Received via email 12-28-06 Ok so now that this is over so what is going on with the contract? Maybe the last post did have a point. Maybe we should start playing dirty.
Received via email 12-28-06 In response to Mr. Tully's post on 12-27, "I live in Blairsville, GA. Do you honestly think the mayor of St. Uhurusburg comes up here to tell me his plan when it comes to dealing with the firefighters?" Ok, I didnt realize that Mr. Tully doesnt have a phone. Hey DICK, how often does the Cannonball take you into Hooterville, so you can climb to the top of the Douglas' pole? Does Ebb give you a boost? Maybe while you're there, you and Arnold Ziffle talk strategy.
Received via email 12-28-06 "250 skells on the job" Hey dip shit, if you were such a leader you should understand that if it wasn't for us putting in our 7% every payday, you wouldn't have as much coming in every month on your paycheck. Why don't you think before you speak!!
Received via email 12-28-06 I just revisited this page... http://usvsthem.homestead.com/081706UnionPayProposal.html & came to realize that even if this is all that we were to get as a result of contract negotiations, we're still far behind Tampa and Hillsborough. Sheesh... what were we thinking all those years when we thought we were negotiating for improvements? It would now seem that they ended up giving us just what we were going to get from the city, whether we negotiated or not!
Received via email 12-29-06 "if it wasn't for us putting in 7% every payday you wouldn't have as much coming in every month" Lack of knowledge must be bliss.
1. Our contributions have nothing to do with Dick Tulley's pension.
2. His pension is not a contractual oligation,but the result of an act of the legistlature.
3.If we put in 1% or 7% his pension is the same. The city is obligated by law to pay it.
Lets educate ourselves on this and quit making uninformed statements.
Received via email 12-31-06 To the 4th 12/28 Pal, we've got guys on the job who've been here a couple of years who are ready to take 4,4 and 4 if you offer it to them. I'm already hearing the 'next time we'll hit 'em hard stuff'. Some of the better known spinners on this job have told us repeatedly that we wouldn't get this or that we wouldn't get that or that we wouldn't ever pick R-Days again. These guys are part of the old guard who used to give up on negotiations if they went one day past October 1st. Gimme a break. Those guys haven't figured it out yet. They're no longer running this Local and ought to go sit back under the porch. Their days of sitting on the porch with the big dog's has long since past! Get a life MM and RF!
Received via email 01-01-07 That's ok, we have DC's trying to convince each other that they don't need to get the extra r-days. Word has it that if they do then the Senior DC will get both of the good days and leave the Jr. one with a day he don't want.WAHHHHH. These same DC's were WANTING to take last years 3% raise because they just knew there was no way there would be anything better. There seems to be alot of book learnin out there but not a whole lots of common sense.
Received via email 01-01-07 What's good for one is good for all??? I've got your back - you've got mine???
So MM is afraid that if they DO get a second R-Day, then CW will take both Saturdays. Bwahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! He should have gotten an education before CW. He should have gotten promoted before CW. Get a life MM and take a Sunday. Never work another Sunday again, drop boy! It's not like you've got to compete with another 70 guys on your shift for that day.
Another one who's got me to worrying about him is the LR who doesn't want his position classified. Why? Not because he can't use the extra money in his pension but because he's afraid he won't be able to find anyone to do swap time with. Talk about showing your hand during a Union meeting!
One of them has consistently worked against us, and as I said before, the other one's beginning to worry me a bit!
Received via email 01-01-07 The LR's do not know how good they have it but they are probably just monitoring.
Received via email 01-02-07 Looks like anyone with under a year is just happy to have a job. Anyone from 1-5 years are watching and learning from the rest of us. Anyone from 5 -10 still work but like to see the newer folk do most. The ones with 10-15 years are starting to get lazy but they will work when they have to. 15 - 20 don't do a whole lot anymore, just act like they do. And those with over 20 seem to just not care anymore about anything but gripping. This isn't all, just the core. Its been like this for the past 100 years and will be for the next 100. So dont be suprised !!!
Received via email 01-02-07 Anybody else think we would be better off with only one DC and one LR per shift, and convert the savings into about 3 blueshirts?
Received via email 01-03-07 First post of 01-02-07. Maybe you need to be specific since I know quite a few with over 10 even 15 years who DO NOT fit in your little categories.
Received via email 01-03-07 To the poster on 12/29/06...Thank You !!! I've tried to explain this many times and had it fall on deaf ears. At least one person gets it. And post #1 on 1/2/07, you are absolutely right. It's never gonna change.
Unless………the members make an effort to change it. Educating new hires should be a priority of the leadership of the Local. And when they reach the station every attempt should be made to tell them the truth and not the well worn bullshit that has become an every day part of life. Those with 1-5 are the one’s to target. The others are past educating since they are too far into the process. Their minds are made up and they’re not worth wasting the effort to change them. What they know or think they know now is what they’ll rely on when making decisions in the future. That won’t change. It’s too late for them. But there is an opportunity to change the somewhat mob mentality type thinking of the old timers and show the new members a better way to improve their lot. And over time it’ll show positive results.
By the way I do have a phone and yes the mayor of St. Uhurusburg calls me on a regular basis to tell me his plans when it comes to negotiating with the fire fighters. I already know the outcome of the meeting with the council even though you don’t even know the date of the meeting. Why do you think I’m two for two right now? And of course I’m paid quite well to stir the pot here on the firefighter kiss and cry site. Mr. Baker knows that infusing facts into a matter will muddy the water fast. And he considers my skills abundant in that vein. Reaction. That’s what he wants because he knows “Nothing gets done when people are reacting rather than acting.” (His words, not mine) Oops, I may have let something out that I wasn’t supposed to. Oh, there’s the phone. And the two ring code he uses. I have to go. But feel free to continue in the direction you’re going. He loves it. Bye now.
Dick Tully
Received via email 01-03-07 Hey first 1/02. I am proud to say I have served 23+ years so far, and still have more than one up on all he years below me. Hmm let me see, I passed the younger fellas trying to catch their breath at the high rise drill, and that night drill, I thought I was gonna have to do CPR on a 3 year medic (I let him have the "cool chair")that out weights me by about 50 lbs. So don't trap yourself in a world of generalizing. If you feel that way, then tell me how much longer left in your ability to be a contributing member of this profession? When the day comes, and it won't be anytime soon, I feel the pain of this job beyond my performance level, I will be the first one signing out, of the drop, if you can do it drop if not see ya! Walmart is always taking applications!
Received via email 01-03-07 To Mr. Tully,
As a new hire with 3+ years, I can tell you that the Local gets a whopping 4 hours with us during our 8 week fire orientation. Just about the whole 4 hours is spent reading the contract and being encouraged to read it during every possible chance. They also spend some time covering the importance of voting and political activities. After that we are given shift calendars and a palm card titled "Weingarten Rights" and "The Firefighters Bill of Rights." The calendars tell us when the monthly meetings are held and we are encouraged to call the numbers of the three principle officers if needed or confused. Unfortunately no one can make us attend the monthly meetings and if we try to discuss Union with most of the old timers it seems that we know more about the basics than they do, or they tell us how the Union can't help us and blah blah blah. Another thing that is going on is that the president of this Local holds meetings for the stewards and officers and calls them Union 101. Pretty corny eh? So it seems that the responsibily of educating us fell by the way side long ago, if it ever took place, I just don't know. I'm glad that you and the Mayor are so buddy buddy and that your years as past president have turned you so against what you once were (supposedly). Maybe I now realize why so many of the old timers think the way they do. They must have had great teachers in their early careers.
Editor: "So it seems that the responsibility of educating us fell by the way side long ago, if it ever took place, I just don't know." Rest assured. You are getting more in the way of an 'early' education in your rights as a Labor Unionist than any of the members who came before you. This writer appreciates the fact that you appear to feel slighted by the menial 4 hours of time allotted to new members to receive vital information in survival skills that you'll find offered nowhere else! With that said, It never ceases to amaze me how little credence is given to the instruction in these essential skills, which ultimately pay dividends to all. If it weren't for the daily toil and struggles of those who do the heavy lifting, the pay, pension and work week ceiling couldn't possibly be raised for those who make the tough decisions to only allow you a meager 4 hours of "indoctrination!"
As to your finding members who are a wee bit less knowledgeable about their Union than yourself - that's sadly a fact of life. You're never going to get 100% of the troops to fall in line for the common good, But rest assured... there are those among us who know exactly what time their pay check is deposited in their bank account!
Received via email 01-03-07 I must acknowledge a well written and factual post by the member with 3.5 years on the job. I find your post to be informative and to the point. Thank you. I also must agree with the webmaster that you currently get what the union is allowed to give you. The rest you’re expected to learn at the stations and union meetings over the span of your career.
In addition to the indoctrination by the union as to your rights and privileges there are several other areas that need attention. In my own stupid “tongue in cheek” way I was trying to point out that there is a need for education on matters in addition to those being taught at the union level.
The most important one being a history of the pensions and who gets what and why. This topic has caused more controversy than any other in the history of the union. It would be nice if there were a committee dedicated to just teaching the truth about the different pensions. How they came to be. What funds them. Who’s covered. That kind of stuff.
Much of the time we spend beating the drums about stuff that isn’t gonna change and there’s nothing we can do about could be spent in more productive ways. There are things about the fire service and the union both that are “givens” and will be with us from now on. But determining the facts from the bullshit is an acquired ability. Unfortunately the facts are not always presented and the bullshit prevails.
It’s obvious that no one will listen to anyone who has retired or has over 15 years on the job when it comes to past practices, past failures or past anything. Too many think they know what they’re talking about when in fact they don’t have a clue. And these are the ones, because of their ability to yell louder and longer, who will form the opinions of many of the new hires.
All I’m saying is that ignorance perpetuates ignorance. Obviously I didn’t have ALL the facts about the union informing new hires about the workings of the organization and the rights of the employee. I knew that this had basically been done since the inception of the union. However the process may not have been as inclusive as the current one. When you know the facts you make better decisions. I apologize for the old timers who can’t get over the petty crap they perceive about the job. Please don’t be influenced by them. There are old timers who will give you good information and facts. You just have to find them.
Fraternally,
Dick Tully
Editor: Good advice, Dick.
Editor: The "old guys vs. new guys" thing is going to come home to roost with our own PD in the next few months. If you've been following the machinations that have been taking place on that side of the fence, we might as well just "score one" for the city's side and 'they've' yet to lift a finger! In reality, 'new' and 'old' are simply FD idioms for a process that's as old as time itself.
The new guy or gal wants to see the money! He or she is not yet topped-out in pay and is likely in a very demanding period in their life cycle. Marriage, mortgages and kids all place demands on the wallet. Like so many life insurance policies that are shoved in our face over a lifetime, we tend not to put much stock in a lot of it till we actually believe that we might need it. It works that way with our view of pension benefits, too. The fewer the years you've got on the job, the less likely you are to give pension upgrades a second glance. "I won't be using my pension for years. I've got time to work on it!" There in lies the rub...
The guy or gal who's been on the job a number of years, has no doubt paid their mortgage off or paid it substantially down. The kids are out of the house or on their way towards that goal. The demands on the weekly pay check are probably not as great as they once were and the years of listening to others in the Union bemoan not making changes sooner than later are starting to sink in. We tend to get more vocal and become activists. The reality of who's really driving this bus 'also' starts to sink in.
"We" need to make changes for 'all' of us and now. Every one of us is in the same boat and that means that we've all got to row in the same direction. Maybe a better way of looking at it... we need to save a sinking ship. "Yeah I know... the spin doctors will have a field day with that remark, but they just pay dues." There shouldn't be anyone on this job that believes that if you don't initiate pension changes NOW, that you'll find it any easier in the future. Our Union president has been singing the same refrain for some time. Cities are actively involved in taking away more benefits than they're giving out. That's right! For those of us who don't open our eyes - who continue to ignore all the signs; we'll have them bruised shut!
The Mayor of St. Petersburg is a dreamer. He's built parks and speed bumps and weakened public safety. His smoke and mirrors approach to government will come to an end when the smoke runs out. Hopefully, between the Police Unions, the Fire Union and the neighborhood associations, we'll be able to flip the smoke ejector switch that does the trick!
Received via email 01-04-07 Well said Editor.
Received via email 01-04-07 Maybe someone can get the pension board guys to finally put this matter to rest. I wonder if they even know?
Received via email 01-13-07 747's negotiating team met Friday (Jan 12th) with the City nego team for the Supervisory Unit. The Last meeting was Dec 12th, (exactly 30 days ago). The city's negotiator brought Zero, Nadda, Zilch with her as a counter to any of the union proposals presented at the Dec. meeting and she also brought NOTHING with her to present as a new proposal. 30 days, nothing.
Received via email 01-13-07 I thought the admin spin is that it is the union who is dragging their feet. Speaking of the Admin spin I hear that we now have one or More HQ secretaries that have now deceided that the union is asking for too much. When was the last time anyone saw them in bunker gear at a fire or EMS call? I wonder who could possibly be feeding this BS to these secretaries?
Received via email 01-13-07 If you weren't 'sworn' you weren't 'born'!
Received via email 01-15-07 Secretaries are civilians, why are you even listening to what they say about our Union ? They have NO say in our union. Either do the Division Chiefs. Stick together brothers and sisters and don't be distracted by the flies trying to land on our dinner !! We may only have crumbs on our plate now, but if we stick together it will eventually improve !!
TEAM: "...flies trying to land on our dinner!!" ROTFLMFAO!
Received via email 01-15-07 Who listens to shit like that? For me to personally know ANYTHING about what a secretary thinks about OUR contract, I'd either have to walk through the doors there or make a phone call to it. Unless my paycheck's f****d up, I don't wanna know what goes on down there. I'll save my comments on the secretaries contract until next time around!
Received via email 01-15-07 Our checks are f***ed up. Missing holiday time.
Received via email 01-15-07 Speaking of f***ed up paychecks. Did anyone lose out on 12 of their 24 holiday hours? How about the deductions of your medical in the free period. (2 payperiods a year there are no deductions. They are based on Monthly 2 per 12 months =24 not on our 26 pay check system)
Received via email 01-16-07 To 1-15 #1 & 2, Yeah your right, it's prorbably just pillow talk.
Received via email 01-16-07 This place is a ticking timebomb. What it must be like to work for a city of fellow workers who come together for the common good. The city of St. Petersburg looks at each and every one of us as a giant liability. I say the "city of St. Petersburg" and by that I mean, those who fight us every step of the way for pay, workweek and pension improvements. The bigshot's downtown have little respect for those of us who do their dirty work. They're separated from us by special management perks that go to their head's. Add to that, Fire HQ staff and their vocal secretarial pool. They'll look at you with total contempt if you inform any one of them that they too, were in your position at one time. They don't remember. They take long lunches, piss away money on trips of little value to the department and generally f**k off on the city's dime. Any time you ask to have something fixed or ask for some improvements to this or that, you're told that they don't have the money. Bullshit. You all have your little fiefdom's that you protect and you don't want anyone in the companies getting into your little pile of gold. If it were a pet project of yours - Damn the torpedo's - Full speed ahead! Assholes, one and all!
Received via email 01-16-07 Heres another trend to notice. Our city administrators are some of the highest paid in the state. Our Division Chiefs are some of the highest paid Division Chiefs in the state. DCs, Capts, Lt.'s, Paramedics, and FFs are some of the lowest paid in the state. And you really think our Division Chiefs are making their best presentations to City Admin for better pay, work hours, and pension? If you believe that line of bull they are feeding you-there is some swamp land for sale that will soon be worth millions! Wake up all and see the writing on the wall. THEM vs US ! the Division chiefs are not your buddies. Even though some may think it!! If they were, they would fight for us in all these issues not against us. Words are cheap, action speaks louder. Listen to what they are really saying. We dont train enough so we will make it mandatory. Our stations are pig styes, thats why we need staff inspections! And heck we should have taken what the city offered us!!! Do you think they really want the best for us? Well if they did, they would get off their lazy asses and start hounding the Mayor with a presentation that proves our cause. Think that will happen ? Yeah right, a cold day in Hell !!!!
Received via email 01-17-07 Second 1/16, first and second paragraph. That was well said and is exactly true. It does seem strange that after 1000 days we are still at odds. And its only because our Div Chiefs haven't went to bat for us. They haven't presented any kind of presentation to the City. They are making the Union do it all, and they are fighting us to boot. It makes sense that our Div Chiefs don't give a rats ass about us or our pay and benefits. But boy O' boy they sure care about their own little pile of gold and their pile of drop money.
Received via email 01-18-07 I don't believe that "they don't give a rats ass about us", and it is not their job to make a presentation to city for us. It is the union's job. If the union's presentations are not working, maybe the union needs to rethink it's strategies and tactics of negotiation. Maybe it's time to play hardball.
Received via email 01-18-07 It is their job!!!! If the city doesn't hear that we have problems from management, then they're going to think everything is just fine.
Received via email 01-18-07 Oh my. I didn't say that (first post on 1/18) but it's nice to see that someone gets it. I don't know about the "rat's ass" part but the rest is absolutely on the money. I tried to explain that here many months ago when some folks were getting their nuts in a knot as to why the white shirts on the other side of the bargaining table didn't speak up and stand up for the membership during negotiations. In the post from 1/17, "They are making the Union do it all...". If not the Union the who? Basically that's what the Union is for. The Union is here because in the past the white shirts at that time along with the chief did the negotiating for us. One year the raise was $1.00. When the blue shirts complained the chief went back and negotiated the raise up to the lofty sum of $2.00. This is a bi-weekly figure. Two dollars bi-weekly for a pay raise. Granted things didn't cost as much then (in the 60's) but the similarities are identical given the lack of a Union. Can you see today's chief going against the mayor for pay and benefits? And of course the Headquarter's secretaries would be there to support him. (Sorry, couldn't help it) The point is if it weren't for the Union you would still have the Chief begging for crumbs at the door of the mayor. And that's why the Union does it all. When you agreed to have the Union represent you you removed yourself from the "protection" of the chief and put your future in the hands of members who are elected to do their best for you and your family. And that was the smartest thing you could have done. This way YOU have a say in your future every time the Union goes to the bargaining table. Every time they represent you at a hearing. Every time, all the time.
Fraternally,
Dick Tully
Received via email 01-18-07 Did I read the story correctly? Federal minimum wage is set to go up, 13.6% in 2007, 12.0% in 2008, and 10.7% in 2009. That adds up to 36.3% in 3 years. Seems odd that the Mayor got 32% and the Council got 40% .....and we are still being offered 3 1/2%. I like mathamatical figures.
Received via email 01-18-07 "it is not their job to make a presentation to the city for us" Yeah, right ! Most of these other departments that have received great pay and pension is because their Chiefs have made excellent presentations to their superiors. Some of these smaller departments don't even have strong unions, but they do have chiefs that back them. Look at most of the Northern County departments. If you dont think it is the chiefs job to support us, then you have fallen under their spell of smoke, mirrors, and BS. Don't fall for that line. The union is there for us when Management does not do their part. They are not there to do what these 'so called' chiefs should be doing. Sorry 1/18 but you are dead wrong with that statement !!!!!
Received via email 01-18-07 I agree with you. It's time for ruthless hardball!
Received via email 01-19-07 I am not dead wrong. It is not the Chief's job to negotiate for us. To support us, yes. I believe that he has. But, he answers to a boss too. How do you know that he hasn't gone to the mayor in support of us? He has done a lot of little things (things within his power) to make life a little bit better for us. He has reached out. How could you think that Large would want to drag this on and keep hearing a select few saying that they aren't going to work (i.e. clean and train - yes, they are both part of your job) until we get a raise? If it is so bad...Call out sick!
Listen and listen good...I WANT A GOOD CONTRACT, WE DESERVE IT! But I believe that a some of this falls on our negotiating team, not the chief.
Received via email 01-19-07 The way things are going with all the guys quitting EMS, it is probably the perfect time to consider a separate bargaining group for paramedics. Everyone deserves a raise, but it is probably time to explore taking paramedic pay somewhere above lieutenant pay. If enough lieutenants quit, maybe we can work a little harder on their pay next.
01-19-07 How many times has the negotiating team met with each member of council within the last month or two? Yes I am an ignorant asshole who does not go to meetings! Just wanted to save some of you some time so you don't have to post. You're welcome.
TEAM: Call the Shell Answer Man at 323-1786.
Received via email 01-19-07 Don't bother calling...you will only get a ten minite run around answer akin to a used car salesman.
Received via email 01-19-07 To get more than the mayor wants us to get will require the votes of 5 council members. Sorry ,but in the current political climate I don't see that happening. One more step in our secret plan.
Received via email 01-20-07 You can bet on that because at least 5 of them are puppets of the mayor. Especially the new boy Herbie baby. We do not have a chance. We should not go to the City council. WHy are we not playing dirty anyway. We know where people live. Why do we not protest in front of their houses?
Received via email 01-20-07 Protesting at the private homes of council members would have a hardening effect on most of the council. We probably would lose some of the meager support that we have. Also, the fallout could take years to overcome. When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.
Received via email 01-20-07 Oh please. The council does not care about us. You have Curran who is in with Go and the other black on concil and the black wanna be's because they want to get re elected. Why do we not do what other cities like Chicago, Detroit, and other places that use fear and the mob to get what they want. Big Bird would not know what to do. Too bad Greco wont run in St. Pete.
Received via email 01-20-07 First 1/19, "he has done a lot of little things to make life better for us" What the hell are you talking about ? Lets see, he allows Lanning to run like an idiot. He lets Feinberg come up with fire codes that aren't even in the book (The tent fiasco). Every time you see him next to the mayor he looks like a little puppy dog hoping for a freakin bone! Oh yeah, we get to watch a little tv now, Woop de do, I guess that helps you get through your day easier.
Well you listen and listen good Ass kisser. If he had just half the brains and guts as Chief Angle from Palm Harbor or Chief Lewis from Pinellas Park has, we would not be having all this trouble with city admin. They only treat us as they understand. And it is pretty obvious they dont have a clue about what we do. If you think otherwise - You have your head more up your ass than the chiefs !!!!
Received via email 01-20-07 We could throw dog crap in their yards. That might do the trick.
Received via email 01-21-07 1/20-4: You forgot repicking R Days. Also, yea- you can watch TV a little more perhaps. That's better than the previous chief trying to "hang" an officer who attempted to throw his crew a bone by allowing them to watch a little TV. Give me a break. Wipe your eyes.
Received via email 01-21-07 How could our Chief let that idiot Feinberg give the FD a bad name like this. Horrible. The police whom cut the tents must have no ethics nor morals for anyone. Probably Davis clones.
Received via email 01-21-07 This is a quote from the “Open Wounds” page here on Us vs. Them.
“Received via email 01-19-07 Go ahead and move. You can (post) worthless bs on the site with d tully.”
Well here’s a news flash for ya dumbass…It may be bs to you but I’ve never posted anything but information that would improve or educate those who are still on the job fighting for their perceived compensation(s). I’m glad to see that some are finally realizing that the “secret” plans and “hidden” forces that are supposedly at work are nothing but a smoke screen for ineptitude. We should have been to the Special Master and had a ruling by this time but instead we had another parade and now plan to beg and whine before the council right after they get through placating the homeless in St. Petersburg.
Rousting the homeless is a matter that takes the full concentration of each and every member of the council and is the only answer to the menacing threat posed by those who can’t fight back. As far as council is concerned we don’t hold precedence over even the dregs of society. When are you gonna wake up and realize there’s something working against the fire service that isn’t employed against any other bargaining unit in the city?
We aren’t capable of following up on things we declare. Oh sure, a weak-ass picket that accomplished nothing and the less than well planned future picket of city hall on the day we make our so called presentation to the council. Is that really smart? And what about the declaration of impasse? Is any body working to resolve this matter in a way prescribed by the laws of Florida? It’s true, the law allows us to by-pass the Special Master Hearings and go directly to council. But if council takes a dump down our throats it’s what we’ll live with with NO RECOURSE. You’ve effectively agreed to eat whatever they serve. Their solution to the impasse items is the only one. They have the absolute final say on EVERY ITEM. They could come back with a ruling of 2-3-4 and that would be BINDING. That along with all the other things we were trying to get also run the possibility of going down the drain or being reduced to little or nothing. And there is no recourse because we WAIVED THOSE RIGHTS when we by-passed the master and agreed to let council make the FINAL DECISIONS on our contract. Do you get it? I certainly hope so.
If my attempts to wake up the membership to the facts is considered bullshit then so be it. I know how it is to be considered washed up and out of touch. But if your impression of how we’re gonna win in this situation is so damn wonderful I’d sure like to hear about it. That is if you have one. The only way I’m gonna be proven right is by looking at the end result. Hopefully the way we’re going will prove beneficial to all. I would like nothing better than to see you get all the things you’ve been fighting for. And maybe I’ll be proven wrong.
Dick Tully
The one person who can make facts appear as bullshit.
