Time Sensitive Stuff... Queens Trustee Election Update

• Interim Manning Agreement Facts
• 10-14 Still Required for Safety. It’s a Must!!!
• Keeping Up the Fight

Imminent Reduction: The Mayor announced an imminent reduction of manning in 49 companies, down to 4 firefighters, and was set to do it


29 Companies Saved: Prevents any manning reduction in 29 of these companies


Increased Response Protocol: Increases response to all single source reports of structural fires to a minimum of 2 engines & 1 ladder. 10-14 response will not be decreased.


Medical Leave Threshold: The former Medical Leave threshold to reduce manning was 7.5%. The newly agreed to threshold increases it to at least 8.4% for almost a full 7 months, then incrementally scales it back to the original 7.5% one year from now.


4 Dropped Manning Cases: Judge Starkey ruled that the Dept could immediately reduce manning in 49 companies whileUFAlawsuits pertaining to this manning issue prolonged. Though our legal actions slowed down the process & kept full manning current before this ruling, theUFAlegal counsel & Executive Board believe we had virtually no chance of winning a favorable decision now. This represents 4 of the 7 cases theUFAagreed to drop.


2 Dropped Info Request Cases: 2 additional cases were dropped because the Dept agreed to provide the WTC medical leave records that the cases were seeking.


Firehouse Closing Case Continues: The last case, which was the ONLY case regarding house closings, by all professional accounts has no chance of winning. However, contrary to media spin by the Mayor’s office, this case was jointly prepared and filed with the UFOA--and the case itself was NOT withdrawn, even though it no longer has theUFAname on it. TheUFAand UFOA have worked together on countless common issues--and will continue to do so--and this case will still have its day in court as scheduled.


The Full Story: See your Delegate for additional written documentation regarding this issue and theUFA’sefforts to keep manning and marshals numbers up and firehouses open. This folder package was provided to all Company Delegates at the June 12 union meeting. Make sure you ask to review it.

10-14 Still Required for Safety. It’s a Must!!!

The UFA’s position is clear: 10-14 MUST still be given. Despite the new 2-Engine response protocol for single source reports of structural fires, it is still critical for public and firefighter safety that a 10-14 signal is given when acknowledging an alarm. No agreements have been made with the City that diminish current response protocol. More details regarding increased response protocol to follow shortly.

Back To Top

Keeping Up the Fight

The UFA did not reduce marshals, staffing or close firehouses & bases--the City did! Let’s recognize who the enemy is on this issue and not be confused about who we are fighting against. You have continually seenUFAefforts in the courts, ad campaigns, the media and during many events. Your executive board counts on you for your continued support. Never forget who the enemy is. There is strength in unity.

Back To Top

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Cassidy
President

Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary