Union Issues, Events & Benefits
- OFFICIAL FIREHOUSE VISITS REVISITED!
- EDUCATIONAL DAY - DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE HOURS?
- UNITS OUT OF SERVICE - A DAILY LIMIT
- MILITARY SERVICE BILL
- MEDICAL LEAVE POSTPONEMENTS
- EMS RESCUE SQUAD - INTERFERING OR NOT?
- ESU OPERATING ON FIREGROUND = POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS
- CFR-D PAY POLICY FOR LADDERS
- RSOT POLICY CHANGE
- RSOT VIOLATIONS IN S.O.C.
- CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS - BE CAREFUL!
- POLICE, FIRE AND EMERGENCY OFFICERS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT
- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP GUINNESS TOAST (FEB. 1-26) ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT WIDOWS FUND
- MODELLS
OFFICIAL FIREHOUSE VISITS REVISITED!
It is disappointing to see the FDNY administration resort to the old scare tactics, but that is what we see on Department Order # 137. References to AUC # 268B do not pertain to BITS (the subject of our 65-2 # 41 bulletin), but only to DOI/Inspector General (which is not what we were talking about). This misdirection of authority is aimed at confusing members of existing written policy and of their guaranteed contractual rights. This topic covers random visits, auto accidents, detail travel time, disciplinary charges, possible charges, miscellaneous questioning, etc.
The UFA is filing a grievance for lack of 7 days notice on a change in policy and for a violation of your contractual right to representation. We would also like to see the Department clarify the directions of this Department Order, as they conflict with Chapter 20 of the Regulations.
The second portion of the last sentence of paragraph two (D.O. # 137, 2.1.1) stating 'and shall have the full and unrestricted ability to interview members collectively and individually' will NOT be adhered to for representatives of the Fire Commissioner or BITS. This quote is ONLY valid for investigators from the office of the Inspector General/DOI. As for BITS or other Fire Commissioner representatives, this directive is a clear cut, intentional violation of the UFA Collective Bargaining Agreement Individual Rights of Members that we will not tolerate. There was further discussion on this at last week's union meeting, especially relating to announcements.
EDUCATIONAL DAY - DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE HOURS?
All company delegates are asked to poll your roster of assigned members concerning the start time of Educational Day. The present 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. might have some traffic advantage over the normal 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. tour. The one definite advantage of the 7:00 A.M. start is that you are eligible to work a mutual for that day's 6 X 9 tour and you might be available for overtime for the same 6 X 9 tour. A 9:00 A.M. start time disqualifies you from mutual/overtime eligibility. Nothing else will change, so your vote is strictly concerning the scheduled hours of training. As we informed you in the past, there is no precedent set by the early start time because we preserved our rights when making this one time choice. There will be a roll call vote of delegates to start the next (2/11/99) union meeting. Cast your vote for the current 7 to 4 tour or reverting back to a 9 to 6 tour. You make the call!
UNITS OUT OF SERVICE - A DAILY LIMIT
The administration has agreed with the UFA position that too many fire companies were out of service during 9 x 6 tours. A daily limit has been placed at 26 units Citywide being out of service at any given time. Operations is now monitoring all causes of O.O.S., like annual medicals, Educational Day, special drills, Haz Mat Training, Conference Review Program, etc. Authorization for taking a unit O.O.S. all goes through the same desk now, so it can be correctly monitored.
Over the next few weeks, we expect to receive from the Actuary's Office and Corporation Counsel, their interpretation of this 'no cost to City' bill. We will then meet with them to discuss their findings and report back to the membership. It will take an extended time to resolve issues pertaining to cost and tier change. If the City interpretation is not satisfactory, the UFA will pursue all options to correct discrepancies. Retiring before there is an answer? File a letter of intent, to preserve your rights, with Sam Smolowitz at the FDNY Pension Office.
Please adhere to the directions stated in 65-2 # 1. Remember that postponements are for YOUR medical condition, not for other family members' conditions or needs. You should not then be engaged in other activities. Just don't jeopardize a good thing.
EMS RESCUE SQUAD - INTERFERING OR NOT?
