Received via Email: 06-20-12 It is true, our President has agreed 100% to the cities demands for a 3 year contract. Yes we the opportunity to go 3 years with a pay raise, yes they do have reopeners but the city is facing another $15 million dollar shortfall for FY13 so what's our chance? Yes you will now have the opportunity to prove to yourself and Chief Large that you are not a drug addict. Yes, you will now be required to give up your personal information to the cities eyes regarding your lifestyle and that of your family. No you wont see more time off like your coworkers that bring home $30K more than you. No, you still wont be guaranteed time and one half for the additional hours you chose or are mandated to work, and no you wont be any better off than if you would have held out for something better to come along. Your president is also willing to let the members make the decision of if we need to be politically involved in the next Mayors election or anything in the future. So come on in to the hornets nest boys and girls because if this bag of shit is approved it wont even take 48 hours before it stinks REAL BAD.
Received via Email: 06-20-12 Michael T. Blank has just shown you what a nose ring wearing floower will do for those that put their full trust in him. Like all Assassins he has shown you that he has no loyality to anyone except the one that promises the most and any given point in time
Blank agreed to 3 year proposal to send out for a membership vote.
*Note: EVP, & Secretary Treasurer stated that they disagree with President Blank on his actions for sending it out for a vote.
Highlights of 3 contract year from City.
0% GWI for 2012 wages. Open for negotiations for 2013-14.
Step raises stay.
Fire boot reimbursement up to $300.00
Holiday time storage up to 300 hours.
Life insurance paid for by city 100% up to one year’s wages.
14 to 7 day work cycle.
7 year Drop. Total 35 years’ service.
When Drug tested, 8 hours personal time awarded.
1 time EAP excuse for substance abuse.
Physicals: Life scan not required, but personal physician visit with cities forms.
Stress EKG optional, regular EKG ok.
No re-opening of pension.
Stack Pay up to 60 cents.
NO RETRO on any of above if 3 year is ratified.
EMT pensionable after ratification of 2012 (3 year) NO RETRO!
Negative effects if 3 year approved:
We will be out of synch from other city bargaining units.
Out of the political arena. Mayoral election coming up. We have nothing to offer candidate if there are no pending contract talks..
Received via Email: 06-20-12 JUST GIVE ME A S##T SANDWICH HOLD THE MAYO!!!
Received via Email: 06-20-12 After I heard about what happened during todays negotiation session, I figured I would check it out for myself. So I goes to the Union Office to read the proposals that were agreed on. Guess what? The only member of the negotiating TEAM that had copies was the president and he was not there. In the past, I always remember every member of the team getting a copy and usually there where a few extras for those in the crowd, I guess that why Newton was voted out, to much information. I even remember our past president posting them onto the website for all to see and they are still there. I smell a big nasty rat here. What is being hidden from our view? When will we get to know what our President knows? Or is he afraid that we will find out what he does not know? I cant wait to sit in on this explination meeting. and Since Pauley and Mott(2/3rds of the team) have both said that they cant support this agreement, I wonder if they will be in the room to help those of us that have real questions?
Received via Email: 06-21-12 Be at the meeting tonight and let them know we're not gonna take this shit anymore!!
Received via Email: 06-21-12 6/20 #4. He wasn't there because he was out of the MSC building as fast as if Dean called chow! He was heading for lunch, with say a night, or any other Admin he can pick up!? WTF is happening here?
Received via Email: 06-21-12 This is just one solution in a hat full of them, so give it some thought. Since we filed a grievance dealing with the DROP extension, one of two things can happen (that is if we continue with the grievance by voting this contract offer, down) and it doesn't require a rush to vote on a 100% 'city inspired' contract offer we've already voted down, previously.
1) We win the arbitration and everyone enjoys the extension, LeCroy gets rehired and is awarded back pay and we go back to the table to negotiate but without having to negotiate for the one thing that costs the city nothing -- and that's the DROP extension.
2) We lose the arbitration and go to the table to negotiate just like we did on Wednesday.
With open grievances we should never have gone back to the table. This serves no real purpose except to throw money down a well and confuse our labor attorney. We spend money 'judiciously' when we have to, to right wrongs. To show up at the negotiations table undermines our ability to win and sends a very bad message. We grieve to right the wrongs that has been perpetrated against us. The union president decided without consulting with the other members of the negotiations team or the E-Board that it's somehow 'smart' or 'right' to bring back to the membership a city contract offer to vote on. We had so little to do with the shaping of the city's offer to us that it is quite frankly, embarrassing. This can only be described as a grave philosophical, political and tactical error in judgement. Blank made statements to Rick Pauley just prior to the negotiations session to the effect that the E-Board and negotiations team members were trying to undermine his authority and attempting to make him look bad. Brother, you're doing all of that on your own. The principal reason we've all had to endure the record number of sessions that we've had to, is due to the fact that only minutes before each of those meetings, we've managed to get Blank to listen to reason. In each instance he would state his position as to why he wanted to rush back a vote and in each instance we would talk him through the pluses and minuses of his decision. What was his only reason for repeatedly wanting to bring the city's offer back to a vote? His answer time and time again was, "Because the members have a right to!" That's it! That was his whole line of reasoning, whether they were offering someing bad or something really bad. We were always of the belief that you don't keep spending $400 on mail out votes just to keep voting on the same offer. The rest of us were of the opinion that we only bring back an offer where we've gained some ground. There was always give and take but in the end he would agree that what we were telling him was prudent and he would then actively participate and call multiple caucuses to get our opinion on the direction we were headed. Throughout all of those meetings where we had come to find common ground, I can't remember a single occasion where he made a statement reflective of his current belief that we were trying to trip him up.
I said all that to say this: Admittedly, I like Mike Blank. Admittedly, I don't want Mike as my union president. He's not politically savvy - whether you agree or not, politics never sleeps and it is our life blood. He doesn't have a deep understanding of any of the challenges that face us. He doesn't listen to or take advice from those that this membership has elected to office to help him. He is incapable of doing research of his own. He's often late to arrive and early to leave functions that are designed to help us. As the president of the largest Local in the FPF 2nd District, he's neither trusted nor relied upon by other union presidents. They've taken notice of him and they always ask what our membership was thinking. He's not a critical thinker. Any decision by him to act on our behalf is often born our of emotion rather than logical thinking or having a good grasp of possible alternatives. Again, a lot of this comes back to a lack of research on his part. He doesn't do his homework and when he does, he has admitted that his 'speed dial' circle of insiders are either at HQ or are retired. He actually told me after one negotiations session where I commended him for standing his ground, that he felt like he was on an island all by himself. I told him that he was mistaken. I told him that he was in the swamp and that he was slowly but surely dragging all the rest of us into it with him by his poor decision making process.
Bringing back to a vote a contract offer that takes much and offers little in exchange sends a message that our union is weak. It is. I believe that we are at our weakest point right now because Mike Blank is a pitifully weak leader. Ask yourselves what item in the city's contract offer is of the greatest value to you. If you said, "the two year DROP extension." many would agree. By comparison, there ain't much else there. It is also the one item that has no cost and has become a political pigskin. Lets do the right thing. Let's vote this contract offer down (again). Let's allow the grievance & arbitration process to tell us what we have a right to via a signed M.O.U. Let's continue to work with our City Council (who still has our back) to work towards a new contract where both sides benefit - not just the few on either side. Let's not give away two items that the city wants badly. For the Captains and D/C's the cost of admission to the city was the DROP extension and a 48 hour work week. If you want the 48 hour work week like the Captains and D/C's you have to continue to press for it and never let 'em see you sweat.
Fraternally,
Jon Pearl
Received via Email: 06-21-12 I like your thinking It fits in with my suspicions about the whole Blank thing. Someone, or several someone's, are working with the MAYOR (urp!) to manipulate and decieve the members of the fire department. It's not bad enough that the public has been schooled and indoctrinated by the press and the city to hate us but they also convince other city employees with faltering mental capacity to aid and abet. Now I'm no doubt giving way too much credit to these mental pygmies but it's sure worth a shot. Someone is yanking the strings from city hall and it would seem that all the strings go directly to the Mayor's (urp!) office.
He's a pious, vindictive, overbearing pompous fool who, like most cowards, has other people doing his dirty work for him. His tactics are well know among sixth graders who employ them just like he does when they don't get their way. The only difference is that the Mayor (urp!) lays on the floor and holds his breath and kicks his feet. Problem is, his mental capacity is ALSO equal to a sixth grader so to those with limited mental skills he looks like a freakin' genius. I don't know if this would apply to the current president of Local 747 or not. I'm pretty sure the Mayor (urp!) is one of MB's role models.
And what about the invisible man? Why didn't HE have this information? Or did he? We all know that he's coasting. Sittin' back collectin' them Benjamin's every pay day and laughing ALL the way to the bank. He can hardly stand being around the lowlifes that make up the fire service in this city anyway and chooses to live as far as possible from them. The Mayor (urp!) didn't have to recruit the invisible man, the invisible man volunteered. Job security, you know?
We are in the shit, folks. No doubt about it. And there's almost always only one way to attack a problem like that and that's from the top down. We need leadership, not bullshit. Pauley and Mott have said they don't want the contract that numb nuts signed off on. That should tell you all you need to know. We need to have someone step up and silence that psuedo president and take over. How much longer can the members tolerate this crap. The Mayor (urp!), the Council, the Times, and the public are all against us. We've never had that many haters on our backs in the history of this department. Two things need to change and the sooner the better. The Mayor (urp!) and the president of Local 747. Work for this accordingly.
Received via Email: 06-21-12 I say Jon Pearl for President!!! Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon, jon, Jon, Jon, Jon, Jon. No? Well who the hell do YOU want? Rick Pauley? OK Rick, Rick, Rick, Rick, Rick, Rick, Rick. No? This is getting a bit frustrating. Just who can we support? Who has experience and knows the ropes? Ah, Bill Mott. Right? Hell yeah !!! Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill.
Still NO? Ok, here's something I think we can all agree on. We hire the invisible man to represent us on his days off. (Which is pretty much every day. . .) NO? AGAIN? Oh, that's right. We already HAVE an offshoot of the invisible man in the office of president.
"Here's a flower for you, and a flower for you, and a flower for each of you. Now mail in your "YES" vote for the contract I negotiated for you after Winnie laid all the groundwork and had the the whole thing almost finalized and then I took over and pissed down my leg whenever the city thug raised his voice at the bargaining table. It's for YOU !!! I did that."
Hey YOU! Yes YOU! I'm talkin' to YOU! You're about to vote on a contract that even the haters and whiners shouldn't agree to. But somehow it occurs to me that you are smart enough to vote NO on this pile of steaming shit the Mayor (urp!) and the invisible man and the union president have seen fit to offer. The three of them are in cahoots to bring every member of this department to their knees for the next three years. Unless of course your're so ignorant and uninformed that you think voting for it is the thing to do. Um, that's right. You did that at the last union election for President, right? Nice. Well wake up dumbass and enjoy the view of your future here on the fire department if you don't vote this garbage down. That's right. It's staring you right in the face.
But hey, you've always known that none of the leaders of this Local have ever had your back and all they ever wanted was your dues and your pool time donation. And if anyone thinks you're gonna get over that they have another think comin'. Yeah, you're probably right. Let's hope the majority of us don't think the way YOU do.
Shit is shit. I don't care how you stir it or dress it up, it's still shit. And if this contract offer isn't lipstick on a pig I don't know what is. The president of the Local has sold you out for a pat on the head from the Mayor (urp!) and the invisible man who . . . well he just doesn't give a shit one way or the other about you. You're just cannon fodder.
It's a rotten offer. Wake up. Vote it down. Then move the president of this Local over to the side and hire a business manager to take over the responsibilities until his term is finished. Then elect a person who has the ability to prevent the entire Local from going down the tubes. Wake up members of Local 747. You're being screwed with your own . . . . . !!!
Received via Email: 06-21-12 You mentioned just a few of Blanks atributes. He also doesn't like confrontation of any sort and he doesn't like politics unless he's taking a call from Mike Moore who is trying to suck his way back into the organization as hmmmmmm....... I don't know....... Executive Vice President????? FTM
Received via Email: 06-21-12 OK so lets talk to each member of the EXE board. they have the power to end his BS reign of clueless terror? Does it begin with them, or us? To the bright person(s) that lead this web page, please inform us.. i am so over all the BS and MTB I want a change yesterday! Honestly, what can WE do?
