence from post of duty of an employee because of personal illness, as per N.J.S.A. 18-A:30-1.

                                              Upon retirement, under the provisions of PERS, members with at least ten (10) years experience in the Edison Township School District will receive payment for sick days earned in the Edison Township School District.
                                                Upon leaving the district for any reason other than retirement, members who have completed fifteen (15) years of service in the Edison Township School District will receive payment for sick days accumulated in the Edison Township School District.

                                                Payment for unused accumulated sick leave will be for 100% of eligible days at the rate of $25.00 per day, up to a maximum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00).

                                                In the event of an employee’s death, the deceased employee, with ten (10) or more years of service, shall receive the rate of $25.00 per day for their unused accumulated sick days payable within sixty days (60) to the estate of the deceased member, up to a maximum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00).



                                                Personal Leave

                                                Each employee may have two (2) personal days’ leave each year. Unused personal (P) days will be converted to Family Illness (FI) days. Employees may also have a third personal day (E day) with the following stipulation: This day must be taken on a day when schools are not in session, and shall not be accumulative (i.e., cannot be converted to a “FI” or an “A” day).



                                                Family illness days

                                                Unused personal days shall be converted to family illness days and may be accumulated year to year. At the discretion of the employee, unused family illness days may be converted to sick days added to the employees’ accumulated sick leave bank.













                                                Bereavement Leave

                                                Bereavement leave shall be taken within fourteen (14) working days of the death of the relative, unless otherwise dated.

                                                  1. Each employee shall be entitled to five (5) days’ leave without the loss of pay for the death of a parent, spouse, domestic partner, child, or sibling. Employee may carryover one (1) day of the five-day bereavement leave for up to one (1) year. The superintendent may grant exceptions.

                                                  1. Each employee shall be entitled to four (4) days’ leave without the loss of pay for the death of a grandparent, grandchild, mother-in-law or father-in-law, grandparent-in-law, daughter-in-law, or son-in-law.
                                                1. Each employee shall be entitled to three (3) days’ leave without the loss of pay for the death of a sister-in-law or brother-in-law.

                                                  1. Each employee shall be entitled to a one (1) day leave without the loss of pay for the death of an aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin, or other relative living in the household.
                                                1. In the event of a death of an employee within this Agreement, the Superintendent, or designee shall grant an appropriate number of employees sufficient time off to attend the funeral without the loss of pay.


                                                Disability Leave
                                                1. The Board shall grant an unpaid leave of absence on the basis of medical certification (statement from the employee’s physician confirming the existence of the disabling condition) of up to one (1) year to any tenured employee who has exhausted his/her accumulated sick leave and who is temporarily unable to perform his-her duties because of disability resulting from illness, injury, pregnancy, or similar condition. Additional leave may be granted at the discretion of the Board.
                                                1. For the purposes of this Article, “Temporary Disability” will mean one year from the date that unpaid medical leave begins. Medical, dental and prescription coverage will continue for one year after the temporary disability begins. Thereafter, the employee may remain on the group health insurance plan provided he/she reimburses the Board of Education for applicable premiums until termination or return to work.
                                                  1. Where an employee can anticipate the need for disability leave in connection with a specific future event, such as surgery or childbirth, he/she shall notify the Superintendent or designee with a statement from a physician of his/her continuing fitness to perform his/her assigned duties. Should the situation requiring disability leave change, e.g., if surgery is postponed, or a pregnancy results in miscarriage or stillbirth, the Superintendent may authorize early termination of the leave.
                                                  1. The Board reserves the right to have employees examined by a physician of the Board’s choosing at any time prior to granting, during, and upon request to return from a medical leave of absence. In the event that the employee’s and the Board’s physicians render conflicting opinions, a third opinion will be obtained by a mutually agreed upon physician.
                                                  1. The Board shall grant leaves of absence for disability to non-tenured employees under the same terms and conditions as for tenured employees, except that in no case may such leave extend beyond the expiration date of the employee’s contract.




                                                  Infant Care Leave

                                                  The Board shall grant to any employee, male or female, an unpaid leave as required under Federal and State law for Infant Care.


                                                  Family Illness Leave

                                                  The Board shall grant to any employee, male or female, an unpaid leave as required under Federal and State law for a Family Illness.


                                                  Military Leave

                                                  The Board shall, as required by law, allow the time necessary for persons called into temporary active duty with any unit of the U.S. Reserves, etc., provided such obligations cannot be fulfilled on days when school is not in session. An employee shall be paid his/her regular pay in addition to any pay which he/she receives from the State or Federal Government (38:23-1)

                                                  Jury Duty Leave

                                                  Employees shall be granted leave for the purpose of serving on County or State jury duty. Employees shall be paid all regular salary during the term of such duty.

                                                  All Shifts except midnight shift will serve and be on leave on the day(s) of jury duty. Midnight shift employees will be allowed to report to work the day before jury duty on an earlier shift, 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., and be on leave the day(s) they serve jury duty. The official notification to serve on jury duty must be provided to the Supervisor of Facilities.


                                                  Leave Benefits

                                                  All benefits to which an employee was entitled at the time his/her leave of absence commences including unused accumulated sick leave, will be restored to him/her upon his/her return and the employee shall be assigned to the same position held at the time of commencement of the leave, if available, or, if not, to a substantially equivalent position.









                                                  ARTICLE XI

                                                  PAID VACATION


                                                  Vacation Allowance shall be for time served for each employee as of July 1:
                                                    Years of Service
                                                    Vacation
                                                      6 months to the completion of 1st year
                                                    1 week
                                                      1 year to the completion of 5th years
                                                    2 weeks
                                                      5 years to the completion of 10th years
                                                    3 weeks
                                                    10 years to the completion of 20th year
                                                    One day per year up
                                                    to a maximum of 25
                                                    days
                                                  The Board will attempt to reasonably arrange vacations to suit the wishes of the employees with the understanding that employees will be given a choice of vacation period in order of district seniority. All employees are required to take at least one (1) week when school is closed. Employees who are entitled to three (3) or more weeks of vacation must take at least one (1) of these weeks during the summer. Up to five (5) days of unused vacation days may be carried over for use in the next school year. Any vacation days not taken as specified herein are forfeited.


                                                  All employees shall be required to work the last full work week in August prior to the opening of the school year.


                                                  The vacation schedule for the following school year will be established not later than May 15, provided the employee receives written verification of days allocated. Changes will only be permitted with the approval of the Facilities Manager, Principal, Supervisor of Facilities, and the Superintendent or his/her designee.


                                                  An employee leaving the school system shall be paid for vacation time earned but not used. The amount paid shall be the regular rate of pay for each day of accumulated unused vacation time.


                                                  In the event of an employee’s death, the estate of the deceased member shall be paid for vacation time earned but not used. The amount paid shall be the regular rate of pay for each day of accumulated unused vacation time.









                                                  ARTICLE XII

                                                  HOLIDAYS

                                                  The following days shall be paid holidays provided the schools are closed on that day.


                                                  Independence Day
                                                  Christmas Day
                                                  Labor Day
                                                  New Year’s Eve
                                                  Yom Kippur
                                                  New Year’s Day
                                                  Veteran’s Day
                                                  Martin Luther King’s Birthday
                                                  NJEA Convention Day (1)
                                                  President’s Day
                                                  Thanksgiving Thursday
                                                  Good Friday
                                                  Thanksgiving Friday
                                                  Memorial Day
                                                  Christmas Eve
                                                  Rosh Hashanah ( 1 day)

                                                  In the event that schools are in session on any of the days listed above, an alternate paid day off will be included in the school calendar. The alternate day will be determined by the Association prior to finalizing the school calendar, and will be on a day that the schools have been scheduled to be closed. The alternate day may be on a Monday or Friday unless there is a scheduling problem. When the schools are open on any of the days listed above, the day will be paid at straight time and the regular overtime provisions of the contract shall apply. For employees who are required to work on the alternate day, that day shall be treated as a holiday within the meaning of Article VII, Section B of this contract.


                                                  If any of the legal holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, it shall be celebrated and compensated accordingly on the day preceding or the day following such holiday, providing schools are closed, or on the next suitable day.


                                                  Alternate holidays that the Association would like to schedule on Friday or Monday, provided school is closed, will be at the discretion of the Association and Board based on scheduled activity in the schools.









