1. Delegates Approve Contract: Members Will Vote
At the April 19 Union Meeting Company Delegates approved the tentative contract (65% in favor: 241 yes, 127 no) for mailing the contract to the membership for a ratification vote. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Special 65-2 #27 was distributed at the March union meeting and mailed to each member's residence shortly thereafter. Also, in accordance with the UFA Constitution, each member was mailed a copy of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) this week, with all attachments/sideletters for the proposed collective bargaining agreement/contract for review. The MOA and FAQs explain all components of the proposed contract, and answer many of the questions members have been asking their Delegates. They also dispel rumors. Don't believe anything you hear or read that is not spelled out in the MOA and Side Letters signed by the City (which were distributed to all Delegates at the March Union Meeting and mailed to each member's home this week) or in the FAQs 65-2. All provisions of the 2002-06 contract (each Delegate has a copy) remain in full effect, unless modified by the MOA or Side Letters.
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2. UFA Contract Ballot Mailing
Ballots will be mailed to each member's residence by American Arbitration Association (AAA) on Monday, April 30, and must be returned to the AAA by 9am on Thursday May 10. Military members serving active duty may vote via the internet in accordance with the UFA Constitution and the above time requirements. Any member who has not received a ballot by Thursday, May 3 must call the AAA directly at (800) 529-5218, M-F 9am to 5pm. Give your correct residence address and assigned unit (not your detail assignment). A new ballot will be placed in the mail on the same day you call. Ballots will be counted by the AAA on May 10 with oversight of the Election Committee, which is comprised of one member representing each boro and the Recording Secretary. The results will be announced on that same day upon ballot count completion.
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3. Active Military Members May E-vote
Military members serving active duty any time between April 30 and May 10 may vote via the internet in accordance with the UFA Constitution and above time requirements. Any activated military member wishing to e-vote must insure your e-mail address on record at the UFA is accurate in order to receive an e-ballot. If not, immediately prepare an 'SBF Change of Address Form' noting your email address, sign it and mail to the UFA, Attn: Joe Miccio, Recording Secretary (or email your email address to RecordingSecretary@UFANYC.org). Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, or call the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723. Any Delegate with an activated military member assigned to his company is asked to reach out to the family to obtain an email address, if the member is using email while overseas. Provide this info to UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio. The information will be verified prior to emailing a ballot.
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4. To Update Your Address with the UFA
Any member wishing to vote must insure your home address on record at the UFA is accurate. If not, immediately prepare an 'SBF Change of Address Form' and mail to the UFA, Attn: SBF. Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, or call the UFA SBF at 212-683 4723. Addresses can be verified by checking the Company Roster supplied to your Delegate with the 2007 Parking Placards.
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5. Retro $$ Pay Information and Expected Dates
If the contract is ratified, the Dept is expected to announce during the week of May 21st the dates for retroactive $$ pay and implementation of increased salary scales. The Dept normally pays retroactive back-pay due within 5 to 8 weeks after contract ratification, in two separate pay periods. The first retro check usually includes (besides your regular salary for that two week pay period), at a minimum, your base salary retro. The second retro check usually includes the remainder (OT & other differentials). Estimated retro $$ due should be based on what you were paid since August 1, 2006 subtracted from what you would have earned at the new rates if they had kicked in at that time. Each member's amount will differ.
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6. Is my retro $$ taxable?
It is taxable - in the same tax year that you receive your retro payment (2007). This is based on IRS, State and City laws and guidelines. The UFA cannot give the members tax advice because each member's financial circumstances is unique. It is recommended that you contact a tax adviser and/or financial planner well before you receive your retroactive back-pay. Members should keep in mind that there are various FDNY direct payroll deduction plans available to all members which can defer or shelter a portion of your income from what would otherwise be taxed at the full rate. The UFA will publish a list of these plans soon.
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7. Gov. Spitzer Approves WTC LOD Death Pension Legislation
Governor Spitzer has signed his first bill for FFs. This Bill closes a loophole that the City was using to deny full WTC LOD Death Pensions for our families. Families of members who die as a result of a WTC presumed illness will now receive full LOD pensions - even if the death occurs after the member is retired. This law applies retroactively to families of all members who died prior to its signing into law. The latest issue of Firelines and the UFA website have updates and pending legislation listed.
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8. Lobby Day in Albany June 12th
Firefighters once again will be traveling to Albany in support of various UFA Bills. All members will be receiving a legislative packet at home in the coming weeks. They will also receive a form that they are asked to fax back to the UFA regarding their participation in Lobby Day. Delegates should be compiling a list of those members that will be attending. It is essential that we once again have a large turnout to help advance the UFA legislative agenda.
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9. Military Payback Legislation Needs Your Support
The UFA was successful in its 2006 efforts in getting a significant portion of the military debt forgiven for our members. However, the payback arrangement for the remaining debt is often miscalculated by the City, and is placing a burden upon our brave veterans. A UFA supported Bill has been introduced by City Councilman Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island) calling for the Mayor to forgive this debt. It was introduced as Resolution 0748-2007. We ask that all members who reside in NYC, to contact their City Council Member and seek his/her support for the resolution. If you do not live in the five boroughs, contact the Council Member who covers the area where you work. Members should also ask family members that reside in NYC to do the same. If your Council Member already has supported the Resolution, please send them an e-mail thanking them. The UFA website has all the contact information for the NYC council listed under the local government section of the legislative contacts section. Firefighter Paul Franco (FDNY VFW) E-76, has sent a letter to every firehouse with more details. These members need our help to assist their efforts to ease the financial burdens upon them.
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10. WTC Notice of Participation Verification from Pension Unit
The FDNY Pension Unit will once again be providing at the UFA Delegate Education Seminar (May 1-4) an updated roster for each Company Delegate confirming all members who have sent in the form, all that have been verified and those whom the Dept has no record of receiving the form.
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11. The City and Its Contractors Appeal a Decision of the District - Court Allowing Claims of Injured 9/11 Rescue Workers to Proceed
On October 17, 2006, U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein issued an important ruling allowing the claims of firefighters sickened by dust and contamination at the World Trade Center disaster site ("WTC Site") to proceed against the City and other defendants. The defendants are now appealing this decision to what is known as an appeals court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ("Second Circuit"). The District Court or lower court refused a request by the defendants, including City contractors responsible for debris removal operations at the WTC Site, to dismiss the cases. These defendants urged that the District Court grant them "immunity" or blanket protection from the lawsuits. They argued that since their efforts were a "good faith" response to an act of war, any failure to provide rescue personnel with appropriate, effective respiratory protection should be overlooked. The District Court rejected these arguments, and recognized that "the workers at the site were presented with a dangerous environment…threatening their health and safety." If the responders are injured from their service at the WTC Site, the court reasoned, "their claims deserve to be heard." We will keep you updated when the Second Circuit issues its decision concerning the appeal. Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C., general counsel to the UFA, is one of the law firms named liaison counsel on behalf of injured workers in the WTC Site litigation. You are encouraged to contact the firm immediately if you are suffering from an illness or injury you think may be connected to your service at the WTC Site. Contact Michael Block, Esq. or Andrew Carboy, Esq. at (212) 732-9000 if you have any questions or are interested in bringing a claim.
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12. CT Scan Letters Clarification & Other FF Health Info
UFA Health & Safety Officer / Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Romaka reports the following: Recently some active and retired members have received letters from BHS informing them of an opportunity to receive a free CT scan. Refer to 65-2 #31 for additional clarification info. Also, make sure you read the 'Health & Safety Info' article, which is in the latest issue of Firelines. It contains important health and medical info that could save your life!
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13. Delegate Education Seminar
All Company Delegates are required, in accordance with the UFA Constitution, to attend the UFA Delegate Education Seminar each year. The purpose is to provide comprehensive training regarding the many issues that face their members on a regular basis. The agenda and courses are posted on the UFA website. Your Delegate invests considerable time throughout the year in order to educate himself on issues of importance to you. Don't hesitate to ask your Delegate when you need information or advice!
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Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
