Union Issues
- UFA Executive Board Lobbies in Albany
- Zadroga Bill Passes Another Hurdle
- WTC Health Settlement
- Return Your Company Roster Info Forms!
- Battalion Delegate Meeting
- UFA Group Life Insurance Cost Reduction & Upgrades
- Mayor's Budget Reported
- City Council Budget Hearing & Press Conference at City Hall
- Fire Commissioner Cassano's Testimony before Fire & Criminal Justice Committee, June 4
- Roster Staffing Agreement
- CVS/Caremark - Important Change in Prescription Providers!
- Manning Reduction Imminent as per 1996 Roster Staffing Agreement
- UFA Ad Campaign: Billboard Trucks Start Rolling
- Heat Index for Signal 10-51
- Seabury & Smith (Insurance Administrator, Marsh Affinity Group Services) – Catastrophic Insurance
- New Firefighting Gloves
- Recuperation and Rehydration (R&R)
- Safe Response
- Check Your TPR's and Payroll Inquiries
- Uniformed LODI FICA Refunds 1991-1992
- Quarterly Random Drug Testing Reports
1. UFA Executive Board Lobbies in Albany
On Tuesday, June 15, the UFA Executive Board visited Albany and met with various elected officials in the State Senate and Assembly to discuss important NYC Firefighter issues, including pension legislation.
2. Zadroga Bill Passes Another Hurdle
On May 25, the UFA attended the full Energy & Commerce Committee session in Washington, DC to show our support for the James Zadroga Bill. The Bill passed the full committee vote, 33 to 8. It would establish long-term Federal funding for 9/11 health monitoring/treatment programs and compensation for our members' losses, which will now go before the full House. If it passes there, first-responder unions and 9/11 health advocates will have to redouble our combined lobbying efforts in the U.S. Senate, where the bill enjoys less vigorous support than it does in the lower house of Congress. The UFA would like to thank the active and retired members who turned out to support this very important bill.
3. WTC Health Settlement
On June 10, 2010, a new deal was announced in the settlement of the 9/11 respiratory cases pending in Federal Court in Lower Manhattan. A previous settlement had been criticized by presiding Judge Alvin Hellerstein as failing to provide enough money to the claimants. The new deal involves additional funding by the City and a reduction of attorneys' fees by the attorneys for the claimants. All told, the new deal is now worth between $625 million and $712.5 million. As compared to the previous settlement proposal, it will provide about $125 million in additional benefits. For the settlement to be effective, 95% participation by the claimants is required. We recommend that any UFA member who is involved in this lawsuit carefully discuss the proposed settlement with their attorneys.
4. Return Your Company Roster Info Forms!
There are many critical issues pending regarding threatened firehouse closings, possible layoffs, pension reform, our contract and the 5th man/RSOT that could require urgent and immediate notifications to all members. Delegates who have not yet returned the company info form with each member's cell #, email address and chauffeur certification level are asked to return it as soon as possible. This is a critical time. The UFA needs to bolster its ability to make instant and important notifications to all members. Fax the form to Joseph Miccio, Recording Secretary at 212-683-4359.
5. Battalion Delegate Meeting
In accordance with UFA Constitutional requirements, the Battalion Advisory Committee will be called in to meet in September to discuss the contract, even though we do not believe there will be any active negotiations with the City.
6. UFA Group Life Insurance Cost Reduction & Upgrades
The UFA renegotiated the costs of its Group Life Insurance program, lowering premium costs at all levels for active members and adding a $500,000 coverage option. Also, members and spouses previously denied coverage can join during the new open enrollment period (no medical required), which begins July 1 and ends August 31. A package will be mailed this month to each member's residence with enrollment change cards and additional information explaining the reduced rates and other improvements. Rate reductions will kick in September 1.
7. Mayor's Budget Reported
As per the Mayor's May 6th budget announcement, 20 companies are still on the chopping block. Before firehouses are closed, the City Charter requires a 45-day notice to be given. The City has not yet made this announcement, and claims it is still waiting to see how much funding will be allocated from the yet to be resolved State budget.