                                                    ARTICLE XIII
                                                    EVALUATION and PERSONAL FILE

                                                    Annual Evaluation

                                                    An employee shall be given, annually, in writing, a copy of his/her evaluation report prepared by his/her supervisor by June 30th, otherwise, said employee will be considered to have an acceptable work record for that school year whenever the Board acts with respect to promotions, transfers, assignments and layoffs. All monitoring or observation of the work performance of a member shall be conducted openly and with full knowledge of the member.

                                                    Evaluation Proceedings

                                                    No such report shall be submitted to the administration, placed in the employee’s personnel file, or otherwise acted upon without prior conference with the employee, if requested. No employee shall be required to sign a blank or incomplete evaluation form. Each employee shall have the right to attach an addendum to all written evaluations.

                                                    Evaluation Complaints

                                                    Any complaints regarding a member made to the administration by any supervisor, teacher, parent, student or other persons that are used to evaluate a member shall be called to the attention of the member. If a reprimand or disciplinary action results from the complaint, the member shall be given an opportunity to respond and/or rebut any such complaint by attaching a letter in the file. It will be left to the Superintendent or his/her designee to meet with the member and/or the Association.

                                                    Personal File

                                                    A member shall have the right, upon request, to review personally, the contents of his/her personnel file in the presence of the Supervisor, Principal, or Superintendent. No material derogatory to a member’s conduct, service, character, or personality, shall be placed in his/her personnel file unless the member has had an opportunity to review the material. At least once every year a member shall have the right to indicate those documents and/or other materials in the file which he/she believes to be obsolete or otherwise inappropriate to retain. Said documents shall be reviewed by the Superintendent or designee and, at the discretion of the Superintendent, they shall be either destroyed or retained. The member shall also have the right to submit a written answer to such material, and his/her answer shall be reviewed by the Superintendent or designee and attached to the file copy.

                                                    An Employee shall have the right to reproduce and retain photocopies of any and all materials in his/her personnel file. The cost of such copies shall be borne by the employee.

                                                    The official personnel file, which shall be used for disciplinary purposes, shall be kept at the district office.

                                                    ARTICLE XIV

                                                    EMPLOYEE RIGHTS



                                                    Progressive Discipline

                                                    The Board agrees to utilize the concepts of progressive discipline, consistent with the circumstances surrounding any infraction and/or the disciplinary history of employees. Progressive discipline shall be subject to the grievance procedure and the just cause provision contained within this Agreement.

                                                    The following shall apply to each infraction separately.
                                                      Written warning from Immediate Supervisor.
                                                      Written warning from Supervisor of Facilities.
                                                      Written reprimand from Supervisor of Facilities and a meeting with the Superintendent or his/her designee.
                                                      Withholding of Increment.
                                                      Termination, where permitted by law.

                                                    The exception to this progressive discipline is if the violation is of a criminal nature that directly effects the employee’s employment, then employee will be put on a paid Administrative leave, and then, if found guilty, the Board will take action. The following exception shall also be subject to the grievance procedure and the just cause provision contained within this Agreement.


                                                    Oral Reprimand

                                                    If the necessity for an oral reprimand occurs, it should be done in a professional manner and in a private location and shall be made in confidence and not in the presence of students, parents, co-workers, or members of the public.


                                                    Written Notice

                                                    Whenever an employee is disciplined in writing by the Superintendent or his/her designee, a copy of said notice shall be given to the employee.




                                                    ARTICLE XV

                                                    ASSOCIATION RIGHTS and PRIVILEGES


                                                    Use of School Facilities

                                                    Upon the approval of the Superintendent of Schools, or his/her designee, the Association shall have the right to use school buildings for meetings.

                                                    Use of School Mailboxes

                                                    The Association shall have the right to use the inter-school mail facilities and school mailboxes.

                                                    Use of School Equipment

                                                    The Association, with approval of the principal shall have the right to use the following school equipment, on school premises, for association purposes: electronic, Audio Video, and copy machines at such reasonable times when such equipment is not otherwise in use. The Association shall pay for the reasonable cost of all materials and supplies incident to such use.

                                                    Exclusive Rights

                                                    The rights and privileges of the association and its representatives as set forth in this agreement shall be granted only to the Association as the exclusive representative of the employees.

                                                    Release Time for Meetings

                                                    When any representative of the Association or any employee is mutually scheduled by superintendent or his/her designee and/or the Association to participate in meetings during working hours, he/she will suffer no loss in pay. The parties may mutually agree to meet at other times.

