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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits
UFA President on NY1 TV
President Cassidy appeared Wednesday night on NY1 Inside City Hall at 7PM criticizing the Commissioner. President stated that “Commissioner Scopetta isn't qualified to head the Department.†He continued,“We're very unhappy with him. Firefighters have had it. They are disgusted with this leadership. They want somebody to step up and lead this department, and that's not happening right now.†Back To Top
Random Drug Testing
President Cassidy with Commissioner Scoppetta and his staff this week regarding the Department's random drug testing policy. The UFA's attorneys, Mike Axelrod and Mike Block, with the Vice President and Sgt.-at-Arms accompanying the President. As you all know, the Department's policy was never agreed to by the UFA. They rejected our requests to use the results of this test as a means to help Firefighters who have a dependency problem. We believe that treatment and a second chance are in the best interest of the department, Firefighters and the public we serve. We raised several procedural objections to the policy prior to its unilateral implementation. The UFA will now seek relief through the courts to some of these issues. Back To Top
FD and EMS Joint Facilities
On Wednesday, November 3 the first joint FD-EMS facility opened which now houses Engine 265, Ladder 121, Battalion 47 and EMS. Chief of Department Peter Hayden informed President Cassidy yesterday that there are no other plans for new joint facilities. The Rossville, SI and Rockaway, Queens facilities were designed and approved during the Von Essen administration. Back To Top
PERB Mediation & the UFA Contract
On October 13, 2004, we had our third meeting with PERB Mediator Phil Maier. The city made (DC37) pattern conforming offers which included non-mandatory subject concessions including changing the work chart and adding a 25-year pension for new hires. These were rejected by the UFA. Our position is that we will not give up the work chart or change the pension system to obtain a fair raise. Those are givebacks, not productivity. At the recommendation of the Mediator and to leave all of our options open while the PBA begins the arbitration process, we scheduled a subsequent meeting with him for November 24, 2004 which will be right in the middle of the PBA's arbitration presentation. We are continuing to prepare in the event that we proceed to arbitration. Back To Top
Safe Apparatus Operations & Response
All chauffeurs should be aware of and follow all Department Regulations regarding apparatus safety and response. It's clear that if you don't, you will be served charges and could be held personally liable. Make sure you review 65-2 Fax #67, which has been repeatedly faxed to all Companies. President Cassidy gave an update during the 11/10 union meeting regarding proposed changes in current regulations, which may further impact the way we respond. See your Company Delegate for additional info. Back To Top
Your Company Out of Service? Fax the Form!!!
Your local City Council representative and Community Board are largely unaware when their neighborhoods have no immediate fire protection. Notify your Community Board and Councilperson whenever the Department takes your company out of service for any reason (including for training or events such as Yankee Stadium, U.S. Open, etc. by downloading and using the easy-to-use UFA form letter. Just fill in the blanks and fax it to your local Community Board & Councilperson, they are listed in the download, (also c/c UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio, fax 212-683-4359). This creates grass roots local pressure on the City Hall--which is one of the most powerful and effective ways to have an impact on FDNY Policy. You can also fax the teleprinter ticket with the form. Members need not include their name as long as the company info is included. Contact V.P. & UFA Legislative Chairman Jim Slevin, or Joe Miccio, if you have any questions. A complete listing of all Community Boards and City Council Members, with all fax numbers, was distributed at the union meeting also. Delegates should insert this into the new Delegate Manual PAC/Legislative Book Chapter #2. Back To Top
Military Buyback and Longevity Update
A recent court case that was won by the correction officers giving full credit towards longevity has been appealed by the City. As a result, all members (not just corrections) that retire using military buyback will continue to NOT receive longevity calculated in their pension. These members' pensions will not be finalized until this issue is resolved. Should the City be successful in its appeal, the UFA will seek legislation to correct the problem and have military buyback time count towards longevity. Back To Top
VSF DROP Update
