CITYWIDE HEALTH BENEFIT AGREEMENT
We are pleased to announce that many months of extensive meetings between the Uniformed Coalition and the City, a Citywide Health Benefits Agreement has been reached and will be voted upon in the next few days. This agreement contains significant increases in the welfare fund contributions, coupled with the expansion of City coverage for certain high cost drugs which will allow the UFA Welfare Fund to not only maintain, but to increase its benefits.
Contribution increases of $175 per member (one time payment) will take effect immediately and on July 1, 2001 an increase of $150 (one time payment) will take place and an annual increase of $200 on June 1, 2002.
GHI members will now have unlimited visits in network for out-patient mental health, as opposed to current limit of 30 per year. The lifetime maximum of 60 visits in the mental health rider has been eliminated, although there will be a $100 deductible for non-network visits. The lifetime maximum was a constant source of complaints from members. For HIP members, there will now be up to 60 visits allowed per year, and in-patient alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation will be covered for up to 30 days. Drug benefits will cover certain injectable and psychotropic drugs from the City. In addition, asthma and chemotherapy coverage with no co-pay will be expanded to all health plans.
In addition, all unions have agreed that there be 10 years of service in order to be eligible for vested retiree health insurance. Vesting for pension purposes will remain at five years. The 10-year requirement will only apply to future hirees.
A more detailed report will be provided once the agreement is signed and ratified.
Back To Top GHI OFFERS COMPLETE MEDICAL WELLNESS PROGRAM
Any member or spouse (active or retired) who is between the ages of 45 and 65 will now be allowed to receive a complete medical exam for just the normal $10 co-pay. This is part of a wellness/prevention program that was worked out by the City unions. Don’t pass up this great opportunity. More details will be made available.
Back To Top BATTALION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
All appointed battalion delegates will meet at the UFA office (4th floor) on Wednesday, January 24th, to discuss the current round of Collective Bargaining. This by no means suggests that any proposal has been offered, or is even remotely close to agreement. Don’t start, or listen to, rumors. If you cannot make this meeting for some extremely important reason, try to send the next most reliable and knowledgeable delegate from your battalion. There will be no meeting excusal time granted. Starts promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Back To Top LITIGATION REGARDING SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL LIST
Our attorneys have commenced a lawsuit in the State Supreme Court challenging the scheme put in place by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the Fire Department to create a “special promotional list†for candidates with EMS training, which will take precedence over the list created by an open competitive examination. At the same time, we are still attempting to negotiate a reasonable compromise that achieves increased minority hiring in the Department without jeopardizing the “merit and fitness†of hirees. The lawsuit was just commenced so there has been little activity, but we will keep you fully informed as it proceeds.
Back To Top ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION OF SOC UNIT MEMBERS
Our advise at this time is to STOP all hazardous materials assessment “testing†of members assigned to SOC units or haz mat support units. Department officials canceled a meeting that was to be held at the UFA office on January 10th to discuss this issue. We have no alternative but to advise you NOT to participate, unless given a direct order. Discussion held for January 11th union meeting. Back To Top ARASHIELD BUNKER PANTS SURVEY - CAUTION!
There is a survey sheet in the field to be filled out by the company officers. We have no problem with the basic questions one through four. DO NOT ANSWER question number five (5)! This is a single direction question with no opportunity for choices or explanation. It is NOT a fair question. Strike a line through the question and answer with a bold “N/A - UNDETERMINEDâ€. Thank you.
Back To Top COURT DECISION AFFECTING MARITAL RIGHTS OF FIREFIGHTERS
On December 26, 2000, an Appellate Court ruled on whether the VSF benefits were subject to “equitable distribution†in a marital dispute. The Appellate Division held that if a divorce action is commenced before a Police Officer retired (even if the officer had more than 20 years of service), the VSF was not part of the marital estate. This decision is equally applicable to firefighters and will be discussed by our counsel at this membership meeting.
Back To Top PENDING IMPROPER PRACTICE
The UFA and UFOA’s improper practice challenging the Commissioner’s September “Fire Work’s†article criticizing both Unions rejection of the proposed work schedule changes is headed for a decision at the Office of Collective Bargaining. We will keep you informed.
Back To Top UFA SIDES WITH FELLOW UNION, EMS LOCAL 2507
UFA supports EMS Local 2507 by telling our probies NOT to work Extra Departmental Employment back in the FDNY’s EMS system. This amounts to nothing more than union busting.
Back To Top HONOR EMERGENCY FUND - IT’S FOR YOU
This fund is a not-for-profit foundation serving the Fire Department since 1921. It assists active and retired members with the burden of excessive costs, after any insurance, with most forms of medical care or related areas. The fund exists “for the welfare and relief from want or distress arising from death, illness or injuryâ€. Apply by contacting the fund at (718) 999-2531, or it’s voice mail 999-1216. All delegates should photo copy the 4 pages of your Delegate Manual Section Blue 7 and post it in your kitchen for member discussion and awareness. Back To Top FUNDRAISER AT “THE WICKED MONKâ€
All hands are requested on Sunday, February 4th, at “The Wicked Monk†for a fundraising effort being held by Engine 91. Location is 8415 5th Ave (at 85th St.) In Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. A $20 fee gets you a free tee shirt, buffet and 4 drinks beginning at 2:00 p.m. Great raffle prizes and live music. Proceeds to the Pat Hoppey Project. For info call Engine 91 at 212-570-4291. Back To Top FIREFIGHTER GREG McLOUGHLIN MEMORIAL FUND
On January 4, 2001, Firefighter Greg McLoughlin of Engine Company 302 lost his life after suffering a massive heart attack while on duty. A 14 year veteran of the New York City Fire Department and a resident of Massapequa, he leaves behind a wife and three children ages 9, 11 and 13. He will be greatly missed by his family, brother firefighters and the Queens community that he proudly served. The members of Engine 302 and Ladder 155 are setting up a Memorial Fund to help ease the financial burden on his family. Any amount you can give would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to: Firefighter Greg McLoughlin Family Fund, c/o Engine 302, P O Box 268, Huntington Station, NY 11743. Please make checks payable to Engine 302.
Back To Top DETAILING TO HEADQUARTERS FOR ANNUAL MEDICALS/TRAINING
Reprinted from Delegate Manual White 16, page 4. The Department will detail the firefighters and officer of selected units, on given days, to headquarters in Brooklyn for the 9 X 6 tour. A chart will be posted every six months showing the selected companies and groups working. The unit will be out of service for the tour while members take a 4 Back To Top SKI RACES AT HUNTER MOUNTAIN - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH AT 9:00 A.M.
Over 1,000 NYC Firefighters race down a giant slalom course in teams of five while wearing helmets, turn-out gear and hose in hand to raise money for the NY Firefighter’s Burn Center Foundation. Sponsored in part by Budweiser, Morning Pride, The Aspen Club and Hunter Mountain. This year a trophy for the fastest all snowboard team will be presented following the 3 P.M. buffet. Prizes by lottery. For info on this 28th annual event, call Joe Jove at (845) 638-4778. Back To Top FAMILY CIRCUS DAY - DEADLINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 19TH
See your company delegate and the last 65-2 (#1) for details. Back To Top Fraternally, WILLIAM F. MIRRO
Recording Secretary, KEVIN E. GALLAGHER
President
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