                                                    School Visitation by Association Representatives

                                                    The Superintendent may release, without loss of pay, the Association President or his/her designee, and permit him/her to visit any workstation, investigate working conditions, employee complaints and/or problems.

                                                    Conducting Association Business

                                                    Representatives of the Association shall be permitted to transact official Association business on school property at all reasonable times, provided that this shall not interfere with or interrupt normal school/facility operations or employee work responsibilities.

                                                    Board Policy Notification

                                                    The President of the Association will receive copies of all pertinent Board of Education policies. It will be their responsibility to distribute same to all Association members.
                                                    ARTICLE XVI

                                                    SAFETY, EQUIPMENT, AND UNIFORMS

                                                      Safety and Equipment

                                                      Telephone

                                                      The Board shall provide a telephone at all worksites with ready access to all employees during work hours.

                                                      Emergency/Fire Plans

                                                      Annually all emergency and fire prevention plans will be made available to employees for review. Employees will be trained in all pertinent procedures for the location(s) they work.


                                                      Clothing Allowance

                                                      Allowance

                                                      Instead of supplying uniforms, the Board shall provide an annual clothing voucher as follows:


                                                      2009-2010
                                                      2010-2011
                                                      2011-2012
                                                      Custodian
                                                      $600
                                                      $600
                                                      $600
                                                      Maintenance
                                                      $650
                                                      $650
                                                      $650


                                                      Allowable Purchases
                                                        These items may be purchased: Short/long sleeve shirts, short/long sleeve undershirts, t-shirts, pants, belts, suspenders, steel toe shoes, thermal undergarments, thermal socks, rain gear, insulated coveralls, snow gear, gloves, hats, headgear, jackets, sweatshirts, overshoes, snowshoes, vests, back braces, shoe accessories, shorts (during summertime, at the discretion of the building principal or immediate supervisor). Any clothing not listed, but may be required, may be purchased with the approval of the Supervisor of Facilities.

                                                      Exceeding Allowance
                                                        Any employee who exceeds their annual clothing voucher will be responsible to repay the cost in full to the Board of education.

                                                      Purchase Timetable
                                                        All employees must spend at least eighty percent 80% ($480.00 for Custodians and $530.00 for Maintenance/Grounds) of their annual clothing voucher during the months of July and August, provided there is a vendor to go to.

                                                      Pro-Rated Allowance
                                                        An employee hired during the school year will receive a pro-rated rate of one-twelve (1/12) of the annual clothing voucher for every month they are employed, including the month they were hired in.




                                                      Special Needs
                                                        The Superintendent may provide for any special uniform that the vendor cannot supply, not to exceed the annual uniform allowance.

                                                      Custodial Uniform
                                                        All custodians shall wear a gray shirt (long or short sleeve) with embroidered name, black dickie pants and a black belt.

                                                      Maintenance/Grounds Uniform
                                                        All maintenance and grounds persons shall wear a blue shirt (long or short sleeve) with embroidered name, blue dickie pants and a black belt.
                                                        Footwear
                                                          Employees shall be required to wear steel toe shoes.

                                                        Badges
                                                          Employees shall be required to wear Board issued identification badges whenever the employee is on the payroll. Up to three (3) badges per year will be issued. After three, the employee must buy the badge at a reasonable fee.

                                                        Inappropriate Uniforms
                                                          Any employee who reports for work in a uniform that is not clean, presentable and appropriate will be considered insubordinate and disciplinary action will be taken.

                                                        Inappropriate Purchases
                                                          The purchase of any non-work related articles are the sole responsibility of the employee. Any inappropriate purchase will be subject to reimbursement for cost in full to the Board of Education.

                                                        Committee
                                                          A committee shall be formed in the event that the current vendor goes out of business, or there is no current bidder on uniforms. The committee shall consist of the Supervisor of Facilities, the Association President, a custodian, a maintenance person and a grounds person. The committee shall report their findings to the Superintendent, who will then decide on how to proceed.
                                                        ARTICLE XVII

                                                        MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS


                                                        Board Policy

                                                        This Agreement constitutes Board policy for the term of said agreement, and the Board shall carry out the commitments contained herein and given them full force and effect as Board policy.

