ARTICLE 3. MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS

3.1 The parties agree that all conditions of employment relating to wages, hours of work, overtime differentials, vacations, and all other general working conditions shall be maintained at not less than the highest minimum standard set forth in the Civil Service Rules of the City of Saint Paul (Resolution No. 3250) and the Saint Paul Salary Plan and Rates of Compensation at the time of the signing of this Agreement, and the conditions of employment shall be improved wherever specific provisions for improvement are made elsewhere in this Agreement.

3.2. Both parties agree that job responsibilities within the bargaining unit should remain with members of the bargaining unit.

3.2.1 In the event the Employer feels it is necessary to contract out or subcontract any work performed by employees covered by this agreement, the Employer will notify the Union at least ten (10) days prior to the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP), or if no RFP is issued, no less than thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the effective date. During the thirty (30) days the Employer will meet with the Union and discuss possible ways and means to minimize the elimination of positions and avoid layoff of current employees.

3.2.2 In the event of a merger, transfer or reorganization of any department which will result in the reduction of staff, the Employer will notify the Union no less than thirty (30) days in advance. During the thirty (30) days the Employer will meet with the Union and discuss possible ways and means to minimize the elimination of positions and avoid layoff of current employees.

3.2.3 In the event the employer eliminates an AFSCME represented position or no longer maintains staff in a job title, the employer shall meet and confer with Local 844 representatives no less than thirty (30) days prior to such action.

ARTICLE 2. CHECK OFF TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE 4. MANAGEMENT RIGHTS