Received via Email: 06-22-12 I just watched the video. I can't believe one of you on the negotiations team didn't throw him out a window. He acts as if he's working for the other side. I've never seen a guy so willing to complete the enemy's sentences. The whole thing looked staged like he and Guella had alredy decided what they were going to do.
Received via Email: 06-22-12 I watched it to. Pauley said Blank warned him about what he was going to do. Somehow from the last time they met something changed and Blank threw us all under the bus. There's something way wrong when our supposed union president won't listen to the EVP and Secretary Treasurer. Can charges be brought against him by the IAFF? This is bullshit that he didn't even take the time to look at what he was signing and as Pearl said in the video this isn't normal behavior. The e-board has got to do something about this. He is not making rational decisions and I think it's because our asshole fire chief has promised him a job. Blank your a disgrace to the union and you should be trown out.
Received via Email: 06-22-12 I don't blame Blank. I blame James D. Large. He infects the minds of everyone like him that is needy and turns us on each other. At the end of the day this place is worse off because of you. Jimbo you are a real zero.
Received via Email: 06-23-12 There is ONE way to tell Blank and large that they are zeros. Vote NO on the contract! Stand up and take our department back, 100% NO!!!
Received via Email: 06-23-12 If Blank told Pauley that he was going to take the 3 year contract offer regarless of what he had to say, he's not OUR union president, he's working for himself. Can't the International intervene on our behalf?
Received via Email: 06-23-12 I have seen 3 or 4 times in the past couple of days people asking about what can the International do to help us? We dont need the IAFF to do anything, this is a 747 housekeeping matter and WE all need to step up and demand that Chief Jim Large and Mini Me Mike Blank be swept out the door. Lets quit relying on someone else to do our dirty work.
Received via Email: 06-23-12 Blank believes everything that is told to him by fire admin and HR. Then he has the gall to tell the membership that he gets no co-operation from his executive officers. Maybe its because they believe what they are told, but they do believe in what is or is not written.
Received via Email: 06-23-12 I was at the union meeting the other night. If everyone attended that was off duty heard what we heard, they'd be asking themselves why we're filing grievances for $10K a smack only to turn around the very next day to watch our union president place that money and potentially the outcome of each in jeopardy by placing those issues on a ballot. This is insanity.
Received via Email: 06-25-12 This is what it's like to eat crow. In all the time that you were looking to throw Winnie out and bring Blank in did you ever hear the shit that you're hearing now? You heard Winnie hollered at me because the chief told me to write a memo and I wrote a book. You heard Winnie fights too much and the chief's always saying that if we fought less we'd get more benefits. Crybabies. Blank is spending $8000 a month to have our attorneys run our union because he's just too stupid to. I'll bet you never heard anyone say that about Winnie. When he spent that much money you can bet it was because we had to file a grievance (you know..... that WE FIGHT TOO MUCH part of this place) but not old Mikey. He shouldn't be in the job and it shows in our checkbook.. How many of you younger guys understand what's going on? He just sold you down the river to keep himself and his buddies in a job for another couple of years pas their prime. What did you get? You got boots, you got the city looking into your personal business with their physicals and you now have to piss in a cup and council already told you they don't care if you do. We just went through this last month at the bargaining table. A 1 year contract and you would have no drug testing but nooooooo. Have you seen the video? Blank says that the 3 year contract is better. It's better for the city because we give away everything that they want from us and in return a few oldtimers get to hand the fuck around here till they drop dead. What a great trade. Remember Bobby Martin? Do you know how much money we gladly spent to defend his position? Blank is taking a win for us and just throwing it away because he's the stupidest adult that you're ever going to meet in your life. Ask him anything outside of softball or bending his elbow at the bar and you'll see what I mean. He's our union president. Aren't you proud? A 3 year contract is going to hurt us for a long time to come and the quickest way to avoid it is to simply say NO. If we don't bargain at the same time as the cops, they will screw us over again. They don't have to take physicals and they make about $8K a year more than us. They have boo coo overtime in their budget and they keep taking from us because our chief has no balls to stand up for us. Speaking of James Large........ Jimmy you're looking old. Been to see the skin Dr. lately? I just want you to be safe, you know the way you want me to be safe with physicals and drug testing. Two big things I don't like about Blank. He's really quite stupid and he's our union president. We are getting ready to fight 2 grievances and also vote to throw those grievances on their ear. Ever seen anything like this before? Bet you haven't because we've never had a union president who was so stupid before. Why would anyone in their right mind go to court to say HEY, WE HAVE A DOCUMENT THAT SAYS WE OWN THE 7 YEAR DROP AND WE WANT IT only to rush to a negotiations session without listening to your E Board and nego team and sign a 3 year contract for just one good thing and a whole bunch of bad? Got Stupid? Why wouldn't you wait to find out what the arbitrator says and then negotiate? Got Stupid covered??? We've about to throw away several years of hard work because it's so easy to watch 1 guy run a union and you don't even have to get your hands dirty. Some of you think this fire dept. is the laughing stock of the county. I guess none of you are going to take ownership of the fact that Local 747 is quickly going from being a leader to not even being a follower but a really bad example of apathy amongst its members.
Received via Email: 06-25-12 How many of you are aware of who Bill Edwards is? He's the multimillionaire that poured a bunch of his own money into the Mahaffey theater and is a big supporter of Bill Foster. Mike Blank has played Santa for Edwards a few times and likes to spread it around everywhere that they're tight. Blank is also good buddies with one of the head PBA guys who is supporting Foster. Blank likes to talk a lot about what the cops are doing right and about all that we're doing wrong. Anyone see a pattern here? This douche bag bypasses a one year contract in favor of a really bad three year contract that we've voted down twice already and we're getting ready to write a big check to our attorney to fight for the two year DROP extension that Blank brought back for us to vote on. If this were some other Local it would be laughable but it's not. This dirty story is ours.
Received via Email: 06-26-12 I hope for our own sake that all of us attend one the upcoming meetings on the contract explination. After you hear the stories about how this is the best that the city had to offer, Please ask your President the following:
Annual Physical: How is bowing down to the Mayor and being forced to have an annual physical better than the current language that we have now that protects us from everyones prying eyes? Why do we as Firefighters have to re-qualify for our jobs each year?
Random Drug Testing; What benefit did the city offer to the rank and file unit in exchange for being labeled a drug or substance abuser?
If you arent satisfied with an I dont know answer than there is only one option for this proposal, VOTE IT DOWN!!!! Dont be intimidated by anyone that tells you that the 2 year DROP extension option is good. It might be for them but whats good for the one isnt usually good for the many.
I am anxously awaiting for my day that I can ask these questions. If you were at the membership meeting last week, your president was asked 2 different point blank questions, and as of right now, they still havent been answered to anyones satisfaction except Michael T. Blanks.
Received via Email: 06-26-12 we were dicussing this new offer that Chief Large has mandated his puppet bring forth to us minions. After much banter over the pros and cons I have figured it to be something like this. Chief Large has presented the Blank one with a GIANT 5 lb turd. Embedded inside of this GIANT turd are tiny microscopic bits of corn from last nights meal. (These pieces of corn are supposed to be the things that are the supposed to give the GIANT 5 lb turd some taste.) Now Chief Large doesn't want to get any of this GIANT 5lb turd on his hands, so it has been wrapped in a thin leaf of iceberg lettuce (aka 2 year drop extension) Now as we all know iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value just as the 2 year extension has no cost to the city or its taxpayers. So we are being offered a GIANT 5lb turd wrap and we are expected to say thank you can I have another? Oh yeah, lets talk about the value of the $32.00 EMT pay being pensionable. If you have been an EMT for the last 20+ years and you have already dropped, so sad too bad you get nothing. If your about to drop like in this year. Dont forget your pension is based on a 3 year average so if you earn another $320.00 this year its averaged out by 3 so you will end up with $100.00 mutiplied by your years of service, lets say 28 x 3% = 84% of $100 or $84 a year divided by 12 months $7.00 increase in your pension. Ok, I am all for an increase but what I am showing you is that if you are in your last years then this too is a part of the GIANT 5lb turd and not a bit of the corn.
Received via Email: 06-28-12 Hey Lauricalla. Quit being a bitch for Jimmy Large. Read the contract offer asshole. Stop telling the new guys that they're going to lose their steps if they don't vote for this fucked up offer that blank signed for without even reading. Winnie made sure that it wasn't part of ANY contract at impasse. Go back to being an explorer. You were slightly better at sucking off Walt than you are as a firefighter.
Received via Email: 06-28-12 OK So Blank has launched his "tour of stations" spreading the propaganda about this awesome 3 year dry jerk. Please,please, please Pauley,Mott,& Newton, ( please Winnie! ) make some rounds yourselfs to help the simple minded members see the light..
Received via Email: 06-29-12 I was looking at the contract offer that Mike has signed and I noticed that in the top line of each article it says "City Proposal". My question is, did the union get anything that they ask for? I mean, did we go through 13 bargaining sessions just to end up with an entire contract that belongs to the City? Is this why we are looking at a 3 year deal with 0%, 0%, 0% ? Is this why we are giving away are rights to be drug tested? Is this why we are being subjected to the prying eyes of the city for a physical? Is this why we still dont have a reduced work week? What happened to the promise of everything is going to be better when Newton is gone and Mike Blank is following the orders of Chief Large? Also, can anyone tell me if Laurisilly made it to any negotiations sessions? Has he been to any monthly meetings? Was he at last weeks meeting when the contract proposals were discussed? The answers to these questions is NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, and Hell no. So why
is it that he is telling folks about how good this bag of fermenting oats is, and why in the world is anyone giving him the time of day to even listen to him? FYI, there were only 12 people at last weeks meeting to listen and ask questions about this contract offer and I know that they havent been able to get the word out to the masses yet. There was no station steward from stations 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, or HQ, No A shift Vice President, and none of the 3 trustees. so the info must be coming from out of a lot of peoples asses.
Received via Email: 06-29-12 I just watched the baringing #12 video again. At the 23:53 mark Brother Mott asked a question as to if anything in this agreement would be retroactive. Of course the answer was NO. Even the question about the folks that have already received the $150 for their fire boots being able to get the extra $150 was not a popular question. There may have been some give but I betcha it aint written down. So remember this folks. You will be receing a big fat zero for the year 2012, except for the immediate implementation of the drug abuse testing and the nosey body physicals. Somebody PLEASE prove me wrong.
Received via Email: 06-29-12 You're right. This offer is 100% city and blank keeps telling everyone who will listen that it is our right to vote on this. What kind of shit is that? Am I missing something or is it also our right to have this asshole ACTUALLY READ the documents before he signs on the dotted line? I had a nice little conversation with someone at shift change this morning who i KNOW isn't a Winnie fan. I asked what he thought of what is going on and he told me that he never thought it could be so bad. He said he thought he knew Blank well enough to trust him with our future but he was wrong because Blank has never been under stress and no one saw this coming. Watch Blank grovel at the end of the video. THAT'S THE REAL MIKE BLANK AND HE'S PATHETIC.
Received via Email: 06-29-12 6-28 #2 Blank hasn't made it to my station. What is he telling people about this super deal?
Received via Email: 06-29-12 If we have people in drop for seven years, then who will be making the pension contributions? Not the people in drop or the new hires that would be taking their place. It can't be good for the pension to have these guys on the job making no pension contributions for an extra two years. Just saying
Received via Email: 06-29-12 What he wont tell you in front of witness's anyways is if HE approves of this contract. He keep falling back to Chief Larges reasoning of how the membership has the right to vote. It is so sad that Chief Large actually knows that quite a few of our members put ALL of their faith in any decision that is made by their President and the Liar Chief tell them. Lets make sure that we get everyone into one of the 4 explanations this Monday or Tuesday so we can see if the Blank Marionette can explain the good parts of this bag o shit to those of us that know differently.
Received via Email: 07-01-12 6/29 #5.. That Drop money is earning BIG interest for the city, ie theres your funding.. Which Chief are you? Or are you MTB?
Received via Email: 07-01-12 I know that after Blank does his version of why his and Large's contract is so good, I want to hear why VP Big Country & Mott Don't support it..
Received via Email: 07-01-12 7/1 #1. I am asking how it's being funded smart ass. Not a chief. I don't want the pension to get kicked to curb because it is not being funded properly. So with pension funds going out for two extra years and none being paid in your telling me that is good for the pension?
