CONTRACT
The Bravest
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK
VOL. XLIII NO.1 2007
President’s Message
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By STEPHEN J. CASSIDY
n Friday, March 2, 2007, the UFA Executive Board announced the details of a tentative agreement with the Office of Labor Relations. This is far and away the best contract negotiated by any municipal labor union with the City in this current round of bargaining. It is a win-win for all Firefighters because the package has something for everybody. It looks to the future and creates a new avenue of compensation for our membership which has been the goal of many fire unions across the nation. We believe it will become the benchmark that other fire services seek to duplicate. The base pay for starting Firefighters moves from $25,100 to $35,000. The new starting salary affects hires after April 1, 2007. Everyone hired prior to this date will enjoy the benefits of the past contract and the increased salary. The agreement is retroactive to August 1, 2006, and runs until July 31, 2008. The base salary after five years on the job would also be raised
Marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade are: (L to R) Kevin Atkinson L-16; James Slevin, UFA Vice President; Edward Brown, Bronx Trustee; Adolfo Carrion, Jr., Bronx Borough President; Steven J. Cassidy, UFA President; Daniel Murphy, Manhattan Trustee; William Romaka, Health & Safety Officer, Sergeant-At-Arms; Wing Tsang E-16; Devin Powers L-7. PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen N. Symbolik to $68,475, from the current $63,309 and there would be additional longevity increases beyond. A 5-year Firefighter who is CFR-D and a chauffer (including RSOT) will make $89,561. A 20-year Firefighter who is CFR-D and a chauffer (including RSOT) will make $92,970. There are no givebacks in this contract. The new contract is also groundbreaking because in addition to the other items in this no-concession package, we secured a 12% increase in the base pay for special assignment duty to Haz-mat, Hazmat Battalion, 4 Haz-tech companies, the Squads, and Rescue Companies (a total of 17 Companies). This increase is at no cost
to our members. It is free money. The UFA has been seeking specialization pay since the 1960’s. For example, on December 1, 1997, the UFA negotiated Chauffer pay. CFR-D compensation was added on April 15, 1998. Had both of these been accomplished years earlier, these differentials would be significantly higher today. The 12% specialization pay puts us on parity with the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit, which receives the pay rate of Detective Specialists. As noted above, in this round of negotiations we reached 17 Companies at 12%. We then attempted to (Continued on page 3)
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NO.1 2007
FIREFIGHTERS’ SALARIES (See Separate Scale for Hires after 2/06 on Page 8)
Formula: August 1st, 2005 Rate x 1.04 x 1.04 = August 1, 2007 Rate. The below info is unaudited, and is a DRAFT that will be carefully scrutinized for errors. Annual figures have been rounded.
Annual Salary
Base5
Current Firefighter • Annual Salary • Effective September 1st, 2007 2nd 3rd 20 yrs 15 yrs 10 yrs 5 yrs Grade Grade
Longevity5
Night Shift5,6
Holiday1,5 (6 days, July-Dec)
Holiday1,5 (5 days, Jan-June) Uniform Allowance7
68,475
68,475
68,475
56,571
53,925
51,406
49,008
3,937
3,932
3,926
3,920
3,224
3,074
2,930
2,793
1,037
989
942
6,000
1,718 1,432 450
5,335
Chauffeur3
2,234
Annuity4
Combined Total
5th Grade
68,475
96 hours RSOT8 CFR-D2
4th Grade
5,000 1,696 1,413
450
4,000 1,673 1,394
450
3,000 1,649
1,305
1,244
450
450
450
1,375
5,265
5,199
5,127
2,234
2,234
2,234
2,287
2,287
1,044
1,044
2,287 1,044
1,088
4,145
3,952
1,186 450
3,591
1,542
1,470
2,328
2,403
2,403
1,044
1,044
1,044
1,044
1,618
450
3,767
2,287
1,697
1,131
2,455 1,044
92,912
91,796
90,682
89,561
71,852
68,747
65,717
62,884
Hourly5 (Base/long/holiday/night)
39.06
38.56
38.06
37.56
29.78
28.39
27.03
25.8
OT Hourly5 (night)
56.81
56.08
55.37
54.64
44.7
42.61
40.62
CFR-D (per night tour)
18.32
OT Hourly5 (day)
CFR-D (per day tour)
1
53.5
52.78
11.01
11.01
18.32
52.06 11.01
18.32
51.35 11.01
18.32
40.64 11.01
18.32
38.74 11.01
18.32
36.93
35.21
11.01
11.01
18.32
38.73 18.32
Holiday Pay: July - December paid in 1st full pay period in January. January - June paid in 1st full pay period in July
CFR-D: is calculated on a per-tour basis. Grades 2 thru 5 have fewer vacation days and therefor work more tours per year. As a result, CFR-D per year is greater. Probies do not earn CFR-D while in the academy)
2
3 4
Chauffeur Pay (1st grade) per tour = $8.85 (9 x 6) & $14.73 (6 x 9) = $23.58 per 24 hour shift
Annuity: is deposited into each FF’s individual Compensation Accrual Fund account, not in the paycheck
Formulas Used: Bi-weekly Base = Annual base x (14 days per pay period/365 days per year); Annual Night Shift = (Annual base + Old (pre 7/1/89) annual longevity) x .057 (5.7%) (for wipers: 5.4%); Bi-weekly Night Shift = Annual night shift x (14 days per pay period / 365 days per year); Total Annual Longevity = Old annual longevity (pre 7/1/89) + additional longevity (post 7/1/89); Bi-weekly Longevity = Total longevity x (14 days per pay period x 365 days per year); January Holiday Pay = (Bi-weekly base + Bi-weekly longevity / 10) x 6 days; July Holiday Pay = (Bi-weekly base + Bi-weekly longevity / 10) x 5 days; Hourly Rate = (Annual base + total longevity + annual night shift + total holiday) / 2088 Hrs. per year; Overtime Rate = [(Annual Base + Total Longevity) / 2088 hours per year] x 1.5; Night Shift Overtime Rate = overtime rate + 10% of the overtime rate calculated with only the old longevity; 96 Hours Roster Staffing = 60 hours at night shift overtime rate + 36 hours at overtime rate
5
6 7
8
Probie Night Shift Differential (NSD) Pay: No NSD 1st 6 months. 90% NSD after 6 months. 100% NSD after 1 year.
