GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County rejected The International Firefighters Association Local 3362B’s proposal for the wording of overtime pay for battalion chiefs during a crucial meeting where the two sides are negotiating their collective bargaining agreement, which expires on Sept. 30, 2024.

Representatives from both sides exchanged their views, with the county rejecting overtime pay for battalion chiefs, emphasizing it plans to limit instances when chiefs would work overtime.

In response, the Firefighters Union sought clarification, expressing concerns about whether the decision would eliminate all overtime for battalion chiefs. The union also inquired about the county’s current practice of using step-ups, where the No. 603 shift for captains is used to cover vacancies. The union wanted to ensure opportunities for overtime were still available.

Fire Chief Lorin Mock, representing the county, acknowledged there would be overtime. But he suggested overtime needed to be defined when internal staffing resources are used during duty hours.

The Firefighters Union said it hadn’t seen much overtime for battalion chiefs. However, they did acknowledge battalion chiefs had worked overtime during “swap time,” which occurred when three chiefs were appointed and the remaining personnel was promoted.

They suggested if openings were available, safety captains should be allowed to step into battalion chief positions, while any remaining vacancies could be filled by following overtime procedures.

A union representative proposed adding new wording, specifically requesting the battalion chiefs be eligible for overtime when performing step-up duties. However, Mock rejected the suggestion, citing the management’s prerogative and unwillingness to grant latitude in defining position qualifications.

During the two-part meeting, which addressed the Clay County Public Safety Rank and File’s Collective Bargaining and Battalion Chief’s Collective Bargaining, they also discussed holidays, paid time off, and more.