Members will receive credit for the Variable Supplement Fund (VSF) as long as they remain on the job after 20 years--no matter how many years it may be. Members must retire "for service" in order to receive this money upon retirement. Members that retire for either "accidental disability" or "ordinary disability" are not entitled to the VSF. Additionally, the VSF money that is set aside for a member that continues in service after 20 years is eligible to be "rolled over" AFTER RETIREMENT into a qualified tax deferred account as defined by the IRS. Members should consult with a pension or financial advisor prior to retirement so that they have a full understanding of their options. Back To Top
Governor Signs Former Correction Officer VSF Bill
On October 26th, Governor Pataki signed Chapter 661 of the laws of 2004. As a result, former correction officers that transfer to the FDNY can now count their time served as a correction officer towards their eligibility for the VSF. Back To Top
WTC Presumption Bill Update
Jim Slevin continues to communicate with the Governor regarding the WTC Presumption Bill. After many months of negotiations, we are optimistic that the Governor will sign this important piece of legislation. We have agreed to certain amendments that will not affect the original purpose and intent of the bill. We will keep you updated and hope to report back soon that the Governor has signed this bill. Back To Top
New UFA Booklet: Insurances, Beneficiaries & Free Help
The 'Insurance, Coverage & Additional Help' booklet was distributed at the October & November union meetings to each Delegate for your firehouse kitchen. Delegates who were unable to pick up a copy should contact Recording Secretary Joe Miccio at the UFA to have copies mailed to you. It provides answers to many questions about insurances and benefits available from the UFA, FDNY or the City. Make sure you make the most informed decisions to protect your family! Back To Top
City Health/Medical Plan Vendors
City Health/Medical Plan vendors were present at the October 14 Union Meeting to answer your questions and distribute literature. The Transfer Period for active members is November 1, 2004 through November 30, 2004. The new health plan chosen or any change in optional benefits will become effective January 9, 2005. Make sure your members submit any changes by November 30. Updated information can be found on the New York City website. http://www.nyc.gov/html/olr/html/home/home.shtml Back To Top
Community Mayors: Operation Santa Clause
The Community of Mayors will be having their annual Operation Santa Clause for handicapped children at JFK Airport on December 8th, 2004. Members are to park at Building 208 & 213, buses will take you to Hanger #19 for the event which begins at 8:00AM and ends at 1:00PM. For further info, call 917-757-6022. Back To Top
Free Weekend Marriage Conferences for FDNY Members
Family Life, the nationally known leader in marriage conferences, offers again this Winter, an opportunity for all FDNY members to attend a free marriage conference. It offers you an opportunity to improve communication, inspire commitment and increase closeness in your marriage. Topics include: Threats to great marriage, Purpose for marriage, Effective communication, Conflict resolution, Marriage roles, Parental responsibility, Developing a satisfying sex life, Modeling a healthy relationship for your children. Feedback from members and spouses who have attended has been excellent. Come for a weekend away where you and your spouse can totally focus on each other, and on building a strong family and a lasting, loving marriage. FamilyLife covers cost of hotel and conference registration. For information and to register for one of these conferences contact Battalion Chief Tom Byrne, Union FD (NJ) at 908-233-8675 or 908-482-9470 (cell). Back To Top
FDNY Family Day at the Circus
The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Annual FDNY Circus Event is being organized for March 20, 2005. Packets and posters on this event were supplied for each Company Delegate at the October 14 Union Meeting. Organizers will be looking for volunteers to be Borough Coordinators to help with this event. Proceeds go to UFA Widows' & Children's Fund. If interested in attending FDNY Family Day at the Circus, please contact your Company Delegate for up-to-date information. Back To Top
Want to Join the FDNY Cycling Club?
The FDNY Cycling and Multisport (Triathlon, Biathlon) Club is looking for competitive and recreational riders. Join them in getting ready for the 2005 World Police and Fire Games being held in Quebec, other trips and more!!! The Club offers monthly group rides, introduction/clinics to competition, FDNY team jerseys and coaching. For info contact Doug Dicks (Ladder 78, Group 21) at 718-344-3245 or e-mail dougfdny@msn.com. Back To Top
Raffle for UFA Scholarship Fund
A raffle is being held for a 2004 Harley-Davidson Fatboy Motorcycle. All proceeds go to the UFA Scholarship Fund. Only 500 tickets to be sold at $100 each. For information and tickets, call Ed Burke (212) 545-6970 or see one of the following UFA Scholarship Fund Committee members: Joe O'Brien (E-91), Bill Romaka (E-238), John DeBenedittis (E-289), Tom Martin (E-60), or Larry Sullivan (Rescue 5). Click HERE to download the flyer. Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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