Before the change, the San Francisco Fire Fighters Union Local 798 members at Level 1 Training and Education Achievement were receiving four percent (4%) of their base wage. At Level 2, members were receiving an additional six percent (6%). Hazardous Materials (HAZ MAT) Specialists were receiving a set pay per biweekly period, EMTs received percentage-based assignment pay, and Apparatus Operators were assigned a pay percentage for performing their roles.

The proposed changes include incremental increases in percentage of Training and Education Achievement Pay, with Level 1 reaching up to seven percent (7%) and Level 2 up to nine percent (9%) by April 3, 2021. The increase may be delayed if a projected budget deficit exceeds a certain amount. Changes in Hazardous Materials Pay and Emergency Medical Technician Pay, along with apparatus operator assignment pay, are also outlined.

The impact of these changes would include increased earnings for SF Fire Fighters Union members based on their education level, hazardous materials certification, EMT assignment, and apparatus operation role. These adjustments may affect the overall budget depending on the fiscal condition of the city and are considered as part of the regular rate of pay for calculating overtime.

The rationale behind these changes appears to be to incentivize continued education and specialized training among Union members, which could improve service quality. It also aims to compensate members fairly for their advanced skills and responsibilities, which are critical in emergency response situations.

The document does not explicitly outline the approval process within the provided content, but typically changes like these would be subject to negotiation between the union and the city and would require ratification by the union membership as well as approval from city officials.

Accountability measures for these changes are not specified in the quoted segment. However, the document suggests that increases in Training and Education Achievement Pay are tied to budget projections, which implies a form of fiscal accountability. The actual measures would likely include monitoring and reporting by city financial officers and adherence to stipulations outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.