Received via email 01-21-07 To 1-20 post #3 what is a BLACK WANNA B?. How does someone want to be black. What does that have to do with what this department is going through. I am hoping and praying that you are not a part of this department. I am hoping that you are not someone I know within this department. Maybe I am being a little sensitive to your rhetoric but it kind of hurts to come in here expecting to get info about what is going on within this department, just to read something like this coming from someone I probably work with. As if there is something wrong with being black. How does someone act like a certain race? You are who you are. Speak as if there is something wrong with being black. Anyone can come to this site. I believe that every black man or woman that comes into this site is going to take offense whether they work here or not. Within the black community some but not all firefighters are preceived as racist and reading that sets us back a bit. Not because you used the word black but because of the tone of your post. If you feel that way, express that to your fellow black firefighters so that they will know where you stand. I can tell you now that I dont know if I can trust any of you now and I am sure that others feel the same way. We all are already divided and I see that we will be even more so now. I expect to catch flack from the undercover racist but thats the way I see it. At this point I dont really care. Instead of bashing what I posted how about you ask some of the black firefighters how they feel about this 1-20 post and they will tell you the same thing.
Received via email 01-22-07 If the term wannabe black is offensive, then you are waaaaay too sensitive. White people don't get wound up about the term Uncle Tom. We never have. Why would we? It's just talk. Sticks and stones. Quit looking for a fight that's not there.
Received via email 01-22-07 Fourth 1/21: I wouldn't be overly concerned about 1/20 post 3. Judging by their opinion and grammar they seem to be quite ignorant, and do not represent the feelings of the department as a whole. Since we are on the subject, I am offended by the photo collage of "current and past African American employees" posted at #8 and HQ. We are supposed to be brother and sister firefighters (which has no reference to race), and for those photos to be separated by race is a slap in the face to the brotherhood that we have cultivated leading into the 21st century fire service. I hope BOTH sides can see the importance of these issues being put to rest.
SHOUTING via email 01-22-07 EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT IS A WANNA BE BLACK.
Received via email 01-22-07 1/22 #2 is exactly right. We are ALL equal. Some of us are not more equal than others. See if we can get Joe Waller to tear those signs down.
Received via email 01-22-07 1/22 #2 is exactly right. We are ALL equal. Some of us are not more equal than others. See if we can get Joe Waller to tear those signs down.
Received via email 01-22-07 Would it be racist if we had a poster with all the white firefighters? I think it would be labeled that. Lets not stop there. Lets do a Spanish, Italian, Polish, and lazy.
SWAMI: I capitalized 'p' in Polish for you, as I personally felt a bit slighted. I ain't touching 'lazy' though.
Received via email 01-22-07 I did not think the polish excuse me Polish people would notice. HA HA, Cant we all just get along.
SWAMI: And then there's stuff that I just can't fix!
Received via email 01-22-07 To the third dickhead on 1/20: I am not an ass kisser, but someone with a way of thinking other than your blinded one. Maybe the other chiefs are very good, but they are not dealing with the same c***sucker of a mayor that we are. It's not always a chiefs fault. I am sure if he had his way, we would have a raise so that he could get a rest from hearing from disgrunteled assholes like yourself.
Received via email 01-22-07 Dickhead....heheheee
Received via email 01-22-07 lmao, he said dic-head.
Received via email 01-22-07 Hey Dick, "We aren’t capable of following up on things we declare. Oh sure, a weak-ass picket that accomplished nothing and the less than well planned future picket of city hall on the day we make our so called presentation to the council. Is that really smart?"
What is this "We" sh--! I dont recall seeing you out there picketing with us !! In fact, we haven't seen much of anything from you except for running your big pie hole ! You're gone and retired, enjoy it, and go watch Oprah or Dr. Phil, they may be able to help you !!
Received via email 01-24-07 It's true. You don't see me out there picketing. I was picketing when you were breast feeding. That's why you have it as easy as you do today. Don't think you wannabe's invented picketing. I run my big pie hole because I'm right. Go ahead and show the council your ass on the day of the so-called presentation. You may instead get it handed to you. Picketing didn't work fifty years ago and it won't work today. You just look foolish and hardly anyone pays any attention to you. The few that do pay attention see it as a whine and bitch fest by those damn firemen again. If you put as much time into actually doing what is required to gain a contract as you do with meaningless gestures of stupidity ending in less than successful results we would have had a contract by now. I'll say it again so that I don't have to respond to the mentally challenged; the proof will be the outcome after the council gets through with their determination(s). If I'm wrong I will be happy to admit it. I would expect the same from you although I doubt you have the spine.
Dick Tully
Received via email 01-24-07 Does anybody know if we are on the city council agenda for this week or are they going to screw us again and put us off till next time? Maybe the homeless are constipated and the mayor needs to stick his hand up there asses to help clean them out. He should be used to shit, seeing that he shit on us enough.
Received via email 01-25-07 Heard 2 more medics looking to leave. They are not in the bunch hoping to go to Longboat or the one who is going to Hernando, or the possible Orange county applicant, this is a new crop looking to leave this pay and pension forsaken city (that is filled with lies and hidden predjudice actions). Another question is, why does this city admin treat our new union president so unfairly, with all of the unfair negotiation tactics that have never been used before, and for so long a time ?
Received via email 01-25-07 Does not pay come under the contract? Why are we missing another 12 hours of holiday pay? That is 24 hours now that the city owes US. If we owed THEM money they sure would take it back from us.
HAL 9000: This is the only city known to mankind, where management spells it out for you... "It is incumbant upon the employee to check their accruals regularly because in the City of St. Petersburg - people aren't in charge - computers are!"
Received via email 01-25-07 I have checked and it is missing. THey know it is missing, when will we get it?
Received via email 01-25-07 I guess the lastest expert in our payroll dept. aint as good as he was built up to be. Not only can't he get you the 12 hours you're short, now another 12 are gone as well. Look at it this way, the longer it takes you to get it, the longer you have'nt spent it.
Received via email 01-25-07 Please correct me if I am wrong,but I believe that the city council can only impose a 1 year contract. So after they do,we will only be 6 months behind.We really are kickin ass.
Received via Email 01-26-07 I believe they can only impose "make us take" a 1 year deal but they can offer a decent multi year deal and we coud vote on that.
TEAM: We will vote to ratify or vote down a one year offer. Even if the offer sucks and we as a bargaing unit choose not to ratify it, council can impose their one year offer on us. If the offer truly sucks - send a loud and resounding message to council by not rafifying something you wouldn't be happy with - in any event! You know when you go into Burger King that you're going to get heart burn. That being the case, you might as well have it your way!
Received via email 01-26-07 If you think that the council is going to get into pension benefits in their decision, give me a call, I have a bridge to Tampa that I can sell you cheap.
Received via Email 01-26-07 I think the point he was trying to make was that we're going to get what they give us. If we don't like it, don't fall over yourself to take what they're going to give you for the expired year. I didn't read that we were going to be offered anything other than pay.
TEAM: Thanks. That was the point. You're going to get what you get. If it sucks, why validate it by voting for it? You're going to get it, even if you don't vote in the affirmative for it!
Received via Email 01-26-07 Wow Dick if you were picketing when I was breast feeding you must be at least 95 years old. WOW !!
Received via Email 01-27-07 95!!, no wonder Dick is so anxious for us to sign for 3%. Having been thru the depression an all he knows all about being grateful for handouts.
Received via Email 01-27-07 Dick was a firefighter during the time that firefighters were men. Not guys with manginas.
Received via Email 01-29-07 What you meant to say was that Dick was a firefighter back when firefighters were men who were willing to sacrifice the pensions of future employees as long as they could keep their own.
Received via Email 01-29-07 First 1/29. You hit the nail on the head my brother or sister !
Received via Email 01-29-07 OOOOOHHH, Snap!
Received via Email 01-30-07 Suck on this for a while....I've been retired for nearly 25 years. After that amount of time I get $26,000 annually. A princely sum in anyone's book. Just think, if you can, of all the things I can buy with that. Of course the first thing that comes out is taxes because I got off the job with all my fingers and toes. Let's see...that's $3500 that comes off the top. So now I'm down to $22,500. Am I at poverty level yet? Like most of YOU I have a mortgage. So now take $12,000 from the $22,500. I'm down to $10,500. Let' see what else. Oh, yeah. Car Payment. Oh, you thought I was so old I couldn't drive didn't you. Let's take off $6,000 annually for a car payment and I'm pretty sure that with what's left I will continue to live very high on the hog. Wait a minute !!! I forgot that the city removes roughly $3000 a year for health insurance. That whopping $1500 bucks a year that's left will surely supply me with clothing, fuel, food, and all the other wonderful advantages of being retired with a monstrous pension income.
So even the most mentally challenged of you can see that that wonderful pension that you whine, bitch, cry, and lose sleep over isn't all it's cracked up to be. Actually what you should be pissed about is that I've been collecting it, no matter the amount, for almost twenty five years. That's right you water head retards. Twenty five years. That's about fifteen more than you'll collect yours when and if you get it. So suck on that genius. And then suck on this.
Dick Tully
Received via Email 01-30-07 Wow what a deal our health insurance looks like it is going up along with copays but our paychecks stay the same. I am sure the union dues are going to increase now that we have to fund a portion of Gulfports dues to cover our vacant house. What gives? I guess the captains and dc extra r-day will fix everything because we know they are overworked.
Received via Email 01-30-07 First 1/29 - Why don't you go get a job with Sanitation, because you're full of shit. Or better yet go work for the mayor, because you're both full of shit.
Received via Email 01-30-07 I love the sign at the top of the page.
Received via Email 01-31-07 Holy shit those old pension dinosaurs get testy when they don't get their raise. Suck on THIS, dino!
Mai Deek Ees Hahd
Received via Email 01-31-07 Hey Dick Poor planning on your part does not make it an emergency on ours. Your mobile home should have been paid off before you retired.
Received via Email 01-31-07 I guess the water head should have sought a job that would assure him of a social security check after he left here at his old age of 45. Yeah, once again he sticks it to us by reminding us how he did nothing to see that we could get out in a decent time to enjoy ourselves like he is. But if we pass away quicker than they do, then thats helps their pension. I now see the light.
Received via Email 01-31-07 Dickie forgets to mention the $$$ he has stashed from the sale of his home here in Florida, and the earnings from his spouse before she retired. Who the hell goes out and buys a new home at 70 anyways? Hey Dick if ya got it, flaunt it. If you had the little you profess to have, then I guess we wont see ya down these parts anymore. Praise the Lord, lets all give a great AMEN... Hey Dick you can save a couple bucks each month by giving up your internet provider, we don't care to hear from ya anyway.
TEAM: Sheesh... Dick the whipping boy. Are you shure you aren't talking about Dick Baker?
Received via Email 01-31-07 The statements of some on this board defies any intelligent thought or logic. The myth of the old guys screwed the new guys to save their own pension is bogus and is a red herring that gets everyone off track. Lets concentrate on making our case and showing the need for improvements and changes and take the rest to the bullshit board.
Received via Email 02-01-07 I do not think a majority of us blame the old guys. We are just tired of hearing Tulley run off at the mouth. Our hands our tied. Winnie can do nothing. The city is going to give us what they want nothing more. If we do not like it then we need to quit like the smart ones that have done so so far. Stop giving anything extra for city that is not pensionable "TRT, HAZMAT, DIVE". Stop volunteering for OT, car seat school, CPR instructors. We make the city smell like roses when we do all these services for free. Tulley sell the mobile home and get a pop up. It will only cost you about 50 a month.
TEAM: That pop up thing would be a bad idea in St. Pete, right now, Dick. It might get confused with a tent. That's a no no.
Received via Email 02-01-07 There is no doubt that the old guys screwed the new guys 35+ years ago. Ask any of them what they did to protest. Pickets? Arbitration? Grievance? Nope. They did not do squat to stop it. They did however harrass the shit out of the new guys that came on the job that they screwed over. Ask anyone that came on in the mid to late 70s if THAT is true.
Received via Email 02-01-07 For post #4 on 1/31/07
It wouldn’t matter if my name was Jim or Willie or Stan. You guys hate anyone with an opinion different from yours. I’ve tried to help you lemmings with good information in an attempt to wake you up to what’s really going on. Instead of considering the information I post most of you seem to only find the most obvious weakness and jump all over that. The good information is ignored in favor of something you can belittle me about and look good to your moronic pals.
I have never flinched when you poked at me. That’s to be expected. But when you bring my wife into it and then make statements you know absolutely nothing about you stoop to a new low even for you. I, however, will not stoop to your level in rebuttal but will only say again that the proof will be in the pudding and after the council has drooled and slobbered over all your demands I will be proven right. You will not get all the things you want and had you backed off even just a little this whole thing could have been over long ago.
And I must admit that the only thing that a contract would do for me is raise my pension payment. Of course that’s only if the pay plan is retroactive. That’s a separate issue no one talks about. I have no interest in R days, COLAS, Vacation picks, Overtime, Driver Pay or any of the other things you are trying to “improve” on. Why? Because it doesn’t effect me. But all of the things at risk effect YOU. And if all this time you’ve been going about the act of collective bargain in the wrong way then you have a lot more to lose than I do.
So quit beating me up about my pension. You don’t know what you’re talking about. Quit beating me up for not making your life easier now when I was president of the Local in 1976. You don’t know what you’re talking about And quit thinking that you know it all when it comes to the workings of the Local. You don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you’ll find that after the council gets through with you that I know a lot more about what I’m talking about. Maybe, just maybe, you should have listened.
Dick Tully
Received via Email 02-01-07 So Dick just admitted it. He only cares about his next raise.
Hey wait... thats all I care about too...
Received via Email 02-01-07 First 2/1/07
Brother I agree with you totally. A pop-up may be the answer. And I'm sure you're right about being sick of me running off at the mouth. That may be because you're one of the few that gets what I've been sayingand you're tired of hearing me harp on it. You're assessment of the problem is right on. Ironically this board doesn't hear from members like you who understand. Mostly we hear from the whiners and cry babies who have no interest in the union other than to post garbage here and spread thier whiny ass opinions on the station. And I have to admit it's actually fun for me to post. I know all the buttons to push and just what it takes to get them going. You also understand, I think, that most of what happens with the council and the outcome of this mess has little or no bearing on my lifestyle or my future. That's already been determined and it won't change until 2011. So I will make an attempt to post less and just sit back and watch. However you have to give me space to say "I told ya so."
Dick Tully
Received via Email 02-01-07 "You will not get all the things you want and had you backed off even just a little this whole thing could have been over long ago."
Why am I not surprised to hear this coming from an ex president of this local? To many times we backed down just a little too much, hence why we are where we are today. Thank you Dick for opening my eyes.
Received via Email 02-01-07 You tell them Dick. Your my hero. Old timer rule!!! Because they have something that the kid firefighters don't have and that is wisdom.
From Soon to be retired.
Received via Email 02-01-07 To post 2 on 2/1 - If you want to research it you will find that the contract at the time did not cover the pension because it was passed as a state law and as such could not be changed by bargining. So how do you go to arbitration or grieve something not in the contract? The city could not change anything for existing members of the pension and that law is still on the books today. The city then set up a new plan for new hires and anyone who wanted to change plans. I was not here in the 70s but I am sure firefighters would gloat to new people that "their" pension was better than "yours." I just think it is stupid to blame the union or its members for something they could not change.
Received via Email 02-02-07 Would we allow an across the board pension change for future members today? I guarantee we would fight it harder than those dinosaurs did.
Received via Email 02-03-07 Dick wouldn't even be in here right now if he was on the pension that we have (that he did not resist when he could have). He comes in here because he wants his RAISE. He helped make sure our pension was cola and escalator free, but he likes to remind us how the old timers screwed us all over. Thats why we call him "Dick."
Received via Email 02-03-07 Has the council met yet to determine a date to resolve our contract? I thought they were supposed to do that last Thursday. What the hell's going on?
TEAM: They met to set the rules of engagement for a future date. They're putting away their box cutters and making ready for us with some other tools.
Received via Email 02-03-07 "You will not get all the things you want and had you backed off even just a little this whole thing could have been over long ago."
Repeat this to yourself as the council smiles and hands you your new contract one hand and your ass with the other. And don't forget to go to the ratification meetings. You get to sign your name indicating that you agree with what they gave you out of the goodness of their heart. Most of you will have to mark with an "X" but it still counts.
Received via Email 02-03-07 The tool that the city council will use is a big rod so they can stick it up our ass and won't use K-Y so it will hurt. It won't hurt the medics because they are used to getting screwed by HQ.
Received via Email 02-03-07 There are somewhere between 8 to 12 medics about to skip CMEs for two months straight so they can go provisional. Its not much of a protest, but its better than nothing.
Received via Email 02-04-07 That will show them. Get suspended - lose 8 hours and you all are supposed to be the smart ones. Better yet, why not quit. That will catch their attention even more dumba**.
Received via Email 02-04-07 Why are we not playing dirty. Someone has to have some mob ties around here. Or some dirt on someone. We need to exploit that. What happened to the good old days of, well you know. We need to take lessons from the boys up north how to get what we want. We are too soft. Its too bad. I know a certain person with such connections and knowledge. But, I am sure they would not want that to get out. Cement shoes?
Received via Email 02-05-07 If there were only more Dick Tullys and Mike Wimmers in the world. Hey wait a minute Winnie doesn't take any sh** and he not trying to make Lt. ! HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Received via Email 02-06-07 Mob ties? Sounds like someones watching too much Sopranos.
Received via Email 02-06-07 I think by "mob ties" he means the Teamsters. I could tell you some interesting facts about the Teamsters and the firefighters right here in the dingleberry of Florida. However I'm not supposed to post so
........... all though I will say that "been there, done that".
Dick Tully
Received via Email 02-06-07 "Tonight we agreed on several critical issues we had first discussed a few days ago; these include Retro and negotiating 2 separate and simultaneous contracts. Most importantly, the critical discussion of the night was wages. The city has committed to giving us a package that we believe will be more than acceptable to the membership. The package discussed tonight would bring our total salaries up to the surrounding departments. Most of which have been making substantially more than us for some time." Well... we're going to have to keep an eye on this one to see how it turns out. IAFF 587 Miami
Received via Email 02-06-07 It would be great if that said 747 at the top and WN signed at the bottom. I dont think the city sees it that way though.
Received via Email 02-06-07 It is obvious you dumb hicks have no idea what that person was speaking about. There are some members who have those ties and know them personally from family and friends. So be careful who you insult.
Received via Email 02-06-07 It was me that made reference to "Mob ties." Bring it on, pal. I just emailed the President and he'll put the 'shit' on those who have "ties."
"On behalf of President Bush, thank you for your correspondence. We appreciate hearing your views and welcome your suggestions.
The President is committed to continuing our economic progress, defending our freedom, and upholding our Nation's deepest values.
Due to the large volume of e-mail received, the White House cannot respond to every message. Please visit the White House website for the most up-to-date information on Presidential initiatives, current events, and topics of interest to you. In order to better receive comments from the public, a new system has been implemented. In the future please send your comments to comments@whitehouse.gov.
Thank you again for taking the time to write."
Received via Email 02-06-07 Hey Miami: Good luck down there.
Received via Email 02-06-07 Your right that person is an idiot who wrote that to the President. Do you really think he has the time to put up will people like you. How do you think Greco got things done in Tampa. Nothing has happened to him. How do you think the Firefighters and police got what they wanted. You are an ignorant hick.
TEAM: We're thinking that someone's leg is being pulled, here!
Received via Email 02-08-07 I see that our current admin. has taken up where JKC left off. They love going into stations and spilling just a little bit of incomplete information to get those that will bite to jump to conclusions and start the rumour mill spinning into the universe. Trust me, the union leaders are not hiding or keeping info from you. Instead they wait until they have the complete facts. What good does it do to announce that there are numerous dates for a meeting when there will only be one chosen? Isnt it just as easy to wait a couple more days and go with the date that both sides agree to?
TEAM: 323-1786 hit 9 for recorded info. 323-1786 for a real English speaking person.
Received via Email 02-09-07 1st 2-08 I was there for some of that. That all started with the chief saying that Winnie was the hold up. They're waiting for an answer from him. What difference does it make to anyone above the rank of DC anyway? Their budget's not going to increase and this will still be the same cheap assed city we all worked for just like the day before.
Hey how bout this. Quit acting like you know anything about this union or it's activities. At least until someone shows you the secret handshake.
Received via Email 02-09-07 Here is part of the secret hand shake. Bend over and grab your ankles, make sure the top of your head is against the wall.
Received via Email 02-09-07 When are the dates for picketing the Grand Prix?
Received via Email 02-09-07 No, dont tell us about your fantasy handshake. We want to know the secret handshake you pole smoker.
Received via Email 02-09-07 If you volunteer for the Grand Prix you are a moron.
Received via Email 02-09-07 Its a good idea to picket the Grand Prix because we really need to get the word out to all the toothless hillbilly sister marrying deep kiss mom on the mouth hairy backed 3rd grade drop out Appalachian reared Hee Haw watchin' tobacco chewin' Deliverance looking Pro-Wrestling believing cow tipping Hank Williams listening Dukes of Hazard lovin' cousin screwin' car race fans that we are being screwed over. If we hold signs up that say "The City is doing to us what you are doing to your sisters" I think they will get it. Good idea. I am in. Plus, we could watch the races.
Received via Email 02-09-07 Picket the Grand Prix....I am in. Perhaps some of the bums can help us out.
Received via Email 02-10-07 How can we picket when we all will be working? Again we will be mandatoried for the city to look good. Oh by the way, it is non pensionable and we will not provide the proper gear for the poor bastards in the pits, But hey the chiefs look good when the troops pull it off.
Received via Email 02-10-07 Hey 2/9 #6 Leave Horsefield and Woodward out of it.
TEAM: Real nice.
Received via Email 02-10-07 To the 6th 2/09 it sounds like you were born in Tennessee and your mom and dad are brother and sister and cousins.
Received via Email 02-10-07 Lets all put an end to the madness. To those that love to step up to the plate and do double duty for the City and take EMT premium and then figure they can also be a driver, diver, HazMat, or TRT person for half the regulat cost, STOP IT NOW!!!! Just because SPFR cant field a team, why do we need to once again let them off the hook and play the typical more for less game? Doing it on the Cheap is this Cities battle cry and we are the ones that bend over to take the hit while asking for another.
TEAM: Someone coined the phrase, "They can't take "no" for an answer, downtown. They keep wanting a $100,000 firefighter for $50,000."
Received via Email 02-11-07 But they got a $50,000 pseudo firefighter for $100,000.
Received via Email 02-11-07 Wouldn't it be nice to have a mayor we could say we liked, like Tampa has.
Received via Email 02-11-07 Yeah, and we are paying $150,000 for a Mayor worth about $50,000 (at best).
Received via Email 02-12-07 Judgement day is coming. Get your red shirt(s). Bring your neighbors. They make great pissed off picketers.
Received via Email 02-13-07 Is this counsel meeting for only a one year deal? I've heard differing reports on weather they can approve one or more.
TEAM: So that there's no confusion, you can ALWAYS call 323-1786 and talk directly with President Newton. He's of the opinion that there are no stupid questions and if you can't get good information from him, you may get bad info elsewhere and he doesn't want that. Give him a call and you can then pass on good info if 'you' are asked.
P.S. our next Union meeting is this Thursday.
Received via Email 02-13-07 A simple, "Yes, they can only give us one year." would have been fine. I'm sick of the usual run around. The "Show up to a meeting and you'll find out" line is getting old. Is Newton the only person who has an answer? I though this site was a place for getting information, not just slamming people. Not that I don't enjoy that too.
TEAM: Please forgive us. We made mention of the fact the President Newton doesn't believe that there's a stupid question. We on the other hand do believe it's possible. Call 893-7696 and ask your question of any of the secretaries.
Received via Email 02-14-07 The council can only IMPOSE a contract for one year.However we should be ready for an offer(such as the 4,5,6 from a year ago)that would be for a longer period.This would have to be accepted by us to take effect.I would hope that any reasonable offer would be voted on and not rejected immediately.That would give us time to consider the offer.The local should never be afraid of a vote of it's members.
Received via Email 02-14-07 Apparently you fell asleep in Public Employees Relations Commission Rules 101. The council can IMPOSE anything it wants up to a three year contract without the benefit of negotiations or ratification. Your so-called "ratification vote" is totally moot. Look it up. It's on this website.
Received via Email 02-14-07 Since you guys have such a strong opinion on the promotion, why don't you make it known face to face instead of hiding behind an ip address?
Received via Email 02-15-07 Well that eliminates about 98% of the dept.
Received via Email 02-15-07 Uh oh, I feel an "I TOLD YA SO" coming on.
However..........I've relaxed and have entered a "wait and see" position since I think the council will take pity on us on some of the issues. I think they're just as tired of us as we are of them and they will concede in our favor just to get some of it over with. Kudos to the member who directed those who could read and comprehend to the proper portion of the website where the facts are kept. I'm sure there will still be those pea brains who will do their best to put their own spin what they read and try to interpret the law in their own way. Wouldn't hurt for Winnie to read those two sections at the meeting tonight.
VCF
Received via Email 02-16-07 Any news from the union meeting? I was on duty and could not attend.
Received via Email 02-17-07 Yeah call 323-1786 #3 for the answers!!!!!!
Received via Email 02-17-07 For the most important info coming out of the last union meeting scroll back to the top of this page and read the Impasse hearing time line info.
TEAM: Thanks.
Received via Email 02-20-07 Good presentation of your poem.
TEAM:
'Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales,
Which decides the way we go.
Thanks for noticing it. "Yes" that presentation really brings it home.
We removed the poem temporarily from the top of the page to make some room. Can you think of any better words to describe our present situation? For once in our Union lives, we're charting our own course. It's one that's not swayed by outside influences or spin by others with their own pecuniary interests. By all manner of means, it should lead to an efficacious end. Win or lose, charting our own course can only be viewed as the result of strong character. KTF
Received via Email 02-20-07 It was nice to see a little culture here, other than bacteria.
