1. February 4th Union Meeting at New Location
The February 4 Union Meeting location has been scheduled at the JFK Holiday Inn located at 144-02 135th Ave. Jamaica, NY 11436. Please note the meeting will take place on the first Thursday in February, not February 11.
Back To Top
2. Return Your Company Roster Info Forms!
Delegates picked up these forms at the October Union Meeting. The return date has passed. Delegates who have still not yet returned the form are asked to return it as soon as possible with each member's cell #, email address and chauffeur certification level. Your information will be used by the UFA only for important notifications. Fax to Joseph Miccio, Recording Secretary at 212-683-4359.
Back To Top
3. UFA Requesting Info re 2-Tour Military Members
The UFA is assisting a prominent publication that is working on an article recognizing our members who have served two or more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. We are requesting any Delegates who have members of their companies fitting this category to please contact their borough Trustee ASAP.
Back To Top
4. New UFA "Info Faxes"
Most events will no longer be listed on "65-2 Faxes." Effective this month, events formerly listed on 65-2 Faxes will be faxed to all FHs under a masthead titled "Info Fax." UFA Info Faxes will have a separate numbering sequence from 65-2s. Official UFA and Union business information will continue to be published in 65-2 Faxes.
Back To Top
5. Tier V Update: Permanent Heart, Cancer & Communicable Disease Bills
The UFA will continue to work on correcting the Governor's veto of the Tier II extender. Recently, Firefighters and Police Officers outside NYC agreed to a new pension tier. They maintained the 20 year pension but must now contribute 3% towards their pensions throughout their careers. NYC Firefighters have always contributed to their pensions, unlike those outside of NYC. In addition, there are other changes in regards to vesting requirements and overtime pension calculations. The next issue of Fire Lines will have a complete breakdown. While the UFA was not part of those negotiations, we were involved last June, immediately after the Governor vetoed our Tier II extender. We insisted at that time that any new tier must include a provision that makes all of the UFA's presumptive bills permanent. The UFA fought hard to get those rightfully deserved benefits and we were not going to agree to any new pension tier that could potentially strip those benefits from UFA members in the future. Now, all present and future members and their families will have the protection of permanent heart, cancer and communicable disease laws. No longer will the legislature or future governors be able to play political games with the laws that protect NYC Firefighters. We will continue to update you on the UFA's negotiations for a new pension tier as they develop.
Back To Top
6. UFA Parking Placards: Only from Your Delegate!
Borough Trustees distributed the 2010 UFA Parking Placards, only to Delegates at the January 7 Union Meeting. Fire Marshal parking placards were distributed by Fire Marshal Representative Lester Layne. The ONLY way to get a Placard is through your Company Delegate—as the Placard Permit numbers have been accounted for that way. Detailed members must contact their permanent assignment's Company Delegate. Battalion Aides should contact the engine company Delegate in your house. Delegates must contact their Borough Trustee if additional placards are needed. Delegates should return their company roster by February 15, with each member's placard permit # listed, to the UFA Recording Secretary's office at 212-683-4359 (or 212-683-0710 if busy), or by mail with the enclosed envelope or hand in at the February 4 Union Meeting. If a placard is lost or stolen, insure the member files a complaint report with the PD. This is required before being issued a replacement. Any use by unauthorized persons can be traced back to the original person it was issued to for firehouse and/or law enforcement verification. Please insure you post Special Parking Placard 65-2 #1 (attached) at your FH.
Back To Top
7. Missing UFA Parking Placards: Police Reports
Parking placard permit numbers that are reported missing must be reported to the police on a Complaint Report. Any unauthorized person caught in possession can be arrested and investigated as to how they obtained the placard(s). Persons involved with illegally supplying parking placards to others WILL be prosecuted by the UFA to the fullest extent of the law. Non-firefighter use of UFA placards in the past has caused legitimate concerns among law enforcement and traffic agents in respecting Firefighter vehicle parking privileges near quarters. Non-firefighters with UFA Placards have been arrested for impersonating a firefighter. Security features were added to insure OUR vehicles are afforded every legal courtesy—not anyone else!
Back To Top
8. Manning Restored
Manning was restored to C+60 on January 2, 2010, in accordance with the 1996 Roster Staffing Agreement, because medical leave dipped back below the 7.5% annualized rate. As a result, all 49 five-man engines that lost their 5th man in December are now restored to full manpower at the start of each tour.
Back To Top
9. UFA Objects to Proposed Legislation for FDNY Exam Credits
The UFA objected to pending City Council legislation which proposes adding 8 points to final exam scores of FDNY Candidates who have graduated from high schools located within the 5 boroughs. An article in The Chief-Leader, published during the week of 12/25 titled "UFA: Wrong Approach" reads as follows: "In written testimony, Uniformed Firefighters Association President Steve Cassidy said, 'We already have a five-point city residency credit in place. Better verification of eligibility for this credit would be more prudent than granting a credit for anyone that attends a NYC high school.' He continued, 'There are many private high schools in NYC that a large percentage of the student population comes from outside of the five boroughs. Some of those schools are as high as 50 percent. This credit would benefit applicants that do not live in NYC but were fortunate enough to attend a high school in NYC. In addition there are other schools that are outside of NYC that NYC residents attend. These students would be at a disadvantage for attending a school outside NYC even though they live within the five boroughs.'"
Back To Top
10. Unified Call-Taker Problems
As reported in the last few President's Reports and 65-2 #103 of 2009, multiple problems continue to occur since the Fire Department implemented its Unified Call-Taker Program. Please continue to forward copies of job tickets (and Officer's Unusual Occurrence Reports) documenting serious UCT call generated problems to the UFA. You may note on the ticket any additional information that may be helpful. Fax to 212-683-4359 Attn: Joseph Miccio, Recording Secretary.
