WORLD TRADE CENTER FAMILIES GROUP TOGETHER
Marion Fontana, wife of David (Squad 1), has begun to unite a World Trade Center Family Association to address numerous actions and plans. Any interested families affected by this tragedy can send an e-mail request for info/application to marionfontana@aol.com.
Una McHugh, wife of Dennis (Ladder 13), has organized a website for bereavement assistance and for consolidating/sharing information and experiences. Unite family and friends to try and cope with this extraordinary situation. Visit www.nyfdwidows.net.
Back To Top DELEGATE ROLL CALL VOTE FOR CONTRACT - DECEMBER 13th
To avoid any legal violation of the Uniformed Coalition Agreement with the Office of Collective Bargaining, there will be a delegate roll call vote held on December 13th. This “VOTE ONLY†meeting will be at the Ramada Plaza Hotel at a time to be determined (10 a.m. or 2 p.m.). Every company should have just one representative present, to cast the vote. No discussion will take place. This vote must be taken to protect against a possible legal imposition of the contract by the next administration.
Back To Top IAFF LENDS ITS SUPPORT
Since the first day after this tragedy, Harold Schaitberger and Vinny Bollon have brought the enormous resources of the IAFF to our City. They set up at the Sheraton Hotel and provided Critical Incident Stress Teams to help in any way they could. They met with both unions to offer whatever else we needed for our union and our families. Our initial focus was on the immediate financial support to get the families through the early stages of this tragedy. We then, together, established the “911 Fund†to assist all of our families and have since collected in excess of $60 Million Dollars. They provided us with $10,000 per family as soon as we gave them all the beneficiary information. All those checks were forwarded to the families through their company reps and we thank them for their help with that process. In October, they provided a second check of $10,000 which either has been given to the families already or was disseminated to each rep to be forwarded to the families. Another $25,000 check will be sent out to each family for Thanksgiving. The IAFF was here again to support us in our efforts to return ground zero to a Recovery operation. I want to thank General President Schaiterger and General Secretary Bollon for their continued support of our Union and our families.
Back To Top WORLD TRADE CENTER SITE ISSUES
As per a request at our union meeting, a meeting was held with Chief of Operations Sal Cassano on Friday, November 9th to address our many concerns. Issues such as manning, details, proper lighting, equipment, shower and cleanup facilities and air quality were discussed. Also much time was used to discuss the current operations and the shortfall that exists in the recovery and fire suppression procedures. I would like to thank Chief Cassano, Chief Visconti (UFOA) and Captain Joe Downey for their input at this meeting. Many of our concerns have been addressed and we will continue to monitor this operation on an ongoing basis.
Back To Top TICKETS TO “THE NUTCRACKERâ€
The New York City Ballet family of dancers, musicians, stagehands, and staff extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those firefighter’s families affected by the September 11 tragedy. We cordially invite members of your family and your friends to a special holiday performance of George Ballanchine’s “The Nutcracker†on Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 6 p.m. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis and can be ordered through the Company delegates. Deadline for requests is November 19th. Delegates, please submit just one (or two) orders.
Back To Top FREE MEALS FOR RESCUE WORKERS
Nino’s restaurant located at 431Canal Street is offering free meals for rescue workers. They are open 24 hours a day. Back To Top O.T. PROPOSAL FOR POST-SEPTEMBER 11TH
Each member was kept on overtime less their normal work hours from 9/11 - 9/29 320 hours per member. These hours at O.T. rate will be added to the Final salary figure and added on for pension purposes. This bill has to be signed by the Governor and is supported by the Mayor and the City.
Back To Top PROMOTION OF DECEASED MEMBERS
Any member promoted after 9/11 will receive Final Salary calculation plus the difference between Firefighter 1st Grade and Lieutenants First Grade Pay for base pay purposes of calculation. All overtime after 9/11 will be at Lieutenants 1st Grade pay and will be added to the pension. This is also based on the Governor signing this bill.
Back To Top FEDERAL P.S.O.B. INCREASE
Public Safety Officers Benefit - Through the efforts of many people, the President signed an improved PSOB amount from $150,000 to $250,000 retroactive to January 1, 2001 which will help other UFA families from earlier this year.
Back To Top FUNERALS/MEMORIALS AND COLLATION COSTS
If a family has a memorial and a collation afterward, the Department’s recommended guideline is $20,000 total. If, at a later date, a funeral is necessary, you can reach out to Steve Rush at (718) 999-2022 or 2023 for assistance.
Back To Top THOMAS ELSASSER FUND
Non Line of Duty Fund is also receiving donations to support our families. The Widow’s and Children’s Fund cannot be co-mingled with the Elsasser Fund because of the law. We are still asking for continued support for both of these Funds. Back To Top WORLD TRADE CENTER MEDICALS AT B.H.S.
Any member placed on medical leave due to the baseline testing should most times be put on L.O.D. leave. If not categorized as line of duty, contact Sergeant-at-Arms Tom Manley. Back To Top CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR LACK OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Contact Palmer Doyle of Engine 254 for his class action suit against the FDNY and the City for their failure to provide any respiratory protection to members working the first week (the most serious exposure) at the World Trade Center site. Back To Top BENEFIT CONCERT
There will be a benefit concert on behalf of the UFA Widow’s and Children’s Fund on Friday, November 16th at 9:00 P.M. - doors open at 7:30 P.M. at the Tower View Center, 60-19 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside, Queens. The Benefit will feature the Glengarry Bhoys (Explosive Celtic Rock) with a special appearance by the FDNY Pipes & Drums. $20 donation. Tickets are limited. For ticket information visit www.glengarrybhoys.com or call the Tower View Center at (718) 639-6073. Back To Top FREE YOGA FOR NEW YORK FIREFIGHTERS
Relax your body, calm your mind, breathe deep. Free yoga classes. No experience necessary. ID required. OM Yoga Center - 135 West 14th Street, 2nd Floor (between 6th & 7th Aves.), Manhattan. (212) 229-0267. Classes are every Friday from 2:00 - 3:30 P.M. starting on Friday, October 19th. Sponsored by Yoga Insider (www.yogainside.org) Back To Top Fraternally, WILLIAM F. MIRRO
Recording Secretary, KEVIN E. GALLAGHER
President
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