President’s Report
May 12, 2010
Motion to AFSCME to Amend our Constitution: The changes that were mentioned during the April GM have been completed. (The corrections will be read at the May GM). *Note: The letter to be mailed to AFSCME with the exact wording of the motion will be read at the May and June General Membership Meeting (GM). Upon approval of the membership at the June GM. The motion will be mailed to AFSCME requesting the amendment become part of our constitution.
Nominations and Election: Lt. Edward Platt has been appointed Election Coordinator. He will conduct the nominations and elections for three Delegates to the AFSCME Convention and the one-year and two years and Local 3621 Trustee.
National EMS Memorial: Members are urged to attend the National EMS Memorial in Washington D.C. EMS Unions and organizations throughout the nation will be attending. The Local will provide transportation and lodging reservations. Members interested in attending should contact the Union office.
Increase Staffing: During these times of economic decline the department will increase the staffing levels of EMS Lieutenants and Captains. We were informed once DCAS has established the list of new Lieutenants. The EMS Bureau of Training will begin the class to train new officers.
FLSA Update: We are waiting for the Judge to approve the settlement offer. Once it is approved the ballots will be mailed out to the members for a vote to accept or decline the offer.
Grievance Update:
Station 40: A step III hearing was held on April 21, 2010. We requested the department address the following health and safety hazards; No secondary egress, the only egress is a door that is part of a roll down gate and has a trip hazard, a gas detector needed in the kitchen area, ergonomic violations involving the Lieutenants office. The hearing officer asked the department if these grievances could be corrected. The department stated they would work with the Union to address these issues.
(Out of Title) Lieutenants (Lt.’s) operating stations without the supervision of a Captain: A step III hearing was held on April 21, 2010. We explained our concern with Officers continuing to do the out of title work. The hearing officer stated he has no doubt Lt.’s are performing Capt.’s duties and Capt.’s are performing Deputy Chief duties but the question is how much of the duties are being performed. The Union position is whatever the percentage is our members should be compensated for the additional workload.
In Solidarity,
Vincent Variale
Keep yourself informed checkout our website at www.uemso.com