Union Issues

• Zeros Removed & Pattern Changed
• UFA Election Ballot Return Deadline!
• Roster Staffing Agreement Rumors Dispelled
• UFA Scholarship Fund Seeks Info about Autism

Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits:

• Free Mental Health Treatment for FFs & their Families for 9/11Related Symptoms
• FDNY Joint Program with the Department of Justice
• Annual Widows & Children's Fishing Tournament
• Lt. Clancy/FF O'Shea Memorial Scholarship Fund
• 2005 Tuttlemundo/Dolney Scholarship Fund
  
• 4th Annual Chief Downey "Forever Running" Run
• 5th Annual FDNY Night at Brooklyn Cyclones Stadium
• FDNY-NYPD Baseball Game: Keyspan Park-Coney Island
• MetroStars Discount Ticket Days at Giants Stadium
  
• Columbia Association Dinner Dance
  
• Putnam County Members Blood Drive
• Zeros Removed & Pattern Changed

Zeros Removed & Pattern Changed
When was the last contract negotiated by UFA? Claims that the current UFA failed to negotiate any contract are untrue. A new 2-year contract was negotiated and signed 3 and 1/2 months after the current Board took office in 2002. Retro $$ was paid shortly thereafter. The prior UFA Board approved a contract that included 6 months of zeros, but was not yet voted on by the membership, which severely weakened the PBA's PERB arbitration case. This Executive Board took office August 1, 2002 and fulfilled its commitment by voting to reject it, then negotiated a new contract that duplicated the PBA PERB award, which ultimately removed the zeroes, without the $1 million plus PERB expense. As a result, pay parity was preserved between Firefighters and Police Officers. The other police & fire unions were stuck with zeros (despite going back to the City to renegotiate) because they chose to settle with the City first rather then wait for PERB's decision, which set a 25% better base wage pattern.

The other negative effect of settling prior to the PBA award was issued last round is that unlike now, where no Uniformed Coalition Union has set a pattern, the PERB arbitrator has no other uniformed contracts to look to as a pattern, except the MTA-PBA (3-4-6-8) and the N.Y. State Troopers (18% over 4 years). This fact did not go unnoticed, as reported in the Chief-Leader this week: "And so there is no assurance that the arbitrators will believe that the DC 37 pattern (0-3-1) that has been adopted by several other civilian unions has relevance for the PBA. The fact that another union representing police personnel has gotten a first year wage hike (breaking the civilian pattern) could loom larger than all the city and state contracts in which a cash bonus was provided as a cheaper alternative." The editor also points out, "Mayor Bloomberg has plenty to worry about in that area, most notably as regards the historic parity relationship between city cops and firefighters". NOTE: UFA Labor Attorney Mike Axelrod represented the State Troopers & negotiated this contract.

Back To Top

BUFA Election Ballot Return Deadline - Make Sure You Vote!
UFA Election Ballots must be returned to the AAA by 9:00 am on Monday, June 13th. Any member who has not received a ballot yet must immediately call AAA directly at (800) 529-5218, M-F 9am to 5pm, and give your correct residence address (& actual assigned unit - not detail assignment). A ballot will mail out to your home that same day. Ballots will be counted on June 13th commencing at 9:00 am at the AAA . Make sure you vote! It's your long-term financial future that will be impacted...

Back To Top

Roster Staffing Agreement Rumors Dispelled
The City offered to extend the RSOT agreement, unchanged, for two more years. This is unacceptable. It is our objective to increase the number of 5-man engines and remove medical leave provisions that penalize us due to catastrophic events such as the WTC or a blackout. The increased response times and workload resulting from firehouse closings, additional companies OOS per tour for training, and the number of runs doubling due to CFR-D present sufficient evidence, in accordance with the language of the agreement, to substantiate this issue. The following is quoted verbatim from the 1996 RSOT Agreement: "After the expiration of this Agreement, January 31, 2006, the City, in view of factors including, but not limited to changes in technology, structural and non structural fires, and response time, may wish to change staffing levels. In the event the City plans to make such changes, the parties will negotiate to the extent required by the New York City Collective Bargaining Law. Should differences between the parties arise, it is the intent of the parties to work expeditiously to resolve them." Unedited copies of the entire RSOT Agreement are in the 'UFA Contracts & Agreements' Housewatch Booklets, which were distributed to all Delegates at the 5/12 Union Meeting.