Back To Top
11. RSOT Carryover Denials to Military Members Serving
The UFA is working with representatives from the Department of Defense in an effort to reverse RSOT carryover denials for members who served active duty, and as a result missed tours beyond the Dept's 1-year carryover limit policy. Any member who was denied catching up on any missed RSOT tours, please notify UFA Recording Secretary Joseph Miccio. Fax to 212-683-4359 your activation and return from service dates, the number of RSOT tours you were denied (by calendar year) and your cell phone number and email address. Or you may email this information to RecordingSecretary@UFANYC.org.
Back To Top
12. Meal Denial/Interruptions During BI Form
Per the UFA Collective Bargaining Agreement, members are entitled to a scheduled meal period unless interrupted by fire or emergencies. Units that are assigned BI during their regularly scheduled meal period are advised to have their Officer notify the dispatcher that they are taking their regularly scheduled meal. If the meal is denied or rescheduled, make an entry in the company journal noting this. Also fill out the monthly form, attached, and forward at the end of each month to UFA Recording Secretary Joseph Miccio at 212-683-4359 (fax), Attn: Joseph Miccio, or email to RecordingSecretary@UFANYC.org.
Back To Top
13. UFA General Counsel Mails Letters to Chauffeurs
At the request of the UFA Executive Board, UFA General Counsel Mike Block has mailed letters to all recently School Trained chauffeurs identified in Dept Orders. Letters will also be mailed to current chauffeurs after their chauffeur status has been provided to the UFA. This letter outlines policy excerpts and the importance of following all Department policies and laws when operating fire apparatus. It also explains possible personal liabilities chauffeurs are exposed to if they operate in violation of these policies and laws. This letter was distributed to all Delegates at the January Union Meeting.
Back To Top
14. 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. Each unit must maintain all original completed affidavits on file for members assigned to the unit. See your Officer if you have any questions regarding this issue.
Back To Top
15. Fire Marshal Representative Candidate Nominations
Nominations for UFA Fire Marshal Representative Election were made at the January 7 Union Meeting. The following candidates were nominated.
1. Robert McDevitt
2. Brian Watson
3. Thomas Sabella
4. Lester Layne
Ballots will be mailed to each active Fire Marshal's residence by American Arbitration Association (AAA) on Thursday, January 21, and must be returned to the AAA by 9am on Friday, February 5. Only active Fire Marshals are permitted to vote. Any Fire Marshal who has not received a ballot by Tuesday, January 26 is directed to call AAA directly at (800) 529-5218, M-F 9am to 5pm, and give their correct residence address (and actual assigned unit—not their detail assignment). A ballot will be mailed to your home that same day. Ballots will be counted on Friday, February 5 commencing at 9am. Military members serving active duty may vote via the internet (see item #16) in accordance with the UFA Constitution. Election results will be announced on that same day, upon ballot count completion. The winner will take office effective May 1, 2010.
Back To Top
16. Activated Military Fire Marshal Members May E-vote
Fire Marshals serving active military duty any time between 1/21/10 and 2/5/10 (and unable to reside at their NY residence) may vote in the Fire Marshal Representative Election via the internet in accordance with the UFA Constitution. Any activated military member wishing to e-vote must insure your e-mail address on record at the UFA is current in order to receive an e-ballot. If not, immediately prepare an 'SBF Change of Address Form' noting your email address, sign and mail it to the UFA, Attn: Joe Miccio, Recording Secretary. Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, the UFA website or by calling the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723. Any Delegate with an activated military Fire Marshal member assigned to his company is asked to reach out to the family to obtain an email address, if the member is using email while overseas. Provide this information to UFA Recording Secretary Joseph Miccio at
jmiccio@UFANYC.org. The information will be verified prior to emailing a ballot.
Back To Top
17. To Update Your Address, Telephone or Email with the UFA
Any member wishing to vote must insure your home address on record at the UFA is current. If it is not current, immediately prepare an 'SBF Change of Address Form' and mail it to the UFA, Attn: SBF, to the address on top of the form. A company roster of all member addresses is enclosed with the Company Parking Placard package today, along with an SBF Change of Address form. Have your members check the roster and immediately mail a completed and signed SBF form to the UFA SBF if their address is not current. Forms can also be obtained from your Delegate, the UFA website or by calling the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723.
Back To Top
18. Delegate Education Seminar Location & Dates
REMINDER: In accordance with the UFA Constitution, all Delegates are required to attend the Delegate Education Seminar! The 2010 Delegate Seminar will be held May 11 through May 14 in Atlantic City at the Trump Taj Mahal. The May 2010 Union Meeting will also be held at the Taj Mahal during the seminar on Friday morning, May 14. Information packets with details will be mailed shortly.
Back To Top
19. 3rd Annual MDA $1 per Member per Meal Program
During the week of January 24 the UFA will once again be asking members to participate in this fund raising effort to help those afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy. Donations received from this go directly to those in our area, including many of our own member's families. All donations can be sent to the MDA, P.O. Box 3178 Grand Central Station, New York, New York 10163. Representatives from the MDA will have a table at today's meeting.
Back To Top
20. 27th Annual City Harvest Canned Food Drive Extension!
REMINDER: As per Dept. Order #1 of 2010 in order to collect additional food and help more people in need, the Annual City Harvest Canned Food Campaign, slated to conclude January 8th, is being extended to January 31, 2010. All firehouses have been designated as collection points for the public who wish to donate canned food. Members should also expect schoolchildren to be bringing donations to the firehouses. Call Racine Rodriguez at 917-351-8711 (email: rrodriguez@cityharvest.org) to arrange a pick-up date for City Harvest to collect the donations. City Harvest will have trucks available in all five boroughs. Their goal is to pick up within 48 hours.
Back To Top
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
