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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits
Contract Rumors
Rumors are flying and fake news stories are showing up in fax machines at many NYPD precincts with details of a reported settlement. It's a hoax. President Cassidy presented to all Delegates and members at the April 14th Union Meeting the latest updates regarding the PBA arbitration and other related information that may impact our contract. The last PERB mediation session took place on Monday April 18th. While we are continuing our preparation to shift from the mediation phase of PERB into the arbitration phase of PERB, at the recommendation of the PERB Mediator Phil Maier, the UFA is leaving all of our options open while the PBA continues its arbitration process. UFA President Steve Cassidy has been in regular communication with the PBA Board during this case. Ask your Delegate about important info discussed regarding the benefits and reasons behind remaining in the mediation phase of PERB until a PBA award is announced. Don't listen to rumors. This is why your Delegate attends union meetings and asks questions. Back To Top
New Delegate Manual Chapter: 'Your Rights Under the UFA Contract'
This new chapter was published and distributed at the Union Meeting in booklet form (2 per Delegate) for your house-watch. Topics previously buried deeply in contract language by the City are now brought to the surface, and can be quickly found in the enhanced Table of Contents. This includes info such as Portal-to-Portal, OT Entitlements, Medical Office Practices Findings, Leave Carry-over for LODI, Firehouse Parking Rights, No CFR-D Details, RSOT Blackout Tours, Seniority for Assignment Rights, RSOT Guarantees, Unnecessary Medical Office Visits, Grievance Steps, Interrogation Rights and much more. It also includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) info that was published prior to the membership voted to ratify the current 2000-2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement. This will help answer many questions you may have about that round of negotiations--especially for newer members who were not on the job at that time. Delegates may order additional Delegate Manual booklets on any topics for members of their company by contacting Recording Secretary Joe Miccio at the UFA, or by email at RecordingSecretary@UFANYC.org. Back To Top
MLC Agreement Allows PICA Drug Program to Continue
Mayor Bloomberg announced his plans to discontinue the PICA drug program this winter. However, under the newly announced agreement negotiated by the MLC, the City will continue to finance expensive chemotherapy and injectable drugs for current workers and some retirees with a $100 annual deductible starting next January. Co-payments for these two drugs will increase to $10 for generic, $25 for brand formulary and $45 for all brand nonformulary prescriptions. Starting July 1, asthma and psychotropic drugs now paid for by the City's Health Insurance Stabilization Fund will be available through the general welfare funds of the individual municipal unions. City agencies will increase their contribution to the welfare funds by $100 per employee, through June of next year, as a stopgap measure to keep the benefits in place. The city will be paying roughly $50 million to the drug benefit plan. Back To Top
Mayor's Flawed Incident Management System
UFA President Steve Cassidy was on all the news stations and NY1 Inside City Hall @ 7pm on Friday, and in the newspapers Saturday, condemning the decision of the administration to give control of Haz-Mat and other incidents to the NYPD. This decision comes under the new Citywide Incident Management System. We believe that it puts politics ahead of public and Firefighter safety. We applaud the actions of the Chief of Department in speaking out against this flawed command structure. As a result of this new structure, the New York City Fire Department will be the only Fire Department in the Country that is not in charge of Haz-Mat incidents. There will be an important hearing regarding this matter at the City Council on May 2nd. The UFA will continue to criticize any decisions that adversely affect public and firefighter safety. Back To Top
Cameras on Rigs: Drive Safely!
On March 30th, the Department sent its first official conformation to the UFA that it has installed Drive Cam cameras in four pieces of apparatus: Ladder 9, Ladder 81, Engine 226 and Engine 315. Please refer to 65-2 #30, which was faxed to all firehouses and is attached to this 65-2. Back To Top
UFA Financial Report
The financial report for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2004 was presented by the Treasurer at April 14th Union Meeting. Copies of this report were previously mailed to each Delegate's residence and firehouse. The report was unanimously approved on the floor at the April 14th General Membership meeting. Back To Top
New Constitution Amendments Approved
The following UFA Constitution amendments passed and are incorporated immediately into the UFA Constitution. Underlined words were added. Words in (brackets) with 'strike-through' are removed. Revised copies of the UFA Constitution will be distributed with the new Delegate Manual Binder during the Delegate Educational Seminar in May. - New: Article VI, Section 4 (B), Military Member E-voting in Referendums & Elections: Members who are activated for military duty and as a result are unable to reside in their primary New York residence may vote in UFA elections and referendums via email in accordance with timelines established in the UFA constitution and guidelines established by the balloting association. Military members qualify for voting via email if they are activated and unable to reside in their primary New York residence at any time during the period between when the ballots are mailed out by the balloting association and the date they are counted.
- Article XI, Section 1(E), Committees, Regular and Special Committees: There shall be a Delegate's Advisory Committee for political action comprised of one member in good standing from each battalion. The battalion representative shall be chosen by the company delegates of each battalion. The committee shall meet at the discretion of the president and legislative chairman, but not less then one time per year. The president and legislative chairman (who) shall report regarding matters related to but not limited to, the political action efforts of the UFA for discussion by the committee.
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Legislative Agenda & May 10th Lobby Day in Albany
The below topics, and others, were reported by UFA V.P. & Legislative Chairman Jim Slevin during the April 14th Union Meeting to all Delegates. See Special Legislative 65-2 #29, which is attached to this report.
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Pension Class Held at UFA
UFA Treasurer Robert Straub held a special class this week with the UFA Pension Consultant, Lou Sforza,at the UFA offices. Over 70 members were happy they attended reporting that this class was extremely beneficial and informative in helping them better prepare for retirement. Additional sessions classes will be announced in future 65-2s. Back To Top
New Delegate Manual to Distribute in May
UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio reports that the entire new Delegate Manual will publish in May. All updated and newly created sections/booklets and certain sections of the old manual will be integrated into a single binder. The 2001 Delegate Manual will no longer be needed.
2005 Delegate Educational Seminar Rooms
A list of registered Delegates and Alternates and a copy of this year's agenda for your planning reference were mailed to all Delegate residences and firehouses. Members planning to attend should check this list. If your name is not on it (then you don't have a room), please contact Denise Keeley immediately at the UFA Recording Secretary's Office at 212-545-6973, or email to RecordingSecretary@UFANYC.org. We will do what we can to secure a room for you at our discounted rate, if any rooms are still available. In addition, you should also call the Taj Majal directly at 800-825-8888 (if you have not done so already) for your room reservation confirmation number. The UFA thanks our Delegates for your continued dedication towards making the FDNY a safer and more financially rewarding workplace for all our members. Back To Top
Delegate Seminar Topics: Poll Your Members
Almost half of our members (4030 FFs) have 5 years or less on the job and depend heavily upon their Delegates for guidance and important information. Please insure you poll your members prior to attending the seminar so you may have answers to their questions when you return. Topics to be addressed include: Compensation Accrual Fund (your annuity investing), Deferred Compensation, Disability Pensions, Retirement planning, UFA Dental/Optical/Prescription Drug plans, Delegate attack plans for bad Dept policies, Grievances/Improper Practices, Being an Effective Delegate, Financial: 50% Indicator/pension loans/ITHP, Roth IRAs, NYS College Savings Program, Firehouse Health & Safety issues, State of the Union, UFA attack strategies in the media, Finding key info in New Delegate Manual & on UFA website, FF Fatal Fire investigations, Safe Response update & radio protocol, Firefighter legislation in Albany, Political action and presentations by our elected officials, Next Generation bunker gear, Pension planning by FDNY Pension Unit, Scholarship Fund, and more. In addition, many Exhibitors from health care companies, mortgage companies, financial advisors and others will be distributing literature. Contact your Delegate if you are looking for info. Back To Top
Professional Medical Misconduct
UFA Health & Safety Officer Phil McArdle, President Steve Cassidy and other Board members attended a meeting with NYS Office of Professional Misconduct on April 19th regarding member complaints about Professional Medical Misconduct at the Medical Office. The form "Complaints about the Medical Office/Bureau of Health Services" was previously faxed to all firehouses requesting members with complaints of Professional Medical Misconduct. Members are reminded to insure all forms are faxed to the UFA Health & Safety Office at 212-683-4768. Call or email the UFA Health & Safety Office at 212-545-6965 or pmcardle@ufanyc.org if you would like more info. Back To Top