Uniform Maintenance Allowance: Paid in lump sum each December to FFs who have completed 6 months service during fiscal period July 1 thru June 30.
RSOT (Roster Staffing OT): Four 9-hour day tours & four 15-hour night tours per FF guaranteed per calendar year, regardless of grade and assignment. Tours are pre-scheduled based on vacations. RSOT mutuals are permitted. • Union Dues (bi-weekly deductions): UFA ($23.85); IAFF ($3.25); Scholarship Fund ($1.00), Line-of-Duty Funeral Fund ($1.00)
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NO.1 2007
President’s Message (Continued from page 1)
split the 12% and expand the pool of those who would receive an increase. The City rejected this on the basis of parity with the NYPD. It is this Executive Board’s goal to expand the pool of Firefighters receiving specialty pay. The UFA Executive Board’s charge is to deliver the best possible contract for our members and this contract does that. Every member of the Executive Board supports this contract unanimously. Why? Because the contract is good for the entire membership! When the UFA can put extra money in the pockets of brother Firefighters at no cost to the membership, this UFA Executive Board says “we have to take it.” Remember we set the pattern; we got all the extras! If the pattern is set by another union, our future is out of our control. We would be stuck with some other union’s deal or arbitration and get none of the extras unique to this contract. NYC Firefighters have one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Let’s get this contract done! Let’s move forward as the leading labor union of the City’s uniformed services, get the raises and retro
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money in our pockets, and start negotiating the next contract. Here’s a breakdown: Total value of the package is 9.75% Additional specifics of the contract are: • Length of contract: 24 months • 4% base salary increase retroactively effective 8/1/06 • 4% (compounded is 4.16%) base salary increase effective 8/01/07 • $1,000 Annual Longevity increase for 5, 10, 15 and 20-year steps • Chauffeur Differential increase to 3% • 5 Rescues, 7 Squads, 4 Haz-tech Companies, Haz-mat Battalion and Haz-mat-1 will receive assignment differential of 12% of base salary • $1,100 Fire Marshal Uniform Allowance annual increase • $80 per member annual increase to the UFA Retired Firefighters Security Benefit Fund • Line-of-Duty Prescription Drug Card (no out-of-pocket expenses) Non-Monetary Extra Benefits • Elimination of Extra-Departmental Employment filing requirements (except existing PA/ID 12 of 1967 provisions for volunteer Firefighters, conflict of interests, or while on medical leave or light duty)
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• Contract re-opener language protecting the UFA if the PBA breaks parity in either collective bargaining or the arbitration process (PERB). We have no such protection unless this contract is ratified. The UFA ratification process is the longest in the City. Many questions will be raised. A meeting was held with Battalion Delegates on March 13th and the vote was 33 “For” and 17 “Against.” A special Delegate meeting for informational purposes was conducted on March 20th. These Delegates will convene on April 19th and their vote will determine if this contract is sent out to the membership. Each member has the right to cast a “Yes” or “No” vote. Ask your Delegate to vote “Yes” to send this contract out to the membership. You, the rank and file Firefighter, should determine your own fate. The UFA Executive Board and I are anxious to answer your questions or explain the details of the contract now and throughout the ratification process. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you or to visit your firehouse.
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2007 Legislative Agenda – Lobby Day set for June 12th
By JAMES SLEVIN UFA Vice President/ Legislative Chairman
T
he UFA has picked up right were we left off in 2006 by continuing to have our bills passed and signed by the Governor. We are pleased to report that Governor Spitzer has signed his first bill for Firefighters. Chapter 5 of the Laws of 2007 clarifies and corrects the WTC Death Benefit Bill. The state portion of the death benefit will now be paid to the beneficiaries of those members that die as a result of a WTCrelated illness. Currently there are 4 Firefighter’s families that will benefit from this law, including a Firefighter that succumbed to Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis in August of 2004. This is the first death that we believe is directly related to exposures at the site. We continue to move forward with the rest of our Agenda. As you have probably seen, there is a major shakeup going
on in Albany with the arrival of Governor Spitzer. When this paper went to press there was no budget agreement in place. The major battle seems to be centered on healthcare. Until the budget is worked out we do not expect the rest of our agenda to move forward. Please take a look at the agenda below and familiarize yourself with it. Lobby day is set for June 12th and we are once again asking for a large turnout from our members. Further information will be sent to every member. In the meanwhile, please clear your calendar and make a commitment to join us on June 12th. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Legislation does not happen by accident. We need your help! Check out the UFA Web site for more legislative updateswww.ufanyc.org/political_action/agenda.php A4697 or S2509 Signed By Governor Spitzer Ch. 5 of 2007 Amendment of the General Municipal Law, as it Relates to Accidental Death Benefits Under the WTC Presumptive Bill A3872 or S1597 PERB EXTENDER – Sent to Governor for his Approval
YOUR UNION LAWYER. YOUR PERSONAL LAWYER. Michael C. Axelrod, as the trusted union counsel for 50,000 police, fire, and public safety employees, represents the Uniformed New York City Firefighters Association, the New York State Troopers Benevolent Association, and many other organizations in the metropolitan area. He has a solid track record of counseling and representing union members in their personal litigation and life plans. Turn to Michael, and the law firm of Certilman Balin, regarding your private legal matters. • Employment Discrimination • Personal Litigation • Bankruptcy • Sexual Harassment
• Criminal Defense on Long Island • DWI • Estate Planning • Elder Law
Since 1965, Certilman Balin has been helping clients with responsive and affordable legal counsel, free of excessive legal actions and unwarranted costs. With offices in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, we are available 24 hours to advise, counsel and represent you. Call Michael directly at (516) 296-7172 to resolve your personal legal matters with confidence.
