CONTRACT UPDATE
The UFA last met with the City on October 5th, where the City offered a partial list of standard give backs that appear in all first offer contracts with the Uniformed Forces. The Fire Department did not have their proposals ready for this meeting. All the principals have met twice with the City with reference to health care benefits. An attempt is being made to come up with a Health Care Improvement Package that could span all city workers. Most City Unions are in a desperate state with their active and retired health and welfare benefits due to the ever increasing prescription drug costs. The UFA funds are still on solid ground, however, with the projected increased costs for health care in the next few years, it is imperative that we look closely at the health care proposals so that we can stay ahead of the potential cost increases and still provide the benefits for active and retired members. Of course, every effort would be made to improve current benefits while addressing this new benefit package. The next scheduled meeting between the Municipal Labor Committee Presidents and the City is Friday afternoon. We will give you an update on a future 65-2. Back To Top 2 IN 2 OUT
On October 6, 2000, the Department put AUC 329 and it’s complete 2 in/2 out plan into effect. It did so without prior notice to the UFA or UFOA and without regard for the objections we have previously raised to these new procedures. We are pursuing all available options to fight the policies. In the interim, please instruct all members to take a mark in the company journal and notify the UFA of any injuries to members or the public that you believe were caused by the new policy, which includes the elimination of the 10-14 engine response. You can include information that describes heavy fire damage to a building, also. Our attorneys will be working diligently on legal remedies. Back To Top NEW GRIEVANCES FILED LAST WEEK
The first grievance filed last week, to go with the nine outstanding grievances/arbitrations, is concerning the 60 day manpower equalization details. The FDNY has every right to detail members to equalize manpower amongst units. What we are arguing is that they are longer than the traditional 30 day details, customary as long as anyone can remember. We strongly object to involuntary details longer than 30 days.
The second case involves the involuntary lifting of members out of their company and off the 2 platoon work chart to train probies at Randall’s Island. Also, it appears discriminatory that the volunteers work a 4 day work week, while the lifted members are ordered by Commissioner Von Essen to work a 5 day work week.
The last case is also a Safety Impact Bargaining demand and part of the Two In/Two Out legal fight. It concerns Commissioner Von Essen’s indiscriminate and illegal removal of the 10-14 engine dispatch policy. This 10-14 engine response was born out of safety impact arbitration and became a contractual right, as long as Roster Staffing exists. This blatant contract violation has the ability to become a very serious safety problem for members of all ranks. Just be aware of every instance where a 10-14 engine would have immediately responded, but didn’t. The manpower shortage at the scene during the initial stages of a structural fire will surely be felt. Please document. Back To Top ELECTION DAY VOLUNTEERS - PLAN TO GET INVOLVED
Tuesday, November 7th, is an important election day not only for the Presidential and Senatorial campaigns - but for a few of the UFA’s ardent supporters. In return for the work they do for the good of our membership, we are soliciting your volunteer assistance on election day for the following candidates: Nick Spano - Westchester, Dean Skelos - Nassau, Guy Velella - Bronx, Roy Goodman - Manhattan, Frank Padavan - Queens, Tom Morahan - Rockland. Specific details, including location, will be sent out via a home mailing. PLEASE PARTICIPATE!
Back To Top LASER CORRECTION SURGERY FOR FIREFIGHTERS
We are pleased to report that to date, Dr, Marc Werner (Stahl Eye Center) has performed at no charge over 50 correction laser surgeries to our members. We currently have an established waiting list of 125 members who are in the scheduling and/or consultation phase. At the present time, all of the available time slots are full until March 2001. Accordingly, we are requesting that all interested members please wait until we reopen the scheduling process after March 1, 2001. Our thanks to Dr. Werner and his staff on their tremendous effort.
Back To Top 2001 DELEGATE SEMINAR
In accordance with the U.F.A. Constitution, a seminar site was chosen by a vote of the delegate body. The winning site location is once again Atlantic City, New Jersey. The breakdown of delegate voting results is as follows:
1) Atlantic City, New Jersey......................................................118
2) New York City Site................................................................31
3) Catskills (or nearby Upstate)................................................23
4) Pocono Mountains.................................................................14
As to questionnaire of "If vote results dictate Atlantic City, would a return to Trump Taj Mahal be your preference hotel?" - The results as follows: Specified yes for Taj Mahal = 93; Said NO to Taj Mahal = 22. We have reserved space identical to this year's seminar and will most likely he returning to Trump Taj Mahal on Tuesday evening May 15, 2001 through Friday afternoon May 18, 2001. More details early next year. Back To Top HEALTH BENEFITS FALL TRANSFER PERIOD
The City Health Plans transfer period for active members will begin October 2, 2000 and will end on the extended date November 10, 2000. Any new health plan chosen or any optional benefits (new rider) will become effective January 7, 2001 (NOT New Year's Day). If you are planning to change plans or rider, submit an ERB form to the Health Plans Unit, 6th floor, Bureau of Personnel Resources. Once submitted, the ERB designated change is IRREVOCABLE. Any questions, call the Health Plans Unit at (718) 999-2196.
Back To Top SURVEY ON EMS/FDNY MERGER
We have one simple response at this time-“JUST SAY NO!†The UFA was approached by EMS employee Philip Weiss (EMT) concerning the private study of the cultural ability to merge two agencies. We are extremely leery of this study, which can be made available to the public, and how it may be used against the wishes of our membership. Our recommendation is DO NOT participate. We are confidant that Philip means no harm, but that may be out of his control. Be understanding and respectful, but politely refuse. Spread the word. Back To Top THANK YOU’S AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The turnout for the FDNY Memorial Services on the 11th was overwhelming and all who participated should be proud of the way they gave tribute to our fallen comrades. It is a sign of the utmost respect for all the effected (14) families in attendance. Also, our thanks to the many members who took the ride to Albany for the N.Y. State Fallen Firefighters Memorial on October 6th. Great job by Jim Kadnar, Jack Rodgers, the FDNY Motorcycle Club and Rescue 3 for their efforts on behalf of the Worcester Firefighters fundraising effort in conjunction with a cross country motorcycle trek. Rescue 3 hosted a luncheon as being one of the scheduled stops along the route from Massachusetts to Colorado Springs. Back To Top SUBMITTED CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT
The amendment that was posted with the meeting notice was not passed by those attending the last union meeting.
UFA WEBSITE EXPANDS TO LINK COMPANY WEB PAGES
If your company has it’s own web page and you would like it linked to our www.ufalocal94.org site, just notify our web master (Tony) by
e-mail at ufawebmaster@strproductions.com and include your link.
Back To Top Fraternally, WILLIAM F. MIRRO
Recording Secretary, KEVIN E. GALLAGHER
President
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