We met with the Dept on Tues 6/16 to discuss the Dept's plans for those people who have not completed the CRT Bridge process. Below are items from that discussion:
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MIEMS will be at the Academy on 6/19 and 6/24 to facilitate testing. All of those members still in the testing process will be ordered to attend (with overtime) or will be sent out with their company on one of those dates.
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If you do not foresee being done testing by 6/30-it is imperative that you at least downgrade to EMT-B. Anyone with NO certification whatsoever on 7/1 will be suspended.
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Several people in this process are previously promoted people. They have the option to reduce to EMT-B and continue testing or stay as EMT-B's. If they permanently reduce-they are required to submit a special report stating that.
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Anyone still in the process on 7/1 (except rated people who have written a special) will be placed on Departmental charges. They will face progressive punishment as time goes on.
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The Dept will notify HR and Payroll of those who do not maintain their ALS on 7/1. Those members will lose their ALS stipend and/or paramedic pay.
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The Dept. has stated that they feel this issue does not violate the original FPA contracts, since the classification continues to be CRT.
That's what we have currently. Another meeting is planned for 6/30. I strongly encourage those of you in the process to do your best to pass. I don't see the Dept. saying that you are not required to upgrade. Any questions-contact Sec-Treas Dave Cox.
Bob Sledgeski 6/18