PROVEN ADVISORS. POWERFUL ADVOCATES. Nassau County: 90 Merrick Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554 • phone: 516.296.7000 • fax: 516.296.7111 Suffolk County: 1393 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Suite 301S, Hauppauge, NY 11788 • phone: 631.979.3000 • fax: 631.979.7070 www.certilmanbalin.com
CERTILMAN BALIN ADLER & HYMAN, LLP
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Extends for an additional two years the effectiveness of provisions establishing dispute resolution during collective negotiations. S2084 GENERAL BENEFITS EXTENDER Extends certain temporary benefits and supplementation programs. Heart Bill, Cancer Bill, HAT Bill and ITHP. S2083 TIER II PENSION EXTENDER Extends application of article 11 of the retirement and social security law to all police officers and firefighters who joined the system before July 1, 2009 A5658 or S2492 LINE OF DUTY WIDOWS COLA Increases certain special accidental death benefits for surviving spouses and children of certain police and fire personnel. A 6263 or S3335 MTA Fare Waiver for Firefighters This piece of legislation would permit members of the FDNY to receive a fare waiver on New York City’s public transportation system A4529 or S2414 Crediting Prior Service by the Fire Department Pension Fund This bill would credit pension service for members who served in various uniformed titles prior to gaining employment with the New York City Fire Department. A6537 or S 3598 Terminal Leave This bill would allow members of the New York City Fire Department to take a monetary payment in lieu of Terminal Leave at the rate applicable at the date of retirement. A4592 or S1301 Negotiability of Discipline Affecting Public Employees This piece of legislation would establish employee discipline as a mandatory negotiable term and condition of employment for the purpose of collective bargaining.
A 6513 Powers and Duties of the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund - Corpus Funding This piece of legislation would allow for the Board of Trustees of the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund to draw upon the Fund’s assets to pay its expenses. *DON’T FORGET TO FILE THE WTC NOTICE OF PARTICIAPTION BY JUNE 14TH*
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Testimony Against the Selling of Firehouses By JOHN G. KELLY, Jr. Brooklyn Trustee, Chairman of the Board
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n January 24, 2006, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, and on behalf of all of the 8,900 active New York City Firefighters, I testified before a special hearing concerning the impending sale of firehouses in Brooklyn. The hearing was hosted by the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, and took place in Brooklyn Borough Hall. New York City firefighters are very concerned about the New York City Fire Department and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) desire and actions to sell off firehouses, most especially Engines E-204 and E-212. Allowing these vital properties to be sold off is in essence signing off on the Fire Commissioner’s decision in May of 2003 to close four Brooklyn engine companies. We are outraged that the city is moving forward to sell these vital emergency infrastructures and believe that the loss of these buildings will now guarantee Brooklyn will be underserved in fire protection for generations to come. In fact, the FDNY’s own data supports how underserved the borough currently is with regard to fire protection. In 1956 total firefighter emergency responses in the borough of Brooklyn were 20,466; 50 years later in the year 2006 that volume of emergency calls to our firefighters increased a staggering 700% to 138,683 firefighter emergency calls. If that is not enough to counter the City’s desire to sell off these properties consider this: During that same period of time the total number of engine companies serving the people of Brooklyn has DECREASED by nine, including the four taken away from Brooklyn in May 2003. This increase is demand for fire services is obviously related directly to the population increase over the years, and it is preposterous to think that increased needs will not continue, especially in light of the numerous new development plans being forged. As a city we can not be eliminating and
reducing infrastructure as our communities grow. To advocate for closing and selling firehouses is negligence at best and a betrayal of the common good at worst. On December 12, 2006 the Mayor forecasted in his 2030 report a population boom like no other for our city. Within the next two decades our city population will swell by more 1 million residents - the equivalent of adding the population of Miami and Boston to the current population, the Mayor says. This increase in population doesn’t even take into account the 50 million tourists expected to visit New York City by the end of the decade. It is expected that 60,000 new housing units will be built in Williamsburg, Greenpoint and on the Brooklyn waterfront. Each of these new residents will require emergency protections. Selling off of closed firehouses is only endorsing a shortsighted plan to downsize the fire protection current and future residents of this borough need. One has to ask: Why would the city sell off an asset it already owns when even the Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability is pointing out significant infrastructure challenges in the next two decades.