8. City Council Budget Hearing & Press Conference at City Hall
The Mayor has threatened to close at least 20 companies in the new fiscal year. The City Council conducted hearings on Friday, June 4th, regarding the FDNY Budget, where Commissioner Cassano testified (see testimony distributed to all Delegates present at the June 9th Union Meeting). Immediately after the hearing-on the steps of City Hall-Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, the Fire & Criminal Justice Chair, called a press conference in conjunction with the UFA and UFOA. The following elected officials expressed their objections to the planned firehouse closings at the press conference: Comptroller John Liu, Public Advocate Bill DiBlasio and Councilpersons Elizabeth Crowley, James Vacca, LeRoy Comrie, Robert Jackson, James Oddo, Gale Brewer, Daniel Halloran, Ydanis Rodriguez, Peter Vallone, Letitia James and Margaret Chin. The UFA would like to thank all off-duty members who joined the UFA Executive Board for attending the hearing and press conference. See attached media clips.
9. Fire Commissioner Cassano's Testimony before Fire & Criminal Justice Committee, June 4
Read Commissioner Cassano's testimony, which was distributed to all Delegates at the June 9 Union Meeting, which demands significant givebacks from the UFA. Note the following:
Battalions to close:NONE
Divisions to close:NONE
Staff Chief cuts: NONE
Firefighter Cuts:20 Fire Companies, loss of 5th man, Fire Marshal reductions
10. Roster Staffing Agreement
The City budget is demanding we give up the 5th man! Commissioner Cassano said in his testimony that "hopefully we will be able to come to an agreement with the UFA on our plan. However, if we cannot reach an accord with the UFA, arbitration will be necessary." The current roster staffing agreement expires in January 2011. We have already told the Department that the UFA will not consider any reduction in staffing in lieu of closings. This is an issue of firefighter and public safety. The UFA has conducted dozens of meetings with elected leaders from Washington, Albany, City Hall and throughout the five boroughs to discuss the importance of maintaining proper staffing in NYC!! See testimony distributed to all Delegates present at the June 9th Union Meeting.
11. CVS/Caremark - Important Change In Prescription Providers!
CVS/Caremark has informed the UFA that effective July 9, 2010, Walgreens and its affiliates (Duane Reade and Happy Harry's) will no longer be a participating pharmacy for prescription drugs under the UFA plan. A letter is being mailed from CVS/Caremark to all members who have used a Walgreens pharmacy in the last 90 days indicating five of the nearest participating pharmacies. Visit the SBF section for more info.
12. Manning Reduction Imminent as per 1996 Roster Staffing Agreement
Current annualized medical leave is approaching 7.5%. As per the 1996 Roster Staffing Agreement, the Fire Commissioner can reduce the number of 5-man engine companies from 60 to 11 if annualized medical leave exceeds 7.5%. The UFA believes the City will exercise its option to do this. Additionally, if annualized medical leave rises above 7.6% a reduction in manning is mandated. This reduction will immediately reduce manning to 4-FF's on all but eleven engine companies. These remaining eleven 5-man engine companies will also be reduced to 4-and then truck companies will be reduced to 4-as members become injured or sick after the start of the tour. The FDNY's own studies conducted at the NYC Fire Academy have documented that manning reductions will create an adverse impact on the safety of Firefighters and the public, significantly increasing the time it takes to stretch lines and get water on the fire. Also note that 4-man truck companies will need to modify existing search and rescue protocol (VES) at fires. These manning reductions if enacted will compromise Firefighter and public safety.
13. UFA Ad Campaign: Billboard Trucks Start Rolling
The UFA's billboard trucks began traveling the five boroughs on May 28 warning all New Yorkers that the Mayor's plan to close fire companies will impact the safety of those who live, work and visit here. As you know, the UFA launched a radio ad campaign on more than a half dozen stations. The 30 second spot will continue to appear on six New York City stations and one of the most politically significant stations in Albany (to listen, Click HERE). Radio stations include: 1010 WINS, WCBS-Newsradio 88, WOR 710, WFAN 660, WEPN/ESPN RADIO 1050, WWRL 1600, WNYM 970 AM The Apple in New York City and WGDJ in Albany, New York. The UFA is continuing its print newspaper media campaign to communicate critical public safety issues that will result from the proposed firehouse closings. We have activated an internet and social media campaign that includes Twitter (http://twitter.com/UFANYC) plus viral videos via (YouTube) to save the firehouses and protect staffing levels. Most recent TV coverage includes Steve Cassidy's interviews yesterday on WPIX-TV/Ch 11 Morning Show and New York 1's Inside City Hall. This campaign will continue to evolve daily and weekly. We are encouraging all New Yorkers to call City Council at 212-788-7100 and ask them to press the Mayor to keep all firehouses open.
