1. Contract update
The UFA Executive Board met with the City Labor Commissioner, James Hanley, on June 27 regarding reopener negotiations for the 2004 – 06 contract. The Lieutenants and Sergeants Benevolent Associations and also the UFOA have reached tentative agreements with the City. The details of which are now being evaluated by the Executive Board, labor council and actuary, once this review is completed we will schedule another bargaining session with the Office of Labor Relations.

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2. Governor Patterson Signs Bill to Reduce Military Salary Payback Liability
The Governor has just signed a Bill into law that will relieve the financial burden on all Firefighters (and other City employees) who were called up to active military duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. The new law will slash military vets' salary repayment obligation through a recalculation of back pay owed to the City. The amount owed will be reduced to more accurately reflect what their net pay was rather than their gross pay. It reduces payback to 7.5% and extends to 10 years the time frame in which they can pay what is owed. DCAS is in the process of recalculations. The UFA will advise the membership once additional information is released.

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3. The Department Attacks Your Rights
On June 12, 2008, the Department issued an Order (Dept Order #54) that is a direct threat to our members in clear retaliation for the UFA’s insistence upon protecting your rights. See 65-2 #48, which was faxed to all FHs.

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4. 3rd Day BI Case: Building Inspection Survey Form
The UFA is currently preparing for our Improper Practice case challenging the impact of the Department's addition of a third building inspection period each week. Forms were distributed at the June 19th Union Meeting to be filled out by the working members each time, as a result of being on AFID, that your company:

a) is delayed in responding to an emergency such as a 10-75 or medical assistance; or
b) has scheduled training, drills or field duties canceled; or
c) has an incident with a negative safety impact on a firefighter.

Also distributed at the Union Meeting was the BI inspection schedule for each borough. As provided for on the form, please note whether the incident or delay occurred in your additionally scheduled BI period. If there is any delay or problem, as indicated on the form, it is important for you to fax the completed form to the UFA Office c/o UFA Recording Secretary and Grievance Chairman, Joe Miccio (fax number is on the bottom of the chart). Should you have any questions, please contact Bill Romaka, UFA Health & Safety Officer, or Recording Secretary, Joe Miccio at 212-683-4832.

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5. Thorough Building Inspections
The Executive Board reminds all members of the importance of conducting thorough and complete inspections while performing Apparatus Field Inspection Duties. Your paperwork (BI Forms & Cards) should accurately document building conditions, as required by the Fire Prevention Manual. The Dept may look to hold you responsible if a serious incident occurs in a building that you inspected.

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6. Heat Index for Signal 10-51
The summer heat is upon us. When the Heat Index ('Feels Like' or 'Real Feel' temperature) is 105 degrees or more, a Signal 10-51 is mandated, in accordance with Fire Prevention Manual Chapter 3, Addendum 2. The Heat Index is reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) hourly and is also regularly reported in the media as 'Feels Like' or 'Real Feel' temperature. Exact current 'Feels Like' temperatures (Heat Index and also Wind Chill Index) can be found on the NWS web site at www.srh.noaa.gov/zipcity.php by entering your zip code. The bottom of the UFA website home page also has a link to obtain this info. Your Officer is responsible to make immediate notifications to the Administrative Battalion whenever the 'Feels Like' temperature warrant a signal 10-51 and it is not given over the teleprinter.

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7. LODI FICA Refund Update
Per NYC Office of Payroll Administration, the IRS has still not provided a date it expects to pay to the City the 1989-2005 LODI FICA refunds. The UFA will announce expected refund dates as soon as this information becomes available.

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8. UFA Lobby Day in Albany a Success
The Executive Board and several busloads of UFA members traveled to Albany in June to lobby for legislation that is important to NYC Firefighters. Members spent the day meeting with their respective legislators and discussing the UFA legislative agenda. The day was concluded with a reception where many of the legislators and their staff attended, including Governor Patterson. UFA Vice-President Jim Slevin and the Executive Board thank all members who participated.

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9. Update Your SBF Information (Beneficiaries, Family Info, Address, Etc.)
New enrollment cards were mailed in June to all members who have not updated their UFA Security Benefit Fund & Retired Security Benefit Fund info or beneficiary names in the last 10 years. In order to insure your personal information is accurate and beneficiaries are current, please be sure to fill out the card and return it to the SBF. If you did not receive an enrollment card and would like to update your info, please contact the SBF at 212-683-4723. An Enrollment Card will be mailed to you.

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10. Delegate Manual Update Sheet
Delegate Manual Update Forms were distributed at the June 19th Union Meeting. Revision dates which verify the last publishing date of each chapter are listed on the form. If the date on any chapter cover of your current Delegate Manual (or date on the bottom of each page) is different than the list, you need to replace that chapter. To update your Manual, or for extra copies of any chapter for your members, note the quantities needed on the reverse side of the form and fax it to UFA Recording Secretary, ATTN: Joe Miccio 212-683-4359. Your updated booklets/chapters will be mailed to your Firehouse. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Be sure your Manual contains the most updated copy of each chapter!

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11. MLC Has Doubts About Advisability Of HIP-GHI Merger
The Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) asked State Superintendent of Insurance Eric R. Dinallo to halt consideration of converting the two giant health-insurance firms for city workers into a for-profit entity until the group meets with the state to voice its concerns. The Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP) and Group Health Incorporated (GHI) provide more than 93 percent of city workers with health insurance. In a letter to Mr. Dinallo the MLC stated "…we are prepared to oppose the conversion. We request that no action be taken until we have been given an opportunity to explain our serious concerns." Mayor Bloomberg previously voiced his opposition to the conversion to Mr. Dinallo last month, calling it "bad policy." NOTE: The MLC represents most major City Labor Unions and negotiates all City Major Medical Health Plan Benefits for their members.

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Fraternally,

Stephen J. Cassidy
President

Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary