• Past President Reports

• Security Benefits Fund (SBF) Help Table Today
  Members who require help regarding dental, prescription drugs, optical or any other benefits provided via the UFA SBF should visit the SBF table today. SBF personnel are there to help you.
• Special Table Today re FF Heart & Lungs
  Heart attacks and respiratory problems are leading killers of FFs. Health & Safety Officer Bill Romaka has made arrangements for Rob Brown, RPA-C, to answer questions today at a special table re heart, lung, asthma, job stress and other health issues important to all FFs. Rob Brown is a Physician Assistant and Director of the NY Firefighters Heart and Lung Institute in Syosset, NY. Rob has also been a NYC Firefighter for over 10 years. Funded by a grant from the NYS Department of Labor / Hazard Abatement Board (Contract # C012181).

1. UFA Financial Report
The financial report for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2006 will be presented by the UFA Treasurer Bob Straub today. Copies of this report were mailed last week to each Delegate's residence and firehouse for posting.

2. WTC Form Deadline is Today
The UFA requested from the Dept a list of all eligible members from whom it has not received WTC Participation Forms. The UFA provided each company with this list, and also recommended they contact all active and retired members from their company who did not file. Additionally, every eligible active and retired member received a letter from the UFA containing the WTC Participation Form to file by June 14. The UFA's position has been for all eligible members to file.

3. UFA Lobby Day in Albany a Success
On June 12th, the Executive Board and two busloads of UFA members traveled to Albany to lobby for legislation that is important to NYC Firefighters. Members spent the day meeting with their respective legislators and discussing the UFA legislative agenda. The day was concluded with a reception where many of the legislators and their staff attended. UFA Vice-President Jim Slevin and the Executive Board thank all members who participated.

4. New Retro and Pay Increase Date: June 15
The N.Y. City Office of Labor Relations (OLR) has notified the UFA that the implementation date for salary increases and retroactive pay will be your June 15 paycheck. It will include:

• Pay rate increase for Base, Night Shift, CFR-D, Chauffeur & all types of OT
• Retro pay for all Base, Night Shift, CFR-D, Chauffeur & all types of OT
• January 07 Holiday Pay retro check date to be announced

5. Pay Raise Charts
Your June 15 paychecks will reflect the new August 1, 2006 salary rate. Charts for insertion in your Delegate Manual (at your Trustee Table today & previously mailed to all FHs) were prepared by FDNY Payroll (verified by the Office of Payroll Administration) for all grades for the salary scale increases August 1, 2006, August 1, 2007 and September 1, 2007. Footnotes and header notes on most pages contain important data and formulas that will help you understand the charts. The 'Formulas Used' footnotes on pages 1 thru 3 were inserted by the UFA.

• Pages 1 thru 3 are rates (salary) for all FF grades hired prior to January 17, 2006
• Pages 4 thru 7 are rates (salary) for all FF grades hired between January 17, 2006 and March 31, 2007
• Page 8 thru 10 are rates (salary) for all FF grades hired that will be hired on or after April 1, 2007
• Page 11 thru 13 are rates (salary) for all Fire Marshals
• 14 thru 16 are rates (salary) for all Marine Wipers

6. Deferred Compensation (457 & 401k)
Due to the time lag between when Deferred Compensation (457 & 401k) percentage adjustments are selected by members and when they take effect, it is not possible to make Deferred Comp adjustments in time to impact your June 15 retro check and the June 29 paycheck. However, members can easily increase Deferred Comp deductions in later 2007 checks to reap the same total 2007 tax benefit at the end of the year they would have gained if it was done for the June 15 retro paycheck. Deferred Comp percentage adjustment must be made by June 26 (using your PIN) to have it impact your July 27 paycheck. Members who wish to adjust their Deferred Compensation (457 & 401k) contributions need a PIN #. Call client services 212-306-7760 if you do not have it. It will take up to 7 days for your PIN number to arrive via U.S. Mail in order for you to adjust your plan over the telephone. For detailed info about Deferred Comp and 401k programs, go to OLR at www.nyc.gov. You can put up to 50% of each check into your 457. If you also have a 401k, you can put a combined total of 70% of your paycheck into it. Total contributions for 2007 cannot exceed $15,500 ($20,500 if over 50 years old) for the year for 457. Total contributions for 2007 cannot exceed $15,500 ($20,500 if over 50 years old) for 401k plans. Therefore, the combined total 457 and 401k contributions cannot exceed $31,000 for 2007. See next paragraph and Special 65-2 #47 (at your Trustee Table) for additional info.

