Grievances: We have generated a fourth Step III Lieutenant out of title grievance. The job description for the Captain title states Captain’s are responsible for the everyday operations of an EMS Station. Therefore, leaving a Lieutenant to operate the everyday operations of a Station is out of title.
Impact Bargaining: We have notified our legal department of our intention to file for impact bargaining regarding the following two issues. The department requires our newest members to maintain their Paramedic certification in order to retain the rank of Lieutenant. Our position is this new responsibility is an addition to the current Officer duties. Therefore, Paramedic Officers should receive additional compensation. The second impact bargaining issue pertains to Station Based Stations (SBS) operating as Battalion Based Stations (BBS). Members should receive additional compensation for the additional workload and responsibility.
Spec Kits for APR Masks: An agreement has been reached with the department. The procedure is explained in Command Order 2010-031. Members that have purchased lenses to be used in their APR masks should submit the Determination of Award form (FS-001) and or the Personal Expense form (A-24) for reimbursement. The department is in the process of obtaining a vendor for members to use in the future.
Motion to AFSCME to Amend our Constitution: The following motion has been researched and approved by our legal department. The motion states any member employed by a private hospital or ambulance company that provides 911-ambulance service. Will be prohibited from appointment or election to any position or elected office with in Local 3621.
*Note: The letter to be mailed to AFSCME with the exact wording of the motion will be read at the March and April General Membership Meeting. Upon approval of the membership to accept the motion at the March and April meetings. The motion will then be sent to AFSCME requesting the amendment become part of our constitution.
Platoon D Overtime: The department continues to prohibit members on D platoon to receive overtime minute for minute. We were victorious in a Step III Hearing regarding the same overtime issue for A, B and C platoon members. A joint grievance has been filed for all EMS members and we are optimistic on a victory. Until this is resolved members on D platoon should keep a record of all their overtime.
New Fee for REMAC: Correspondence between the Department and our Legal department is ongoing. Our position is for many years the department has covered the cost of training and the maintenance of our certifications. There is no reason why this practice should be discontinued.
Executive Board Position Available: Due to personal reasons Executive Board Member Mark Bonilla has resigned from his position. I would like to thank Mark Bonilla for the time he has devoted to improve this service and to the membership. Members interested in the position should fax a letter of interest to the Union office.
West Side Station: The Office of Management and Budget has approved funding for an EMS Station on the west side of Manhattan.
FLSA Lawsuit: The Executive Board has unanimously voted to accept the settlement offer. The offer will be mailed out to all members that were an Officer during the years of 2004 thru 2009. Once you receive the offer members must vote either yes or no and mail it back. Any member that fails to mail back a response will be removed from the lawsuit. If you have any questions call the Union office.
WTC Monitoring & Treatment Program: The National WTC program will begin a pilot program that will allow monitoring and limited treatment for retired members of the FDNY living in Florida. The monitoring and treatment will be available for a week in the month of May (to be announced) in the Miami-Dade County Fire department Wellness Center. If it is successful it may be continue on a regular basis.
Political Action: I can’t express how important it is for members to volunteer on March 21, 22 and 23rd for the Joe Lazar City Council Campaign. Please page Lt. Steven Goldstein at 800-289-7161 for further details.
Discontinued Services: We have discontinued our monthly retainer agreement with Attorney Pat Bonanno. As of April 1, 2010 the Local may allow up to five hundred dollars for any member in need of legal services provided by Pat Bonanno.
In Solidarity,
Vincent Variale
President
Keep yourself informed check our website at www.uemso.com