Medical Leave Lifts Update
Recording Secretary Joe Miccio and UFA Labor Council Mike Axelrod recently met with arbitrator Al Vianni & the City regarding this involuntary detailing case and reported the following the your Delegate at the April 14th Union Meeting. We are submitting an offer of proof in attempt to limit he length of the hearings. After the City responds a conference will be scheduled and hearing dates will be set thereafter. This information will be announced as soon as the dates are known. The UFA will be presenting a comprehensive package of evidence for this case to the arbitrator with the objective of demonstrating how the City violated the SMLP agreement, PA/ID 2-95 (Chronic Absence) and PA/ID 3-96 (SMLP). Each affected member was sent a personal letter last week from the Recording Secretary's Office regarding this latest information. Ask your Delegate for an update. Back To Top
Military Care Packages
Staten Island Trustee Donald Ruland initiated a project that will send CARE packages to our UFA members serving in the military who are deployed overseas. There are currently over 28 members serving in seven different branches of the military. We have received addresses for most members, but for those whom we have been unable to obtain addresses for, packages will be sent to the members' families for forwarding. Packages will contain items such as sunscreen, lip balm, calling cards, insect repellent, foot powder, razors, hard candy, cereal bars, writing materials and T-shirts. We would like to thank the friends and Delegates of these members' companies for their assistance with this project. Back To Top
'Life Matters' Counseling Issue
An organization named Life Matters has been visiting firehouses erroneously presenting itself as being officially endorsed by the UFA. Just as any other exhibitor that has a table or makes a presentation at UFA meetings, this in no way constitutes an endorsement by the UFA. Life Matters claims it spent $650,000 counseling our members. The Executive Board has referred this matter for review to the NYS Attorney General & the IAFF. Back To Top
NY Post Article re FF Ed Anzalone Ticketing Cops Untrue
Sunday's N.Y Post full page article reported that an FDNY member ticketed private vehicles of NYPD members outside of a precinct. It implied that the tickets were deliberately targeted against police officers. Nothing could be farther from the truth. See 65-2 #28, by clicking HERE. Back To Top
N.Y. Post Heroes Fund Drive Closes
UFA Treasurer Robert Straub reports that the UFA Heroes Fund has exceeded one-half million dollar mark, closing at $542,000 last week. The UFA thanks all members, organizations and other persons who have helped make this relief effort for our families such a big success. Back To Top
2005 World Police & Fire Games Uniforms Deadline May 5th!
Time is running out for a discounted price! Participating members and coached should insure the UFA has a list of all participants with sizes no later them May 5th. To reserve your uniform, fax the attached form ASAP to Bronx Trustee Eddie Brown, UFA Sports Chairman at 212-683-4359 or 212-683-0690. The cost of uniforms is expected to be less then $85, depending on sponsorship revenues, which will include a warm-up suit, golf shirt, T-shirts/shorts, hat & gear bag (no partial uniforms). Uniforms will be available to pick up at the UFA during the week before the Games in June. Payment needs to be made before you can pick up your uniform. FDNY patch pins can be ordered on the form for trading with other Departments. Firehouse Commissaries may also wish order pins for other fundraising purposes. The Games take place June 26 - July 5 in Quebec City, Canada this summer. Between 200 and 300 FDNY members normally participate, and over 10,000 athletes from around the world compete. Participating members continue to report the Games to be a great trip! Info may be found on-line at www.2005WPFG.org. Back To Top
Community Mayors: A Day on the Intrepid
