The UFA’s June 22nd and July 1st contract negotiation sessions with the City did not produce realistically acceptable results. Following up on our historic rally at City Hall, where the UFA, PBA, UFT and other groups turned out in excess of 60,000 people, we are organizing a joint picketing demonstration at Madison Square Garden (MSG), the site of the Republican National Convention. This will be timed to coincide with the beginning of preparations of the MSG site for the convention, a fact that will serve to highlight further our demands for fair compensation and our complete dissatisfaction with the unacceptable terms of the DC-37 deal – which the City wishes to force on all of us.
To ensure that our message will not be suppressed by allies of City Hall, or certain unsupportive media organizations, we are encouraging the participation of not only each and every member, but also by our brothers and sisters in the labor movement. The goal is to staff the site – the area surrounding Madison Square Garden – 24 hours a day beginning July 19th and continuing day-to-day thereafter pending further instructions from the UFA.
Today’s N.Y. Post reported: "Many Republicans who are coming to town have no idea that the heroes of Sept. 11 don't have a contract and have been working without one for two years," said Steve Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. "I think most Americans will find that outrageous."
It is absolutely imperative that each and every member step up and participate as needed to drive that point home!!! Each day will be staffed by three 8-hour shifts. The schedule is attached by Division. On shifts your Division is assigned, two members will be required to attend from each Company. It is expected that each Company will need to supply two persons for one 8-hour shift approximately every third day. Divisions will need to assign one Battalion Delegate as coordinator for each shift their Division staffs. Specific assignments can be viewed by downloading the Revised Picket Schedule.pdf. More logistical info will follow shortly. Please check your fax machines each tour.