Received via Email 02-20-07 I went to that link and read the ship poem. Is it normal to want to hang yourself when you listen to that music?
TEAM: Yes! Thus, there are fewer readers tonight!
Received via Email 02-20-07 I think they did that poem on Sponge Bob.
Received via Email 02-20-07 Is it true J***my W is contesting custody because he claims to be the father of Anna Nicole Smiths baby?
TEAM: Nah... we ain't printing that one, either.
Received via Email 02-20-07 Ponder this! It isn't the decoraters of the cake or the ones waiting to eat it that ruined it. Only the Baker. Mayor Baker that is!
Received via Email 02-24-07 I think that cake metaphor is the most faggoty thing I have ever seen in here, DC firefighters aside.
Received via Email 02-24-07 I do not think that the impasse hearing is gonna go to well for us. What does everyone else think?
St. Petersburg: tax reform carries steep price:
Received via Email 02-24-07 We're going to get f*cked.
TEAM: Let's see if the League of Cities is worth a shit at lobbying against state endorsed initiatives.
Received via Email 02-25-07 How come we do not get info like that from our UNION. It would squash all rumors and we would know what is going on. Do not say go to a meeting I was at the meeting and noting like this comes out.
Received via Email 02-25-07 Just watched the TV news story about cutting employees. Is it me, or is that Connor Guy a real Dick with ears? The first things out of his mouth for cutting the budget were Fire, and Police! I guess we don't rate up there with parks and recreation, sanitation, storm water. So you new guys, better go to sunstar while you can! FTM FTM...
TEAM: Neither of them had anything good to say and what would you expect from this warped city management? Instead of telling the citizens that they would 'see us through', they chose to scare the public and attempt to do the same with us! You all witnessed for yourselves, what they did for the 2007 budget. They rolled back millage rate on ad valorem taxes that supply 80% of public safety funding and they quietly increased some fees for services. This is just the first assault in a long war! FTM!
Received via Email 02-25-07 I say we cut a Vice Mayor or two,, We'd save all the money we'd lose with that move! Are you listening Mr. mayor???
Received via Email 02-25-07 Yeah, send Connors back to the sewer where he came from, the useless slime!
Received via Email 02-26-07 What if we all did a sick out? I wonder if the DCS could read that many doctors notes or even understand them. We wouldnt be violating the law.
Received via Email 02-26-07 ACHOO!
TEAM: Next...
Received via Email 02-28-07 A sick out! WHAT FUN! We could all wear jammies and tell ghost stories! What a f***ing queer.
Received via Email 02-28-07 hey assface,(2/28) you kiss your mama, ( or sister ) with that mouth? Lookout your mullet needs trimmin'.
Received via Email 02-28-07 No, but I kiss yours! And I might say she enjoys it.BOTH OF THEM.
Received via Email 03-2-07 In all my years (20 on the F.D.) and (28 retired) associated with the St.Pete Fire Dept., I cannot believe all the CRAP that is being said about each other. Both shifts (when we only had 2 shifts) and later when we went into 3 shifts - we had dances, ball games, bowling teams and everyone had that feeling of togetherness like a family. We were together 24 straight hours like you are now also. Now it's "dog eat dog" and no harmony in sight. I really feel for all you firefighters who leave the fire department at the end of your shift and forget your brother firefighters until you go back to work the next shift. I personally think that the only way the union will get what it deserves is when men get out and work to put people on the council who will support us. It worked even when it was against city policy to participate in those things, (discharge from the job was the consequence) but we did it and it worked. A divided union and fire department will only bring suffering to ALL.
Take it from an "old codger," the saying "United we stand-divided we fall" is a fact!!
First Lt. to join the union after being promoted.
(Ret. Lt.) Jim Fish
Received via Email 03-2-07 Aint it nice that Chief Large took the time to write in the lastest Current Events memo that he wishes us the best next week at the impasse hearing? Big deal. If he wants to impress us, be there Tuesday standing in our line and show his support for us. Now that sounds like a WINNER!!!!
Received via Email 03-3-07 R U sure that's not a WIENER?
Received via Email 03-4-07 I'd be more inclined to say WHINER.... That will be the best you will see from our Admin. They might talk the talk, but you will never see one, walking with us.
Received via Email 03-5-07 Someone please explain to me why two councilmembers have another meeting at 330pm tomorrow (the 6th), and yet another has a meeting at 630pm. So much for undivided attention.
TEAM: They had us fooled too. We thought we were "Numbah Wun! Guess not. Coucil's office - 893-7117
Received via Email 03-5-07 Their minds are made up. We should have saved our money from the attorney we hired. This procedure will not go past 3:30. The homeless are more important so lets all get our tents and go camping on the Mayors right of way or anywhere else. Baseball and Grand Prix are coming, let's camp along the corridors coming into the city. Health insurance up, home insurance up, everything is up except our pay.
Received via Email 03-5-07 It's pretty obvious that homeless dirt bags in Williams Park take president over fire fighter's and their families. This council of morons apparently think they can resolve three years of failed negotiations in less that two hours. This is not only infuriating and a slap in the face but it's the greatest form of disrespect they could possibly muster against the fire fighters. I can think of no words that describe the loathing I have for these council humps. To put a bunch of homeless dregs ahead of the men and women who protect the lives and property of every man, woman, and child in the City of St. Petersburg is not only disgraceful but a total mockery of the work we do and the work both sides have invested in this matter.
However there may be some credence to the thinking that the items at impasse have already been decided and it won't take long to recite the list without the benefit of opposing viewpoints. Or on the other hand it could be that the mayor has aready dictated to the council how they should vote and think in this matter and that too won't take up much of our time. At any rate 90 minutes to resolve this matter is a disgrace.
I am totally disappointed and infuriated at the lack of spine shown by each and every council member. I guess we shouldn't have expected anything more. Please tell me again about political action. Did we back any of these slugs besides the mayor? If we did my opinion of backing politicians to curry favors in the future has been proven. But I'm not here to say "I told you so" or to prematurely start the wound licking. We won't know until tomorrow what these pre-pubic mental pygmies on the city council are gonna do. I sincerely hope for the best and I'm keeping a positive attitude until the council proves to me that I shouldn't.
Waiting for the other shoe to drop,
Fraternally,
Dick Tully
Received via Email 03-6-07 Hey was there anything sent out to the stations to let everyone know about the meeting Wednesday and Thursday. I asked a few people that are on duty today and they didn't know about the meetings. Even some union stewards didn't know about it.
Received via Email 03-6-07 DO NOT!! Volunteer for overtime!! Especially the Gran Prix, other Events, and general manning issues. If you do let your conscious be your guide.
Received via Email 03-6-07 Now we know whom to take out next elections. It seems the only intelligent people were Flowers and Foster. That's what happens when you have dummies and non intellectuals and common people like Bennet, Williams and crowd on a City Govt. Oh and that suck ass Herb Polsen. I wonder if GO GO told Leslie how to vote.
Received via Email 03-6-07 Now we know whom are enemies are and need to be taken out next election. This just goes to show you why we should elect common people to council who are not intelligent. The only smart people were Flowers, Foster and Polsen. Well, Polsen was appointed by Big Bird so he had to go with him. As for Leslie. Did Go Go promise you a dinner to vote how he told you to vote. This is a real exaple why we need educated and smart people on the city council. Not yard men.
Received via Email 03-6-07 The shoe has dropped Dick, and again it has hit us square in the 3.5% ass! FTM
Received via Email 03-6-07 Well Tully was right, we took it in the shorts. 3.5% with no other pension enhancements or work schedule fixes. We should have taken the 6,5,4, offered we would not be any different boat and the pay would be more. Thanks to the Union for all you have done but I finally believe this is a loosing battle. The over inflated numbers the city side showed and council believed them. Now we are behind 6 months with no where to go except another department. Thanks Again ,Winnie, Billy, and Rick.
Received via Email 03-6-07 Pay raise or not... it did my heart good to hear all the platitudes layed upon us. Yes - we ARE the champions! Now that you've licked our ballz telling us how great our ISO rating is (I could give a good f**k) would you please remove the knife from my ass?
Received via Email 03-6-07 "We don't want to deal with all these 20 points of contention tonight. Can we just give you this little pay raise and send you packing? After the cops make their way through here and the state raises the sales tax, we'll have more time to give it to you after another 31 months."
Received via Email 03-6-07 DAM Zamp told it like it was but I think they were hard of hearing.
Received via Email 03-6-07 hello, what 6,5,4
Received via Email 03-6-07 Dont blame the Union on the short comings of todays decision. When the Council can be shown to have a $38 million unencumbered, unreserved surplus and they let it be explained as a rainy day fund that is in case of a 100 year storm or other crappola, then you will never win, no matter who is at the helm. I guess they think this city carries no catatrophic insurance. On the other hand, wasn't it nice that Chief Large chose to never show himself during the hearing? He was there, he was back in the other room that the Mayor kept leaving the desk and going into. I guess there was some homage and servicing going on.
Received via Email 03-6-07 Ok, now that we know how the council feels about us pay wise... when will we finally smartin up and quit signing up for all the frivolous bull shit admin dreams up? This also includes the dopes on ropes, the glo-boys, and the body recovery unit members. Let the PD recover bodies. The county can be our haz mat responders and the disaster recovery teams. Hell, lets let them have the unmanned vehicles that go with it as well.
Received via Email 03-6-07 Well... we had the shitbirds on the run for a while. What is it that they say... figures lie and liars figure? As usual, Karen stepped up to the plate and performed her usual function for the city - NOTHING! Wonderboy Connors didn't look so wonderful to council, either. He looked like he had just ate the mayor's cat after juggling it. As someone else already said, it looked like a "who's on first" routine, for a while. We really give these highly paid loudmouth's a lot more credit than they deserve. Cudo's to all who stood for their brothers and sisters. Winnie, Rick, Billy - great job. Mike Zamparelli - YOU DA MAN!
Received via Email 03-7-07 Well, its too bad for Zamp. He just sealed his fate for ever being promoted to any real power position within the Dept. But, at least you know who is on our side for now.
TEAM: Eh... they may not give him the key to the HQ sauna room!
Received via Email 03-7-07 Notice Again!! absolutely NO volunteering for Overtime, in addition No Interior firefighting, oh unless you hear a whimper. Not losing my life for the city of st petersburg. EMS, touch people as least as possible. Not getting sick for the city of st petersburg.
Received via Email 03-7-07 The city council looked like they were reading from a bad high school play yesterday. Just remember to vote NO!!!! on the 3.5%. Zamp you have always been #1 in my book. You are the best DC we have.
Received via Email 03-8-07 What explanation is going to be given at the meeting? We got 3.5 enough said. Now we will sit back and wait another two years and see what offer we get.
TEAM: Many TEAM members showed up and were given handouts and a great explanation as to our current situation. There was a tremendous amount of unity in both voice and spirit. Those of us who attended these important 4 (four) opportunities to be educated - left with our head's held high and with renewed spirit. We didn't lose this round at our own hands and understand that we'll will continue to network together on future dates to carry our message forward as a unit!
No amount of explanation on our part can take the place of finding the time to always be there for these meetings, instead of finding something else to do. What you put in, you get out - ten fold.
Received via Email 03-8-07 Very true. If you wanted to complain, you should have done it at one of your four explanation opportunities. Better yet you may have learned something.
Received via Email 03-8-07 As the BS spills,
Did anyone notice the extreme lack of press coverage at the slaughter/impasse hearing? If this was a forum for F'In the cops, or given some poor son of thug a college education, there'd be a throng of media..BUT NO. The public servants are far below Anna Nicole Smith, and even Wacko Jackson. What the public doesn't know, the better they look. (His tall nosed self) Can we please pay for some press? The St. Pete Times is owned by the Baking family, maybe the Trib, who knows. I know I am so over the heads in the ass council, I'd be ready to appoint a circle of elders...When do we get to start being yanked off again? I may need a new shirt this one is wearing thin from being shit on..
Received via Email 03-10-07 Everyone of us needs to go to the editorials page and read and re-read what was posted on Novevember 17th of last year. That poster must have had a working crystal ball. I think I will be making some phone calls to my brothers and sisters and try to get them going. I hope you all do the same.
TEAM: Great catch. We all witnessed a fine example of politics during the latest impasse hearing. Can anyone guess who's going to run for Mayor during the next election cycle? They need you and I when "they're politicking" for the job. When they've finally got it... they don't know your name! We need to 'foster' a working relationship while they're still in the "I need the Fire Fighters" stage.