The Uniformed Firefighters Association advocates the reopening the four Brooklyn firehouses closed by Commissioner Scoppetta in May 2003. To give your blessing to this sale is akin to the final nail in the coffin of those firehouses and any future they might potentially have under future FDNY administrations. Finally, it has been rumored that representatives from the city are suggesting to the community that that these buildings are no longer viable, modern enough, or structurally sound to serve as firehouses. That is just not true. This is not a credible excuse for selling the property, considering that Engine 212’s quarters served it quite well even in May of 2003. Engine 212’s building could more than likely be reopened and returned to service with an engine company running from it within just a short few weeks. Our city and this borough are starving for additional fire companies, and by subtracting Engine companies rather than adding them, New York City becomes a less safe place to live and work. I sincerely hope that my testimony will convince Borough Presidents and City Council members to stand with New York City Firefighters against the selling off of vital community firehouses.
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IMPORTANT RETIREE INFORMATION !SAVE! By JAMES DAHL UFA Retiree Liaison
Mon-Wed-Fri 9 am to 4 pm 212-683-4723 Ext. 6577 This article contains important information pertinent to all current and future retirees. Please save the following and use as a reference for any future problems. 1. Notification of death of a retired Firefighter Notification of a retired firefighter’s death is made to the NYC Fire Department by calling 718-999-2320 or 718-999-2321. Retirees have a life insurance policy in the amount of $5800 with the FDNY Life Insurance Fund. This is the $9 deduction on your earnings statement listed as Fire Life. Members who have retired after January 1, 1971 have a death benefit with the Security Benefit Fund (SBF) in the following amounts: Up to age 49 $10,000 50 to 69 $5,000 70 and over $2,500 A claim for this benefit will be sent to your beneficiary when we receive notification of death. 2. Reimbursement for Medicare part “B” If you are receiving a City pension check and both you and your spouse are enrolled in a City health plan, you will be reimbursed for your Medicare part “B” by the City of New York. You should send the following information to Employee Health Benefits. Make a copy of your Medicare card to show that you have both parts “A” and “B” and include the following information: Birth dates for yourself and your spouse A. Your retirement date B. Your pension number C. Name of your health plan D. Name of your union Send this information to: Office of Labor Relations Employee Health Benefits Program 40 Rector Street – 3rd Floor New York, NY 10006 Attn: Medicare Division
If you are in an HMO (Example HIP, AETNA, etc.) you must inform your health carrier that you are going on Medicare due to forms that need to be filled out with your health provider. 3. Make notification of any change in status The Security Benefit Fund must be informed of any changes in your status. For example: A. When you get married, we need a copy of the marriage certificate B. When you become a new parent we need a copy of the birth certificate C. If you get divorced we need a copy of first and last page of the divorce decree D. When a spouse dies we need a copy of the death certificate E. When you move please update your address with the SBF To change your address with the NYC Fire Department or to make changes for direct deposit please call pension and payroll at 718-999-2327 4. Changing Health or Dental Plans Changing Health Plans You can change health plans every other year during the even numbered years (2004, 2006, 2008, etc). The normal time to change is in November or December in order to take effect the following January. You may also change plans at anytime if you move out of your health plan service area. A change can occur outside the normal change period “Once in a lifetime.” If this option is used, you can only change during the allotted change over period, or if you move out of your service area. Changing Dental Plans You may change dental plans each year between October 15th and December 15th. Most plan changes take effect on January 1st. James Dahl is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9AM – 4PM 212-683-4723, Ext. 5977 Correction: The wallet cards recently
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Security Benefit Fund (212) 683-4723 Fax (212) 683-0693 Welfare Fund (AMB/OXY) (718) 999-1886 Pension Payroll (718) 999-2327 Art 1(718) 999-1207 Surgucal Assistance (718) 999-1252 Pension Life Ins (718) 999-2320 Honor Emergency Fund (718) 999-2531/2
Pharmacare (EHS) (866) 832-0563 Dentcare/Healthplex (800) 468-0608 Counseling Services Unit (212) 570-1693/6 FDNY Retirement Desk (718) 999-2324
City Health/Medical/ Medicare Benefits (212) 513-0470* * Not managed by the UFA Security Benefits Fund