                                                        Separability

                                                        If any provision of this agreement or any application of the agreement as it applies to any employee or group of employees is held to be contrary to law, then such provisions or applications shall not be deemed valid or subsisting except to the extent permitted by law, but all other provisions or applications shall continue in full force and effect.

                                                        Tuition Reimbursement

                                                        The Board will reimburse employees for the cost of tuition for any job-related course, workshop, or training session which they may be required to attend. Tuition reimbursement for any job-related course, workshop or training session which is not required, but approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee shall be limited to, fifteen hundred dollars ($1500.00) for the life of this contract. Employees attending any job-related course, workshop or training session approved, but not required will do so during non-working hours or can begin his/her shift at a later time, provided they can complete their work. In the event an employee cannot complete his/her shift, said employee may utilize a vacation or personal day to attend the class.

                                                        Car Allowance

                                                        Employees required by the Superintendent or designee, their building principal or the Supervisor of Facilities, to use their vehicles to travel between work sites and/or on school business shall be compensated at their regular rate of pay for the time involved. Mileage will be reimbursed at the state’s allowable mileage rate.

                                                        Printing

                                                        Copies of this agreement shall be printed and shall be reproduced at a Board Facility.

                                                        Compliance

                                                        Any individual contract or annual salary between the Board and an individual, heretofore or hereafter executed, shall be subject to and consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If an individual contract notification contains any language inconsistent with this Agreement, this Agreement shall be controlling.

                                                        No Reprisal

                                                        The Association and the Board agree that they shall not discriminate against nor engage in any reprisals or repercussions of any nature against any member of the Association, any individuals or organizations engaged in activities or in support of activities related to contractual negotiations for any agreement or any other issue of representation. Any such reprisals or repercussions shall be prohibited and both parties agree to enjoin their members, agents, and employees to be bound by these provisions and use their best efforts to ensure compliance.
                                                        ARTICLE XVIII

                                                        PAYROLL AND DUES PROVISIONS


                                                        Payment procedure

                                                        Employees shall be paid in twenty-four (24) equal semi-monthly installments.


                                                        Paychecks shall be issued on the last working day prior to the fifteenth (15th) of the month and on the last working day prior to the end of the month.


                                                        When a payday falls on or during a school holiday, school vacation or weekend, employees shall receive their paychecks on the last working day prior to the holiday.


                                                        The Board shall provide a payroll deduction program for the purchase of United States Savings Bonds.


                                                        The Board shall provide a voluntary direct-deposit banking program.


                                                        Representation Fee

                                                        As to every employee to whom this agreement applies, the Board shall deduct an amount determined annually by the Association per month over the contract year. Said monies shall be remitted to the bona fide employee appointed by the organization. Before any deduction is made, written authorization, consistent with this Article, shall be submitted on behalf of every employee affected, on forms approved by the Board. To assist in the administration of the program, the bona fide employee organization should provide the Secretary of the Board of Education, by July 1 of each year, an alphabetized list of members authorizing payroll deduction, indicating the monthly amount of each member’s deduction, based on ten (10) equal monthly deductions.


                                                        The Association may elect to assess all employees covered by this Agreement who are not members of the Association, a representation fee for services rendered by the Association at the maximum level permitted by law. Such fee will be deducted from salary and transmitted to the Association in the same manner as are dues of Association members, Section 1. above.

                                                        The Association shall indemnify and hold the Board harmless against any and all claims, demands, suits and other forms of liability, including liability for reasonable counsel fees and other legal costs and expenses that may arise out of, or by reason of any action taken or not taken by the Board in conformance with this provision.

                                                        The amount of the representation shall be designated when the annual dues are designated pursuant to Section 1.