Received via Email 03-10-07 Then we need to quit supporting assholes just because we think that they have a good chance of being elected. Yes, there should be some balance between who we support and their probability of getting elected. However, if we have a proven asshole that has not had the history of helping US, and they are the lead to win that district and there is no one else to support...then stay out of that race. We back some real dickheads (Baker). How in the f**k did that ever happen? He did not support US before, and he sure as hell has not after. We really need to be MORE selective about who we support. We need people who have the past of supporting US. Foster is a great example of that. I don't mind being political, but we are aparently losing this race and that big bird mother f**ker is laughing his beak nose ass off. He does not value us at all. F**K HIM!
Received via Email 03-10-07 The people running for mayor is going to be Bill Foster and Bakers side kick and know how to screw employees Terry Brett.
Received via Email 03-12-07 Here's a thought...Since we aren't able to strike, what's the next best thing that would put this city in an awfully bad position/light? What would happen if every person that gets mandatoried for this ridiculous race (which makes our city TONS of money that we'll never benefit from) called out sick? And then, nobody answered their phones? Yes, some may end up working because they're caught at work and are scared to call in, but this is our biggest opportunity to unify and say NO! Sick leave is sick leave and this sure as hell is not an emergency situation that you'd be ducking out of. I do believe that any lawyer would agree with this. This is a HUGE money and dossier builder for our crap-bag city administration. Now's the time. This race is a nationally televised event. Did anyone read in the paper today that the cops don't have the manpower? Where in the hell is our article?! Why isn't our chief running to the mayor saying 'We've got a serious problem'. Because he's scared and won't stand-up for his people. Well guess what? I will no longer take it in the shorts because they count on the fact that we'll always do the right thing. This is the TEAM'S moment of truth. Embrace it!
Received via Email 03-12-07 I think someone else mentioned that earlier and a mutt complained. Maybe SK could wear Bunker gear and be a regular FF But, he wouldnt look cool trying to figure out which girls to lie to
Received via Email 03-12-07 Just because the city sucks I do not think it is a good idea to tarnish the department. Lets not show the city that we are a bunch of cry babies. We still do not have a contract, the city can still stick it in our ass.
Received via Email 03-12-07 Either you are a new guy (either with no clue and already brainwashed) or you are a MUTT. Our dept is already tarnished. Get with the program. We are on our way to becoming a stepchild of SPPD. Why do you think qualilty people are going elsewhere. Oh and maybe you need to get an education on politics and the Union.
Notice: New dates for ballot mail-out is about to be announced. Apparently Karen Richardson's dog ate some paperwork! Really... it wasn't us --- it was them!
Received via Email 03-12-07 Lets get union backing and some union staff leadership and start picketing these large events and city venues. Large billboards for all to read. Huge signs on top of vehicles like our east coast brothers and sisters used to advertise the truth about our city and their tactics. Start calling the news media, tv - radio - newspaper - magazines - local publications and the like. Getting our story out. Then lets picket every city council meeting - we could rotate in shifts each week, say twenty for each meeting. We can even picket our own fire administration - when they come to work, go to lunch, and go home. A union staff member could coordinate all this and have a rotating sign up sheet. We could quit signing up for overtime and start signing up for the picket line. Talk to your union reps and lets see if we can get the union leadership to spearhead some of this stuff. We have been patient long enough and now is the time to do something.
Received via Email 03-13-07 No one is going to quit working ot you moron. They are still signing up in to work the grand prix also. Money talks bullshit walks and ot is paying and picketing is not.
Received via Email 03-13-07 Hey 3/13, #1.You're the moron asshole here. Do you have principles, a spine? Maybe you could find another way to earn some money. Get a part time job. Work anywhere else than OT at SPFnR! Home depot, Bayfront, even Sunstar? They may call ya a scab, but at least they have a contract! So grow up junior, you're punk ass is showing!
Received via Email 03-13-07 To 3-12 #1 - And may I ask: Which chief officer are you? I'm not seeing people sign up in droves for anything. This frigging place is close to it's meltdown point and you spinmeisters are promoting what you "want" to see and not what you "really" see! Take a huddle. Go back to your staff meeting and see if you can get a few more guys in the second bargaining unit to promote your bullshit before "they" call impasse! Shit - we'll rock the house for a second round when the captains and DC's drop that bomb! As for me - I'm thinking about becoming a diver on the dive team. I like to dive by myself!
Received via Email 03-13-07 1st 3/13, "no one is going to quit working ot you moron.....ot is paying and picketing is not" Yeah, keep thinking that way, and you will find yourself in a few more years, still without a decent raise. OT is not pensionable, a raise is! If you are happy by making the OT and don't ever want to be competitive, then yeah, sit on your ass and don't do anything. And if thats the case, quit your bitchin about not getting a raise. This city is not hurting for money. They made a lot of money in overall revenue last year compared to the year before, check out the 2006-2007 budget on the stpete.org web site and see for yourself. It is time to put some pressure on the city. It seems that it is the only thing they respond to. When a brand new police officer is making more than a paramedic, there is a problem.
Received via Email 03-13-07 Hey how about this idea? Throw out a challenge to the Mayor and his side kick Connors, and advertise it in the paper. The challenge is to ride either Rescue 1, 3, or 5 on a Friday or Saturday night from 5pm until 8am. Then lets see them say the medics aren't worth a sh_ _. Because basically, when they fight against us getting competitive pay, work hours, and pension, that is exactly what they are saying. Not to mention everyone else in the city that also runs alot of calls. 13 stations that run 45,000 a year 'plus' is no picnic. Unless you work for Longboat Key. Oh yeah, their medics start above $50,000 and are at over $75,000 at top pay. Oh, I forgot to throw in the $ 5000 cash per year extra they receive from the State 175 money. Thats the same state funding the City has ripped us off of for years - thus the unfunded liability we are know paying. Lets let the big dogs of City Admin ride a few weekend nights and see what they think, since our job is not as hazardous as the Police (says Connors). In fact, it may not be a bad idea to have some of our own Division Chiefs do an all nighter at the stations mentioned above, so they can remember where they came from. Difference now is, we run a heck of a lot more calls than we did - say... in the late eighties, when some of our staff last rode on a truck. Get Real. We are all over the BS.
Received via Email 03-13-07 Stop drinking the koolaid. I doubt we will have to manadatory but a few for the grand prix. Why would I want to work at home depot? I can make twice as much doing less work at SPFnR. We have workovers everyday and when the officer ask "were you mandatoried" the answer is no. Maybe I can drop the union, that way I do not have to work all this ot and still reep the benefits. If I am going to be a scab then might as well be a scab all over. So be it I am mutt who is making time and half out the ass. Ching Ching
Received via Email 03-14-07 Screw you new guy Mutt.....Go ahead and F another brother in the hindquarters, or was that you under the council desk baking cookies? FTM!
Received via Email 03-14-07 I do not need to bake cookies. I bought them with all my OT.I also signed up for all three days of the grand prix. Ching Ching
Received via Email 03-14-07 3-14 #2, I'm not biting on your bullshit. What everyone needs to do is tell the new guys that they don't need to be pressured to volunteer to do shit. You want a strong union, educate the new guys that you think are going to stick around for a while. Apparently someone's talking to SOMEBODY! Have you met ANYONE who's working for another FD or going through EMT or Medic school who hasn't heard what's going on here? Most of them will tell you that St. Pete's not even on the radar screen. We need our new guys to be at least as educated as all those who don't even work here! This FD's got black and blue eyes from the way the city of St. Pete ignores it. I'm afraid that the learning curve is going to have to include bloody knees before it's done and we've got the clubs!
Cookies... I've got a 'batch' of something for ya!
Received via Email 03-15-07 On the top of the page, does this mean we should vote NO. It wasn't clear enough.
TEAM: Let us look.................... YES - I mean No! No - I mean YES! The turd should be the big tipoff!
Received via Email 03-15-07 Does anyone know when we will see the 3.5% in our pay checks.
TEAM: Looks like there's going to have to be a council meeting sometime after the 6th of April. See top of page, below the dog turd.
Received via Email 03-15-07 Just want to say to all that are planning on leaving the specialty teams within this department. It is going to be nothing but trouble. Everyone sit back and look at the big picture. If the administration decides to let these guys quit the specialty teams, there is a chance that the city will decide to disband all specialty teams. There is a chance that the county can take over the specialty teams. Think about it, do you guys want someone else that is not as highly trained as us in our back yards. Do you really think that the city is going to spend the money that they may save from getting rid of the specialty teams on us. People have spent years trying to build these teams up to where they are now. We are going to give it all up because a contract didnt go our way. That will be a plus for them. They (THE CITY) is going to spend that money on more DOG PARKS or more PALM TREES. We wont be sticking it to the city but we will stick it to the citizens of st. pete that depend on us to do the jobs that we are trained to do. We talk about if we went public about the things that go on within this department but what if the city go public about our 3.5% raise and the pensions that we recieve from the city. Some workers within the city didnt even recieve that kind of raise and their pensions dont even match ours. Example parks division. 3% raise over three years and their pensions are no where as good as ours. We dont even want to talk about the average citizen that works in this city that dont have these things that I have mentioned. All I am sure others are saying is let all of this GO. You can call me whatever you want but I see where all of this is going to go. Nothing good is going to come of this. All others are going to see is a bunch of cry baby fireman. We got screwed and I understand the fustration but we wont hurt the city like this. The only way we hurt them is by getting into the neighborhoods and exposing the conditions we work under. Start at the grass root levels with fliers speaking of our work conditions. Exposing to the people that live in the high rises how f**ked they are if there is an emergency in their towers that there is not enough firefighters to do the job. There isnt enough firefighters to protect their families. That is where you are going to hurt them. If we go through with this petition we will just like them and that is where we need to draw the line. We are nothing like them.
Received via Email 03-15-07 Last 3/13, "Maybe I can drop the union" You're so full of crap. Quit trying to be a mutt. There are only about 3 of them left within the ranks... well, maybe 4. We are all pretty united now, finally. Congrats to the one's leading the drive to dissolve the specialty teams for now. Also I heard we have about 10 people with less than 2 years that have their apps in other departments. And out of the 10, 9 are medics. Hang on to our ass Div Chiefs with medic patches, you may be riding rescue soon just to keep the trucks in sevice.
Received via Email 03-15-07 So you like the grand prix? You seem to be the grandest of all. Thanks for standing for the cause.
Received via Email 03-15-07 This dept has always wanted to show the world that it could do everything by itself. After all we are the biggest. But as you can see we have had to become a part of the county haz-mat team and we are a part of the county TRT team as well. If we dont have the money to staff the equipment, then I guess its time to let it go. It's a decision made daily by many who can no longer afford to keep their way of life because of setbacks and such. Let it go and lets get on with it.
Received via Email 03-15-07 TO 3/15 #3. I just want to respond to your statement that "Some workers within the city didn't even.........." That is probably very true, however, they are not at the same level job. Police are about the only department that can be compared to the fire department. The parks division, water resources, etc. - there is not the "risking your life everyday" factor involved. Therefore, their pay and raises should not compare.
Received via Email 03-15-07 third 3/15, "the county can take over the specialty teams" what are your a freakin moron. the county aready has a specialty team. Are you worried that another department is going to dive for a dead body in our waters. Give me a break. The only team that may happen to is the haz mat team, and it wont effect the citizens. We will still be first on scene. Quit your baby ass crying and get with the rest of us. Hey you are either for us or against us, and if your against us, then you might as well do what ever the hell you want. Work the grand prix to you friggin magina.
Received via Email 03-15-07 "There is a chance that the county can take over the specialty teams." Would that be the Pinellas County Fire Department or would that be any number of departments in the county who employ some 1300 Union Firefighters? I think a few well placed phone calls announcing Union busting tactics could knock that dick in the dirt! FTM & FT Specialty Teams. I ain't hump'in anything else that yields a "my dick is bigger than your dick" fire department mentality!
Received via Email 03-15-07 Everyone needs to view the Biden video at the bottom of http://www.iaff.org/2007LegCon/forum.htm I don't care if you are a Democrat or a Republican or if any of the others on the list are your favorite, this video needs to be viewed and believed!
TEAM: Union Strong - Union Proud. This evening, one of the TEAM members got a call from President Newton who's at the Legislative Conference. He essentially said the very same thing. He said that Biden made the claim that he owe's his life and that of his sons to Fire Fighters! We just got through viewing the video and it was very powerful. "They claim to love us, but... show me the money!"
Note: About 7 minutes and 25 seconds into Hillary's video, you'll see Brother Billy Mott waving his hand and to his right is Brother Rick Pauley!
Received via Email 03-17-07 Our best two looking guys in the video. Sweeeeeet
Received via Email 03-17-07 Those guys waved to Hillary? Im dropping out of the union!
TEAM: We've witnessed military personnel shake her hand. They weren't endorsing her, though. In the photos they were usually caught with the fingers crossed, on their other hand. We'll bet that if you caught Billy and Rick's act in person, they'd have had both their fingers and their toes crossed.