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sent to retirees incorrectly list General Prescription as the drug carrier. The correct plan is Pharmacare, formerly EHS. They can be reached at 1-866-832-0563. Also, the correct # for the SBF is 212-683-4723 Please refer to the following as a summary of Retired Security Benefit Fund Benefits: Summary of R.F.S.B.F ELIGIBILITY: Retired Firefighters and Fire Marshals, who retired on or after January 1, 1971 (July 9, 1993 for Wipers), and their eligible dependents, including duly registered domestic partners and their dependents. U.F.A. SELF INSURED HEALTHPLEX: Retiree is reimbursed in accordance with the RSBF Schedule of Fees a dental form must be filled out. $1,500.00 Limitation per family member per 12 month period Orthodontic services for dependents under 19 years of age only. DENTCARE PROGRAM: A Pre-paid comprehensive dental program- provides the necessary dental care, including orthodontics at no cost to the member, except for elective general anesthesia, porcelain crown, porcelain w/metal or pontic - $50.00. Orthodontic services for dependents under 19 years. Members must select a dentist from the DENTCARE panel of dentists. Cosmetic dental treatment not covered. AMERICAN DENTAL: Effective January 1, 1995, Retirees residing in Florida may elect coverage by the American Dental Plan (ADP), a Preferred Provider Plan with most routine and preventive care provided at no charge after payment of $5.00 routine office visit fee. A defined schedule of reduced fees applies for other general dental services. Participating ADP specialist’s charge 25% below their usual fees. OPTICAL: One eye exam and either one pair single vision, bifocal or contact lenses (subject to providers’ surcharges), for Retirees and eligible dependents EVERY TWO YEARS through optical provider panel Effective January 1, 1999, maximum of $60.00 ($15-exam, $20-Frame,$25-Lenses, $45-Contact Lenses) reimbursed to Retiree if other than provider (s) is used. DEATH BENEFIT: Only the Retiree is covered for this benefit insured through the AIG Life Companies Payment is made to the designated primary or Contingent beneficiary of an eligible deceased Retiree upon submission of a completed claim form with certified death certificate. Effective April 1, 1997, coverage based upon age is: Up to Age 49 $10,000.00 Age 50 to 69 $ 5,000.00 Age 70 and over $ 2,500.00 HEARING AID: Effective January 1,1999, Retiree is reimbursed up to $600.00 towards hearing aid (s) purchased in a five-year period upon referral of a physician or audiologist. Continued on next page
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Send the paid bill, a copy of the prescription and a copy of the audiologist report to the R. F. S. B. F. for reimbursement. PRESCRIPTION PLAN : Plan administered by PharmaCare (formerly Eckerd Health Services) effective September 1, 2004. Insulin (including oral agents) and diabetes equipment and supplies are covered by All City Health Plans (NON-MEDICARE). MEDICARE members are covered under PharmaCare. Up front annual family deductible $125. PARTICIPATING PHARMACY: Once this deductible is met you will pay 35% of the cost of the drug or a minimum $5 Generic/ $20 Brand-name. Retirees can obtain up to a 30-day supply at a participating pharmacy NON-PARTICIPATING PHARMACY: Retirees using non-participating pharmacies can obtain up to a 30-day supply and may be reimbursed up to average wholesale price + dispensing fee, minus co-pay. Up-front annual deductible of $125 must be met first before co-pays apply. Reimbursement claim forms can be obtained by calling PHARMACARE at 1-866-832-0563. ANNUAL FAMILY DRUG CAP - $5,000. MAINTENANCE DRUGS MAIL ORDER: If you or an eligible family member regularly takes medication for chronic long-term conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, heart conditions, etc., you may receive up to a 90-day supply of maintenance medication through EHS’ mail service pharmacy. NOTE: No deductible will be required for prescriptions being filled at mail service. 35% of the cost of the drug still applies to mail order. Deductible still applies to retail prescriptions.
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PICA: Plan administered by NPA. If you have any questions contact NPA’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-467-2006. Sponsor Number 2020. Effective July 1st 2005, Most Injectable and Chemotherapy Medications will continue to be covered under PICA (non- medicare) while transferring the asthma and psychotropic drugs to the UFA Retired Security Benefit Fund Prescription Drug Plan administered by PharmaCare. INJECTABLE AND CHEMOTHERAPY MEDICATIONS UP to a 30 dav supplv at Retail Pharmacy: $10 Generic $25 Preferred Brand (Formulary) $45 Non-Preferred Brand (Non-Formulary)* UP to a 90 day supply at the Mail Order Pharmacy: $20 Generic $50 Preferred Brand (Formulary) $90 Non-Preferred (Non-Formulary)* Annual Deductible for Injectable and Chemotherapy Medications EffectiveJanuary 1st 2006, there will be an annual deductible of $100 per person for Injectable and Chemotherapy Medications. This deductible is independent of any other deductible. *If you choose a non-preferred brand drug that has a generic equivalent you will pay the difference in cost between the non-preferred brand drug and the generic drug PLUS the non-preferred brand co-payment. (Increase in Co-Pays: Effective July 1st 2005) MEDICARE members are covered under PharmaCare. Up-front deductible co-pays and annual family cap apply.
Firefighters Mortgage Hotline 516-593-7826
Email: John.McGuire@sterlingnational.com
Mortgage Services
Banking Services
Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity Personal Loans First Time Home Buyer Program Business Line of Credit 24 Hour Pre-Approvals Business Loans Land and Construction Loans Asset Based Loans Zero Down – 100% - 103% Financing Lease Financing Commercial Loans “I commit to you, as a member of the New York City Fire Department, to try and get you the best program and rate available at the least expense, that serves the needs of you and those you love.” NO APPLICATION FEE APPRAISAL AND CREDIT FEE WAIVED AT CLOSING
JOHN McGUIRE
98 Cuttermill Rd. Great Neck, NY 11021 FAX: (516) 593-2524 Email: john.mcguire@sterlingnational.com
STERLING NATIONAL MORTGAGE CO., INC. IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE STERLING BANCORP FAMILY OF COMPANIES
NYSE: STL
EST. 1929
MEMBER FDIC
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CATARACT LENSES: R. F. S. B. F allows up to $75.00 towards purchase after health plan Medicare etc has paid its portion. Send the paid bill and health plans (s) Explanation of Benefits (E O B ) To the R . F. S. B. F office for reimbursement. SURGICAL ASSISTANCE FUND: R F S B F pays the yearly dues for its eligible Retirees. DEPENDENT STUDENT 19-23 YEARS OF AGE: Dependent full-time students covered to the end of the calendar year of the unmarried, dependent student’s 23rd birthday, or until Graduation, whichever occurs first. STUDENT VERIFICATION MUST BE ON FILE EVERY SEMESTER. Reminder from the Security Benefit Fund (SBF) In order to receive SBF benefits, parents of children attending college need to provide the SBF with the following: * A letter each semester from the registrar on school letterhead listing the student's name and acknowledging s/he is taking 12 or more credits. * A copy of a paid tuition bill from the college for each semester. These items are neessary for the SBF to provide the proper benefits to the children of firefighters. All info should be mailed to: Security Benefit Fund, 204 East 23rd Street - 3rd Flooor, New York, NY 10010 or FAX to 212-683-0693 HANDICAPPED DEPENDENTS: Retiree MUST notify basic health carrier when dependents become mentally or physically handicapped, prior to 19 yrs of age. Dependent must be unmarried, living at home and dependent upon retiree for support. Upon receipt of the health carrier’s confirmation that the dependent is handicapped, R.F.S.B.F. coverage will be continued while the criteria are met. VESTED RETIREES: Vested Retirees may enroll in the R F S B F to cover themselves and their eligible dependents for the following benefits upon payment of the City’s contractual contribution (7/1/06 = $1,640) Death Benefit , Dental, Prescription, Optical, Cataract, Hearing Aid Benefits Coverage does not include the City’s Health Plans. In all cases where there is a change of family status, member must file an ERB and forward it to: For Medicare questions call or write: Employee Health Benefits Program Employee Health Benefit Program 40 Rector Street 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10006 (212) 513-0470 WIDOWS’ BENEFITS The Retired Security Benefits Fund provides benefits for widows and eligible dependents of retired firefighters, who retired after January 1, 1971 (July 9, 1993 for wipers) who becomes widowed after July 1, 1987, will be entitled to the same health plan and benefits under the RFSBF for a period of ONE YEAR ONLY. The Trustees of the Fund reserve the right to modify or discontinue the benefits of the Fund at any time. Notification of changes in the benefits or procedures will be sent to your address as listed on the Fund records.
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Fire Lines
NO.1 2007
Scale for Members Hired After February of 2006 Last Contract New 4/1/07 Contract New 8/1/07 Contract If Hired Before After If Hired Before After If Hired Before After If Hired Before After
1st Year 6th Grade 30,800 35,000 36,400
2nd Year 5th Grade 34,412 36,725 38,194
6/11/06 30,800 32,090
6/11/07 34,412 37,979
4/11/06 30,800 31,756
11/19/06 30,800 33,115 3/26/07 30,800 35,746
4/11/07 34,412 37,747
11/19/07 34,412 38,194 3/26/08 34,412 38,194
3rd Year 4th Year 5th Year 4th Grade 3rd Grade 2nd Grade 38,248 42,232 45,472 40,000 44,000 48,500 41,600 45,760 50,440
6th Year 1st Grade 55,082 65,841 68,475
6/11/08 38,248 41,600
6/11/11 57,082 71,475
4/11/08 38,248 41,600
11/19/08 38,248 41,600 3/26/09 38,248 41,600
4/11/09 42,232 45,760 6/11/09 42,232 45,760
11/19/09 42,232 45,760 3/26/10 42,232 45,760
4/11/10 45,472 50,440 6/11/10 45,472 50,440
11/19/10 45,472 50,440 3/26/11 45,472 50,440
4/11/11 57,082 71,475
11/19/11 57,082 71,475 3/26/12 57,082 71,475
TOTALS 248,246 278,778
DIFF. 12.30% 30,532
248,246 279,349
12.53% 31,103
248,246 280,584
13.03% 32,338
248,246 283,215
14.09% 34,969
Please Note: This illustration only includes base pay and longevity. * Disclaimer * This graph is unaudited and shown only as an illustration as we await factual numbers from the Department.
CORRECTIONS: FOR THE RECORD
Because of an editing error, on page
PURCHASES REFINANCES
John Halleran Retired FDNY Loan Consultant Garden City Home Loan Center 666 Old Country Road Garden City, NY 11530 john.halleran@wamu.net
Office:
(516) 745-6500 ext. 238 New York:
(516) 647-0261 New Jersey:
(201) 421-4917
10 in the Nov/Dec issue of Fire Lines, the first letter to all participants of the Security Benefit Fund erroneously stated in the second paragraph the
EQUITY LOANS
retired firefighters were eligible par-
1st Time Buyer Programs
only to current on-duty participants.
100% Financing Available Home Buyer Seminars call for Date/Location/Times My mission‌ is to exclusively service the needs of all FD members and their families. For a home loan as individual as the home itself, call me and ask about all the loan options available to fire department members and their families.
Certain restrictions and conditions apply. Programs subject to change. Washington Mutual has loan offices and financial centers and accepts loan applications and deposits in: Washington Mutual Bank – many states; Washington Mutual Bank, doing business as FA ID UT; ( only).
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ticipants. This first letter was directed In addition, the correct address and
phone number for additional information should read:
Board of Trustees
Security Benefit Fund of the
Uniformed Firefighters Association 204 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010 Or call (212) 683-4723
Because of an editing error, on page 4 of the Nov/Dec issue of Fire Lines
the byline for the Wounded Warriors photograph should read Engine 33 instead of Engine 22.
E
Fire Lines
Pass Alert Safety Systems
By DANIEL MURPHY Manhattan Trustee
very New York City Firefighter wears a motion detector called a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device that sounds an alarm if, while battling a fire, the firefighter stops moving for 30 seconds. A strobe light flashes and a series of high-pitched fluctuating chirping alarms are sounded signaling help. PASS devices are considered a Firefighter’s last defense. I recently received a phone call from Mrs. Margaret Brick, the mother of fallen FF Thomas Brick, who we lost in a fire on December 16, 2003. She had seen the special on MSNBC about PASS Alert alarms and, since this is a very personal and serious issue with her, she wanted to make sure that the UFA members were fully informed. New York City firefighter Thomas Brick was missing in a mattress warehouse fire. When he was located, his device emitted a faint sound and was not operating properly. Through testing, it was determined that FF Brick’s PASS device operated improperly because of the effects of heat and water in the fire area. According to the Fatal Fire Report an examination of his device showed a “distorted seal and corrosion damage inside the controller portion” which “potentially could have made the unit inoperable during the incident.” The February 9, 2006, MSNBC Special Report detailing PASS alert performance failures was conducted by Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Bill Dedman. This report, which can be viewed in it’s entirety at www.msnbc.msn.com , posits that “tests by federal and independent labs show that some PASS alarms can fail to perform as
intended if they get too hot or wet.” Moreover, “temperatures commonly encountered by firefighters could hurt the performance of at least some PASS alarms.” Although there are several manufacturers of PASS devices, “researchers said they believe that all of the halfdozen or so brands of PASS alarms on the market would be similarly affected” and that “some PASS devices made by at least three manufacturers have had problems over the past decade with water leaking into the electronics or battery components, causing them to either beep continually or stop working all together.” The National Fire Protection Association issued new standards for testing PASS devices in heat and water, and these standards will be published in April. Even with these new standards, however, the question remains: What about all of the old devices currently being used by the FDNY? The UFA is concerned first and foremost about the safety of its members.
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The union is carefully monitoring PASS devices currently being used by the Department and has every confidence that going forward any problems will be reported and appropriately investigated. With manufacturers voluntarily adhering to more rigorous standards to withstand heat and water, it is hoped that the new PASS alert devices will be more effective.
REMINDER
As a reminder all members who are eligible should fill out the notice of Participation in the World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery or Clean-Up Operations form if they have not already done so. The form must be completed, notarized and filed with the Fire Department Pension Fund, by June 14, 2007. The form is available on our Web site www.ufanyc.org. It is highly recommended that you send this form by Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested, as verification of filing and keep a copy of the form for your records. Representing the UFA, Sgt-at-Arms, Bill Romaka is flanked by Trent Smith, Regional Sales Director for SCOTT (on left) and retired Firefighter Tom McDonald, who is a consultant for SCOTT (on right) as we accept a generous donation to our Thomas Elsasser Fund which helps benefit our non-lineof-duty widows and children who die from an accident or illness. Such kindness is deeply appreciated!
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Photo by STEPHEN N. SYMBOLIK
NO.1 2007
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Fire Lines
Gone But Not Forgotten
NO.1 2007
Engine Co 13 was one of the original engine companies established when the paid department was created in 1865. This photo sows the officers and members of the company outside their original quarters at 99 Wooster Street near Spring Street. This building is still standing today. For almost 40 years Engine Company 13 was designated a double company because of their very heavy fire workload. Engine Co 13 was located in the heart of “Hell’s Hundred Acres” a fire-scared commercial district south of Houston Street which is today’s SOHO. Engine Co 13 was disbanded from their quarters at 251 Lafayette Street in 1974. They may be gone, but they are not forgotten! — By Herb Eysser, UFA Staff
Heavy smoke pushes from taxpayer at East Kingsbridge Road and Creston Avenue in the Bronx. Fire went to four alarms (Box 3381) on February 11, 2007. PHOTO by Herb Eysser, UFA Staff
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NO.1 2007
Fire Lines
Page 11
Health & Safety Information for Firefighters
By WILLIAM ROMAKA Health & Safety Officer & CHRISTINE EARLY Grant Manager
T
he UFA’s Health & Safety Office recently invited Lt. Rob Brown to our offices to discuss many of the health and safety issues firefighters face. Rob is a Physician Assistant and Director of the NY Firefighters Heart and Lung Institute in Syosset, NY. Rob has also been a NYC Firefighter for over 10 years (currently assigned to Lad-120). The UFA Health & Safety Presentation was paid for through a grant provided by the NYS Dept of Labor/Hazard Abatement Board. During the presentation, Rob covered many topics which are relevant to the Health & Safety of NYC Firefighters, including: Cardiac Health, Pulmonary/ Lung Health (asthma, reactive airway, etc.), PTSD/ Counseling/Job Stress, Respiratory Protection, Heat & Cold Stress, Back Strains and Sprains, Medical Office/LODI, Personal Protective Equipment, etc. At one point, Rob told the audience an interesting story, which we’ve summarized below: “Joe” has been an active NYC Firefighter for ten years. Back in the day, that would have put Joe into the category of a “youngster”. Post 9/11, he’s probably one of the most senior guys in his house. Joe and Rob Brown have known each other for years. When Joe ran into Rob Brown at a job in Brooklyn, he got to talking with Rob about Rob’s work at the FDNY Heart & Lung Institute. Rob encouraged Joe to come by the Heart & Lung institute for a visit. Joe had some vacation time coming up, so he called the Heart & Lung institute and decided to make an appointment for a Friday (the day that Rob works). Keep in mind that Joe had absolutely no evidence that he had any heart problems. There is no history in Joe’s family of Coronary Artery Disease and Joe’s blood work always came back with his cholesterol in the “OK” levels. His blood pressure wasn’t high, and he felt great. Well, the day that Joe showed up for his visit to the Heart & Lung Institute, the first test came back showing there was some-
thing wrong. A second (then third) test led the doctors to believe that there was a major problem with Joe’s heart. That same day, he was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital where he had a stent put into his heart to clear up a 95% blockage of one of his coronary arteries. It’s already accepted as fact that firefighters are at an increased probability of heart disease and cancer. Of the 87 firefighter fatalities in 2005, 47 were attributed to stress and over-exertion. Of those 47 fatalities, 40 were classified as “sudden cardiac deaths”. That means that 45% of firefighter fatalities in 2005 were caused by “sudden cardiac deaths”. Heart attacks are the cause of 60% of firefighter fatalities in the line of duty for firefighters over the age of 40. A firefighter dies from a LOD heart attack every 8 days. Don’t be another statistic. Get yourself checked out, regardless of your risk factors or history. Your occupation as a firefighter alone increases your risk of heart disease. Even though “Joe” didn’t have any physical symptoms, he could have suffered a cardiac arrest at any time. Thankfully, he’s in good health now and grateful to have found this ticking time bomb before it harmed or possibly killed him. Please don’t assume that because you are feeling OK (or since you have no family history of heart disease or worrisome test results) that you don’t have a reason to be concerned about your health. The best thing you can do for your family and your brother firefighters is to ensure that you are in the best possible health you can be in – to best perform your job, and to make sure you always return home to your family. It doesn’t hurt to be vigilant – especially when it comes to your own health! It is important to remember that nothing should take the place of an annual physical with both the Department and your own private physician. If you would like more information about this program or others, please contact the UFA’s Health & Safety Office at 212-545-6965 or via email at healthandsafety@ufanyc.org. Lt. Rob Brown will also be providing members with information about this important subject during the UFA Annual Delegate Seminar in May.
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NFPA Statistics: Sudden cardiac death continues to be the leading cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities. Steps to reduce the risk of heart attacks among firefighters must be taken. These include: • conducting annual medical evaluations; • screening for coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors; • conducting exercise stress tests for those with multiple CAD risk factors; and • giving appropriate treatment for those risk factors and restrictions for firefighters with positive stress tests. The risk factors for CAD include diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history and obesity or physical inactivity. Firefighter fatalities (2005) There were 87 firefighter deaths in 2005. Stress and overexertion, which usually results in heart attacks or other sudden cardiac events, continue to be the leading cause of fatal injury. Of the 47 stress-related deaths in 2005, 40 were classified as sudden cardiac deaths. Responding to and returning from alarms accounted for the largest share of firefighter deaths, with 26 deaths. Fireground operations accounted for 25 deaths. 18 firefighters died in vehicle crashes, while three others were fatally struck by vehicles and one firefighter fell from the jump seat of an engine. Firefighter injuries There were 80,100 firefighter injuries in 2005. 41,950 (48.6%) of all firefighter injuries occurred during fireground operations. An estimated 13,325 occurred during other on duty activities, while 12,250 occurred at non-fire emergency incidents. The major types of injuries received during fireground operations were: strain, sprain; wound, cut, bleeding, bruise; burns; smoke or gas inhalation and thermal stress. Fall, slip, jump (25.5%) and overexertion, strain (24.1%) were the leading causes of fireground injuries. Regionally, the Northeast had the highest fireground injury rate with 4.8 injuries occurring per 100 fires; this was more than twice the rate for the rest of country.
Uniformed Firefighters Association
FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 14 HUNTINGTON, NY
OF GREATER NEW YORK
204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010-9998 Tel (212) 683-4832 • Fax (212) 683-0710 www.ufanyc.org
JAMES SLEVIN Vice President
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY President ENG. 236 LAD. 7
JOSEPH MICCIO Recording Secretary
ENG. 295
ROBERT STRAUB Treasurer
WILLIAM ROMAKA Health & Safety Officer Sergeant-at-Arms
ENG. 45 ENG. 238
LESTER LAYNE Fire Marshal Representative
STEPHEN J. CASSIDY Editor-In-Chief
BFI
DONALD RULAND Trustee-Staten Island
ENG. 157
STEPHEN HUMENESKY Trustee-Queens
ENG. 301
JOHN KELLY Trustee-Brooklyn ENG. 201 Chairman, Board of Trustees DANIEL MURPHY Trustee-Manhattan
EDWARD BROWN Trustee-Bronx
ENG. 74 LAD. 48
STEPHEN N. SYMBOLIK Managing Editor
SPBMC 07 UFA 5x7.qxd
1/23/07
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ONLY ONE LAW FIRM has been General Counsel to the UFA for over 20 years, we have a proven record of obtaining substantial recoveries for firefighters and their families in all types of personal injury cases. In all types of personal injury cases:
• Our firm recovered more than $830 Million for our clients in the last five years alone. • Over 250 of our clients have recovered at least $1 Million each. • Line of Duty Injuries • Automobile Accidents • Pharmaceuticals/Vioxx • Labor Law • Slips and Falls
• Medical Malpractice • Birth Related Injuries • Defective Products • Lead Poisoning
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126 STATE STREET HACKENSACK, NJ 07601 201-342-0037
The above figures are based on actual cases the firm has handled. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case must stand on its own merit.
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