14. Heat Index for Signal 10-51
The summer heat is upon us. When the Heat Index ('Feels Like' or 'Real Feel' temperature) is 105 degrees or more, a Signal 10-51 is mandated, in accordance with Fire Prevention Manual Chapter 3, Addendum 2. The Heat Index is reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) hourly and is also regularly reported in the media as 'Feels Like' or 'Real Feel' temperature. Exact current 'Feels Like' temperatures (Heat Index) can be found on the NWS web site at www.srh.noaa.gov/zipcity.php by entering your zip code. The bottom of the UFA website home page also has a weather link to obtain this info. Your on-duty Officer is responsible to make immediate notifications to the Battalion whenever the 'Feels Like' temperature warrants a signal 10-51 and it is not given over the teleprinter.
15. Seabury & Smith (Insurance Administrator, Marsh Affinity Group Services) – Catastrophic Insurance
The UFA requests that Delegates check with all company members to see if they have Catastrophic Insurance. Catastrophic Insurance is low cost and available through payroll deduction. It is important to realize that not everything is in your control and a major non-line of duty injury can cause serious financial complications without this insurance. For additional information, please call Seabury & Smith at 800-503-9230.
16. New Firefighting Gloves
The procedures for issuing the new firefighting gloves are outlined in Department Order #45 of June 8th, 2010. As per current Quartermaster protocol you are entitled to a new pair annually (12 months from your previous acquisition anniversary), or if your gloves are deemed damaged on a one-for-one exchange. There are 14 different sizes-it is important to achieve the correct fit.
17. Recuperation and Rehydration (R&R)
Too often than not, our members don't take the proper time or have the full understanding of the need for recuperation and rehydration (R&R). Now that the warmer weather is upon us, heat exhaustion is always a danger to your health and safety. Members who exert themselves while wearing bunker gear can cause a dangerous increase in core body temperature, even on responses that may not involve fire. Members should take the necessary recuperation and rehydration periods, in accordance with all Department procedures, so you will be in ready condition for the extreme exertion your emergency duties may require. Refer to FDNY Safety Bulletin #87 and familiarize yourself with its content.
18. Safe Response
Health & Safety Officer/Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Romaka reminds the membership of the importance of a safe and efficient response and to follow all safe response protocols issued by the Dept.
19. Check Your TPR's and Payroll Inquiries
Members are once again reminded to constantly check their pay stubs for errors and omissions. It is important to familiarize yourself with the various TPR Codes in order to make certain you are being paid properly. Should a member suspect an error, the Firefighter should submit an Inquiry Form (FS-250) at the firehouse along with a copy of the TPR and a reason why an error is suspected.
20. Uniformed LODI FICA Refunds 1991-1992
The NYC Office of Payroll Administration (OPA) reports the Federal Government finally paid the City the full amount due on the outstanding LODI claims. The 1991-1992 Uniformed LODI FICA refunds were delayed due to the reconciliation of interest paid on the claims by the Internal Revenue Service. This reconciliation is now complete for 1991 and nearly complete for 1992. Refunds covering 1991 began mailing to claimants last month (May) and the refunds covering 1992 claims are expected to be sent to claimants this month. All refunds for years 1989-90 and 1993 through 2005 have already been paid. For more information, refer to the OPA website: www.nyc.gov/payroll, which can be linked from the UFA home page. Any questions should be referred to the OPA at Lodi_FICARefund@payroll.nyc.gov.
21. Quarterly Random Drug Testing Reports
The FDNY reports that the following units were tested randomly between 01/01/10 and 03/31/10. A total of 83 Units were tested within this period: 44 Engines, 30 Ladders, 8 Battalions, 1 Rescue Unit. Nine Fire Marshals were also tested within this period. Reports were distributed to all Delegates at the June 9 Union Meeting.
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
