New UFA Constitution Amendment
Please see your Company Delegate and their 65-2 clipboard in your FH for the complete list of proposed UFA Constitution Amendments. Back To Top
UFA Contract:
Contract FAQs: Frequently Asked Question 65-2 #102 was distributed at the 11/10 union meeting and emailed to all Delegates. It explains all components of the proposed contract, including the RSOT Agreement, and answers many of the questions members have been asking their Delegates. It also dispels rumors. Don't believe anything you hear or read that is not spelled out in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Side Letters signed by the City (which were mailed to each Delegate with November's meeting notice) or in the FAQs today. All provisions of the 2000-02 contract remain in full effect, unless modified by the MOU or Side Letters. Refer to the 'Your Rights Under the UFA Contract', in the Union Book of the UFA Delegate Manual for the 2000-02 contract.
Battalion Delegates & UFA Board Approval: The UFA Executive Board and Fire Marshal Rep voted 11-0 in favor of the proposed contract. The UFA Battalion Delegates met on November 1st, in accordance with the UFA Constitution, and voted on the proposed contract, 50 - yes, 1- no. A record of the Battalion Vote list was published in 65-2 #98.
Contract Ratification Process and Dates: In accordance with the UFA Constitution contract ratification requirements, the following will occur. Company Delegates will vote at the December 8th Special Delegate Only Meeting. If approved, ballots will be mailed to each member's home on Monday, December 19th. Ballots will be counted by the American Arbitration Association on Thursday, December 29th and the results announced that afternoon.
Update Your Address to Receive Contract Ballot: Any member wishing to vote must insure your home address on record at the UFA is accurate. If not, immediately prepare an 'SBF Change of Address Form' and mail to the UFA, Attn: SBF. Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, or call the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723. Addresses can be verified by checking the Company Roster supplied to your Delegate with the 2006 Parking Placards at the 11/10 Union Metering.
Active Military Members May E-vote: Military members serving active duty any time between 12/19 and 12/29 may vote via the internet in accordance with the UFA Constitution and above time requirements. Any activated military member wishing to e-vote must insure your e-mail address on record at the UFA is accurate in order to receive an e-ballot. If not, immediately prepare an 'SBF Change of Address Form' noting your email address, sign it and mail to the UFA, Attn: Joe Miccio, Recording Secretary. Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, or call the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723. Any Delegate with an activated military 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 info to UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio. The information will be verified prior to emailing a ballot. Back To Top
Active Grievances
UFA Grievance Chairman Joe Miccio and UFA Labor Counsel Michael Axelrod report the following: Our grievances concerning medical leave involuntary lifts, involuntary transfer of FFs assigned to E75/L33 in the Bronx, and our challenges to the Dept's drug testing procedures will continue forward and are not affected by the tentative contract agreement. Various outstanding grievances and court case issues were successfully resolved to the UFA's satisfaction during the contract negotiation process. Members and their families will now have complete medical coverage while suspended, 4 additional Engines will now be staffed with 5 FFs under the RSOT agreement (which will be extended for 5 additional years unchanged, saving each member's 96 hours RSOT annually), and the various grievances and court cases against detailing members off the chart for training and light duty resulted in a nearly a $1 million dollar per year settlement, forever. This allows the Dept to continue ONLY with current practices, and nothing more. These funds will be distributed to each member annually via a tax-free $100 per year increase in uniform maintenance allowance. See Special Contract FAQ 65-2 #102, which was distributed to all Delegates at the 11/10 Union Meeting, for more details re case settlements. Back To Top
Next Grievance: Meal Period Entitlement & CFR-D Runs
