1. Deutsche Bank Fatal Fire Update
The UFA will mail
a comprehensive package to each member's residence shortly. Please
review it.
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2. New LODI Drug Card Issued
In accordance
with the recently negotiated UFA Contract, effective November 1,
2007, all active UFA members are covered for Line of Duty drugs with
the new LODI Prescription Drug Card. You no longer have to lay out
money for LODI prescriptions and wait several months for
reimbursement. This new LODI Drug Card will save our SBF hundreds of
thousands of dollars annually. This plan is managed by Express
Scripts. Express Scripts sent 'welcome letters' to each UFA member
with their new FDNY LODI Prescription Card in October. The LODI
Network of pharmacies include: CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Eckerd,
Walgreen's, Medicine Shoppe, Walmart, Target, King Kullen, Pathmark,
ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Waldbaum's, and more. A letter was sent to
all members from the BHS, which explains the program.
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3. UFA Active Dental Plan - Improvements -
Additional Coverage
UFA Treasurer Bob
Straub reports significant improvements to the UFA Family Dental Plan
with Healthplex for active members. A newly enhanced plan was
established which adds 4,000 dentists who will accept the fees listed
on the new UFA allowance schedule as payment in full for most of the
common services used by our members and families. These improved
benefits for members currently enrolled in the UFA Family Dental Plan
automatically took effect November 1st. A letter from Healthplex was
recently mailed to all members in the UFA Family Dental Plan which
explains the increased benefits. In addition to the letter the
members will be receiving a Directory containing the names and
locations of 4000 Participating Providers. Members currently enrolled
in the UFA's Dentcare Plan will also have the option to rollover to
the enhanced UFA Family Dental Plan (or vice-versa) effective January
1st. More information will be announced soon for Dentcare members who
are considering changing to the new plan. Updated SBF Booklets for
your housewatch were distributed to Delegates at the Nov 8 Union
Meeting. It contains a detailed schedule of dental services and
options that are now available to your family at lower cost or for
free.
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4. City Health/Medical Plan Transfer Period
Ends 11/30
The Health
Benefits Transfer Period (for active members only this year) began on
November 1 and will end on November 30, 2007. Late changes will not
be accepted by the City!!! Health plan changes requested during the
Transfer Period will be effective the first day of the first full
payroll period in January 2008. During the annual Transfer Period
members may transfer into any health plan offered for which they may
be eligible, add or drop optional rider coverage or add or drop
dependent(s). To make changes, you must complete a Health Benefits
Application and submit it to the FDNY Health Benefits Unit, 6th
floor, Bureau of Personnel, 9 Metrotech, Brooklyn, NY 11201 within
the above mentioned period or Fax to 718-999-7139. Once you submit
the form, the transfer is irrevocable. Forms are available at
www.nyc.gov/olr, which can be linked via the UFA website, or through
the Health Benefits Unit. Questions? Contact the FDNY Health Benefits
Unit, Camille Isaacs at 718-999-2196. City Health/Medical Plan
vendors were present at the October Union Meeting to answer questions
and distribute literature.
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5. OT $$ for Conversion to Eastern Standard Time
Per DO #92, in accordance with Labor Relations regulations, members working the 6x9 tour on Saturday, November 3, 2007, are entitled to one (1) hour of overtime/compensatory time due to the conversion back to Eastern Standard Time (EST). FS-260s are not required. Enter the following TPR codes on the November 4th column to receive compensation for this time: Event Code: 1465 Agency Data Code: 9563.
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6. Increased AFID Update
A meeting between the Fire Dept, Office of Labor Relations (OLR), UFOA and the UFA took place on 10/18. At that meeting the UFA and UFOA both voiced strong objections to the Dept's plan and offered alternative program options that will allow the FDNY to meet its obligations to protect both the public and Firefighters by having a building inspections program that improves safety - not makes it worse. The meeting confirmed that the Dept intended to add a third 3-hour AFID each week, on weekday day tours, beginning October 25. An emergency Battalion Advisory Committee (Battalion Delegate) meeting was held on October 26 to discuss the policy. Additionally, the short notice about implementation of this new Building Inspection program did not follow the 14 day notification requirement spelled out in the UFA contract. The UFA contacted the NYC Commissioner of Labor, and was able to see that this provision was enforced. The new start date announced by the Dept was Nov 5. The Dept published a new Building Inspection Schedule. The UFA filed an Improper Practice the week of Nov 4 regarding the 3rd day of BI. See your Delegate for an update from the Nov 8 Union Meeting.
