Representatives from the city’s firefighters union say a new public administration software system designed to streamline payroll for the department has instead burdened the force with extra duties.
The union has filed a grievance on behalf of its 911 dispatchers claiming the software has not only created more work, but shifted payroll responsibilities to their supervisors who they say haven’t properly been trained to administer it.
“This has placed unfair expectations and an unfair burden on the members of the unit,” according to the grievance signed by four members of IAFF Local 740, the Portland Firefighters union.
It violates the union’s agreement with the city, they say, because it alters pay and working conditions, which is protected under their collective-bargaining contract.