• Past President Reports

Special Business

• UFA Delegate ID Cards Distributed Today (See Item #8)
• 2010 UFA Workchart Calendar Distributed Today (See Item #9)
  Calendars for each company are at your Borough Trustee Table today, packaged 25 per box. Please take ONLY enough calendars for each member and a few extra for firehouse posting. There are a limited number of calendars.
• Quartermaster List Distributed Today to Battalion Delegates (See Item #16)
  Battalion Delegates can pick up their package at the Health & Safety table today.
• Free H1N1 Inoculations Today (See Item #s 14 & 15)
  UFA Health & Safety Officer/Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Romaka worked with BHS Dr. Kelly & Dr. Prezant to schedule free H1N1 (swine flu) shots for all members attending today's meeting.
• Healthplex Dental Benefits Provider Table Today (See Item #18)
  Healthplex administrator professionals have a table today to provide info, literature and answer questions about UFA Dental Plan options during this rollover period.
• Security Benefits Fund (SBF) Help Table Today
  Members who require help regarding dental, prescription drugs, optical or any other benefits provided via the UFA SBF should visit the SBF table today. SBF personnel are there to help you.

Today's Agenda

1. Proposed Constitution Amendment Today
The proposed UFA Constitution amendment will be discussed and voted upon today. The Constitution Committee will present its recommendations. Also, the Executive Board's vote and recommendations will be presented. The complete text of the proposed amendment is contained in 65-2 #94 of 2009, which was mailed to all FHs and Delegate residences, and is also attached to this report.

2. JFK Ramada Closing: Union Meetings Rescheduled
Today's meeting will be the UFA's last meeting at the JFK Ramada for at least the next few years. The Ramada will be closing for demolition and rebuilding beginning December 1. The January 14 Union Meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, January 7, which will be held at Terrace on the Park, in Flushing Meadows Park. The February Union Meeting date and location will be announced once scheduled. Please insure that these dates are adjusted on all your personal and firehouse calendars.

3. Election Day Update
The UFA would like to thank all of the members that stepped up for Bill Thompson for Mayor and the other races that we were involved in. Although Bill Thompson lost the election it was much closer than the "experts" predicted. We believed it would be close and as a result of your efforts it was. Firefighters were at the subways, shopping centers, rallies and poll sites. We were highly visible and everybody took notice. Bill Thompson thanked us for all of our efforts and said he will never forget what we did for him. We made the right choice in endorsing him and many politicians congratulated us on our efforts. Our endorsement is highly sought after and this election has made it even more valuable. We sent a clear message that we will always stand up for our membership and we are not afraid to put up a fight, even if it means we have to go against a $200 million dollar campaign. Despite the outrageous spending of the other side, it was a close race and we almost pulled off one of the greatest upsets in NYC history.

4. Chauffeur Certification Level & Member Contact Info Form
Delegates picked up the company roster contact info form at the October 8 Union Meeting, or it was mailed to the residences of those unable to attend. Delegates who have still not yet returned the form, are asked to return the form by November 12, 2009 with each member's cell #, email address and chauffeur certification level. This info will only be used by the UFA for important notifications. Fax to Joseph Miccio, Recording Secretary at 212-545-6973.

5. Chauffeur Seat Selection Improper Practice to File
The Dept issued on October 15 a change in its policy for selection of the regular company chauffeur seat. The policy has always been that regular chauffeurs were selected solely by seniority unless the member had a poor annual evaluation. Based on the new policy, the regular company chauffeur seat selection may now be made based on subjective criteria, such as a supervisor's opinion of a chauffeur's "aptitude, demeanor, judgment" or other criteria, only one of which is seniority. The UFA requested a meeting with the Dept prior to the implementation of this policy to discuss, among other things, its impact on who earns the 2.05% Chauffeur Differential the UFA negotiated into its Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Department's reply was to publish the policy without responding to or meeting with the UFA. The UFA believes this is a violation of Labor Laws. We are in the process of preparing to file an Improper Practice case with the NYC Office of Labor Relations.

6. Unified Call-Taker Problems
As reported in last month's President's Report and 65-2 #103, multiple problems continue to occur since the Fire Department implemented its Unified Call-Taker Program. Please continue to forward copies of job tickets (and Officer's Unusual Occurrence Reports) documenting serious UCT call generated problems to the UFA. Have your Officer prepare an Unusual Occurrence Report. Include it with the ticket when faxing. Fax Unusual Occurence Report and ticket to the UFA at 212-683-4359 Attn: Joseph Miccio, Recording Secretary. You may note on the ticket any additional information that may be helpful.

7. Self Mutual & RSOT Payback
It is becoming more difficult for members to have Self-Mutual paybacks approved or RSOT tours rescheduled. Members are advised to submit IN WRITING all requests for repayment of Self-Mutuals and to document IN WRITING any time you are denied a Self-Mutual payback or RSOT reschedule. Keep a copy of all documented denials. It is also recommended that a company journal entry is made documenting denials. Member rights regarding Self-Mutuals and RSOT are spelled out on PA/IDs 3-94, 1-90 and 1-90 Addendum 4, respectively. PA/ID 1-90, section 11.2 specifically notes: "Firefighters with a group/vacation change which results in the opportunity for fewer hours of RSOT are authorized to work additional tours as needed by the Department for 96 hours of RSOT in the calendar year." Without proper documentation of denial you can lose your right to carry over RSOT tours to the following year, and you may be penalized for not repaying Self-Mutuals within 90 days.