Back To Top

UFA Scholarship Fund Seeks Info about Autism
The UFA Scholarship Fund has received a donation to be used to help support UFA families who have children with Autism. Part of this preliminary research is to gauge the number of members' families affected by Autism. Delegates are asked to delicately survey each member in the firehouse to get this information. Negative reports with your company number are required (write your company # & "Zero" on the form). Forms can be returned to Ed Burke, UFA Scholarship Fund Chairman or any member of the Scholarship Fund Committee: Bill Romaka, E238, Tom Martin E60, Joe O'Brien E91, Larry Sullivan R5 or John DeBenedittis E289. The UFA Scholarship Committee appreciates your time and help with this important endeavor!

Back To Top

Free Mental Health Treatment for FFs & their Families for 9/11Related Symptoms
Per Dept Orders, the Program for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Studies (PATSS) at Weill Medical College of Cornell University is now offering several opportunities for free, confidential treatment for symptoms related to 9/11. These programs are open to firefighters as well as their spouses and children who were directly or indirectly affected. The clinicians at PATSS have been working with the Fire Department for over 15 years and specialize in the treatment of the mental health consequences of trauma under the leadership of Joann DiFede, Ph.D, Director of PATSS. More info: 212-821-0783.

Back To Top

FDNY Joint Program with the Department of Justice
The Fire Department is participating in a joint program with the Department of Justice and the Navy Postgraduate School. This 18-month program results in a graduate degree in Homeland Security. Further information can be obtained online at www.hsld.org. Member's desiring to apply should contact Battalion Chief Michael Canty, Executive Officer to the Chief of Department, at 718-999-2010.

Back To Top

Annual Widows & Children's Fishing Tournament
Delegates are asked to insure that all LODD family members with children from their companies are contacted to see if they received the registration form reminded to turn in the registration form so T-shirts for the kids can be ordered and the charter boats reserved. Free for family of all FFs lost in LOD. July 6, 2005. Captree State Park. Check-in 9:30am. Boats depart 10:00 am. Return 2:00 pm. Barbeque, raffle and awards to follow. Tournament is sponsored by E295 & L144, E299 & L152. Entry deadline was May 19th (but late entries will be accepted depending on available space. For more info contact Tony Cecco E295(ret) 516-932-3918 or Mark Malenovsky E299 (ret) 631-589-0065.

Back To Top

Lt. Clancy/FF O'Shea Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Lt. John Clancy / FF Jimmy O'Shea Memorial Scholarship Fund will award five individual $1000.00 scholarships to college bound children of active Firefighters & Officers. Randomly selected at the 9th annual Lt. John Clancy / FF Jimmy O'Shea Memorial Golf Outing on June 23 at Timber Point Golf Course in Great River, NY. Eligible students must provide: Name of Student & FDNY parent, Anticipated date of graduation and current level; Members work unit, home address and phone number; proof of full-time enrollment in an accredited College or University (Minimum 12 credits per semester). The annual golf outing is the primary tool for funding the scholarships. Companies are invited to support the scholarships by submitting foursomes and by sponsoring a tee box or hole. $140 per person, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 3-hour premium open bar during reception. Sponsorships: $100 per tee or hole. Send scholarship info, golf reservations & sponsorships to: Rich Berkhout, E-298, 153-11 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, NY. 11432.

Back To Top

2005 Tuttlemundo/Dolney Scholarship Fund
The Tuttlemundo/Dolney Fund will award two $500 academic scholarships towards the college tuition of qualified dependent children. To be eligible for consideration, a child must be: A dependent of a current or former member of Division 15; and currently attending a college that imposes a charge for tuition; or entering a college in September that imposes a charge for tuition. Each dependent child must be entered separately. The winners will be published on a future Department Order. Applications must be received by June 20, 2005. For applications and/or information, contact Firefighters Charles Vanrossem, or James O'Brien, both of B-44, at 718-965-8344.