Department Asks For Volunteers For Text Messaging Plan
We anticipate that the Department will shortly request that firefighters, when reviewing or revising their individual information contained in the "Emergency Notification System," provide their personal cell phone numbers. The Department asserts that the cell numbers will enable the text messaging of members during an emergency (in addition to traditional notification methods). The Department has made clear that this is a voluntary program and members are NOT required to provide their cell phone numbers.At this time, we are recommending that firefighters do NOT supply their cell phone information to the Department. The UFA is concerned that providing cell phone information will potentially provide an additional tool in disciplinary cases to investigate a firefighter's whereabouts or communications. We are also concerned that the cell phone information could be used as a way to save the Department money at the expense of firefighters (i.e., portal to portal pay). What is particularly disturbing is that although the Department denies its intent to use the cell phone information in such a manner, they have refused to put any assurances in writing.
Under the circumstances, we have no choice but to recommend that our members do not voluntarily provide their cell phone numbers.
Fraternally,
Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