This special unit in EMS has been under scrutiny by many members. They have equipment that we feel doesn't belong on their rig. If you see the EMS 'Rescue' unit performing OUR work - notify your borough Trustee IMMEDIATELY as an emergency and pass along as many details as possible.
ESU OPERATING ON FIREGROUND = POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS
ESU is not allowed to operate on the fire ground unless the (FIRE) incident commander gives authorization. At the recent Manhattan 4th alarm for example, Commissioner Von Essen authorized ESU to go to work in the fire building. We believe this is an unsafe act in most, if not all, instances. The UFA has asked State OSHA and the Department of Labor to investigate ESU police units illegally operating in a fire building. If ESU is operating in violation of State codes or laws, the UFA wants D.O.L./OSHA to issue violation orders. The IAFF will be consulted concerning possible federal code violations.
On a side note, if you experience a delayed notification by 911 or EMS for work that a fire company should have received simultaneously, notify your borough trustee IMMEDIATELY. Especially if there is a death! The power of the press will be utilized to the fullest.
PAID 3/98 is now out in the field. If your ladder company is sent to an eligible EMS response, put in for the tour differential as outlined in the policy. Keep a copy of the teleprinter ticket for your firehouse records. There is no longer a need to fax us those response tickets. I will be mailing back over 200 pay-eligible tour printouts to delegates who faxed them to the UFA office while deliberations continued. Once received, have CFR-D certified members file TPR inquiries to receive the payment owed.
Refer to the union meeting handout, or delegate manual Section White 16, pages 3/4/5, on your rights concerning notification, travel time, awaiting relief and transportation.
The UFA has filed for arbitration on the Department's violation of RSOT guidelines within Special Operations Command.
CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS - BE CAREFUL!
Both the holiday season and recent Department tragedies have generated an ever-increasing number of letters and phone calls from so-called charities which claim to provide benefits to firefighters and their families. We strongly urge that you do not contribute to any of these groups as our research indicates that nearly all of the contributions go toward 'administrative expenses' and Firefighters get very little, if any, benefit. Most of these groups are scam artists. We recommend that you and your families contribute only to recognized charities such as the UFA Widows and Childrens Fund, the Thomas Elsasser Fund or funds set up by the fire companies where the injured or deceased firefighters worked. If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a particular charity, do not hesitate to call your Trustee before making any contribution.
POLICE, FIRE AND EMERGENCY OFFICERS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT
In October of 1998, President Clinton signed into law The Police, Fire and Emergency Officers Educational Assistance Act of 1998. The law was created to provide financial assistance for higher education for the dependents of federal, state, and local public safety officers who are killed or permanently and totally disabled as a result of traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty and were eligible for the U.S. PSOB death or disability benefit. This is the only federally funded program that provides educational benefits for the children of firefighters killed in the line of duty.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP GUINNESS TOAST
(FEB. 1-26) ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT WIDOWS FUND
Beginning February 1, Pubs throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties will begin selling 'Guinness paper pints' for $1 each to benefit the UFA Widow's and Children's Fund. Participants simply pay the $1 donation, sign their name on the 'paper pint' emblazoned with the UFA Widow's and Children's Fund logo and either they or the bartender will hang them on the wall or behind the bar. Guinness executives have made arrangements with some 450-500 pubs in these seven counties to participate. Approximately 50 volunteers from throughout those areas are needed to act as Ambassadors for the Widow's and Children's Fund. The role requires Ambassadors to speak with the pub owners and staff and encourage them to given an extra effort to support our cause, suggest local events to increase participation and finally to ensure that all funds raised are delivered after February 26 to the Widow's and Children's Fund. Please pass the word among the membership, your friends, family and establishments you patronize to actively support this wonderful cause. While many bars may offer paper shamrocks to benefit charity, only 'Guinness paper pints' support our firefighters. We can not succeed for our widows and children without you.
Our friends at Modell's will be sponsoring a Promo 'JETS' shirt featuring Ed Anzalone and brother Frank. For each shirt sold, Modell's will donate $1 to our Widow's and Children's Fund. The shirts cost $12.99 and can be purchased at any Modells. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Fraternally,
WILLIAM F. MIRRO
Recording Secretary
KEVIN E. GALLAGHER
President