8. UFA Delegate ID Cards Distributed Today
UFA Delegate ID Cards are being distributed today to Delegates who had their photos taken at the Delegate Education Seminar or the September Union Meeting. ID Cards will be released only to the Delegates identified on the ID card, which must be signed for today. Please check the information on both sides of your ID card for accuracy before accepting it. The DS number on the back of your card, for example 'DS 1995', indicates 'Delegate Since 1995'. If you have not had your photo taken yet, please provide your name and unit to Denise Keeley at the Recording Secretary table, which is in the lobby outside of the meeting room. Lost ID Cards: If your ID card is lost or stolen, a complaint report must be filed with the PD. This is required before a replacement will be issued and to protect your identity.

9. 2010 UFA Workchart Calendar-Packed with Good Info!
The UFA would like to thank Mike Block and his firm, Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath & Cannavo, P.C., for covering the entire cost of printing the 2010 UFA Workchart Calendar. Calendars for each company are at your Borough Trustee Table today, packaged 25 per box. Please take ONLY enough calendars for each member and a few extra for the firehouse. It is designed to give members better access to UFA info and other services. The inside front cover includes phone numbers of all companies, battalions & divisions-noting which share quarters. The flow chart on the rear cover, 'Getting Your Problems Solved with UFA Help', makes it easy to get help. Important phone numbers, faxes or email addresses are also included on the back cover for health care providers, the UFA SBF, Medical Office, Insurances, Legal, FDNY HQ, the UFA and much more. The Medical Office section includes phone numbers and the proper address to give to medical care providers if injured on duty to insure YOU do not receive the bills. It includes lots of good information. Keep a copy handy!

10. Pension & VSF DROP Statements
Per Dept Order #86, all 2008 Personal Statements of Pension Fund Benefits were distributed last month. Questions and/or comments regarding these statements will be accepted in writing only and must be forwarded to the Bureau of Uniformed Payroll and Pension, 9 Metrotech Center, Room 6W-7, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3857. Detailed explanations of your statement's terminology and formulas were distributed to all FHs in Supplement #61 to Dept Order #86.

11. OT $$ for Conversion to Eastern Standard Time
Per Dept Order #90 in accordance with Labor Relations regulations, members that worked the 6x9 tour on Saturday, October 31, 2009, are entitled to one (1) hour of overtime/compensatory time due to the conversion back to Eastern Standard Time (EST). FS-260s are not required. Enter the following TPR codes on the November 2nd column to receive compensation for this time: Event Code: 1465; Agency Data Code: 9563.

12. Uniform Maintenance Non-Taxability Affidavit
It is extremely important that each member file the form with their Officer. Per Dept Orders, "failure to properly complete and file an affidavit may result in the issuance of a corrected W-2 form that includes the Uniform Cleaning Allowance as taxable earnings." Affidavits and instructions may also be obtained by accessing the Department's Intranet. Audits will be conducted to ensure that affidavits are being completed and filed. See your Officer if you have any questions regarding this issue.

13. 2010 UFA Parking Placards
Your 2009 Parking Placards expire on February 1, 2010. The new 2010 Parking Placards will be distributed at the January Union Meeting by each Borough Trustee, to Company Delegates only.

14. H1N1 / Swine Flu Vaccinations Available
UFA Sergeant-at-Arms / Health & Safety Officer, William Romaka, has arranged with FDNY BHS to have H1N1 / Swine Flu Shots administered during today's meeting. It is recommended that all members avail themselves of this opportunity. This is the BEST way for members to protect themselves and their families. H1N1 / Swine Flu Shots will be administered by BHS today, prior to and during the meeting.

15. H1N1 / Swine Flu FAQs Distributed Today
REMINDER: Applications and instructions for the UFA Scholarship Fund are available on the UFA website: www.UFANYC.org. Deadline for submission is tomorrow, October 9th.

16. Proposed Constitution Amendment
The UFA Health & Safety Office, in conjunction with the FDNY BHS, have put together an H1N1 / Swine Flu list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which will be distributed today at your Trustee table, the Health & Safety Office table, and online at www.ufanyc.org/pdf/swinefaq.pdf.

17. Random Drug Testing Quarterly Reports
The FDNY reports that the following units were tested randomly between April 1 and June 30, 2009. A total of 73 units were tested: 36 Engines, 27 Ladders, 7 Battalions, 2 Divisions, 1 Marine Unit, and 9 Fire Marshals. Reports listing each company tested and individual dates are attached. Additionally, the following units were tested randomly between July 1 and September 30, 2009. A total of 71 units were tested: 42 Engines, 15 Ladders, 10 Battalions, 1 Division, 2 Rescue Units, 1 Medical Office, and 9 Fire Marshals. Reports listing each company tested and individual dates are attached. Reports are sorted by both company and chronologically.

