1. Delegate Education Seminar Concludes
The UFA Executive Board would like to thank each and every Delegate and Alternate Delegate who sacrificed their valuable time and made the effort to participate in the May Delegate Education Seminar. It is our objective that the comprehensive training received will be of great assistance when helping your members and their families regarding the many issues they face. The agenda and course titles are posted on the UFA website and in the Seminar Program Guide for pass around at your FH. Besides the time you spent at our Educational Seminar, we realize you invest considerable time throughout the year in order to educate yourself on issues of importance to your members. We'd like to once again thank you for all you do and the leadership role you take. It does make a difference!
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2. Rescheduled June Union Meeting
The June 12th Union Meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 19th. This new date is reflected in the attached meeting notice. Please insure that this date is adjusted on all your personal and firehouse calendars.
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3. Lobby Day in Albany June 10th
Firefighters once again will be traveling to Albany in support of various UFA Bills. All members should have received a legislative packet at home. It includes a form that you are asked to fax back to the UFA regarding your participation in Lobby Day, or you can register on the UFA website. Delegates should be compiling a list of 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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4. PBA PERB Award & UFA Contract Negotiations
The UFA is in receipt of the PBA's 2004-06 PERB award. The Executive Board is currently reviewing the award in detail. Mayor Bloomberg has acknowledged that this award breaks the uniform pattern. As a result, current contract negotiations for 2008-10 have been suspended. The City has been notified of our intentions to exercise our option to reopen negotiations for the 2004-06 contract. We are scheduling a meeting with the City shortly. For more info, see attached PR and media clips.
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5. FDNY Medal Day
Once again Fire Commissioner Scoppetta and Chief of Department Cassano have acted unilaterally and trampled on one of the FDNY's finest traditions. Their combination of Firefighter and EMS personnel Medal Ceremonies detracts from the sacrifices both organizations provide for the City. The UFA Executive Board will continue to lobby the Fire Department to rectify this misguided policy. For more info, see attached PR and media clips.
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6. UFA Financial Statement
UFA Treasurer Bob Straub reports that the UFA Financial Statement was mailed to FDNY Firehouses and Delegate home addresses in early May.
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7. CFR-D: Opting Out Update
The CFR-D Agreement, which was signed by the City and the UFA in 1995, contains the following language: "Opting Out: The FD will consider requests by FFs to opt-out of the CFR-D program upon expiration of the FFs CFR-D certification. When practicable, the FD will facilitate transfers for those who wish to be reassigned to a ladder or engine company." Chief Cassano stated to the UFA at the March 7 Labor-Management Meeting that he has never approved any requests to opt out. He also said that all members who were previously CFR-D certified will have to get recertified, but that those who were never certified will not be required to become certified. Members who wish to opt out are still advised to submit such requests in writing to their Officers. NOTE: You are entitled to written (and signed) approvals or denials, when submitting formal written requests through channels. It is the UFA's position that you do not have to take the CFR-D refresher course until you receive a written and signed response to your request. Any members who still have copies of previous written approvals, or recent disapprovals, should fax them to UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio at 212-683-4359.
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8. Grievance/Arbitration Update
UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio and UFA Labor Attorney Mike Axelrod report the following:
- CSU Referrals Improper Practice/Scope of Bargaining - Pending before the Board of Collective Bargaining (BCB): The UFA filed an IP case against the Dept for its inappropriate referrals of members without their consent to the CSU by BITs. The UFA maintains this is a direct violation of a members' right to privacy, and is subject to negotiation. The UFA filed its reply to the City's papers in August. Conference has been held and we are awaiting a decision.
- Light Duty Details Improper Practice - Pending before the BCB: The Dept violated the Collective Bargaining agreement by unilaterally assigning light duty members to work schedules that deviate from the Dept's prior existing practices. OCB directed the case to the grievance process. We are awaiting the appointment of an arbitrator.
- Random Drug Testing Cases - Pending before the BCB: The last conference took place on 10/22 at the Office of Collective Bargaining. The OCB has been holding the cases up because of a court appeal from a successful police union grievance (handled by Michael Axelrod) against the Police Department for switching to hair follicle testing. Our supplemental briefs are due at the end of May.
- Reasonable Suspicion Testing Cases - Pending before the BCB: The last hearing took place in January at the Office of Collective Bargaining. Final briefs, because of a court appeal involving the Police Department, are due at the end of May.
- Increased AFID (3rd Day) - Improper Practice Filed: The Dept failed to negotiate with the UFA regarding the impact of the increased hours of AFID. After submission of our papers, a hearing was ordered which will be scheduled for September. We are awaiting discovery as well as information assistance from the membership, to be explained shortly.
- Medical Leave Lifts: This case is still pending at OCB.
- Raid & Drug Testing at S.I. Firehouse E168 - Grievance filed: Step III Hearing took place last week. Dept raided and placed company OOS for drug testing after the company reported finding what appeared to be a controlled substance packaging with residue, which occurred shortly after a visitor who presented official ID left quarters. Awaiting appointment of an arbitrator.
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9. NY Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Educational Grant Awards
Applications are being accepted April 15th - June 15th. Twelve (12) FF Michael Kiefer grant awards are being offered. Grants are available to active members of FDNY Uniformed Force only. In writing (typed) explain in (550) words or less why you would like to receive this award. $500 will be paid directly to School or Institution of the winner's choice. Include your present assignment (Company, Battalion & Division) with a contact telephone number. Submit info to: The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation c/o Engine Co. 66 & Ladder Co. 61, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Note: On the envelope print the word "GRANT" on the lower left corner. For info go to www.nyffburncenter.com.
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10. Wounded Warrior Fund Raiser
On Friday, June 20th, 4pm, at Cedar Beach Pavilion in Ocean Beach Parkway, NY a fund-raiser for the Wounded Warrior Project will be hosted by E-302/L-155. Tickets: suggested donation $20, includes music featuring "The Square-Rooters" & "The No Request Band." For more info go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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11. FF Daniel Pudjak (L-146) Plaque Dedication
On Sunday, June 22nd, 10am, at L-146 located at 75 Richardson St. Brooklyn, NY 11211. There will be a plaque dedication in memory of FF Daniel Pudjak. For more info contact L-146, 718-965-8229.
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Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