Received via Email: 07-01-12 FYI: The DROP money goes into a separate account held by ICMA. It is an account controlled by the individual employee only, just like your differed compensation plan. The city has absolutely NO control over it or the interest that it may make, it all goes to the employee. The only thing that the city does is deposit 100% (no taxes, FICA, insurance, etc. taken out) of your pension check into it once a month.
Received via Email: 07-01-12 So with an employee staying an extra two years receiving his or her pension into an account with no contributions being made by that employee unlike a new hire who would be paying into the pension to keep it somewhat funded. Money going out and nothing coming in. Seems bad to me but what the hell. These guys got in drop ready to go now it's a me too clause. Your retired.
Received via Email: 07-01-12 Blah blah blah blah blah. I want whatever the loudest mouthed DC or Captain that's trying to get me to vote on this steaming pile of shit that asshole Mike Blank brought back for all of his educated voters at the MFS.
Received via Email: 07-01-12 I will hope to try to set this straight. What the poster is saying is correct. If the DROP is extended 2 additional years then yes that is 2 more years that people and the city dont put their amounts into the bank. Also no new folks are hired to replace those that are here and not paying into the system. Originally the Pension actuaries said that it would not hurt the plan, of course that was way back when interest rates were still 8+%. I dont know if there has been a new study done for the additional 2 years or not. Maybe Ray Landes or Alan Rosetti can answer that question. I do know that the actuary did say that the additional 2 years would not cost the city any extra dollars out of their pocket. However we face another problem beyond this. The plans are based on assumptions, and one of these is that the employees receive on average a 3% pay increase each year. The more we make the more is taken out of our checks and therefore a sort of balance. However, when your mayor and fire chief give no pay raises then this is yet another way of short funding the system. So in a nutshell, do we have anything to worry about? I would say that anything that kees funds from building the plan dollars does in a way hurt the plan. In todays tea bagger mentalitiy anything that hurts the plan is not considerd for what it is or who was responsible for it, but just another reason to claim how much of a problem it is to keep it going. Remember this when thinking about the current 3 year offer of 0%, 0%, and 0% that your president is asking you to approve. A loss of additional funds from the 2 year extension plus loss of funds from getting no pay raises for 3 years on top of the 2 years we have already gone without. I doubt any well funded plan can with stand those continued losses for a long period of time.
Received via Email: 07-01-12 I'm not sure how many educated voters there are at the MFS. Instead of picking up a copy of the contract they'd all rather talk over each other as to what they know about it (real or otherwise).
Received via Email: 07-01-12 7/1#7 thanks for clarifying my statement about the contribution. I am all for everyone getting something but I would like the pension to be there for the rest of us to enjoy and perhaps some drop money when it is time. Vote this turd down. Large has his double dipping and for some reason who does not want us to get ours.
Received via Email: 07-02-12 It is most obvious to most except the kool aide drinkers that Chief Large cares about no one except his little hand full of ass munchers. and if I was one of them I still wouldnt trust him or any other that would rather dress like a porno ship director. This contract offer has nothing of any good in it for anyone that doesnt already have money in the bank. Maybe SPFR would be better off closing up shop and letting the PD run it. They seem to know how to get the money they need.
Received via Email: 07-02-12 For all of you who couldn't find the time to show up to either of the informational meetings today, you missed seeing the Blank vessel miss fire on all 8 cylinders. You can stay away and not ever witness his act but the problem with that is that he'll still be the same useful chief's idiot when you see him again. H was asked if he was voting on this turd. He told the crowd that he hasn't decided if he's voting on the contract or not. HE'S THE FREEKIN UNION PRESIDENT AND HE SHOULD KNOW THIS OFFER BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS. Blank doesn't even make a persuasive liar. When it was all said and done everyone walked away from Blank and thanked Pauley for telling it straight. FTM
Received via Email: 07-02-12 It was definitely obvious during Michael Blanks contract explanation attempt today as to who knew the most about the articles. Thank goodness for Rick Pauley and Billy Mott, as they seemed to know the who, what, when, where, and why of each of the articles. I guess 4 years of dealing with this crap gave them an edge. MTB used a lot of words that he admitted HR man Chris G. told him, and when John Barfield asked him point blank if he approved of this offer, he admitted that he had not yet made up his mind yet if he would or not. Hey Michael, its ok to tell people the truth. Become a man and stand up for what you believe. Anyways, some of the little surprises that were discovered today. The higher insurance wont take effect until April 2013 (9 Months from now)...The 7 day work cycle wont start until Oct. 2012 (3 months from now). EMT cert pensionible not retro for any of this year. However we will know right away who the drug users are, and the city will know all about your families business immediately upon the ratification of this contract. The city also added language that says in the event that your on duty injury takes longer than 12 weeks for you to return to full duty you could be out of luck there. Yes, there was a provision that sez that if the fire chief likes you enough he can extend that to 52 weeks. Oh BTW, for all you paramedics that were hoping for an additional slot for your annual vacation picks, to bad so sad there too. MTB was considerate enough though to mention that maybe it could be looked into when we go back to the table in 2014 to beg for a new chance. That was the common answer for quite a few questions posed today and there were also at least a dozen things that were brought out that he admitted would have to be clarified before the ballots go out so we will be able to make a real educated choice. I thought that was what these meetings were for...It nice to see that our President put alot of time and effort to prepare himself for this explanation.
Received via Email: 07-02-12 One year contract and fight it out next year when the Romney recovery is taking hold.
Received via Email: 07-02-12 7/2 #4 why do you have to F up this comment page with bring in AH romney? WTF?
Received via Email: 07-02-12 Did we hit a lib nerve?
Received via Email: 07-02-12 You mean Mitt-Witt? Stupid is as Stupid does
Received via Email: 07-02-12 Well, the hope and change has been real good to us hasn't it.
Received via Email: 07-02-12 Brothers & Sisters, While I am not one to want to be in any spotlight here at SPFR, it should be known I am not the kind of guy to sit back and let the train run wild without trying to stop the crash. Yes I have been to more than one negation meeting, union meetings, and have been a member in good standing for 28 years of our local. The 7 year drop would work great for me, as I am in final 7 years as we speak. One thing, I would never compromise the newest members by being so self-centered as to say me, me, me. This contract proposal is bad in many ways. The facts have been listed here many times, just scroll back and read them. I do believe that our Pres. had good intentions, but think he is way off tract now. Being political is the lifeblood of any Union. Being in line with other city bargaining units is a top line item. When more times you hear quotes from the city team, and not enough from our own leader, you have to wonder where we are going. There was a certain member that I know backs MB, the looks he gave me could kill after I spoke my mind at the meeting. Again I feel the good of our entire membership is above the skewed articles on this offer. Take the time, (watch the YouTube Vids) and return your ballot. Vote this offer down. Just say NO. I am always available to talk to anyone about where I stand. Call me! Fraternally, John Barfield
Received via Email: 07-03-12 1 year contract and hope for a better negotiating environment. Not a bad idea.
Received via Email: 07-04-12 Im told that about 30 of us showed up to hear about this proposal that will hound us for the rest of our careers. After witnessing the information meeting for myself on Tuesday and talking with a couple of my brothers that attended on Monday, I would like to make a few observations. First off yes it is true that EVERY proposal was listed as the Cities offer. When we ask President Blank about this he assured us that this was the best that the city was willing to offer.He followed this up with a maybe we can address it i our NEXT contract.
2nd, President Blank seemed to have no concerns over the 0% for our wages since the city is willing to reopen the bargaining process for 2013 and 2014. I guess he does read the stories that show the city looking for ways to overcome an estimated $18 MILLION dollar shortfall again in 2013.
3rd, Concerns over language of "acting within the scope of employment" in the on duty injury article, only brought the answer of "we were told that it means such and such". Many of us in attendance made it known loud and clear that we want to see it in writing.
4th, It was quite a shock when we read for ourselves that the great 7 day work cycle that we are all counting on to get us into millionaire status doesn't even kick in until the first payroll of FY2013. We also learned that there was attempt to address the concerns of the annual vacation pick fiasco that the paramedics encountered. Again there was a maybe next contract answer.
5th, While discussing The new language that will now force you to undergo an annual physical it was discovered that if you choose to go to your own doctor, that you will be responsible for the costs. Hold on because it may be possible that you may need a few different visits to other sites to receive the hearing, chest exray, blood work, etc. These visits will all be out of your pocket. So we go from no cost to unknown territory.
6th, Pay attention, I believe that this is a sneak attack... Article 27 Supplemental Pension. The city has inserted some brand new never seen before language that sez the "enhanced benefits previously agreed upon will continue for the duration of this agreement" What this is I dont know. It wasnt even discussed in the meeting. Is this how our great leaders our going to take care of the pension problem? What makes this even more concerning is that the city has an ending date to this proposed contract of September 30, 2014.
7th, There were numerous concerns raised by no fewer than half of hose in the meeting about the lack of information that is in the Drug Free workplace article. There is no mention of what is tested for, no mention of how your speciman is collected, blood, urine, breathalyzer, etc. and what it takes to get a split test if needed. All important questions that were once again answered by president Blank with "this is what I was told".
8th, Again we were shocked to find out that the cities offer to increase our Life insurance to a level comperable to our salary, wont take effect until April of 2013. There seems to be a problem with the city putting things that actually mean something immediatly but they have no problem putting the random drug testing andd the physicals into effect immediatly upon the passage of this proposal.
9th, There were a few individuals in attendance that asked why this contract with all of its unanswered questions was brought before us? They also asked if we could forgo the voting until we got answers? President Blank assured us that this is the cities best offer and that it is great compared to the way other cities have been treating their employees. So the ballots were put in the mailbox Tuesday night after the meetings were over. We will now be able to make our decisions based on numerous unknowns other than the fact that we will receive no pay raise again this year on top of the 0% we got last year, and of course we have the knowledge that the city is $18 MILLION short for next year.
I did not feel that this was a good offer before attending the meeting and now with all of the questions that were left unanswered by President Blank and the suggestion that we would try again in 3 years, I must say. This offer is nothing but a win for Chief Large and not advisible for anyone else.
Oh yeah, President Blank addmitted that he was asked how he would vote for this offer during the Monday meeting and he answered that he had not yet deceided. However on Tuesday, after he had been able to chair 3 meetings where he was able to say "we dont know" over and over again, he had made up his mind that he would be voting for this gold offering to his Chief without question.
The worst part is that only 10% of our members heard all of this bullshit and that leaves 90% that we will have to pray that they will make the right decision so as to not harm us nor themselves in an effort to bring great praise to our great Chief and is puppet Michael Blank. Wow this is something, the Invisible man is working the strings of the Blank one, whose initials are M-T.
God help guide us through this vote and for those of us that attended the meetings, remember this. We are the only ones that hold our destiny in our own hands. We will not be able to blame this on anyone but ourselves if we dont do everything we can to get these facts out to everyone in our stations. Dont stop with your own station either, I dont think we can tell this story enough times. Remember, your future depends on the uneducated decisions of over 250 of your brothers and sisters, that did not attend.
Received via Email: 07-04-12 Holy shit. Someone did their homework. I've got to tell you that in all my years on the job I've never seen us so screwed up and it's all because the majority of our members chose to go with the guy who promised everything and delivers nothing. If we vote this contract in, we deserve to get all the shit thats included in it and more. Firefighters are alphas who will fight against their own good every time and this proves it.
Received via Email: 07-05-12 WELL SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Received via Email: 07-05-12 The answer to this is for all of us to share the truth about this so called offer. Why shoot yourself in the foot or worse? Use facts, don't go for too much he's an Admin's boy approach. We all know that already. I have a feeling that if we can win by voting this POS down that good ole MTB will, as in all of his past Union positions, resign. Then Pauley with Newton and Mott will bring us back to the bargaining unit we have been in the past.. FTM....NOW!
Received via Email: 07-05-12 ALERT!!!!! there is NO other article in your contract that has a date certain experation date. BEWARE....
Received via Email: 07-05-12 OK I recieved my ballot today, I opened it, voted NO, stamped it and drove it to the post office.. Don't miss your chance to help your union, and firefighter's. Vote NO!
Received via Email: 07-05-12 Thanks for coming around today Pearl. You got 1 hardhead to see the light.