18. UFA Dental Plan Transfer Period
Healthplex, which manages the UFA Dentcare program (no out-of-pocket) & UFA Family Plan (pay & reimbursement and also no out-of-pocket plan), has a table today in the lobby to distribute literature and answer questions. The Dental Transfer Period, where members may roll over between plans, begins November 15 and ends December 31, for active and retired members. Changes become effective on January 1, 2010. Pick up your transfer forms, fee schedules and literature today, or call the UFA SBF office. The UFA SBF Booklet, which explains your dental coverage options, is in your Company's Delegate Manual. Additional dental information is also available at the SBF and Healthplex tables today. Make sure you pick up for your firehouse the updated information, transfer forms and other dental info today.

19. City Health/Medical Plan Transfer Period Ends 11/30/09
The Health Benefits Transfer Period for active members is taking place between November 4, 2009 and November 30, 2009. During this annual transfer period, active members are allowed to transfer from their current health plan to any other plan for which they are eligible, add or drop Optional Rider coverage or add or drop dependent(s). It is the only time changes can be made outside of a qualifying event. This year, members will be able to make changes to their health coverage online via Employee Self Service (ESS) eBenefits at www.nyc.gov/ess. Changes can also be made by contacting the Health Benefits Unit at 718-999-2196 between November 4, 2009 and November 30, 2009. Late changes will not be accepted!!! Health plan changes requested during the Transfer Period will be effective the first day of the first full payroll period in January 2010.

20. Health Plan Buy-Out Waiver Program
To elect the Buy-Out Waiver Program or change health premium contribution tax status, you must fill out a Medical Spending Conversion Enrollment/Change Form. Members who waive their City health benefits, will lose their PICA drug coverage. This form is available at www.nyc.gov/olr or by contacting the Health Benefits Unit at 718-999-2196. This form must be completed and returned to the Health Benefits Unit by Friday, November 13, 2009.

21. Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Care & Dependent Care
Open enrollment period (for HCFSA & DeCAP) runs through November 13th. These programs allow active FF's to deposit a portion of their pre-tax income into accounts maintained for certain health and dependent care expenses not covered by your health plan or SBF. These programs are known as the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) and the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP). To enroll, you must submit an FSA Enrollment/Change Form for Plan Year 2010, which is available on line at www.nyc.gov/olr or by contacting the FDNY Health Benefits Unit at 718-999-2196. See Dept Order #84 sup. no. 60 for more info. Any member currently enrolled will automatically receive the Plan Year 2010 FSA Program Brochure and Enrollment/Change Form in the mail.

22. Change of Beneficiary/Address Checklists
Change of Beneficiary and Change of Address Checklists are available inside the following three Delegate Manual Chapters/Booklets: 'Security Benefits Fund', 'NYC Health Plans', and also 'Insurances & Free Benefits.' These booklets include contact information for making changes. Refer to your Delegate Manual.

23. Update Your Address, Email, Phone #s with the UFA
Members and Delegates wishing to receive important health benefit information or notifications from the UFA should insure that their residence addresses, email addresses, home and cell phone numbers on file with the UFA are updated and accurate. In order to do this, you must prepare and sign a 'SBF Change of Address Form' and mail to the UFA, Attn: SBF. Forms can be obtained from your Delegate, who can assist you, or you can call the UFA SBF at 212-683-4723, or visit the Forms Section.

24. Retiree Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
A letter will be sent this week to all retired members. The Retired Firefighters Security Benefit Fund (RSBF) of the UFA will be carrying a Medicare Part D group prescription drug plan provided by SilverScript Insurance Company for Medicare qualified retired members and their Medicare qualified dependents. SilverScript Insurance Company is part the same family of CVS Caremark companies that already provide the reliable services members have become familiar with. This plan will be replacing the current UFA/CVS Caremark plan ONLY for Medicare qualified members who are covered under the RSBF of the UFA. Only retirees, their dependents and domestic partners who are Medicare qualified will be automatically enrolled in this new SilverScript Part D prescription drug plan, for January 1, 2010. Opt-out provisions will be explained in the letter, should this choice be advisable. Retired members, dependents or domestic partners who are not yet Medicare qualified will NOT be enrolled into this Medicare Part D drug plan and will remain in the current UFA/CVS Caremark drug plan. This change does NOT apply to active members.

25. Zadroga Bill-Washington DC Rally November 18th
On Wednesday, November 18th a coalition including the FealGood Foundation, World Trade Center responders, widows of WTC responders and other 9/11 organizations will gather at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. to urge Congressional leaders to bring the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009 (H.R. 847 and S. 1334) to the floors of the House and Senate for a vote this year. Members attending should gather on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from 11am to 2pm. It is important to pass this comprehensive bill to provide health care and other benefits to the first responder victims of 9/11. As we did for the October 24th rally in Manhattan, the UFA encourages all members to participate in this event. Additional information will follow on a 65-2.

Fraternally,

Stephen J. Cassidy,
President