                                                        ARTICLE XIX

                                                        CUSTODIAN SALARY GUIDE



                                                        STEP
                                                        2009-2010
                                                        2010-2011
                                                        2011-2012
                                                        1
                                                        33,574
                                                        34,245
                                                        34,930
                                                        1.5
                                                        34,186
                                                        34,870
                                                        35,567
                                                        2
                                                        34,847
                                                        35,544
                                                        36,255
                                                        2.5
                                                        35,402
                                                        36,110
                                                        36,832
                                                        3
                                                        36,055
                                                        36,776
                                                        37,512
                                                        3.5
                                                        36,601
                                                        37,333
                                                        38,080
                                                        4
                                                        37,146
                                                        37,889
                                                        38,647
                                                        4.5
                                                        37,692
                                                        38,446
                                                        39,215
                                                        5
                                                        38,242
                                                        39,007
                                                        39,787
                                                        5.5
                                                        38,824
                                                        39,601
                                                        40,393
                                                        6
                                                        43,539
                                                        44,410
                                                        45,298
                                                        6.5
                                                        44,121
                                                        45,003
                                                        45,903
                                                        7.0
                                                        49,151
                                                        50,134
                                                        51,137
                                                        7.5
                                                        55,101
                                                        56,203
                                                        57,327




                                                        Custodians on step 6 as of 6/30/09 will receive step 7 as of 7/1/09 and receive step 7.5 as of 1/1/10.

                                                        Custodians on step 6 as of 6/30/10 will receive step 7 as of 7/1/10 and receive step 7.5 as of 1/1/11.

                                                        Custodians on step 6 as of 6/30/11 will receive step 7 as of 7/1/11 and receive step 7.5 as of 1/1/12.


                                                        ARTICLE XX
                                                        MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS SALARY GUIDE

                                                        STEP
                                                        2009-2010
                                                        2010-2011
                                                        2011-2012
                                                        1
                                                        34,974
                                                        35,673
                                                        36,386
                                                        1.5
                                                        35,498
                                                        36,208
                                                        36,932
                                                        2
                                                        36,330
                                                        37,057
                                                        37,798
                                                        2.5
                                                        36,885
                                                        37,623
                                                        38,375
                                                        3
                                                        37,342
                                                        38,089
                                                        38,851
                                                        3.5
                                                        37,875
                                                        38,633
                                                        39,406
                                                        4
                                                        38,406
                                                        39,174
                                                        39,957
                                                        4.5
                                                        38,937
                                                        39,716
                                                        40,510
                                                        5
                                                        39,471
                                                        40,260
                                                        41,065
                                                        5.5
                                                        40,057
                                                        40,858
                                                        41,675
                                                        6
                                                        44,772
                                                        45,667
                                                        46,580
                                                        6.5
                                                        45,359
                                                        46,266
                                                        47,191
                                                        7.0
                                                        50,084
                                                        51,086
                                                        52,108
                                                        7.5
                                                        56,346
                                                        57,473
                                                        58,622




                                                        Maintenance/Grounds personnel on step 6 as of 6/30/09 will receive step 7 as of 7/1/09 and receive step 7.5 as of 1/1/10.

                                                        Maintenance/Grounds personnel on step 6 as of 6/30/10 will receive step 7 as of 7/1/10 and receive step 7.5 as of 1/1/11.

                                                        Maintenance/Grounds personnel on step 6 as of 6/30/08 will receive step 7 as of 7/1/11 and receive step 7.5 as of 1/1/12.



                                                        ARTICLE XXI
                                                        MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS HELPERS SALARY GUIDE




                                                        STEP
                                                        2009-2010
                                                        2010-2011
                                                        2011-2012
                                                        1
                                                        30,216
                                                        30,820
                                                        31,436
                                                        1.5
                                                        30,767
                                                        31,382
                                                        32,010
                                                        2
                                                        31,363
                                                        31,990
                                                        32,630
                                                        2.5
                                                        31,862
                                                        32,499
                                                        33,149
                                                        3
                                                        32,449
                                                        33,098
                                                        33,760
                                                        3.5
                                                        32,941
                                                        33,600
                                                        34,272
                                                        4
                                                        33,432
                                                        34,101
                                                        34,783
                                                        4.5
                                                        33,923
                                                        34,601
                                                        35,293
                                                        5
                                                        34,418
                                                        35,106
                                                        35,808
                                                        5.5
                                                        34,942
                                                        35,641
                                                        36,354
                                                        6
                                                        39,185
                                                        39,969
                                                        40,768
                                                        6.5
                                                        39,709
                                                        40,503
                                                        41,313
                                                        7.0
                                                        44,235
                                                        45,120
                                                        46,022
                                                        7.5
                                                        49,591
                                                        50,583
                                                        51,595





                                                        It is understood that any current EPSCMA employee that applies for any of these three positions will receive 90% of their current step salary and not begin at step one of this guide.





                                                        ARTICLE XXII

                                                        SALARY DIFFERENTIALS

                                                        Longevity

                                                        The above amounts represent the total longevity payment and are not cumulative. Longevity payments shall be added to the employee’s base wage on July 1st following completion of the required years of service.


                                                        Years of service
                                                        2009-2010
                                                        2010-2011
                                                        2011-2012

                                                        6 Years
                                                        1301
                                                        1301
                                                        1301
                                                        10 Years
                                                        1,927
                                                        1,927
                                                        1,927
                                                        15 Years
                                                        2,427
                                                        2,427
                                                        2,427
                                                        20 Years
                                                        2,990
                                                        2,990
                                                        2,990
                                                        25 Years
                                                        3,554
                                                        3,554
                                                        3,554

                                                          Black Seal Differential

                                                          $500.00 per year provided the employee was hired prior to July 1, 1991.

                                                          Shift Differentials

                                                          Nightshift is defined as any shift beginning at 3:00 p.m. or later.
                                                            All middle/high school night/midnight persons in charge (with Black Seal License) shall receive the following hourly differential:
                                                              2009-2010 .952010-2011 .952011-2012 .95

                                                            All night shift persons shall receive a shift differential per hour as shown below:


                                                                2009-2010 .722010-2011 .722011-2012 .72


                                                            Day Lead Person substitute, Foreman, and Night Lead Person shall receive compensation at the higher rate beginning on the first working day of the assignment.





                                                            Shift differentials shall be paid for paid holidays that occur when the employee is on the night shift. Floaters, as defined in Article VII. I., shall be paid the shift differential from September 1st through June 30th.






                                                            Maintenance and Grounds Stipends

                                                            2009-2010
                                                            2010-2011
                                                            2011-2012
                                                            Tool Person & Painter
                                                            3,114
                                                            3,114
                                                            3,114
                                                            Crew Leader (Grounds)
                                                            2,219
                                                            2,219
                                                            2,219
                                                            Crew Leader (Stadium)
                                                            2,219
                                                            2,219
                                                            2,219
                                                            Pesticide Applicator’s License
                                                            2,219
                                                            2,219
                                                            2,219
                                                            Grounds Personal**
                                                            500
                                                            500
                                                            500

                                                            **For Grounds Personal not already receiving a Tool Person, Crew Leader, or Pesticide Stipend.


                                                            Military Service Eligibility

                                                            Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, honorably discharged, are eligible to receive up to four (4) years’ credit on the salary guide over and above the base starting salary. N.J.S.A. 18A: 29-11


                                                            Step Advancement

                                                            Step advancement must be earned through time on active payroll or workman’s compensation. Active payroll shall be defined as any time in which an employee is being paid, i.e., on duty, sick time, vacation time, etc.

                                                              A full step advancement will be credited if any employee is on active payroll for ten (10) months or more. Must have received pay for at least two hundred sixteen (216) days of the fiscal year in order to qualify for a full step increment.

                                                              A half step advancement will be credited if any employee is on active payroll for six (6) months or more but less than ten (10) months. Must have received pay for at least one hundred thirty (130) days of the fiscal year in order to qualify for a half step increment.

                                                              Any employee who is on active payroll for less than six (6), less than one hundred thirty (130) days of the fiscal year, shall receive no step increment for the next year.











                                                            ARTICLE XXIII

                                                            DURATION OF AGREEMENT


                                                            This Agreement shall become effective the first day of July 2009 and shall remain in effect until midnight of June 30, 2012 or until a successor agreement has been properly negotiated. This agreement has incorporated all pre-existing sidebar agreements. Any pre-existing sidebar agreement not incorporated in this agreement is null and void.

                                                            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused these presents to be signed by their duly authorized officers and their seals to be hereto affixed, this day of , 2009.



                                                            THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE
                                                            SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EDISON, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX
                                                            EDISON PUBLIC
                                                            SCHOOLS CUSTODIANS
                                                            AND
                                                            MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION, INC.



                                                            ATTEST: ATTEST:


                                                            _______________________________ __________________________________
                                                            President President




                                                            ______________________________ __________________________________
                                                            Secretary Secretary




                                                            DATE: ________________________ DATE: ____________________________





                                                            Edison Tp BE and Edison Cust Main Assn 2009.pdf