REMEMBER... Monday 0900 & Tuesday 0900 - Ratification Explanation Meetings. Also - remember to say "Thanks" to your Union officials, who after getting off of an airplane on Sunday, spent the day preparing for Monday morning's explanation.
Received via Email 03-19-07 Thanks to them for the what they do!!! But do you really need to explain 3.5%??? It is what it is
TEAM: We hear that there are other locals in the area that are accepting applicants who wish to jump ship - now. With a looming tax revolt staring us in the face, it's good that you remind us that everyone else "really made out" and that we're the only one's in the state of Florida being shit on due to this real or imagined crisis. Go take a peek at Miami FF's web page and report back to us! They've not seen a retro or multi-year contract for the entire time we've been bargaining!
Received via Email 03-19-07 Oh Please...after almost a week of partying and gladhanding by our Union officials they get off the plane and do a little work. The sad part is that they had to. Where the hell were all the big mouth know-it-alls who shoot of thier pie holes about everything but were nowhere to be found when there was work to do. Surely there was someone, or a few someone's, who could have done a few hours work over the week end so that the Union officials wouldn't have to be such martyrs. I'm sick of hearing about all the "tightness" and "unity" demonstrated by the members when none of them can be bothered to give a few hours to assist when needed.
VCF
TEAM: You forgot to call us to come over and help when they left you the key and a list of to-do's! Oh... something else. You forgot to stick the lables on the envelopes - we did that today!
Received via Email 03-19-07 Hillary and Obama in 08! LMAO!!!
Received via Email 03-19-07 It's simply incredible to find that there are still a few dinosaurs left that roam the vast FD wastelands. You bitch when you think you're being ignored by the union because you didn't get a personal invite to the union meeting, then you bitch when all the rest of the locals in the country send men and women to represent them, but you know for sure that our guys are there just for a good time. Some of you guys need to drop out of the union (if you aren't already a management mutt) and take what the division chiefs got from their grand leader, King Richard! I swear, you'd sooner eat from the latest bag of shit that those clowns in HQ are selling than to trust your own. Grow up. There are a couple of hundred of us off duty on any given day and for the right stuff to happen, we need to quit waiting for the phone to ring. Council didn't give you shit and you're not going to win the Florida Lottery either, so pick a day and show up at the union hall and start earning your keep!
Received via Email 03-19-07 Well my phone didn't ring either. In fact no one's phone rang. No one was asked to go to the union office and stamp envelopes or make copies or anything else for that matter. You must be the only one with a crystal ball that recieves messages from the union hierarchy. It's not bad enough that no one was considered trustworthy enough to do some inane work in the office but then those who needed the help want a medal for doing what they didn't trust anyone else to do. Had the word been put out that there were things to prepare and things to get ready for the upcoming activities then there would probably been people show up. It hasn't got anything to do with dropping out of the union or "eating from the bag of shit that those clowns in HQ are selling". You missed the point completely. It has to do with delegating the tasks that need to be done and not acting like the leaders are the only ones capable of handling it. If you don't want help then don't cry when you don't get any.
VCF
Received via Email 03-20-07 You guys need to quit fighting right now. You're going to give the MUTTS the idea that they're winning and we don't want to do that! You never see THEM fight do you? ---- Yeah right! They're all holding their asses and looking through the want ads as we speak. Keep it up. All the fighting in the world isn't going to change what's going on between the ears of these cheap ass city council members but at least we've got a place to speak our mind's without being looked down upon through someone's bi-focals!
Received via Email 03-20-07 I would like to see a list of the misinformed individuals that have decided to volunteer for the Grand Prix or for anything else. I have not heard any yet. So far we are standing strong.
Received via Email 03-20-07 Those are the ones that (edited). Come on, they have brainwashed all the new guys.
Received via Email 03-20-07 OK...you're right. I apologize to the team for posting negative stuff here. You're also right that we don't need to air our problems for the entire world to see. I hope that soon there will be a positive note that we can crow on. I wasn't trying to belittle the team. I too hope the council will wake up and see that we're the most deserving, educated, dedicated and patient group in the city. We're the Fire Service. Ask anyone who's ever needed us. Ask any victim what agency showed up first to asssist them. Ask any kid what he wants to be when he grows up and he damn sure won't say "mayor" or "councilman". Where'd be the pride in that? Ask anyone who's family, friends, and neighbors ever needed help in an emergency what agency was first on the scene to help and they'll most likely tell you FIREFIGHTERS. And I use the term firefighter as a blanket category since EMS is a part of the FIRE service and not vice versa. We are the first line of assistance not only in SOME emergency situations but EVERY emergency situation. And we're the best. The only people who seem to want to ignore that fact are those who employ us. Ironic isn't it? They want the best when the shit hits the fan but the rest of the time we don't exist. Those going to other cities I wish the best of everything. Those staying will do the best we can to uphold the tradition of Fire Fighting in a city of political hacks, misinformed council members, and a mayor who can lie out of both sides of his mouth.
Keep The Faith. Remember you're part of the finest pofession in the world, FIRE FIGHTING.
Fight The Mutts. At no time do you ever turn your back on a brother or sister.
Always Support. Never Give Up. Right now things don't look promising but we can adapt. We always have.
VCF
TEAM: Good on all. Thanks for stepping up.
Everyone has a bad day. What's great about venting "here" is the fact that you can do it anonymously. If you think you made an error in judgement or need to make a course correction, you can go about it without ever embarrassing yourself to the multitude. Jump in, get re-involved and stick it to da man!
Received via Email 03-21-07 If you ever want to see the perfect example of how well the MUTTS are doing at dividing this UNION, you don't have to go any further than you own station and take a look at the PROUD new designs that are popping up for the NEW station mascots and T-shirt logo's. I for one have yet to see anything that even resembles an IAFF logo incorporated into any of them yet. When did we become so PROUD of our neighborhood associations that we are falling all over ourselves to be happy to wear their colors? This is just one more way the city came up with a way to get the union logo out of the stations. I cant wait to see what's next. Bears, squirrels, bulls, and cartoons are great, but the IAFF logo is who and what we are. If any thing deserves respect it sure aint a Yosemite Sam. Heck, is it just me?
Received via Email 03-21-07 Hey, if they brainwashed the new guys, let em work. I'm sure all their experience will come in handy when the shit hits the fan and they don't know what the heck their doing. Hey, if they are happy with the 5 or 6 that signed up for the Grand prix, more power to them, but the rest of us 300 plus are sticking together. Enough of doing all this extra stuff for an administration that wont stand up for us. If they wont back us, why should we back them? Lets Stay united and show 'em who is running calls and saving lives, certainly not a bunch of kiss asses down town who don't even know how to put on their freakin bunker gear. Hey maybe some Div Chiefs will get their little asses out their and work the grand prix in bunker gear all day. Gentleman Start Your Engines!!!
Received via Email 03-21-07 Thats a really good point about embarrassing yourself in here. Like the time I got drunk and I came in here and listed all the guys I wanted to blow. I guess we all make mistakes. Anyway, I gotta go to work. I have to leave early because the traffic here in DC is just God Awful!
Received via Email 03-21-07 Hey how bout putting a iaff watermark behind all of our new mascot emblems. Yeah baby !!!!
TEAM: We'll post an example or two for you...
Received via Email 03-21-07 To 3-21 #1 What started out as a good idea got bastardized pretty quickly. Instead of the chief sending aout a memo saying... The drunks gone and there's a new sheriff in town - he says, you can choose a t-shirt design (two colors) (so many inches by so many inches) and send the design to me for approval. Some couldn't come up with a design so some kids fresh out of high school over at USF were given the opportunity to design some really boring/basic shit for us. Rush rush rush. We came through the first 100 years okay, but we've got to get this t-shirt thing done in 30 days. When I mentioned trying incorporate the Union logo into the design, my captain said that he didn't think that the chief would let that slide. Dude! Could you have made a phone call part of the project that you ramrodded? All the designs sucked and most of the station didn't vote. We could have done better by finding someong online and paying a few bucks to have it done. 100 years of bullshit uninpeded by progress.
Received via Email 03-21-07 Our design sucked. I'll leave my money in my pocket. I'll buy a tee shirt when they give one away with the FREE coffee mugs that they can't sell. I'm not buy management's bullshit whether it's a tee shirt of Lanning telling me that I need to manage my money better. Asshole!
Received via Email 03-22-07 If it doesn't have the IAFF logo on it, don't wear it.
Received via Email 03-22-07 I like the idea. Just get a suck-up station captain to go along with ya. I know there are a couple of good guys and gals out there. Lets see what happens. Maybe this will force them to chose their true colors.
Received via Email 03-23-07 I remember once seeing a t-shirt that had a mop bucket and I think a lawn mower on it. And I think it made mention of 200 years of tradition impeded by bullshit. Anyone else remember that? How true it was then as well as how well it would fit in today. My hat is off to whomever that "seer" was.
Received via Email 03-23-07 That was an interesting union meeting last night. Winnie, who are your buddies? "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice." John 13:36-38 Add another MUTT to the heap!
Received via Email 03-23-07 It was a mop bucket, with crossed mop handles, it read, "200 years of service, unimpeded by progress!" Put that in your pipe, and ....Oh wait you can do that..Well maybe in Monroe County ya can...LMAO!
FTM
Received via Email 03-23-07 Wow, that meeting was a fireworks show. A lot of good points were made by all. Looks like it ended with a lot of unity beginning to happen. You got to feel sorry for the city side, once they find out RF is now back supporting Winnie and the Union. Everyone thought RF was on the city side, but after he slammed the city on their tactics, it is good to have him back with us. Looks like the UNION has a new agenda - UNITY and STRENGTH. It was good to see FF's, FF/Medics, Lt.'s, and Capt.'s, all at the meeting. It was apparent at the end of the meeting that Pres Newton is not only going to keep everyone more informed but that he also is going to listen to ideas from all. Way to go Union Leadership and way to go RF and company in bringing back some unity for all.
Received via Email 03-23-07 I like 200 years of tradition impeded by bullshit better.
Received via Email 03-23-07 I wrote my "thank you" email to Senator Alexander. Did you? Take a minute and do it.
Received via Email 03-23-07 4th 3/23, I agree. With unity, we are unstoppable. Better get some more of that smoke and mirror mojo mayor baker, cause the union is coming for ya. All for one and one for all. We are tired of the crap we have had our noses smeared in. We just wiped off our faces and we are ready to clean up the city's sh-- !
Received via Email 03-23-07 I was told that RF had a RJ "snitchy" moment ("I want to know who's website this is"?) during the union meeting. He said that this web site was bullshit and that HQ all laughed at it. Good, I for one am glad you toads think this thing is funny. It's like reading the morning funnies and you guys are the main characters! What's not to laugh at?
Received via Email 03-23-07 To 03/23 #2 - AMEN. #4 - I want what you are smoking. RF will ALWAYS be for the city, even as president of the Union. Don't be fooled. RK has people he runs to in high places with everything and if it will make him look and/or feel important, he will sell his own soul and yours too. Wake up. I hope everyone joins together and fights, but those two are NOT on your side. RK complains about not being told things. Wonder why? He apparently has been trusted before with info only to tell it. Also why didn't he complete the task he was given for the whole impasse hearing. Common sense will answer a lot of these questions. There are a lot of wolves in sheeps clothing around here. Wake up.
Received via Email 03-23-07 9th 3/23, "I want what your smoking" The only thing you are doing is causing dissention among us. I didnt see a E ribbon by your comments. Seems like the editor of this site likes unity and strength. You can say those things you mentioned about your own family members "my sister or brother might tell mom or dad on me" GROW UP and get with us or get the hell out. We need unity not dissention now.
TEAM: Thanks for noticing the the use of the Efficiency ribbon. Your superior acumen has not gone unnoticed!
There are many "E" ribbons on the pages of this website and a few actual battle ribbons in the hands of TITANS (your Brothers and Sisters). There are times when we may agree or disagree with some or all of the content of a particular email - facts not withstanding. But when shots are being taken at the players and not the game, we typically don't award a ribbon. All of us would love nothing better than so see unity as the standard by which we live by. And when we're called to draw the sword and thrust it forward - we'd prefer to believe that we're standing side by side. Not one in front of the other!
Received via Email 03-24-07 3/23 @10 - Point taken. I will shoot for the E ribbon!
Unity is what everyone is shooting for. However, everyone should watch who they are unifying with. Sometimes in the heat and excitement of it all we tend to trust people we shouldn't and we start running our mouths to people we shouldn't. Some attend meetings just to gain info, not for themselves but for "the other side." That is all I am trying to point out. Quite a few that post on here are for the other side as well as you can tell but the constant pot stirrers. If thew few I spoke of are one our side that is one of the best things I have heard in a long time, I just find it very hard to believe. I will keep an open mind and a shut mouth.
Received via Email 03-24-07
Dear Senator Alexander.