Received via Email: 07-05-12 I wish to thank the Union Officer that came by my station today and explained things to us without stammering or saying I dont know, Thats what I was told, or I'll look into it. The ballots are in our hands and we really wanted to vote but with so many things not entirely explained or being a benefit to me or my family I am going with a NO vote this time around. Lets see, won't this be the third time we have voted against most of the bullshit in this contract?
Received via Email: 07-06-12 Mike Blank's making his way around on the squad truck trying to clean up the mess he's made. He's got a letter from Chris Guella (the guy he spends more time with than Pauley or Mott) explaining how fucked up Mike is as a union president. Yay Mike. Nobody's ever had to do that before.
Received via Email: 07-06-12 I've already had someone at my station grumbling that the shit will hit the fan if the city ever reads Jon Pearl's letter. Dude, come on. They planned the whole mess that we're in from start to finish. If you can't be a man 24/7 then you're their slave.
Received via Email: 07-06-12 There's no point in beating this dead horse any more. You guys are SO screwed. I think I can say without fear of being wrong, that there has never been a time since the inception of Local 747 when things were in such chaos. The membership of Local 747 has followed a handful of loud mouths to destroy what took nearly 50 years to accomplish. And do it in a mere six to seven months. That's not something any of you should be proud of. It's also not something that ever should have happened.
So let's look at a new horse to pound on. How about the pension you THINK you're working for? Is it really there or is it a figment of your imagination? I think it's a little of both. Some will still benefit from receiving it . . . when they're old enough. And some will see it disappear right before their eyes.
The most important thing in a career as a firefighter is what? A 7 year drop plan? Making it up the ladder to officership? Receiving a pension when you've met the qualifications? What is it that makes you come to work each shift? It sure can't be the pay because you're still working for the same pay you did two years ago. It may be to earn enough money to keep food on the table. Then again it could be to pay for that nice home you have. But more than likely, when you signed up for this profession, you were told there was a pension that you would be eligible for when you had spent the required time working for it.
Hmmmmm. . . They've effectively taken away any increase in pay until some time in 2014 or beyond. (You didn't think they were going to just GIVE you a pay raise then, did you?) So you must be working for something else. A paycheck every two weeks. Yes, that's a great reason. Job security is pretty iffy but still there. Healthcare is provided but it's also iffy. So what's left? The pension you say? Really? I predicted over two years ago that every member of this department would be funding their own IRA or Keogh's before they reached retirement status. And Mr. Blank is helping that to happen. When he allows language like the "enhanced benefits previously agreed upon will continue for the duration of this agreement", he is willing to help the city throw EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU under the bus.
Isn't the pension plan, that floats along looking like a turd in a punchbowl, a part of the, for lack of a better name, contract? Isn't every item of the contract up for negotiation at a pre-determined time? And since the pension is part of the contract it will be open for change. And what a feather in the city's cap to have a pre-determined situation governing the negotiations on the pension. In effect you so called president is asking you to vote yea on a contract that includes a very damaging first step to the elimination of the pension itself. And if you don't READ what you're voting on it will slide through just like some of the other turds the city proposals have in store for you. . . . "for the duration of THIS contract". Think about what that means. In a nutshell it means that at the end of the contract period it's very possible that the city can take the stance that THERE IS NO PENSION. It died a natural death on the last day of the current contract. At the very LEAST they'll want to start from zero and they'll be ready with lots of other things to stuff up your ass too. NOW they're free to really go to work on you. And since you put up little or no fight THIS time, that asshole city negotiator will come to the table all pumped up and full of himself and tell you eat shit and die.
And just try to imagine what you'll get, cloaked as a "pension". Maybe nothing. The perfect opportunity for the city to say "Ehh, we've decided to do away with all pensions." Has anyone taken the time to look at the other two entities that are represented by a union and see if they're incorporating that language into their contracts? Well, have they? I don't know but it would be a good place to start looking.
The members of this Local have done themselves a very grave disservice. It's too late to change it now. You own it. But it can be fixed. And in the meantime each and every one of you needs to take a hard look at what you've accomplished by listening to people who led you down this current path. Don't go for anything this president says no matter how he sugar coats it. Be suspicious of everything he says and does and check with Mott and Pauley before you make a decision on anything. Cover your ass from 0800 to 0800 and don't give the city an inch. Ignore the haters and the "know it alls". You know who they are. This can all be repaired but for one I don't think it'll ever be as good as it was at one time. Watch out for each other and don't give them a reason to write you up or reprimand you. And if they do. . .grieve it immediately. And THANK YOU Jon for all your hard work doing your best to educate and inform.
Dick Tully
Received via Email: 07-06-12 Everybody keep an eye out for Jake Nyhart. He's out trying to sell this piece of shit contract without a single fact. You go Jake. Your daddy will be proud.
Received via Email: 07-06-12 I wonder if anyone at city hall cares that Jimmy Large allowed MB to conduct union business on the city's time and diesel?
Received via Email: 07-07-12 ** Jake Nyhart, LR while Ariel is out on sick leave, was doing the same thing on A shift. Driving around doing Union Busting/blank business... Oh yeah he is a gaptoothed pal, one of the chosen. He is above the law.. FTM now! VOTE NO!
Received via Email: 07-07-12 I hear that the Boys from Brazille are bitching about C Shift VP Pearl (get it?) using the union letterhead for his letter. Someones gotta use it for something cuz Blank aint doing shit as pressident with it. Then this morning I heard another one that it came out on the mail run. You know their story's weak when that can't find a bitch with what he wrote but what he wrote it on. It tells the whole story. Guys wanting to get promoted will reveal themselves everytime to be total dicks for a failing fire chief's love and those who support Blank for no good reason other than they're his buddy will vote on a contract that only half baked. Talk about desperate people.
Received via Email: 07-07-12 7.7.12 got it right. . . "when they can't find a bitch with what he wrote", they get all slimy in the crotch over what he wrote it on. Union letterhead, eh? Holy shit!!! One can't help but wonder why THAT would stir up those C shift drones. After all, the writer IS a member of Local 747, I.A.F.F. and has done more during his career to lead, inform, educate and support this Local than any of them, single handedly or collectively. I have to think that it's more the fact that someone ACTUALLY DID SOMETHING using the stationery with the Union letterhead that got under their skin. It no doubt burns their collective asses that their supreme and mindless leader wasn't asked permission prior to the useage. (Just as an aside, does anyone think these members have your best interests at heart when they constantly try to bring the Local to it's knees by denigrating one of the few members who continuously and tirelessly supports ALL the members of this Local on and off the job?) Let me assure you, and I'm serious as a heart attck, that there are MANY and MORE IMPORTANT things for all of you to worry about than the use of the Union stationery with the Union letterhead to print the truth and inform the members. Well, wah, wah, wah, I'm upset that someone told the truth. I say those that can't see past that should use the letter with the Union letterhead as a suppository.
Here's a little something for you C Shift officer wannabe's to ponder. If I'm not mistaken the writer who abused the C Shifter's physically and mentally with his postings is perfectly within his rights to use the Union letterhead stationery. WHY, you ask? Stop and think, genius. What gives him the right to abuse that Union stationery without permission from the glorified one? Got it yet? No, well I'll tell you. He's a member of the Executive Board. Because of this alone, if necessary, he has the right to use the Union letterhead stationery. You C Shifter's didn't even know there IS an Executive Board did you? Let alone who is on it. You need to come to more monthly meetings. And if you read the letter you know that the writer was not alone in his stating of facts. Consequently before you screech and start unfounded rumors about a member; actually one of the few members who gives a shit about this Local, shut you're yap and think about what you're going to say.
Braying to each other about things that are meaningless is basically the same thing you did when you supported and voted for Blank. In a nutshell, shut the hell up and keep your opinions to yourself. The rest of us already have our own.
Dick Tully
Received via Email: 07-07-12 It appears that Brother Tully still has his memory although I'm sure he will admit that he has forgotten more about Union Facts and History, than what our recent still on the couch "this is what they told me to say, experts" are now perpetuating to our other on the couch "I pay dues and nothing else, experts". As Dick points out, its more about how can we remove the blame from our last chance puppet and spin this into something that even Perry Mason wont be able to figure out. I've been around for a while and other then attending a very few union meetings, When did Jake Nyhart become an expert? When did we start telling him what it would take to get this proposal approved? Is he our new Bargaining Agent? or is he now the Mayors new mouthpiece? It apears that this entire issue is nothing more than one of the cities great Red Herrings that they know we will run with and forget all about the issue of the lack of confidence that we have in the puppet that they were so instramental in putting into place. Dont fall for the idea that we will be able to make headway in a couple more years when we return back to the table. MTB cant even make it back to the table as called for in the MOU, that allows a return before June 1, 2012 to reopen the Supervisors contract for a FY2013 pay increase. I hold little faith in he going out of his way towards an entire rewrite of our contract unless he lets Chief Large handle it all again. It baffles me that with continued producing of hisorical facts, that we have so many members with the utmost determination to destroy this union just to fulfill a promotional promise to their financial God.
We are being conned and destroyed by Fools, FINO's, and Mutt's, and they are feeding top shelf rice and beans, nothing else. You can be full for a short while but in the long run you will wish there was a ham bone in there somewhere.
People always say "dont be a dick" but in this case our Dick Tully is who I wish I was and many others need to be trying to fill his ass kickin boots.
Received via Email: 07-07-12
Why are the Police treated so much better than the firefighters?
1. 6, 000 to 7, 000 difference in the Top paid cop over top paid firefighters
2. Police work 20% less hours. 40hrs compared to 52hrs weekly
3. 300hrs of overtime in pensionable firefighter ZERO
4. Guarantee COLA
5. 25 years and out
6. 1500 grant for new house or home improvements
7. 7 years in DROP
8. Take home cars
Firefighters are treated like second class employees when compared to the cops and Mike Blank has done nothing to change this. VOTE NO!!!!!
Received via Email: 07-10-12 Chris Guella for union president! I haven't seen Mike Blank's name on a memo on my union board since he was elected but now I've got Guella's explanation to Blank's F' UP on my union board and that's supposed to make me feel good? I've got a great idea. Let's replace LOCAL 747 with LOCAL 1/3. We might as well because Blank spends 1/3 of his time at HQ. 1/3 of his time at HR and 1/3 of his time on the phone asking the lawyers how to act like a president.
Blank you're a disgrace to firefighters everywhere. Just retire and be the mutt you were born to be.
Received via Email: 07-10-12 You boys in the union hall better keep an eye on Blank cuz he's dirty. There's a few names floating around on this board that he's been hanging with and you KNOW he's up to no good when he's talking with them. FTM
Received via Email: 07-11-12 having certain former "leaders" on speed dial does not solve problems. Both of those former guys were worse than your darkest nightmare. Both rick & mikie were yes men to the city. If you didn't drink as hard, or sleep with attached people connected to the big irish drunk, you were f***ed. The only past Pres I know and trust are WN, and DT. If we could only bring back honest leadership with a clue we all would be better off. Still voted NO how about you? Web master how about a vote poll?
TEAM: Considering...
Received via Email: 07-11-12 Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt Mike the Mutt
Received via Email: 07-11-12 Blank has Fienberg on speed dial. Then theres a group of assholes on this job that could fu++ up a wet dream every time that have never cared how bad a contract could get so long as they get to suck off Large. Every one of them is a pussy.
Received via Email: 07-11-12 Well there should be at least 10 votes for this shitty contract. The top ten on Lts list plus Zweifel and Santana. So I would guess 12 votes max. Plus the tards at 11A so now we are pushing 20+ votes. This shit might become reality.
TEAM: It's called "Sleeping with the enemy."
Received via Email: 07-11-12 do you think we could print those names on here so we all know whom blank is talking to behind the backs and screwing us
Received via Email: 07-11-12 Why are we so quick to sell our soul for a 7 year drop when the arbitrator has not even ruled on it yet? Blank you really fu**ed us and you do not even realize it. Hopefully the membership does and votes this turd down.
Received via Email: 07-11-12 Hey 7/11/12 #4 if you are so worried about my vote man up and call me!!!! don't hide behind a key board like others who are scared to show their true colors...if you have a problem with me please oh please call me and we can discuss your fear like adults. Lt. Scott M. Zweifel 15 yr member in good standing of St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue Local 747!
Received via Email: 07-11-12 We already have too many members in good standing that just pay dues. That's how Blank got into office. The simple act of breathing is not living.