7. Tax Deferral Options
Deferred Compensation (457 & 401k) enrollment, with direct deductions taken from your paycheck, reduces your taxes as a result of the contributions made, while contributions and the earnings will accumulate tax-deferred. In order to assist members and answer questions re 457 and 401k, Deferred Compensation representatives from the City Office of Labor Relations (OLR) made a presentation and conducted workshops during the May 1 - 4 Delegate Education Seminar, and also had an exhibit table set up to address member questions. For additional info, see Special Deferred Compensation Plan 65-2 #47 and Special ITHP Waiver / 50% Indicator 65-2 #42, at your Trustee table today (both are stapled together).

8. Is My Retro $$ Taxable
Yes-it is taxable-in the same tax year that you receive your retro payment (2007). This is based on IRS, State and City laws and guidelines. The UFA cannot give the members tax advice because each member's financial circumstance is unique. It is recommended that you contact a tax adviser and/or financial planner. Members should keep in mind that there are various FDNY direct payroll deduction plans available to all members which can defer or shelter a portion of your income from what would otherwise be taxed at the full rate.

9. IAFF Video re Giuliani
At the request of the IAFF, the UFA participated in a video on Rudy Giuliani's qualifications for President. The video will be released shortly. See the attached op-ed regarding Giuliani Presidency.

10. Labor-Management & Case Updates
A special Labor-Management meeting was scheduled for June 13th regarding contract issues. Additional Labor-Management meetings are scheduled for June 19 and 20 regarding other pending issues. An update will be provided today.

11. Heat Index for Signal 10-51
The summer heat is almost upon us. As previously reported at the January Union Meeting regarding special Heat Index/10-51 Labor-Management meetings, the Dept agreed to the UFA's request to abolish the defunct T.H.I. (Temperature-Heat Index) based on the evidence the UFA presented, and replaced it with the National Weather Service's Heat Index. When the Heat Index ('Feels Like' temperature) is 105 degrees or more, a Signal 10-51 is mandated, in accordance with newly updated 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' temperature. Exact current 'Feels Like' temperatures (Heat Index and also Wind Chill Index) can be found on the NWS web site www.srh.noaa.gov/zipcity.php by entering your zip code. The bottom of the UFA website home page also has a link to obtain this info. Your on-duty Officer is responsible to make immediate notifications whenever the 'Feels Like' temperature warrant a signal 10-51 and it is not given over the teleprinter. The benefits of this change will be explained today.

12. Fire Marshal Rep Election Results
The American Arbitration Association conducted the ballot count on June 7th, with oversight of the Election Committee, which is comprised of one member representing each borough and the Recording Secretary. 89 valid ballots were returned & counted as follows:

• Lester Layne: 45
• Scott W. Ringle: 29
• John E. Knox: 15

13. New Fire Marshal Base and Additional FMs
The mayor announced last month an increase in the FDNY budget of $1.4 million to hire 32 more Fire Marshals to investigate arson cases, and to open a brand new Queens Base. Fire Marshal Representative Lester Layne will provide an update today.

14. Retired WTC Volunteer Worker's Comp Coverage
Firefighters who were retired BEFORE 9/11/01 and "participated in WTC rescue, recovery or cleanup operations" are required to file the bottom half of form WTC 12 (you are eligible as a Volunteer) with the NYS Worker's Compensation Board before Aug 14, 2007 to be eligible for benefits from the recently signed legislation. Visit the UFA web site home page link 'WTC Related' section for comprehensive info and proper forms. THIS APPLIES ONLY TO FFs WHO WERE RETIRED BEFORE 9-11-01, AND VOLUNTEERED AT THE WTC!!! Go to the UFA website home page for info.

15. Annual Improved Benefits Plan Opener
Per DO #41, the Improved Benefits Plan is open for membership to all Original Plan Members, from June 1, 2007 to August 31, 2007. For those members who elect to join, the Pension Bureau must receive applications no later than 1700 hours on August 31, 2007. Additional applications may be requested by contacting the Pension Bureau at 718-999-1211.

Stephen J. Cassidy,
President