My name is ***** ******** and I'm a Fire Fighter for the City of St. Petersburg. I would like to extend my sincere 'thanks' to you for your efforts in introducing and fighting for the passage of Senate Bill 746. For some time now, the 'all-inclusive' workers comp laws in the state of Florida have been seriously flawed in their final execution as they pertain to emergency workers.
By the very nature of our job, Fire Fighters and Fire Fighter Paramedics are asked to perform lifesaving measures in the heat of battle, foregoing all costs - sometimes resulting in injury or insult to ourselves.
The work of the Florida Professional Firefighters is not yet done as there is much more to do as it pertains to the safety net known as Florida's Worker Comp.
I hope that the men and women of Florida's fire service can call on you again in the future to support our efforts to reform some of the inequities that plague us.
Sincerely,
****** ****************
St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters - Local 747
Received via Email 03-24-07 To 3-23 #9 Amen to the Amen. I for one never would have thought that since RK was on the negotiations team that he would be a turncoat but there's no other way to look at it. He wasn't just asking questions at the meeting, he was playing assassin. He had a laundry list of grievances that he could have asked of Winnie at any time but it was his intention to play double agent and kill the boss with questions for which he had no answers. Kinda dumb. He raised the issue that building a new union hall was going to be expensive. If we built it tomorrow, it could be. Our local's never been on a more stable financial footing. We've never stood up to the mutts like we've done in the past couple of years. HQ staff can play it off all day long that it doesn't affect the way they do business, but it does. All of the stories that we hear about this person or that person, aren't just stories. Some of these guys are the chief's do boys and when they retire some day, they'll all be remembered just same way. There's good and evil in the world and as much as you don't want to believe it, you're rubbing elbows with some that see the ladder to success and want to jump right on. Trouble with that notion is the fact that the ladder is often propped up a foot or two on your back or mine.
Received via Email 03-24-07 1st 3/24. You made some good points, thanks for agreeing for unity. We do have to be careful, but hopefully Unity will prevail. And hopefully the ones that the accused are running to (the fire chief) will be just as supported as our union pres. There are really some places in this county where the fire chiefs support their crews (pay, pension, work week) to their superiors without total fear of getting fired everytime they speak because they work in an exempt position. If our leader feels inequities are being committed, he or she should stand up for us - not hide in the corner shivering with fear. Come on Fire Dept Staff, get some guts like you used to have when you fought fires in the past. Get some courage behind those gold badges and stripes you wear on your sleeves that your so proud of. If we peons can stand up in a council meeting and speak for our cause like (RK) and others did, so can you!! Here is a challenge - Fire Chiefs, try and support the FFs and stand up to those that are causing these inequites (city admin), and you will not only see morale improve 110% but you will have a bunch of FFs doing anything at anytime for you. But if you keep sticking it to the FFs, you may be the only one standing there when the sh-- hits the fan. Hope you make the right choice and get a little gumption behind you !!!
Received via Email 03-27-07 Have you see the Grand Prix list? Does not look like a whole lot of people ARE NOT signing up to work it.The mighty dollar prevails once again.
Received via Email 03-27-07 As far as a Chief Zamp goes, he is the man. He got up for us. The BIG CHIEF was assigned to the other room. I think he was in the corner.
Received via Email 03-29-07 Your right, if the sign up list is any indication, I cant wait to see the number of "yes master may I have another" votes, that come in for the contract resolution. I would love to publish the list but since I don't know the few names, it would not be fair to those that were mandatoried. I would really love to hear that all were mandatoried but I already know better.
Received via Email 03-29-07 I'm sure the one's who signed up to work the Grand Prix were told, "hey, if you don't sign up early, you might get one of the shit jobs if we have to manditory you later." Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do! They're all shit jobs! By signing up early, you may well have picked one the better jobs, but you didn't stand up to anybody and you let all of the rest of us down.
I'd rather sweat my balls off in buker gear all day in one of the shit jobs than being known as one of the chief's always reliable do-boys that can can be counted on to twist the knife in the Brotherhood's back. FINO's and good for nothing's!
FTM & FTAdminstration too.
Received via Email 03-30-07 After seeing the latest sign up sheet for the race, I can't wait to see all of the "Thank-you master may I have another" yes votes that will come in on the ballot.
TEAM: Don't forget to return your BALLOTS!
Received via Email 04-02-07 I'm filling my ballot out tonight. Am I for it or against it?
Received via Email 04-02-07 Does anyone know if retirees get backpay? I am very against them getting one thin dime, but I was just curious.
Received via Email 04-03-07 To 4-2 #2 - Quit. You'll never pay them a thin dime then and because you quit, I'll never pay you a thin dime.
Sincerely,
Future retiree.
Received via Email 04-03-07 Wow. 4/3 #1 is kind of touchy. To 4/2 #2: That's a good question. Does anyone know? If they don't get backpay it sort of explains the foot dragging. It would make the city want to drag out negotiations from now on. Where is Dick Tully when you need him?
Received via Email 04-05-07 Did you St. Pete members remember to return your ballots? Tune in tomorrow for the results. Any wagers on the "Yes master may I have another" votes? I say as least 45 uninformed individuals will not have a clue as to what this was all about. Any other guesses?
Received via Email 04-06-07 Only a Mutt would vote yes. and only a dumb mutt wouldn't vote at all. (a dumb mutt was a loyal union member who has now turned against the organization and has his/or her own way of beliveing that their idea is better than the whole union and its staff combined) the dumb mutts are really weak and could and probably has already sworn allegiance to the Head Mutt and his mutt puppies. The mutt collar awaits all those who didn't take the time to nlick a stamp and put the envelope in the mailbox.
Received via Email 04-07-07 Well, I will be the first to admit that may guess of 45 yea votes. However how do we explain the 72 members that chose not to return any vote at all? I dont know what to think on this one. Someone care to enlighten me?
TEAM: Voting records are always available to any member. The TEAM reviewed the records yesterday, looking for some kind of trends and as it turns out, the largest groups not voting... newbies and DROP plan members.
TEAM: The Union's Info Line has been updated! 323-1786 - hit 9!
Received via Email 04-07-07 72 members had something better to do than take the time to mail a ballot in a meaningless election with a foregone result. Then you have the ones that the dog ate their ballot.
Received via Email 04-07-07 Let's all give a big round of applause to Kim Farnam. This was her last week working for this department but you can still find her in da 'hood! I hope some of you chiefs wave "hi" to her when you see her driving past every fire station in the city of St. Pete on her way to work in ORLANDO! Better pay. COLA. 48 hour work week. Better Pension. Better staffing= fewer calls. Overtime at time & a half. Support for their medics. And a whole less bullshit from a department management that's not half as full of shit as our own! Everybody fibs, but the bullshitters at SPFR HQ take the cake. To hear them tell it, they don't lie and don't employ anybody who would. Right!
Good luck Kim. With the shit that's going on here, currently, I'm sure that there will be others to follow soon. You were one of the very few to have the guts to do your voting with your feet!
Received via Email 04-08-07 This city sucks the root and our HQ management keeps making lame excuses for it all. After reading the pay comparison charts that were posted on the union board last week, I can see why these pr**ks that work for the city keep harping on the "you're the highest paid in the county" thing. That's great but it don't mean shit. Well now that I think about it, "it does mean shit!" It's bullshit. We work for the 4th largest city in the state and we're not even in the upper half of the page. In fact we're very near the bottom of the page. How bad does this city suck? This has absolutely, with out a doubt got to be the greediest city of it's size in the state and to hear folks like GL pop off about firefighters living beyond their means, just frost's my nuts. Shit, I remember when he drove a Fedex truck on his days off to make his ends meet. Piss off GL. If you didn't have a porkchop tied around your neck, the dog wouldn't play with you and you're now a financial counselor? What's next... marriage counseling?
Negotiating being what it is - give and take, I think the city's done a pretty good job over the years of taking and not giving. Maybe some of where we are is our fault as a union, but please, someone name another place where the police and fire labor are so far apart in benefits? I know that we communicate with them when we're going to negotiate, but to my way of thinking we both need to be in the same room at the same time and demanding the same things. How is it that for years the cops have had a COLA but until very recently, we've just danced around the issue like it wasn't a big deal? It's the obviously the BIGGEST deal and after seeing the COLA comparison chart, I don't think we need to be confining ourselves to 2% at age 60. There are too many departments out there that are offering 3% and at an earlier age or start date. I know that some have asked that we go back to the drawing board and decide what's important to us. Someone please tell me where what we're asking for is over the top? If we ask for less, will we get less? Maybe. Better pay pension and workweek doesn't appear un-doable in a whole bunch of cities. Because they say NO, does that mean we're asking for too much. That's just a smoke screen intended for the weak minded amongst us. It makes it easier to lay blame squarely on us, cuz shit... we all know that they city's offering all that they can!
I say hammer our message loud and long so that they and every politician that follows, knows exactly what it is that needs to change! For those of you who are fan's of Stockholm Syndrome, get over it. Your captors are the problem, not you, so stop feeling guilty about asking for what so many others in other city's got years ago. It's owed to us! Every time you let them see you sweat, it weakens the fabric known as organized labor. I dare say that as of late, there are fewer signs of us sweating, so maybe the mutts need to re-read their copy of "The psychology behind screwing labor."
Received via Email 04-08-07
Good afternoon everyone,
Starting Monday, April 2, 2007, supervisors and other time entry personnel will be required to use two new codes. Codes 104M and 118M will now be used for mandatory overtime. All mandatory overtime on a holiday will be coded 118M and all other days of mandatory overtime will be coded 104M. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me for clarity.
Thank you,
Gregory J. Burns
Accounting Technician
Fire and Rescue Department
Phone: (727) 893-7998
Ahhhhh... but all the manditory overtime for the races can't be captured for another year. It sholdn't be such a biggie to reconstruct that information. After all, if you were one of the ones' manditoried, you'd know it wouldn't you? We've got a lot of picketing to do, not to mention another couple of impasse's. I'd like to know just how many hours of manditory o/t we plowed through?
TEAM: Good one!
Received via Email 04-09-07 I'd like to know who the 11 suck-asses were who voted for that turd of a contract.
Received via Email 04-10-07 Some in this dept. and in city hall must be operating with a common brain. They're willing to put more pay into the front end of the step plan to pay more to people we've that never met before. We keep telling the city that it would be better to put more pay at the top because everyone will benefit from that both pay and pension-wise. Now we're stepping all over ourselves to employ the not so great Goliath Davis to find people for us to hire. Ask me if I want to work with someone who never gave a second thought to working in the fire service? Did it ever occur to anybody in this city or in this department to just take care of what you've got? Greatest resource? In a pigs eye !!! Well I guess that's all bullshit when the people who can make it happen are sitting on their lofty perch. Let's take Gomolak for instance. He wants out of the medic program, not because he's on Prozac or because he's burnt out by the pt's, or because he has 3 family emergencies a week, but because he feels as though he's not getting any support from anyone above him who actually has the ability to make changes. There was a plan to force him to keep his patch that was spun up by a couple of mutts but that didn't seem to go over real well in the chief's offices. "Remove your patch shitboy and we'll bust you back to where you were when you were before you got that patch!" Holy shit. Did you goobs downtown really think that, that was going to fly? When has anyone who was ever a patch holder ever go back and start over? He was told that he'd be going back to the bottom of the seniority heap and that if there was a layoff, he'd be one of the first to go. Too bad dumbass mutts, Winnie was watching and he wasn't going to let you throw Gomo under the muttbus.
We're starting to bleed medics and all you guys can think to do to fix the problem is to hire more people or threaten the one's you've got. There's a big problem with that, chief. If you can't keep people from jumping ship who've been here for years, how are you going to keep new people from jumping the same ship when a bunch of pissed off cruise directors already on board? Talk about messed up priorities. Personally, I never cared much for tug-o-war, but this is such a lopsided game that I'll play every time just to beat ya'lls asses!
Billy Jack
Received via Email 04-10-07 Billy Jack,
I really liked it when you kicked all those guys asses in the park after that a-hole tormented those poor kids in the ice cream store. I also like when you karate chopped that same a-hole in the throat. And now you are kicking ass for St. Pete Fire Rescue members.
God bless you, Billy Jack!
Cleopatra Jones
Received via Email 04-10-07 Hey Billy. I've got a physical coming due. Can you visit a certain Dr. for me?
Received via Email 04-11-07 All I want to know is who they are? Who are the "eleven?"
Received via Email 04-11-07 Who's boots do I lick? I'm ready to move up into the massa's house and I want to get it right.
Received via Email 04-11-07 "If you didn't have a porkchop tied around your neck, the dog wouldn't play with you" I love it. It's like the Planet of the Apes around here. You've got the Gorillas doing the grunt work. The Chimps in middle management and the Orangutans doing the higher thinking. It looks like a couple of gorillas slipped through the screen door of the massa's house while no one was looking!
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