Received via Email: 07-11-12 Dont ya mean Acting Captain for no extra pension or benefits and member of standing around doing nothing except unless its FOR St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue? I'm actually suprised you knew what the local number was
Received via Email: 07-11-12 Again please see my orginal entry my phone number is very accessible it is now up to you to man up and use it, or will you stay scared??? that is only a question you can answer keyboard tough guy(s)
Received via Email: 07-12-12 7-11 #9 It's not Local 747 anymore. Blank changed it to Local 1/3. 1/3 of the time at HQ. 13 of the time at HR and 1/3 of the time on the phone with the lawyers pretending to be a union president.
Received via Email: 07-12-12 "that is only a question you can answer keyboard tough guy(s)" Large always says that too. You're another tool bag who would sell his soul to get promoted. You have no credibility here but you're fun to bitch slap around. Come on back when the bruises go away.
Received via Email: 07-12-12 I think Zwiefel and Moore need to take their pissing match somewhere else. We've got bigger fish to fry with our cheating union president and his cheating friends than to worry about who's doinking whose wife. FTM
Received via Email: 07-12-12 Just a question, but if everybody hates this department soooooooo much why are we fighting for a seven year drop?? Leave and find your full potentialout in the real world. I'm sure that companies are clammering to hire you at double what you make here, since you are so valueable. Open a spot for somebody that is still worth a damn.
Received via Email: 07-12-12 Oh...... haven't you heard? The 7 yeard drop is all that and a bag of chips. Anyone who went to the informational meetings can tell you that this contract offer was only half baked when Blank came into office. He signed off on articles that Winnie was working to improve in the event a decent enough offer came along. Blank came along and saw a whole bunch of articles TA'd and thought he didn't need to to anything more with them. What a fool. They were TA'd to bring them back for a 2nd failing vote and Blank just picked them up and thought he didn't have to massage them at all. Blank is a sorry ass snake oil salesman and some of us fell for it.
Received via Email: 07-12-12 I"ve been out drinking and playing softball all my life and I've just got to say, I give this contract offer two thumbs up.
Received via Email: 07-12-12 There is a sea of information available to read about this contract and I'm still amazed at what I hear in the stations about what's contained in it that's just plain wrong and some of you are voting on the wrong information that Blank is giving you. He needs to step down now.
Received via Email: 07-12-12 This whole thing is unbelieveable. If you took an outsider who knew nothing and explained this situation to them from the beginning to end they would not believe a group of people could make that many mistakes in that short of a time and not realize how many times they f**ked themselves. This much is for certain. It proves just how much the money spent on seminars, schools, meetings and such is money well spent. Winnie had all the attributes of being a very formidable force for this Local at the bargaining table. And he was voted out with malice and forethought. Blank was voted in with no thought. That wasn't foreplay, that was every member of this Local taking it up the ass. Then, in spite of those who would advise against making Blank the spokesperson for the Local at the bargaining table, Blank was instead heralded as the one person who could do the job. That's getting f**ked in the missionary position while being stared at straight in the eyes. It wasn't long before everyone knew a very grave mistake had been made. And while there was much scurrying around and wringing of hands over this revelation, Blank went to the bargaining table and made Local 747 the laughing stock of the county and provided a warm, fuzzy feeling to all the pricks in city hall. Their involvement in the election was paying off. They couldn't be more elated. Now, when it looked like Mott and Pauley could at least stave off the direct stupidity of the new president, Blank makes an end run and individually, without support of the team, does the exact opposite of what was expected. He throws the city another chance to f**k the firefighters union. We can equate this to finding out the condom we thought we had was never worn. Are you bleeding yet? Just wait. You will be. So now, as we await f**k number four or five or whatever, everyone's in a sweat over the outcome of this vote that will tell the city whether or not their Judas goat was totally successful in betraying every member of this Local within a 3 month period. It's not rocket science. If the members of this Local again provide the city with the opportunity to put it up their collective asses, THEY WILL. That's how damn stupid we are. There's no limit to the stupidity of this membership. At least I know there'll be ONE no vote. And believe it when I tell you that this vote, if yes, confirms this president's affiliation with the Chief, the Mayor, and the Council who have supported him throughout to screw every one of us. This dolt was the perfect mental midget to do their bidding and it worked. Those who voted FOR the offer are the ones to thank for the unpleasantries of the next three years. Three years is a long time to be working for the same pay, the same hours, and the same assholes. Just remember, it was your choice. You made it and now you get to live with it.
Received via Email: 07-12-12 As if none of you could see this coming. We've long endured the fire chief and members of his staff as well as the entire group wanting to be promoted, taking aim at the most successful union president we've ever had. They're really easy to spot and I'll tell you how you do it and it works 100% of the time.
Get in a discussion with a group of firefighters about pay or pension or our being mistreated by folks who like to holler at you when you're in trouble like The Great Pumpkinhead or Capt. Kirk. The discussion can take 5 minutes or an hour because it really doesn't matter. The one who never says anything at all or constantly backs administration but provides no facts is your rat. If they leave the room and return a couple of minutes later, stop talking. They've probably made a call on their cell phone and have it tucked in their pocket. This place is full of rats that will never engage those with a strong opinion based in fact. They will always go after weak minded or the new guys like a child molester with a hard on. Try it some time. It always works.
Received via Email: 07-19-12 Isn't it funny how the 3 shifts could have such different officers meetings. Large was beating on Pearl and his letter because it's the reason everybody is divided not his hand picked stoog Blank. Then he's was beating on Wengay Newton because he doesn't support the fire fee. Think back to when we were at impasse and ask yourself who was there to support you 100%. Read the newspaper and don't listen to this jackhole. He's going to put a spin on anything that hurts him to make it look like it hurts us. Large aint us. FTM
Received via Email: 07-19-12 It's official. Steve Hay is running for Pauley's job. If he does we'll have a pair of bookends to run this place to the bottom. Just ask him anything and watch what happens. Hay has never done anything for anybody but himself and now he's going to start showing up at meetings and being all kinda union. What a brilliant idea. Take something that worked well and keep throwing assholes at it until it stops running at all.
Received via Email: 07-19-12 I wonder why no one has taken a stance on Fire Chief Large speaking on behalf of the direction of the Union as they did with the Jon Pearl letter? Jon used letterhead, while Chief Large stood before his Mandatory audience fully representing himself as the Commander of SPFR. So, my question is What gives him the right and who is he to tell anyone about how the union should be doing things? The next thing has to do with St. Petersburg Councilman Wengay Newton being singled out because he isnt doing anything for us. For one Councilman Newton has done more for the employees of SPFR than Large and Knight combined. Plus Councilman Newton has done all of his stuff either on video or reported on in newsprint. When was the last time we read or saw either of the 2 clowns going on record about things that would help you and I. To save their Jobs probably, to save us no. As for Hay or any other Mike Blanks nose picked selections to replace Pauley and or Mott. What
a hoot, of course if you want nothing to ever be challanged by this union again, then these will be the correct choice. The Blank one and his band of know nothing, do nothing, ass picked ass clowns.
Received via Email: 07-19-12 SO the all knowing toilet un clogger Hay seed is running for VP? WTF, there couldnt be a less qualified person to try and run.. What a moron. He is Blanks yes boy in a white tee shirt. He pretends to listen to ya while all the time doing what ever the big cheese from Calladrunk to lArgest and the huge king of idiots Gaptooth night. We are indeed the class clowns of the IAFF if this ,#1 contract gets voted in, Hay gets voted in, and MTB continues to suck us down the hay sewer. Wait a minute, I bet Blank would move to leave the IAFF and become a firefighter's association? Wheres the teamsters when ya need them... FTM, and all their butt boys..
Received via Email: 07-19-12 By the way to all of you Pearl Knockers, He was using his freedom of speech and his abilities to use that letter head as a member of the Exec Board. Go and smoke that in your don't tread on me pipe jackass.
Received via Email: 07-19-12 All I knows is ifin the massa is agen it. I'm fo it. FTM
Received via Email: 07-19-12 I have to assume, which I hate doing but there's no other way to think, that if Blank and his minions can force a yes vote on this contract offer they won't have any problem at all forcing a yes vote for this fellow Hay. That would make it Blank 2, members O. It would also mean that one of the last two members who have any power at all to influence or rein in this Blank fellow has been successfully eliminated from the fray. That means that Bill Mott will be the only one left but will be legitimately outnumbered 2 to 1 on the team. Just a word of caution for the new gentleman, Mr. Hay. Be prepared to be thrown under the bus the first time president Fool gets his teat in a wringer. Don't know you so won't say anything. Only those who do will take care of your legacy. Meanwhile, if this vote is yes and Mr. Hay gets elected . . . all I can say is YOU GUYS ARE SOOOOOOOO FUCKED !!! Maybe Mr. Hay can be the one to turn over the charter to the I.A.F.F. You won't be needing it any longer.
Dick Tully
Received via Email: 07-20-12 Common Good observation.. NEVER VOTE AN OFFICER INTO A EXECUTIVE UNION POSITION. The one that writes you up cannot represent you without compromising you.. You’re F'ked. Say No to Alpha Hay. FTM
CONTRACT OFFER VOTE FAILS
220 MEMBERS AND SCABS VOTE
137 - NO VOTES ----- 83 - YES VOTES
78% OF ELIGIBLE VOTER RETURNED BALLOTS
Now let's get to work fixing this lousy contract offer by actually reviewing and amending each and every article that needs work. No more re-TA'ing shit articles that a past union president was pressed to TA to bring back to a failing vote and impasse. Also, Mike Blank and Rick Pauley need to make the rounds amongst our City Council members to shore up the damage that this vote has done to our relationship with those members who have backed us at both the impasse and the closed door executive session. Everyone should agree in principle that this NO vote was an indictment against a few single issue voters who couldn't or wouldn't allow the arbitration process work for us. Their heavy handed presence hasn't gone without notice.
Received via Email: 07-20-12 how can you people be so stupid wake up and smell the crap
Received via Email: 07-20-12 Haven't heard about silver?.
Received via Email: 07-20-15 It appears that more than some of the Blank one's supporters are fading away into the sunset. Now that we have told him what to do with his pile o shit contract offer, lets move towards showing him the door as well. I would much rather have Newton back in front of council during the impasse that the idiot.
Received via Email: 07-20-12 Okay, so here's the deal. Blank's going to rush out a simple questionaire that he wants everyone to complete by the time his loser ass gets back in town. Why is he rushing I asked? Because his non union scab buddy Jeff Wayne is getting to the end of his drop and his friends are telling him that if he can's deliver a 3 year deal by the end of August, Jeff Wayne is toast. How come the union president is so worried about a scab leaving this job? Because Blank is in the tank for management and they don't want you to know it and Wayne is telling everyone he's going to stay in spite of your contract. Blank puts on a pretty good show and talks shit about Large every chance he gets but that's about it. Like Neil Kummerer said, he's all smoke and mirrors. Blank is a rat and a vote of no confidence should be run up the flag pole. Blank is a mutt.
Received via Email: 07-20-12 Yes the correct results have been reached! This BAD offer voted down. Thanks to all that took the time to read and vote whats best for ALL of us, not just the few. I'm proud of all of you!
Received via Email: 07-20-12 Blank/wayne/Hay.. dumb, dumber, dumbest
Received via Email: 07-20-12 The new spin is that Mott and Pauley drug their feet on getting new ballots out to last minute people that took heed to the chief telling them to get their votes in. Forget about the fact that it was Wednesday evening and the ballots where due on Thursday. Oh by the way, today while I was at the union office helping out with the blood bath, I was shown a list that had the names of 17 people that were sent a new replacement ballot or were some of the folks that dont keep the union up to date with their new mailing address. Anyway, out of the 17 that required additional time to assemble a new packet and another 45 cent stamp, 11 of those deadbeats still didnt give a shit to return the ballot. So dont get your panties in a bunch listening to the once again incorrect bullshit the ass munchers still want you to believe.
Received via Email: 07-20-12 Well, it appears to be obvious that the off the bar stool wonder boy isnt able to live up to the expectations that Chief Jimmy the vote Large placed upon him. Hey everbody deserves 3 or more chances to fuck things up, ask Jimmy and his pumpkin headed lover. Well, it appears to be obvious that the off the bar stool wonder boy isnt able to live up to the expectations that Chief Jimmy the vote Large placed upon him. Hey everbody deserves 3 or more chances to fuck things up, ask Jimmy and his pumpkin headed lover.
Received via Email: 07-20-12 Hey Jimbo. Blank is about as effective as a union president as you are as a man, husband and fire chief.
Received via Email: 07-20-12 Common Good observation.. NEVER VOTE AN OFFICER INTO A EXECUTIVE UNION POSITION. The one that writes you up cannot represent you without compromising you.. You’re F'ked. Say No to Alpha Hay. FTM
Received via Email: 07-21-12 Why not let all officers be part of supervisor unit then 7/20#12 ? Vote us Lts out so we can move on.
Received via Email: 07-21-12 What difference does it make what unit you're in. Blank is the union president and he's yet to do anything for the supervisory unit. Blanks just a big talkier that duped a lot of people into thinking he could do a better job. I can't wait to see what he does for the captains and DC's. If you're a Lt. on this job what do you expect to gain by going with the captains and DC's? You don't think they're instantly going to give you the shit they've got do you?
Received via Email: 07-21-12 Thats a great idea mystery Lt... Very few real Lt.'s left...
Received via Email: 07-21-12 How about the real Lt's staying with their brothers and the rest of you gen X and Yers haul ass. Want to see an old school Lt. that stands up for his guys? He'll be gone soon so go by and visit Mike Turner before he leaves.
Received via Email: 07-21-12 Have you seen the photo that has surfaced comparing MTB's victory score over Newton with Fridays beat down vote for the contract? The Blank nobbers are showing it as some sort of a coincidence while I see it as 55 of MTB's supporters have bailed out on him. When the rest of us wise up we can show Blank the outside of the Union Office door. Also how coincidencedintal is it that after taking a beat down on Friday, the Blank one has turned up ill on Saturday? Boy the Chief must have chewed his ass good last night into the wee hours of this morning over the big let down that he has proven to be.
Received via Email: 07-21-12 Naw, that aint it. A simpleton such as Mikey would have scheduled a party to celebrate that he got something voted on. The outcome dont matter. Its like buying ice cream for your first one.
Received via Email: 07-21-12 You are incorrect. Those 50 votes you mention, They were never MTB supporters. They were anybody but Winnie zombies.
Received via Email: 07-21-12 For all of you who were worried about Mike Blank being out on sick leave today............... he's okay. I talked with Chief Large and he said he's doing well. He's recuperating at a softball tournament with Mike Moore and should be all better by the time he leaves town to play union member like all the REAL union members. FTM FMB
Received via Email: 07-21-12 "LaSala's attempt to push his recommendation through at "turbo speed," Taylor said, is business as usual for the county." Huh. Just like Mike Blank who rushed at turbo speed to get us to vote on a shitty contract. Mark my words, he'll try and rush us into voting again if he can. FTM FMB
Received via Email: 07-22-12 Wow.......people are starting to take notice and talk about this in the stations. His best buddy is a scab and he still hangs with him. What's that tell you about your union president. He's a real keeper. Blank is going to rush back a contract offer for a couple of reasons. 1. He's going to try and save his boy who does all the thinking for him from his scab perspective. 2. He is afraid if we go much longer he'll have to speak at impasse. Remember the video where he spoke at the county and said I'M NOT WINNIE NEWTON. What a moron and he's cashing a union paycheck every month. Gawd Blank your a dumbass!
Received via Email: 07-22-12 I've got a question for everyone. How come our webmaster made a commone sense statement in the big text above and now we're going fishing again to find out what everyone really wants? I want the contract language that Blank didn read fixed with Billy and Rick's help too. Once that's done then we can work on what we want again and if we can get what we want, all the things the city says it wants it can have but without all the surprises that comes from bad language. I know Blank reads this page so how come you didn't read the bad language and get it removed, Mike? Again, before we proceed to giving shit away I want to make sure I'm getting something. Have any of you been reading the papers lately? There's a $10 million dollar fire readiness fee that we don't get. There's $5 million in OT that the cops get to spend that we don't get. The city messed up on a bunch of cops drop numbers and they get to keep it FOREVER and we don't. The captains and the DC's get a drop extension for no pay raise for THIS YEAR and we can't have it. The captains and DC's get a reduced workweek and we're told we can't have it. All the bad language in the contract gets imposed immediately and we get fluff in the fall or the spring. Lets start being smarter about this and call Blank to account for his mistakes.
Received via Email: 07-23-12 How about the old school Lt's take action and try to mentor or plan ass school the new back stabbers? Gen X? pleeze whatever year your from wont matter, they F the new guys too...
Received via Email: 07-23-12 Better watch out Blank. I hear people are coming after you with FACTS. Dick head.
Received via Email: 07-23-12 Mike's a Mutt Large's a Mutt Knight's a Mutt
Received via Email: 07-24-12 Forget MTB's what do we want form. The time has come that we called for accountability from him on his lack of actions in representing the membership, and stop kissing up to HQ Admin., and city hall. It’s time that WE as 747 members called him out. If he can't, or won't answer, well it is more than acceptable we have a vote of confidence or not for this so called leader. I was willing to give the guy a chance. He has miserably failed. It’s time to come clean, or as in past positions Michael, resign.
Received via Email: 07-25-12 Put it together and send it around. If sweet can use the mail to be an asshole. (check that. He don't need the mail to be an asshole) someone can put something together and I'm sure many would sign. MTB is batting for the other team and his scab buddies. Imagine that. We've got a union president who's best buddy is a scab.
Received via Email: 07-29-12 Last week when I took a few minutes for my Union and was a part of the ballot counting process, it occured to me that there is a whole lot more to it than just showing up and being a RAT in the woodpile. First we had to put the envelopes in order. Then we have to verify the names and highlite them on the roster, this I found out is to see who is talking shit and those that actually walk the walk. Then we counted the names on the roster and made sure we had the same number of ballots that where returned. you would never believe how many people cant alphabetize. Anyway then we opened all of the return envelopes and took out the little envelope, again we counted and verified. Then we opened the little envelope and removed the ballot and put it into one of two bins. Accept or reject. Then we had to count the ballots and then someone else counted them again. All this time we are being watched and a tally is put on the board showing how many ballots were sent out, how many were returned, how many voted Yay, how many voted Nay. And in the end, during every step, the counts matched every time. Yes it took all of 90 mins of my time but I know for a fact that its a true system and its the system that was put into place a long time ago. Now for you folks that are claiming that one or more of us picked on you and took your ballot out of the pile to make you look bad. I say bullshit, the fact that you cant give a little time to your union would have made certain that what you are lying about could not have happened. I'm just saying, the 8 of us that were involved didn't have that problem. Of course somehow you are going to spin it that we all knew in advance who was going to show up and who wasn't. What a crock of shit you pathetic mutts are.
Received via Email: 07-30-12 Hey Dicks, CAPITALIZE (Caps Lock for the retards) the names you throw around.
Received via Email: 08-03-12 I stopped by the Union Office today and it was so enlightening to see that they still have the Death Blow results of the stupidest contract proposal ever crafted by the Fire Chief and his puppet. Damn I just about wet myself just now laughing again. Now thats funny unless of course you've sold your soul to the Union Killers.
Received via Email: 08-03-12 I was filling in and was wondering. Do you think there was ballot stuuing at the last union vote
TEAM: Not only that but there was also ballot sfuffing. You should have been there.
Received via Email: 08-04-12 I get the same feelings when I see the vote results proudly displayed front and center on my station Union Board. Damn, it makes it worth coming to work with the idiots that voted for it.
Received via Email: 08-05-12 I get the same feelings when I see the vote results proudly displayed front and center on my station Union Board. Damn, it makes it worth coming to work with the idiots that voted for it.
Received via Email: 08-05-12 OK Mike.. Its been a few weeks since your huge ass size failure. Oh yeah whats up with the insurance "lawsuit" we all text messaged you about? Any updates? I guess I better call Big Country or Mott. Oh yeah, they won't know because you do not share your ideas, or childish type plans with the "team members". Since your #1 scab buddies days are almost over, who ya gonna cling to now? Oh yeah you have Haymaker trying to run against Pauly. Do not waste your time Steve-O. OMG he has the same name as....... FTM and the wanna be men.
Received via Email: 08-10-12 I'm still waiting for the results of my poll answers to rock the world.
Received via Email: 08-10-12 Don't worry about getting a poll. I filled out 10 of them for you and 9 other guys and gave the drop extension a 1 each time. Blank and Jeff Wayne said it was okay cuz they know best. You can thank me later when we vote on the same issues for the 4th time.
Received via Email: 08-12-12 I looked at my poll for a long time, trying to understand the rules. Then I tried to figure out just what exactly how I could mark it so a true figure could be developed. Then I realized that Michael Blank and Fire Administration dont care about anything TRUE, so I figured what the hell and rated everything with a 1. After all, each of these issues where important to us at one time or the other.
Received via Email: 08-12-12 wth? I didnt get a poll... must be a by invite only...
Received via Email: 08-13-12 WEB PERSON! since we all did not get a "poll" please install on on this site! Please!!!!
TEAM: Please forgive. We talked it over with other TEAM members and it was thought to be dangerous to poll on the exact same subject that we were taking to a vote. What would you like to poll on? Confidence in our president, perhaps?
Received via Email: 08-14-12 Well that would work too team leader
Received via Email: 08-15-12 Damn. It's been pretty quiet lately with the RNC coming to town. I guess the Invisible Man and the Great Jack Oh Lantern must be too busy to be giving Blank orders as to how to run the union INTO THE GROUND. Blank you're a turncoat.
Received via Email: 08-15-12 Yup, the RNC is coming to town and rumor has it that many of us are going to be affected by it through additional work duties. Just like when the Grand Pubba comes to town we will see many of our Brothers and Sisters forced to work or to cover for others to make this city look good. Hey we already got them the new accreditation stickers because of what they lie about, so why not pull off the impossible here too. I mean they show us daily what they think about us, why shouldn't we? BTW, this RNC thing happens in 10 days. Ya think they will surprise us with our MANDATORY assignments someday soon?
Received via Email: 08-16-12 Quit your belly achin, They only need 50 people and a there are plenty of ass munchers and knob polishers that will gobble those slots up in no time.
TEAM: Instant Winner!
Received via Email: 08-21-12 St. Pete Fire Fee, Tampa Bay Times "it is bad policy to put critical city services in financial silos. It reduces elected officials' discretion at the same time it hands leverage to the firefighters union, already one of the city's most politically influential special interests. What's next? A police fee? A citywide parks fee?"
Don't blame this unpopular new tax on firefighters, this "fire fee" is not directed for fire protection. The "fee" is a tax to provide funds to balance a $10 million shortfall anticipated in the FY 2013 budget and allow the city to continue piling up excessive reserves.
The city has provided a hardship exemption only for property worth over $10 million so the wealthiest can shift their tax burden to the poor and middle class.
That's why citizen's formed the Fair Tax Coalition and started a petition to St. Petersburg City Council and Mayor Bill Foster which says: "Stop this gimmick that reaches into all pockets, regardless of ability to pay. Council should promote a more equitable source, such as millage adjustments, not a flat tax that targets the poor." Please click and sign this petition: http://tinyurl.com/c5tho2o
Received via Email: 08-21-12 I haven't heard a single person in the stations that thinks too much of the way the mayor and the fire chief cooked up this screwy fee and attached our name to it. What's even better is the fact that we're not going to get a penny of the money but Large hangs onto Foster's every word on the subject. Jimmy are you ever going to be a man? We already know you're not THE man. Just be a man.
Received via Email: 08-21-12 I just love explaining this thing to people on the street who ask. Has anyone asked our genius of a union president what our official opinion on this is going to be?
Received via Email: 08-21-12 8/21 #1 sounds like Obama
Received via Email: 08-22-12 I just tell them to still call Winnie. He was guiding Blank at the last union meeting with the by-law changes. And Sweet we made verbage changes you wanted to the by-laws and you still voted NO!
GIVE ME A BREAK!!!
Received via Email: 08-22-12 It's nice to know that the opinion writers at the Times recognize that the Firefighter's Union is
"one of the city's most politically influential special interests". Even if they don't know about the cops owning the mayor. Now who's the influential special interest? And isn't it just like the liberal Times to beat the drum against an already maligned and disrepected vocation? Lowlife's that they are they still have to pick up someone elses banner and fly it to sell newspapers. They aren't even smart enough to understand the proposal. Obviously no one in the Times offices have read it. Thankfully, in probably a lot shorter amount of time than one may think the whole damn bunch of those liberal jerks will not have a job. If you own a cell phone you don't need a newspaper.
