65-2 #56 July 17, 2007

Union Issues, Events & Benefits

Union Issues:


1. IAFF Video re Giuliani
The UFA, UFOA and 9-11 family members participated in the IAFF'S video "Rudy Giuliani Urban Legend." It is an informational video setting the record straight on the events before, during and after the terrorist attack of 9-11. We as NYC Firefighters know what happened, but it is important for the nation to know the real truth. The video can be viewed from the home page of the IAFF web site at www.iaff.org or www.rudy-urbanlegend.com. These links are also on the UFA website home page.

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2. Heat Index for Signal 10-51
The summer heat is upon us. As previously reported at the January and June Union Meetings 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' or 'Real Feel' 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' or 'Real Feel' temperature. Exact current 'Feels Like' temperatures (Heat Index and also Wind Chill Index) can be found on the NWS web site at 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.

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3. Retired WTC Volunteer Worker's Comp Deadline Extended
Gov. Eliot Spitzer has extended for one year, to Aug. 14, 2008, the period in which anyone who worked or volunteered at ground zero after Sept. 11 can register with the State Workers' Compensation Board. 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, 2008 to be eligible for benefits from the recently signed legislation. Visit the UFA web site home page area 'WTC Related' section for comprehensive info and proper forms. THIS APPLIES ONLY TO FF's WHO WERE RETIRED BEFORE 9-11-01, AND VOLUNTEERED AT THE WTC!!! Go to the UFA website home page for info.

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4. Pay Raise Charts
Charts for insertion in Delegate Manuals and FH posting were distributed at the June Union Meeting & previously mailed tall FHs. They were prepared by FDNY Payroll (verified by the Office of Payroll Administration) for all grades for the salary scale increases August 1, 2006, April 1, 2007, 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.

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

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5. UFA Web Site Additions
A list of UFA Standing Committee members will go live this week and be posted in the 'About Us' Section of the UFA website. Additionally, 65-2s dating back through 1999 are now live and posted in the "65-2" section. This information required a significant amount of reformatting work in order to convert it for posting on the enhanced UFA web site which was introduced in 2006.

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6. UFA Financial Report
The financial report for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2006 was explained by the UFA Treasurer Bob Straub at the June General Membership Meeting. Copies of this report were mailed in June teach Delegate's residence and firehouse for posting.

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7. Annual Improved Benefits Plan Opener
Per D#41, the Improved Benefits Plan is open for membership tall 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.

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8. Light Duty Improper Practice: Info. Needed from Members
The UFA is doing research regarding our Improper Practice case against the City challenging the change of light duty FF schedules. A conference was held at OLR on July 2, 2007 in an effort to quantify certain factual issues regarding unilaterally changing the schedules of firefighters assigned to light duty. In order to document these facts, the UFA needs any firefighter who was on light duty prior to the changes implemented with PA/ID 1 of 2007 last January to forward the requested information below to UFA Recording Secretary Joe Miccio. We are attempting to determine if light duty FFs who were previously not required to sign on and off duty are now required to do so on a daily basis since the implementation of the new PA/ID policy. It is imperative that affected members provide following information:

  1. Before the policy change, were you required to sign both on and off duty while on light duty?
  2. Have you been evaluated in a written format re your light duty assignment?
  3. If yes, what areas of performance are being assessed for?
  4. Have you been adversely affected by a negative evaluation? If yes, describe how.
  5. Were you ever evaluated on your light duty performance before the new PA/ID was issued?
  6. Have you ever pursued an appeal of a negative light duty evaluation?
  7. *Please prepare the attached form [which will be included in a follow-up e-mail today] and fax to 212-683-4359 (or 212-683-0710 if busy), ATTN: Joe Miccio.

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9. 7th Annual FDNY Night
FINAL REMINDER: Friday July 20th 2007, KeySpan Park, Pre-game activities at 6pm, Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Valley Cats at 7pm. Post-game fireworks. Tickets: $15 Grandstand and $10 Bleacher. Price difference on each ticket will got the UFA Scholarship Fund. For info and tickets call: Fire Marshal Bob Cashman 718-999-0740.

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10. A-Team Scholarship
The family and friends of Lt. Joseph Cavalieri, FF Christopher Bopp, and FF James Bohan have established an A-Team Scholarship in their memory. The scholarship competition is open to any child of an active or retired member of the UFA or UFOA. Applicants MUST: be a freshman entering a private high school in September 2007; submit an essay describing why they want to attend the particular private school with their parent's name, address, phone number, and work unit; maintain a C average throughout high school; and submit all info by deadline August 6th to: A-Team Scholarship FDNY P.O. Box 360-395, Brooklyn, NY 11236. Winner of the scholarship will receive $500 each year.

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11. Yonkers FD Benefit Softball Tournament
Saturday, August 11th at Redmond (Cook) Field in Yonkers, Yonkers Firefighters will sponsor the event to help fund research for Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a condition that affects family members of FF's. A $375 registration fee is due by July 30, 2007 which includes 3 guaranteed games and a team shirt. For additional info. Contact FF Luis Jimenez at (914) 424-1806 or Angela Jimenez at (914) 424-1807.

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12. Concert to Benefit Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance: Gary Sinise and The Lt. Dan Band
Saturday, August 11th, 2007 at the Whitman Theater inside Brooklyn College located on Nostrand Ave. & Avenue H. Doors open at 7pm for pre-concert comedy hour and Bagpipers of the FDNY, NYPD, and PAPD, show begins at 8pm. For more information call Ticketmaster at (212) 307-7171 or go online to ticketmaster.com.

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13. Steuben Assn. Boat Ride For FF'S & Nurses
On Wednesday, August 15 the Annual Stueben Association Boat Ride for FF's, Nurses & friends board at 7:30pm, Circle Line Tours, Pier 83, W42nd Street, Manhattan. $35 in advance, $40 at the door if tickets are available. Includes DJ, dancing, open bar.

For tickets and more info contact:

  • Bill Rohr 631-689-3588
  • Bill Deichler 631-587-7738
  • John Rohr 718-845-0338
  • Gerard Carmosin 718-849-4430.

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14. Splish Splash Water Park UFA Discount Tickets
Exit 72 West, Long Island Exp., Riverhead, NY. General admission:$26.00, Under 48" & Seniors: $20.00. Age 3 and under: free. Tickets must be purchased at UFA offices located at 204 E. 23rd St. For further info contact Amy Sullivan at UFA: (212) 683-4832.

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15. The 6th Annual Lt. Steve "Hangdown" Harrell Memorial Jam
Sunday, August 19th. 12 noon-7 pm. Nansen's Park, Staten Island 3465 Victory Blvd. 5 Live Bands, Children's Activities, Full Barbecue Menu, refreshments. A great day of family, music, and friends to honor a Brother who gave his life on 9/11. All proceeds to benefit the Elsasser Fund and the Firefighters Family Transport Foundation. For info, contact Kevin Kelly, Ladder 157, at: 917 533 4500.

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16. World Police & Fire Games 2011 in NYC
In 2011, the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center Attacks, the FDNY, NYPD and PAPD will be co-hosting the World Police & Fire Games. These games give us a chance to showcase our Departments and say thank you to those around the world who supported us during our time of need. To do this your help is needed, from sports coordinators to fundraisers, individuals ready to give 100% to the effort are needed. We want to make the 2011 World Police & Fire Games the largest and most memorable in history. If you would like to participate and/or help represent your Department, email your name and e-mail address to: info@2011wpfg.org or call 718-539-2241, also visit the website at www.2011wpfg.org.

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Fraternally,

Stephen J. Cassidy
President

Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary