May 2004
April 2004
March 2004

April 20, 2004

The Union will hold two budget meetings to discuss members concerns about the upcoming budget for Fiscal Year 2004-2005. The scheduled dates and times are as follows:

 

We would like to thank everyone in advance for volunteering to march in the world’s largest illuminated parade, the Fiesta Flambeau 2004! We would like to remind everyone to be safe and have fun. We are asking everyone to wear their blue uniform pants (no EMS pants or BDU 8217's) with a white T-shirt and black shoes. Everyone will be given a Firefighter Fiesta 2004 commemorative T-shirt to wear along with all the illumination required by the parade commission. Everyone is asked to be at the staging area at Avenue B and Grayson by 5:00 p.m. This location is directly behind Billy Blues.

All Junior Firefighters over six years of age who will be participating in the King William Parade will ride on the antique fire truck. Any firefighter's child who has not registered can do so on the morning of the parade, April 24, 2004, on location. We are asking everyone to meet in front of Brackenridge High School at St. Mary's and Eagleland at 8:00 a.m. We will be passing out the Junior Firefighter T-shirts. Please make sure children are dressed comfortably. Also, parents are reminded to wear comfortable walking shoes. At the end of the parade the Junior Firefighters will return to the location of the start of the parade to be picked up by their parents. The antique fire truck will leave immediately to prepare for the evening parade. We thank you in advance for your participation.

I am meeting the fire administration within the next week to personally review the random drug testing process. According to the FCO, the process is going well. I want to get "up close and personal" with all involved. This is critical for this union. I will keep you updated on this testing process. We are hoping to publish some information on options you will have if you are selected to be tested.

April 15, 2004
TAXES ARE DUE TODAY!!

The Negotiating Committee had its first meeting for 2004. The Committee will start receiving training on negotiation from experienced negotiators such as Mike Higgins and Louie Hebert, and will attend other training and seminar programs. They will also be looking into forming various sub-committees to deal with upcoming negotiation issues. One sub-committee is already active and working: the Pre-Funded Retiree Health sub-committee. Other possible committees include a Community Action Committee that will work to educate large neighborhood groups.
 
The paramedic policy injunction hearing went well. It lasted almost five hours. The Grievance Committee chairman, a student from the 31st paramedic class, and I, each testified before the judge. The City called only the Chief of EMS to testify. We will be eagerly awaiting the judge's ruling on the injunction. This is another case of the fire chief attempting to negotiate contract issues by making policies. We will be ever vigilant and challenge the fire administration whenever they attempt to change our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

April 6, 2004

Firefighter Kevin Kulow passed away while fighting a fire in a nightclub ballroom yesterday. The firefighter family suffered a great loss.

April 1, 2004

We had a meeting with the members of City staff related to the pre-funded retiree health benefits. Assistant to the City Manager Erik Walsh wants to re-open the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and re-negotiate the retiree health contributions from our members. The actuarial study that was recently released shows the plan is under-funded. City staff believes that we (active duty firefighters) should contribute extra money to make up the shortfall. Stay tuned!!!
 
As a Trustee by virtue of my office, I attended my first Group Legal Trust board meeting. All I can say is our group legal benefits are first rate. The program is top notch and the director, Steve has done an excellent job. Local 624 members, you need to use this legal program more often. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call them for free legal advice. I talked to a member, directed him to call Group Legal, and his problem was solved. Get your Wills done; get some real estate advice and paperwork done.
 

Effective June 1, 2004, we will have a new third party administrator for the Dental/Vision Trust. We have chosen Benefit Planners to administer the program. We reviewed several proposals from different third party administrators before selecting Benefit Planners. They are the same administrators who use to handle our medical health insurance program. The Dental/Vision Trust board is made up of four firefighters and four police officers. Your four representatives are your President, me; your First Vice President, Roger Lopez; your Second Vice President, Frank Rodriguez; and your Treasurer, Rick Werner. Please contact one of us if you want information pertaining to the new developments with your Dental/Vision. Turnaround time in paying bills is around 30 days.