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7. Self Mutual & RSOT Payback
UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio reports that the Dept is operating at full manpower capacity for an increasing number of tours. As a result, it has become more difficult for members to have approved payback of Self-Mutuals or a rescheduling of RSOT tours. Members are advised to submit IN WRITING all requests for repayment of Self-Mutuals and to document IN WRITING any time you are refused to reschedule a RSOT tour owed due to a group change. Keep a copy of all documented refusals. It is also recommended that a company journal entry is made documenting refusals. Member rights regarding Self-Mutuals and RSOT are spelled out on PA/IDs 3-94, 1/90 and 1-90 Addendum 4, respectively. PA/ID 1-90, section 11.2 specifically notes: "Firefighters with a group/vacation change which results in the opportunity for fewer hours of RSOT are authorized to work additional tours as needed by the Department for 96 hours of RSOT in the calendar year." Without proper documentation of refusal you can lose your right to carry over RSOT tours to the following year, and you may be penalized for not repaying Self-Mutuals within 90 days.
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8. LODI FICA Refund Filing Date Extended to 11/30/07
Per the NYC Office of Payroll Administration (OPA), the extended deadline date is November 30, 2007. A list was attached to the October Union Meeting President Report which contains names of active & retired members for whom the NYC Office of Payroll Administration (OPA) has no record of receiving the 1989-2005 LODI FICA Refund forms from. The OPA provided names only- not company numbers. The UFA also mailed copies of this list to each FH and Delegate with 65-2 #79. Members whose names are on the list should file immediately-via U.S. Mail certified return receipt-or contact the OPA at (212) 669-2333, (212) 669-2875, (212) 669-4133 or (212) 669-3669 if you believe you have previously filed. Visit the UFA home page at www.UFANYC.org. for comprehensive info re the LODI FICA Refund process.
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9. Minimum Manning for CFR-D: MUST Have 2 Certified FFs to Start Tour
As per CFR-D Manual Chapter 2, CFR-D Units must begin each tour with 2 certified Firefighters. While CFR-D Units "must begin each tour with 2 certified Firefighters," if during a tour the minimum CFR-D staffing reduces to 1 certified Firefighter and 1 certified Officer, the Company shall remain available for CFR-D response. During roll call, if the number of CFR-D certified Firefighters falls below the minimum of 2, the company shall not respond to any CFR-D calls (but may still be dispatched for calls received directly from the public to assist civilians). Your Officer must notify the dispatcher to remove your company's CFR-D status from the STARFIRE system, and make note in the Company Journal that the company will not be available for any CFR-D response. NOTE: Unit status defaults to their normal CFR-D status at change of tours. The Dept has the right to detail a member to put a unit on-line for CFR-D. Any member who's CFR-D certification is expired or about to expire should request your Officer to schedule you for CFR-D recertification training.
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10. 12% Specialty Pay TPR Mark Per Tour for Detailed FFs
FDNY Payroll notified the UFA that the Office of Payroll Administration is still working on programming for the new TPR Code. The OPA advises that a TPR code will be released later this month. Non SOC members detailed to any specialty pay units will receive a 12% differential TPR mark for each tour worked, in addition to portal pay.
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11. Uniform Maintenance Non-Taxability Affidavit
It is extremely important that each member file the form with their Officer. Per Dept orders, "failure to properly complete and file an affidavit may result in the issuance of a corrected W-2 form that includes the Uniform Cleaning Allowance as taxable earnings." Affidavits and instructions may also be obtained by accessing the Department's Intranet. Audits will be conducted to ensure that affidavits are being completed and filed. See your Officer if you have any questions regarding this issue.
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12. City Island Involuntary Details for 1 Year
The Chief of Operations issued a memo on August 14 ordering Divisions 1, 3, 6, 7, 14 and 15 to supply firefighters with a minimum of 5 years of experience to staff the units in City Island. Members who are involuntarily detailed to this location for a period greater than 90 days are asked to contact UFA Recording Secretary/Grievance Chairman Joe Miccio at 212-545-6973.
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13. Change of Beneficiary/Address Checklists
UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio reports that Change of Beneficiary and Change of Address Checklists are inside the following three updated Delegate Manual Booklets: 'Security Benefits Fund', 'NYC Health Plans', and also 'Insurances & Free Benefits.' These booklets were distributed to all Delegates at the Nov 8 Union Meeting. They also include contact information for making changes. More Booklets can be ordered from the Recording Secretary's office at 212-545-6973.