The Department recently added CFR-D runs to PA/ID 2-79 in its list of assignments that require interruption of your Meal Period. The UFA has notified the Dept of its objections to this change without first negotiating with the UFA, and is filing an Improper Practice and Grievance to fight this policy change. Back To Top
WTC Notice of Participation Affidavit
With prior approval of the unions, the World Trade Center Notice of Participation Affidavit is complete and has begun mailing out to each member's residence. This form was created in accordance with the newly passed WTC Presumptive Disease Bill that the UFA successfully lobbied the Governor for. It covers all active and retired members who were on active duty on September 11, 2001 and who have served at least 40 hours at the approved WTC locations. It also covers all active or retired members who were active on September 11, 2001 but were unable to complete 40 hours due to a documented physical injury received on September 11, 2001 or September 12, 2001.This must be filled out, notarized and returned to the Dept no later than June 13, 2007. It is recommended that all members who qualify file via certified mail return receipt. If you should develop a disease that is covered under this bill, this affidavit will insure you are protected. The Presumptive Illness Bill allows Firefighters who responded during WTC rescue and recovery operations to qualify for three-quarters disability pensions. UFA V.P. Jim Slevin explained the affidavit and answered questions at the 11/10 Union Meeting. Back To Top
Special Hurricane Katrina CD-73
A special CD-73 has been filed electronically for each member who worked in New Orleans. UFA Health & Safety Officer Bill Romaka worked with Dr. Kelly and Dr. Prezant drafting the document wording. To view your CD-73, go to the FDNY Intranet home page, select "Fire" and scan down to the middle of the page. This new process is a direct result of the UFA & UFOA working with BHS, FDNY Legal, and our attorneys for the WTC CD-73. The UFA recommends printing a hard copy of your CD-73 to retain in your personal folder.
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Random Drug Testing 1-Year Review
The UFA met with the Dept for a 1-year review of the Department's Random Drug Testing Program. The info reported by Chief of Department Peter Hayden and Chief of Operations Salvatore Cassano (and other Dept officials) during that meeting follows:
Companies Tested First Year (since 8/16/04 thru 8/16/05): 333 tested once, 72 tested twice, 20 tested 3 times, 5 tested 4 times, 6 went to 2nd unit on the daily list because the 1st selected unit was unavailable.
Number of FFs/Marshals/Officers Tested: 2035 members tested, 133 FF tested 2 times, 7 FF tested 3 times, 12 FM tested since March, 3 FM tested went to 2nd FM on the daily list because the 1st selected FM was unavailable due to vacation or medical leave, 18 Lt. tested 2 times, 1 Lt. tested 3 times, 5 Capt. Tested 2 times, 2 Chiefs tested 2 times.
19 Jobs Saved: 19 members who tested positive for opiates were exonerated via a secondary hair follicle test, which was instituted at the UFA's insistence. They would have been fired under FD's testing standards prior to 8/16/04, which the UFA successfully fought against, and in-fact saved all 19 members' jobs. As a result, the Department recently agreed to raise the testing cut-off level for opiates from 300 ng/ml. to 2000 ng/ml., which took effect in October.
Low % Drug Problems: Percent of members who tested positive: .006%. 13 total positive tests in first year (10 cocaine & 3 marijuana). These results clearly indicate that widespread drug use among firefighters is not a major problem, which was the Department's original concern prior to implementing the program. The UFA will continue to press for one-shot counseling instead of termination. Back To Top
Election Day Results
UFA Vice President/Legislative Chairman Jim Slevin and the UFA Executive Board would like to thank the members who helped spread the word and voted in support of candidates backed by the UFA as announced in several special 65-2s. Many of the winners have expressed their gratitude to the membership for the support. Having elected officials that support issues which are important to NYC Firefighters is a key component to enacting firefighter friendly legislation, and also in shooting down proposed legislation that will not serve our members' interests. Back To Top
UFA Parking Placards: Only from Your Delegate!!!
