Presidents Report to the General Membership
May 20, 2008
Meeting was called to order with a quorum present.
A moment of silence was requested to remember the following members;
Members that have passed away
Lieutenant Rene Davila EMS Station 4 (retired) 05/16/08
- First FDNY EMS Officer 10/84 at the WTC Attacks on 09/11/01
Lieutenant Martin Kessler EMS Station 10 (retired) 04/25/08
Anniversary of Line of Duty Death
Lieutenant Brendan Pearson Station 23 (active) 04/23/05
Members that are recovering from illness and injuries
Lieutenant Theo Wells Station 50 (active)
Update on Currents Issues
Contract Update-Mediation Session was held on April 14, 2008. Thru the mediator the City was offering only a two year contract, 8 % raise. The City was not going to discuss the Alternative Work Schedule or Haz-Mat differential. The City wants local 3621 to pay for our Medic differential. There was still no return from the city for the cost of returning RIP back to the members with 10 years of service in the Department.
The decision was made to move to interest arbitration. The process to go thru arbitration will take 9 to 12 months to complete.
5 year recert-On March 31, 2008 after much protest over of the 5 year recert program by this local there was a labor management meeting with the Department. Previous to that meeting I sent to the EMS Command 6 pages of issues regarding the 5 year recert. At the meeting there no real answers back from the Department. We will continue to keep having meetings and continue our plan of action.
Legislation- The Local is currently lobbying for 2 pension enhancements that affected members who transferred from Chapter 96 (Physically Taxing) to 25 no age. Return contributions lost to NYCERS and time in pension. The 20 year pension has to have a new fiscal note after the NY Times article regarding retired actuary Jonathon Schwartz.
Next Lieutenants Exam-The Union is against the medic only promotion to Lieutenant. We are fighting the change. The Department should have come to the Union to bargain a fair change to the requirements of the title. Encourage all your members to file, study and take the exam.
Capts Promotion Step 3 Grievance-The recent posting for the Captains promotion violated our City Wide contract. A Step 3 Group Grievance was filed with NYC OLR.
Update Step 3 CPR instructor-The Union has filed for arbitration.
D3 delegate opening-There are several members interested in the opening. Very shortly a member will be appointed.
EMS Week-medal day-The Union is against the combined EMS/Fire Medal Day. EMS has had the tradition of having a separate medal day to highlight those acts by EMS members. This was an important event during EMS week.
EMS Game at cyclones-Please support the EMS game August 21, 2008
PPE Boots-The Union has filed a Step 3 grievance, violation of EMS Contract. The union agreed to the PPE boots but not the removal of issued Quartermaster Uniform Boot.
FLSA-The attorney will be contacting members who have not turned in their test plaintiff paperwork.
EEO outstanding cases-The Union has found a NYC policy that will stop the FDNY EEO office for keeping cases open for long periods of time. And close those cases that are open.
NYPD frequencies in EMS radios- Soon all EMS radios will have the NYPD frequencies placed back in. Removed several years ago, we consider this a big win to protect all EMS members.
EMS Night at Shea-Bonnie Ames-The game was a big success. There were over 1200 tickets sold. Mr. Met presented Bonnie’s family on the field a check for $1700. Thanks to Rockland PBA Emerald Pipe and Drum Band for the on field entertainment. No thanks to the Department for any support.
Wells-Pierce Party- Tickets are still available for the 10-13 party for those members in need. The event is June 12, 2008.
EMS Contract 2006 back pay-The Union has met with the Controller and his staff. We proved that the Department was going to return monies of back pay to City Payroll with out contacting retired members and families of LOD. We are working on getting a full accountably for a members to prove if they were paid retro monies.
Forced Monitoring exam-The Union is against the FDNY only forced WTC monitoring exam. We are for choice for medical monitoring and treatment. It is against union principals and law to force members into an employer forced medical exam that has zero to do with fitness of duty.
NYS WTC Participation form- Due date August 18, 2008. Check for the form and more information on the web site.
Placards new members-The Union has found a new union printer to meet its needs. Placards have been ordered for the new members from the last class. When they are delivered they will be given to the members.
EMS week gift to members-All union members for EMS week will be receiving in the mail 2 vehicle interior stickers.
PESH Complaints- There is a back up of cases. The union has filed many against the Department.
Operational Restriction- We have had members become victim to this new policy by The EMS Command. We have filed 2 Grievances regarding the improper discipline.
Member Rights- Never give up your rights; do not give any statements to anyone until you have been in touch with a Union representative.