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14. City Health Plan Booklets Distributed
Comprehensive information regarding your NYC Health Plan choices and guidelines for enrollment, eligibility, dependent coverage, tax related benefits, and much more, were distributed at the Nov 8 Union Meeting. See your Delegate, who can order more booklets from the UFA Recording Secretary.
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15. Delegate Manual Updated Chapters Distributed
In addition to the UFA Constitution Chapter, the following chapters from the Health Book of the Manual have been updated and were distributed at the Nov 8 Union Meeting: Security Benefits Fund (Ch. 1), NYC Health Plans (Ch. 2), and Insurances & Free Benefits (Ch. 3). Two copies of each chapter were provided for each Delegate. All contain Change-of-Beneficiary, Change-of-Address check lists, and plenty of information about City and Union Health Coverage, as well as numerous other programs that are available to our members. Delegates not present at the meeting, please contact UFA Recording Secretary at 212-545-6973. The updates will be mailed to you. Please insure you insert the updated chapters in place of the ones currently in your Delegate Manual.
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16. Proposed Constitution Amendments Vote
All proposed UFA Constitution amendments as written in 65-2 #78 of 2007, were discussed and voted on by all members present at the Nov 8 Union Meeting. Each of the 3 submitted proposed ammendments failed to receive the required number of votes. The complete text of the proposed amendments were mailed to all FHs and Delegate residences with the November meeting notice.
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17. Random Drug Testing Quarterly Report
The FDNY reports that the following units were tested randomly between 7/01/07 and 9/30/07. A total of 92 Units were tested within this period: 40 Engines, 29 Ladders, 12 Battalions, 3 Divisions, 1 Borough Command, 2 Squads, 2 Rescue Units, 3 Probie School Groups, and 11 Fire Marshals. Reports listing each company tested and individual dates were distributed at the Nov 8 Union Meeting.
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18. UFA Web Site: New Events Calendar
UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio reports that the new Events Calendar is now live on the UFA website. You can easily see what events take place on each day, and submit events to be posted. Some computers may need to download a program from the calendar page, which only takes a moment, in order to view the calendar. Other improvements at the end of the summer: a list of UFA Standing Committee members in the 'About Us' section, 65-2s dating back through 1999 in the "65-2" section, media clips can be searched back through 2003. Also, many TV clips of the UFA addressing important firefighter issues can be viewed on the UFA site: www.UFANYC.org.
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19. 2008 UFA Workchart Calendar-Packed with Good Info!
The UFA would like to thank Mike Block and his firm for covering the entire cost of printing the 2008 UFA Workchart Calendar. Calendars for each company were distributed to all Delegates at the Nov 8 Union Meeting. It is designed to give members better access to UFA info and other services. UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio encourages members to take advantage of all the information it contains to get the help you need. Familiarization with the flow chart on the rear cover, 'Getting Your Problems Solved with UFA Help' makes it easy to get help. The UFA Security Benefits Fund (SBF) & Life Insurance section lists email addresses for getting your questions answered re Prescription Drug, Optical, Dental, Anesthesia, Hearing Aid, UFA Life Insurance and other SBF issues. The FDNY Telephone Numbers Section includes City Medical Plan numbers such as HIP, GHI, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, FDNY's City Medical/Health Plans info, and much more. The UFA Contact Info section includes the UFA web address, general, legal and PR office numbers. It also includes various UFA fax and email addresses, including the Recording Secretary, Trustees and the Health & Safety/Sgt.-at-Arms. The Medical Office section includes phone numbers and the proper address to give to medical care providers if injured on duty to insure YOU do not receive the bills. The inside front cover includes phone numbers of all companies, battalions & divisions-noting which share quarters. Each month posts your workchart and info for getting your events published in 65-2s, and also for documenting unresolved work problems. Keep a copy handy!
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20. 2008 UFA Parking Placards
Your 2007 Parking Placards expire on February 1, 2008. The new 2008 Parking Placards will be distributed at the January Union Meeting by each borough Trustee, to Company Delegates only.
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21. E-233/L-176 Turkey Trot
On Tuesday, Nov 20, at 11:30am, the annual Turkey Trot Run hosted by E-233/L-176, Flushing Meadow Park, Queens. Entry fee: $20. Make checks payable to: Turkey Trot Inc., E-233/L-176, 25 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233. Proceeds to benefit the Wounded Warriors, the New York Firefighters Burn Center, the Elsasser Fund, and the Fire Family Transportation Van. For sponsorships, donations or more info: 718-965-8233.
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Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