Borough Trustees are distributing the 2006 UFA Parking Placards only to Delegates. 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 Company Delegate in their house. Delegates must contact their Borough Trustee if additional placards are needed. MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT DELEGATES SHOULD NOT CONTACT THE UFA FOR PLACARDS. Delegates should return their company roster 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 envelope enclosed with the placards. If a placard is lost or stolen, insure the member files a complaint report with PD. This is required before being issued a replacement. Any use by unauthorized persons can now be traced back to the original member it was issued to-for firehouse and/or law enforcement verification. Please insure Special Placard 65-2 #101 is posted in your firehouse. Back To Top
Missing UFA Parking Placards: Police Reports Filed
Any parking placard permit numbers that are reported missing will be reported to the police on a Complaint Report. Any person caught in possession will be arrested and investigated as to how they obtained the placards. Persons involved with stealing U.S. Mail or 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 concern 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 courtesy-not anyone else!
2006 UFA Workchart Calendar-Packed with Good Info!
The UFA would like to thank UFA General Counsel Mike Block and his firm for covering the entire cost of printing the 2006 UFA Workchart Calendar. Calendars for each company were distributed to all Delegates at the 11/10 Union Meeting-one for each member of the firehouse. SEE YOUR DELEGATE. It is designed to give you better access to UFA info and other services. 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 e-mail 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 important info to get Line-of-Duty Prescription Drug $$ reimbursement, 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!
Medical Office Question & Answers
UFA Health & Safety Officer/Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Romaka prepared a list of questions and answers regarding circumstances members frequently find themselves in while on medical leave, light duty and reporting to the Medical Office. All Delegates are expected to personally go over with all members of their companies, point by point, this extremely helpful info. With so many new members, it is critically important for you to insure they understand what to do when ill or injured. Copies were distributed to all Delegates at the 11/10 Union Meeting-in a clear hanging bag for firehouse posting-ONE PER FIREHOUSE.
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Free Flu Shots for Members
UFA Health & Safety Officer /Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Romaka has worked with BHS Dr. Prezant & Dr. Kelly to schedule free flu shots for all members attending the Special Delegates Meeting on December 8th. This could not be scheduled for the November 10 meeting due to a conflict with BioPod drills. Back To Top
NUFA Dental Plan Transfer Period
Dental Transfer Period for active and retired members is October 17th through December 30th, and become effective on January 1, 2006. Members interested in changing dental plans should request an application by calling or writing the UFA SBF office. UFA SBF Booklet, which explains your dental coverage options, is in your Company's Delegate Manual. This booklet was also distributed to all Delegates at the 11/10 Union Meeting. Back To Top
Wanted: Funny Firefighters
If you think you can carry your firehouse kitchen humor onto a stage please contact Billy "Bingo" Denis (ret L126) at 631 764-3757 or e-mail at nycbillybingo@aol.com. Back To Top
Turkey Trot
The 27th Annual Turkey Trot Run, sponsored by the Officers and Members of Engine 233 and Ladder 176 will be held on Nov 22 at 11:30 AM in Flushing Meadows Park at the Avery Avenue Exit. The 3.1 mile race helps raise funds for charitable causes that benefit the members of the New York City Fire Department. $20 fee incl. the race, a long sleeve t-shirt, food and beverages. Entrance forms have been mailed to all Companies. For questions or additional entrance forms please call Engine 233
Ladder 176 at 718-965-8233. Back To Top
Toys "R" Us Private Shopping
Toys "R" Us is inviting all employees of FDNY and their family members (when accompanied by FDNY-employee) to a private shopping event on
Sun Nov. 20th from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. FDNY ID or paycheck stub will be required to attend the event. The following are the participating vendors:
1. Brooklyn
8973-95 Bay Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11214
2. Queens
168-23/45 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432
30-02 Whitestone Expressway
Flushing, NY 11356
3. Staten Island
2845 Richmond Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
4. Bronx
Baychester Road
Bronx, NY
5. Long Island
300 West Sunrise Highway
Valley Stream, NY
**If interested, RSVP to The Toys "R" Us Event Coordinator-Pamela at
646 207-6386 (or 718 829-4641) with your confirmation and number attending. Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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