“Adventures in Heroism": For handicapped and disabled children of NYC. May 11th, 8:30am - 12 noon, Intrepid Museum, Hudson River & W 45th St, front entrance, across the street from Intrepid. Wear a FD shirt or jacket. For further info contact Vincent Tummino 917-757-6022. Back To Top
Billy Lake & Jim Riches 5k Race
Scheduled for May 15th, the 2nd Sunday of May 2005. For further info please call Captain Robert Picard at 1-718-999-1750. Back To Top
Calling all FDNY Chefs - Iron Skillet Competition
Looking for 1 chef (& 2 prep chefs) from each borough, to compete against the top restaurant chefs in the city. September Space 4th Annual Iron Skillet Cook Off, Monday, November 7th. Celebrity judges, entertainment, lots of great food and fun. All to benefit September Space a community center and support network for all those affected by 9/11. Previous participants include: Engine 58, Marine 9, Rescue 3, Rescue 5, Squad 270, Ladder 36,Ladder 41,Engine 7,Engine 328,Engine 309,Engine 161. Registration deadline May 15. For info call Ingrid Maritato 212-563-7570 x201. Back To Top Jack Fanning Memorial Fdn Angels for Autism Dinner Dance
Friday, May 20th, 2005. North Hills Country Club, Manhasset, NY. 7:30pm. Tickets are $100 per person. For info or reservations, call Maureen at 516-292-2212 or email theNYVogels@netscape.net or go to http://www.angelsforautism.org Back To Top 4th Annual FF Harrell Hangdown Jam
Sunday, May 22nd, 12 noon - 7pm. Rain or shine. Nansen's Park, 3465 Victory Blvd, Staten Island. $35 adults, $10 children 6-14, under 6 free. Children's activities (face painting, rides, arts & crafts), music, food, activities and tap beer included with your donation. Cash liquor bar. Raffles. Proceeds to benefit The Harrell Family, The Firefighters Transport Fund and the Thomas Elsasser Memorial Scholarship Fund. For info call Kevin Kelly 718-447-4461 or Jimmy Steiney 718-876-9422. Back To Top Engine 6 Memorial Fund Mets vs. Yankees May 22nd
The E-6 Memorial Fund is hosting its 4th Annual Baseball Game at Shea Stadium in the Picnic Ground on Sunday, May 22nd at 11:30am. Game starts at 1:10pm. Tickets are $65 each which includes food and game admission. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. For more info call E-6 at 212-570-4204 or 212-570-4206 or visit www.fdnyengine6.org. Back To Top Annual New York Police & Fire Games
Albany, New York. June 13-18, 2005. For additional info visit www.nylea.org or e-mail at info@nylea.org. New York Law Enforcement Association, Inc., 3349 Monroe Ave, #182, Rochester, NY 14618. 585-264-0789 fax. Or call Ken Bohan, L106 781-965-8238 or 516-319-9911 (cell). Back To Top FDNY Emerald Society Sunset Cruise Around Manhattan
Thursday, June 23. Boarding: 7:30pm, Cruising: 8:00 - 11:00pm. Rain or shine. $40 pp. Circle Line - Pier 83, West 42nd St. & 12th Ave. Music by The Black Velvet Band, with special guest Richie O'Shea. Refreshments included. NO refreshments permitted to be brought aboard. Door Prize with ticket. For info call: Tom O'Roarke (Ret. E-90) 718-828-2273, Bill Treanor (Ret.Bx Disp) 718-885-0648, Frank Bierne (E-47) 917-842-0578, Artie Evans (E-156) 718-494-4256, James Harris (L-174) 718-442-0964, Patrick McCarvill (E-92) 914-237-1075, Lt. John Spiech (L-34) 845-357-6698, Ted Murray (E-216) 718-965-8216, Billy Nolan (Ret. L-134) 516-376-7994, ...or the Emerald Hot-line: 516-889-2541 Back To Top FF Paddy Skehill Annual Softball Tournament
Saturday, June 4th at Van Cortlandt Park Parade Grounds (softball fields at West 250th Street & Broadway). Beginning at 9am. Reception held at Gaelic Park (West 240th Street & Broadway) from 3pm - 11pm. Rain or shine. DJ Kev. Team entry deadline 5/29/05. Entry fee is $250 per team. For entry and further info call 718 543-8854. Rain date for softball tournament 6/18/05. Back To Top Annual Widows & Children's Fishing Tournament
Third Annual. Free for family of all FFs lost in LOD. July 6, 2005. Captree State Park. Check-in 9:30am. Boats depart 10:00 am. Return 2:00 pm. Barbeque, raffle and awards to follow. Tournament is sponsored by E295 & L144, E299 & L152. Entry deadline is May 19th. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. See enclosed flyer and contact your LODD families. The kids have a great time each year. For more info contact Tony Cecco E295(ret) 516-932-3918 or Mark Malenovsky E299 (ret) 631-589-0065. Back To Top Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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