Posting the petition on the web page will normally not be of any consequence since it has no actual signatures and all who sign must be a registered voter (if I'm not mistaken). It's the only way the council will accept it as a certified petition. I don't see the members of the council that was going to help us with the contract making any effort whatsoever to actually clear up the situation and inform the public of the truth. You know what they say, "If you want the water to clear up you have to get the turd out of the stream". In this case it's the same turd that denigrates fire fighters and will do everything he can to undermine them . . . Meet the mayor. Yep, hizonner himself. Not a bigger turd in city hall. And an expert at muddying the water.
The best way to determine whether this is a tax for fire protection or a tax to offset $10 million dollars that will find it's way into the general fund is to have a watchdog on the fund. Since this is public money the direction it goes after being collected would be a hard indicator of what the actual intent was in the first place. There should be no trouble determining the useage via the Public Information Act. If it's public funds it's public knowledge as to the useage. It won't take much to catch the mayor with his hand in the cookie jar using the money to fund anything and everything exept the fire service. The obvious choice to be the one who shadows the trail of the "fire fee" is a member of the current city council. Questions are still allowed at council meetings aren't they? Or has that become taboo by the mayor?
I'm not so sure we can blame the current union president for not being informed or involved with this situation. After all the chief has nothing to say in public about it and of course that just adds to the validity of the accusations by the Times. Silence is agreement as far as they'r concerned. Since no one from the fire service is doing or saying anything to rebut the mayor and HIS gang, everything that is printed becomes gospel. Sure, it would be nice to be able to offset the percieved shortfall of $10 million but go about it in a way that doesn't again denigrate the firefighters and the fire service. And it's high time the union president held a press conference and explained the fire service side since no one at headquarters seems to have the balls or the incentive to do so.
Dick Tully
Received via Email: 08-22-12 8/21 #4, get you head out of your ass and give a damn about your loca. Stop trying to spin your political BS!
***FYI, all of those so smart city politicians that thought up the "fire tax" are card carrying Republicans! FTM
Received via Email: 08-22-12 Well, did anyone else end up holding their nose from the stink that was coming from Chief Large and his latest opinion of the Current Event as he sees it? I really liked the constant ending of each sit rep as stay tuned. If he knew he could make an educated guess but when you dont know you just dont know. Do ya Chief? It was surprising that the issue he claims not to meddle in, related to the current negotiations was 3 to 4 times longer than any of the others. He wants us to believe that the claims that this lastest contract proposal was totally city authored, are not true. So he diggs up old porposals that were made not by President Blank stare but goes back to bring up stuff that was put on the table by PAST President Newton. Hey, Chief are you forgetting something? First Newton had NOTHING to do with ANY of the last contract negotiations. Second, the last contract that Newton brought to the membership was VOTED DOWN. So if you want to hang the alocades anywhere, I dont think that what you were able to give the Blank one for is pretty pathetic. But why should we expect anything more from you. Next you took the time to gloat about your election to the President of the State Fire Chiefs Association and how these new duties would be taking you away from your post here. I guess this continues to show how you care nothing about how things are running here under your leadership oversight. Does this admission also mean that you are now collecting a fire department pension, a fire chiefs salary, a no cost to you city adminstrative pension, and now a salary as President of the State Fire Chiefs Association? Damn, and you still wont allow the city to honor their contractual obligation to give folks a 2 year extension to their DROP? You also mention the lastest and the upcoming retirements. 1 of the 2 that just retired and at least 1 of the upcoming 3 have expressed interest in staying the extra time. Lets not forget about the one that was run out of this job back in May. Oh yeah you do remember because you covered that in your rehash of the 4 upcoming arbtrations. Then the Chief has the ass to talk about these tough economic times. Really? Is that why you are forcing the union to expend funds on FOUR Arbitrations? Is that why you are giving out TEN Shift Suspensions like its halloween candy? How many of our folks can go an entire month without a paycheck? I guess when your pulling in $200,000.00 a year plus car allowance you forget where you come from. But why would you worry about that? And then we get to Accredidation, Whoppie doddie. Other than in your small mindset what the heck does that mean to the working men and women in your department? More pay? Nope. Better working conditions? Nope. Reduced work week? Nope. Accused of being drug abusers? Yeaup. I think our Chief needs to do a whole lot better on his next try at bragging. So, I guess we will just have to wait our turn to see you in a station other than the only one that you feel comfortable in, so we can ask you to explain to us just WHAT THE HELL YOUR THINKING. I just dont wear the same colored glass that you do.
Received via Email: 08-22-12 Just heard on FOX News, the Hurricance system heading our way, is being sent by Obama, to interfere with the RNC. Damn, if he can do that we should keep him in office. Thanks Fox News for bringing that to my attention.Just heard on FOX News, the Hurricance system heading our way, is being sent by Obama, to interfere with the RNC. Damn, if he can do that we should keep him in office. Thanks Fox News for bringing that to my attention.
Received via Email: 08-23-12 Hummm, 2007, RNC in New orleans, Hurricane coming, they move to another city. 2012, RNC in Tampa, Hurricane heading our way... Conclusion, the RNC sucks so bad storms will cum right to them! HA
Received via Email: 08-23-12 I hold my nose when Large or Blank come around. Large can't get his message out because it's all hot air. We keep voting down contracts that contain so little and Large talks about the offer for drug testing and physicals like we got exactly what we wanted so why vote it down? And nobody believe for a minite that anyone asked Jimmy Large if we could be going to impasse. He's the spinmiester talking shit to get us all tho thinking that we're about to get our hass handed to us because we don't play well with others. Fuck him and the horse he rode in on. Pauley is taking our moron union president around to talk to council members again so WHATEVER!!!! jIMMY.
Received via Email: 08-23-12 8-22 #4 I read Large's rag. So chief................... what do you think my chances are of me getting a list of written union proposals from Mike Blank? I've seen all the videos and rather than being proactive I think Blank was reactive when he walked in to every meeting empty handed and only addressed city proposals. A trained seal could do that. Let's face facts. You want drug testing and physicals in the worst way for nothing in return and we'll be stuck with a bad contract full of bad contract language that Blank's not even attempted to read or discuss with his negotiating team. There is no compelling reason to sign a contract when nothing is being offered. You're stuck with no contract like we're stuck with no union president. We're all good.
Received via Email: 08-23-12 Oxymoron:(is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.) Thanks Fox News for bringing that to my attention...
Received via Email: 08-23-12 Large in his Current Events mentions all the negotiations stuff. How would he Know I can't recall the last time I saw him at one. I am sure Blank fills him in.
Received via Email: 08-23-12 Is is time to elect a new union president yet?
Received via Email: 08-24-12 Note to self; never should have gotten rid of the old one.
Received via Email: 08-24-12 Note to self; the MFS should have their own union because they obviously GET IT. The rest of us who don't GET IT will be free to dump Blank.
Received via Email: 08-24-12 it should be sweet, the mfs and hq with their own union. that way they can lie and backstab and cheat all they want and leave the rest of the real ffs alone. no use makin excuses. I mean sweet......why arent u up bruni and zamps ass sucking them off to get what you want. NO BODY TRUSTS YOU or your Decisions
Received via Email: 08-25-12 I sure wish that faux-firefighter Bill Moore would stay off this website. His belief that Zweifel, Kadau, Bruni, Zamp, and Sweet has been old and tired. Bill, though you carried the certificate, you were never a firefighter and there was zero chance of training you up. When you got shipped from 13 to 3, it was because you had no clue how to do the job. For example, you lost water on a line that was inside a trailer and could have killed firefighters. You seem to have left that story out. How about the time you crashed an engine because you sucked as a driver. All of this means that you have never earned the right to call yourself a firefighter nor have you earned the right to speak to one with anything less than respect and admiration. So, to sum it up, FUCK OFF.
Received via Email: 08-25-12 I am confused who is this person. Only heard of in passing. But even if you do not like him accusing someone of attempted murder is a serious allegation. You must be someone who is uneducated. And for the site to allow this? My wife is an defense attorney. And was surprised that comment was allowed.
TEAM: We're guessing you're taking exception to the following line: "For example, you lost water on a line that was inside a trailer and could have killed firefighters."??? How did the two of you come to the conclusion that if a pump operator loses water and (God forbid) firefighters lose their life in a fire due to that loss of water that it's murder? The writer made the statement of supposed fact that Bill Moore lost water. The writer then hypothesized that firefighters might have been killed due to some action or inaction on Moore's part. But murdered? Your assertion's a bit of a reach don't you think?
Received via Email: 08-26-12 He did lose water. Apparently he didn't know BM. Thank you to whomever wrote the 8/25 #1 post. You're spot on.
Received via Email: 08-26-12 To 8-25 #2 As big a dick as BM was even the courts would have a hard time calling it murder becaue you're a dumbass who doesn't know his job. Kinda dopey.
Received via Email: 08-26-12 Enough about Bill Moore. He don't work here anymore. I know for a fact that nobody ever talks about Zweifel, Kadau, Bruni, Zamp or Sweet. They're all top notch guys who would go to the ends of the earth to help themselves out.
Received via Email: 08-26-12 Re: 8.25.12 - #2
I'm guessing you got married before your wife became an attorney. Ordinarily attorney's are very well educated in grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence construction and I have to assume you don't get many points for any of those things. You're a very lucky man.
Received via Email: 08-26-12 now that has been resolved what are we going to do about our contract and lack of leadership?
Received via Email: 08-27-12
I running for job.
You give me job.
I work good.
I cut union hall grass.
I chop much wood.
Blank chop much wood.
I not like paperwork.
Blank not like paperwork.
I not like go union school.
Blank not like go union school.
We work good together.
Vote Hay for union job.
Ugh.
Received via Email: 08-27-12 So easy, even a cave man can do it!
Received via Email: 08-27-12 This just in from our favorite Mayor
Good Afternoon,
What a weekend! Between the RNC coming to town (scheduled) and a tropical storm (unscheduled), I have witnessed hundreds of proud employees of the City of St. Petersburg performing above and beyond the call, ensuring not only the beatification of our streets and city as a whole but the safety of our residents and visitors. The only word that comes to mind is BRAVO! You all are to be commended for your extraordinary service. On behalf of my office and the 250,000 people who call St. Petersburg home, thank you all for a job well done! You city shines and it's because of you.
I am truly humbled and grateful.
Bill
Now get back to work you out of shape drug abusers. And quit your whinning about a pay raise, you could be digging ditches and doing roofing.
P.P.S. Thanks again for making me look so good.
Received via Email: 08-28-12
I no like chief tell me what do.
I write memo tell cheif where get off.
I no like Winnie tell me what do.
I write memo tell Winne where get off.
Who say dispatch no like open mic?
I like open mic just fine.
Michael Blank in over head.
Mickael Blank sez has room for me at top.
Even I know top no look like bottom!
Vote Hay for union job.
Ugh.
Received via Email: 08-28-12 Mayor Putz gives out nothing if it doesnt benefit him first
Received via Email: 08-28-12 He spelled CHIEF wrong LMAO
Received via Email: 08-28-12 +I will explain to the newer employees who Bill Moore is. He was a paid firefighter who hid at 12 for a number of years. When he went out there, he only had a couple on the job. He was certified by the department as a driver but never did any more training and never had the call volume that creates a real driver. Beyond that, he was a dick. At one point, he had a lot of guys from TI pissed because he liked to talk shit behind people's backs. He never had us fooled. But he did have his folks hoodwinked. When word came down that Callahan was allowing him tobe moved from 12, mommy and daddy called Baker to put a halt to it. As the story goes, they lost and Baby Billy went to 13 where he wrecked the truck, put firefighters in jeopardy, and stole expired drugs. Whatsmore, he got his disability pension, on ourbacks, and has tried to cause a great deal of strife for some of our members. For that, he is not excused and is condemned to be a traitor.
Received via Email: 08-28-12 Hey Blank. Every see this kind of shit before? It's from 2005 when you were still getting ready to get ready.
"The city has offered a three-year deal with a combined pay raise of 9.5 percent. The package would cost taxpayers $3.2-million. The city has also proposed changes to the pension plan allowing for a cost-of-living adjustment for retired firefighters, short of what the union desires.
The sides have been in talks for 17 months, with the contract expiring at the end of the 2004 fiscal year. There have been 24 bargaining sessions, with the next planned for Wednesday."
17 months and 24 sessions. Boy, you're out of your league. Your "Union President" game is so weak that you're bringing offers back for the members to vote on where you never made a single written proposal for what??? boots? 8 hours off for the drug test you might see once every five years? 7 day work cycle that Billy Mott tells you isn't worth what you keep lying to everybody that it's worth? a great little job as a civilian inspector?
You have done so much damage to a once fine union that we may never get back off of our knees again with the damage you've done.
Received via Email: 08-28-12 +I no like chief tell me what do. This is so evident since there is now an audio recording being circulated around the County that has Lt Hayway talking about washing his balls over the air during a fire call. How is it that he received verbal counseling from his superior about being careful with what is said, but now he is allowing it to be openly played and downloaded throughout the department? How did Dave Nolshiem get time off for basicly the same thing? I guess when Chief Callahan talked people listened. On the other hand Chief laugh it off is just a Mayors boi.
Received via Email: 08-28-12 so your saying after the very first meeting when he wanted to bring an offer back we should have waited? Dammit I knew it.
Received via Email: 08-30-12 hey b shifter. nobody cares about your love affair with Bill Moore who don't work here anymore. Why don't you talk about something that affects all of us like the wanna be firefighter and scab lover MB? Everybodys all touchy feely right now but wait till the elections are over. The guys who don't get elected will all of a sudden start to turn on him like they were really ever going to do that if they got elected. Bullshit. Union posers.
Received via Email: 08-31-12 From Hay's letter:
We have elected Micheal Blank and he is working diligently to bring about positive results for our membership. Nevertheless, John Pearl has stated in a letter that he and the majority of the Executive board are not in agreement with President Blank. I personally feel that it is impossible to move our union forward with a team that is not all on the same page. My decision to run for Vice President is with the intent to work with our elected president so we can bring about positive results for our membership.
Steve Hay. The way to fix the problem is not to ADD YOURSELF but to REMOVE BLANK. You obviously believe that Pauley and Mott aren't working with Blank. Everyone who went to the informational meetings figured out what's going on in less than 5 minutes. Why do you think the contract offer didn't pass? Because Blank is in denial. He's the only one that thinks he's some kind of bargaining genius. You say you want to work with Blank. That's great but we already have 1 guy who believes in a 1 person union. 2 of you will be 2 too many.
Received via Email: 08-31-12 We knew eventually, Hay would turn to the dark side. Just remember, Yoda can kick all your asses. May the Force be with you.
Received via Email: 08-31-12 This story is not new. The few Blank supporters that are out there keep telling everyone that the problems with the union are caused by Rick and Billy not working with Blank. Hellooooooooooooo.......We never had these problems before Blank came along. He's a child in an adult job.
Received via Email: 09-01-12 This news shocker just in. I just heard this while in the union office Friday. Blank once again is scheduling bargaining sessions without asking Mott and Pauley their availibility. I now see how Steve Hay can make the statement that They are the ones that wont work with MTB.
Received via Email: 09-01-12 Im trying to figure out what it is that all of these people who are running for office expect to change.
Received via Email: 09-01-12 I read Jeremy Wert's letter today. He's running for Bill Mott's position. I'm all for the ocassional newsletter but I make phone calls when I need to know what's going on so it's not an essential for me. Due to the nature of our business the production of a newsletter would have to be on the rather vague side, much akin to meeting 'minutes' that are posted to the union board. Along those same lines, his idea of attempting to video record meetings so that members who either can't or won't come to them have an opportunity to see what's going on is not possible. These meetings aren't like negotiations sessions that are open to the public. They're private, closed meetings where the internal workings of organized labor is discussed. As an example, throughout the years we've sometimes had speakers address the members. The meetings are either delayed or suspended immediately upon the guest's arrival and no further business is discussed until the guest exits the building. We don't even audio record our meetings anymore. I give him an 'A' for effort but I'm kind of old school when it comes to replacing an incumbant who's well trained, dedicated, is a known quantity (150% pro labor) and isn't ready to stop serving us yet. If Wert keeps showing up for meetings and makes himself available when needed, when the timing is right for him and us I'd consider him.
Received via Email: 09-02-12 9/1 #2, I agree 100%. Wert may have high ideals, but like stated, it is not his time yet. Bill Mott may not be the best fit to be a Firefighter, but there is no one that comes close to his knowledge, and skills as our secretary treasurer.
On another note, Hay stop before you embarrass us all.
Received via Email: 09-02-12 Hay is already an embarrassment. He has been ever since HQ passed him over 5 times. Now get back to taking orders from all those new captains Hay boy.
Received via Email: 09-02-12 I asked my Captian today about the upcoming negotiations for their unit. Not only did he not know what I was talking about, but he had no clue what they would be seeking. Once again our new President will be doing it his way, and the hell with the rest of us. Maybe they can get another r-day or maybe he will show us his way to get them the 2 year extension to the DROP.
Received via Email: 09-03-12 My Captain was quite surprised to hear about this as well. He was even more surprised when he heard that Crumity was once again the chosen one to be on the team.
Received via Email: 09-05-12
Franternally,
Jon Pearl
Received via Email: 09-05-12 What happened to Crumity? I thought he was going to run the show this time for the captains and chiefs.
Received via Email: 09-05-12 Michael, Michael, Michael...When you present a proposal you have to have JUSTIFICATION. Now we know why you have never presented one before. Hey Chief Large, did you see what your boi just did? I mean besides looking stupid. He just presented a proposal. WOW!!!!, I bet you devote a full page in your next poopoganda rag touting the Blank ones accomplishments. Michael, please leave the sunglasses in your truck, you dont make it that bright in there that you will ever need them. Did the video breakdown? 5 minutes? A negotiation session should never be called a waste of time but coming as unprepared as you did, you just about proved me wrong on that theory. Now lets get into your 3% raise offer. Are you F***ing Shi**n me? You realy want to pay a District Chief $98,000.00 to sit in an air conditioned vehicle, never enter another hazardous atmosphere, work less hours than the rest of us, earn more overtime, AND collect the SAME HIGH Risk Pension that we do?
Did you new Dream Team push you into this one or did you tell them it was your idea and since they just blindly said go for it? They keep telling us that they are going to agree with everything you say boy if this is an indicator you have definetly pick the correct stooges for your Chief. How is it that the City has known that there was a reopener clause for pay in this contract for the past 2 years and you let them tell you that they would have to take this proposal back to the big boss? They should have had a counter offer today. Oh yeah, they were so surprised about actually seeing a written proposal they were caught off guard. Well, you continue to amaze your supporters and show me that your stupidity has no bounds. Maybe someday soon the Voyager Spacecraft will get further out into the twilight zone than you and Rod Serling.
Received via Email: 09-05-12 I am sorry that I missed todays embarassing moment. I was so caught up in believing that the new breed was going to do everything better than the old geezers we are stuck with now that I thought we were going to hit a grand slam on the first pitch. Boy was I ever fooled.
Received via Email: 09-05-12 Really a 3%? The reason cause that's what they said they wanted. Work less and get more. Nice answer Mikey you jackoff?
Received via Email: 09-05-12 $4,000.00!!! Thats awesome, I am glad that we have finally got someone with more nuts than brains begging for us. When can the rest of us get into the Supervisory Unit? I belittle my probies everyday.
Received via Email: 09-06-12 I have to say I'm starting to like Chris, He innocently made Blank look like the true idiot he is. Thank You!
Received via Email: 09-06-12 I think Guella had 1 brain tied behind his back too.
The guy who keeps making these videos should be flogged for making Blank look bad. Hahahahahahahahahahah!
Received via Email: 09-06-12 Chris baited Blank with a question that took very little thought and then set the hook so fast it was pathetic. Michael, we have ask over and over Please quit now. Your attempts at being feeble are being witnessed by all.
Received via Email: 09-08-12 Wait until Michael gets his new Dream Team in position then you will see a real bunch of stooges. I dont know why but the tune of Three blind Mice keeps playing in my head.
Received via Email: 09-08-12 Has anyone wondered why it is that we scheduled a nego session for the captains and chiefs just one day before a council executive session? Guella said that the meeting was being held to discuss rank and file business and low and behold Blank knew all about it. How smart was it to have a meeting where we're asking for 3% for supervisors one day before they're scheduled to discuss our bidness? Is Blank trying to kill the rank and file's chances of ever getting a decent offer?
Received via Email: 09-08-12 These videos make Michael Blank look stupid like spoons make Rosie O'donnel look fat. If Blank could, he would help himself but he can't. WYSIWYG
Received via Email: 09-08-12 I asked before and I'll ask again. We're having all kinds of problems with the leadership of this local being infiltrated by the fire chiefs office so why do we need to allow more of the same? If any of the longterm leadership are voted out of office this union will fall on very hard times. Stop listening to this MUTT fire chief and do like MB claims he's doing when he's not spending 6 hours a day with the chief.....................walk out of the room.That's what you do Right MB? LIAR. FTM
Received via Email: 09-11-12 I was just going back through some of the old contract pages and can't believe how we used to fight for a decent contract. Blank keeps trying to bring back an offer everytime he goes to the table well take at look at this http://usvsthem.homestead.com/CONTRACT5.html 1300+ days of NEGOTIATING??? Was that really us?
TEAM: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Charles Dickens
Received via Email: 09-12-12 1300+ days of NEGOTIATING??? So your saying Blank was rushing a bit too much. He's slowed to a crawl since his "non dues paying could give a shit about union firefighters scab buddy" left the job.
Received via Email: 09-12-12 He still has Brahm Tokotch D. Thomas Watkins and Schlissing to turn to.
Received via Email: 09-14-12 In his 27-page ruling, the judge said sections of the law "single out and encumber the rights of those employees who choose union membership and representation solely because of that association and therefore infringe upon the rights of free speech and association guaranteed by both the Wisconsin and United States Constitutions."
Meanwhile, back at the union hall Blank's reading Superman and polishing the Superman belt buckle that the Invisible Man gave him. Moron!
Received via Email: 09-15-12 I find it so hard to believe that all folks out in Wisconsin had more faith in their Union Leaders than they had in their City, County, and State Bosses. Wow what a concept, Union Leaders Lead their members OUR Brothers and Sisters down the right path again. Meanwhile back under the Chiefs desk aka. the Union annex Michael Blank shrugs his shoulders takes a new breath gets a new grip and continues his daily homage to his King. I dont think its a belt buckle that he polishes.
Received via Email: 09-16-12 Has anyone heard about a meeting tomorrow where our president is going to discuss trading some of our vacation time to get another r-day? I've asked around but i cant confirm it. Is this another of those secret meetings that MTB is famous for? I'm wondering how the rest of the E-board feels about this? Actually I guess I should ask, I winder if the rest of the E-board even know at it? Maybe Mikey has run it past is yes massa dream team who feel working behind our backs is better than out in the open.
Received via Email: 09-17-12 I called the union hall about this today. Blank and Mott went to have a discussion with the chief over getting the paramedics another vacation time slot. Billy had all the facts to support their claim. The medics currently have two vac. time slots available to them and it's not enough. Billy proved that they are getting shafted and that they actually need 3.5 slots to make it fair.
Received via Email: 09-17-12 why would he trade something for something that doesnt cost the city a cent? WTF?
Received via Email: 09-17-12 Its easier to make a bad trade than it is to work for something? I bet he traded 2 quarters for 3 pennies when he was a kid because 3 was better than 2.
Received via Email: 09-18-12 I received Billy Mott's letter in the mail today. Even with the recent turn of events, he still had that position hands down, skill, experience, and being a big player at the state and international Union level! The brotherhood part was well written Mr. Secretary Treasurer. Congrats on reelection.
Fraternally,
John Barfield
Received via Email: 09-19-12 Billys letter sure said a lot more than any of the ones from Hay, Sweet, of Wert. I guess experiance says alot.
Received via Email: 09-19-12 When did Steve White become our Lead Negotiator? I hear he has single handedly decided that we can all afford to reduce our annual vacation hours by 125 hours and give up 3 slots. But he is quick to point out that only the fist is getting shoved up our asses and not the whole arm. I don't know but after 25 years on the job I don't want to go back to having the same vacation hours as I did when I was first hired. I wonder how many of our members with less than 5 years on feel about earning only 50 hours of vacation a year? What happened to the Union fighting to get the Paramedics another vacation slot? Has Mike given up on us again and made up his mind on this new decision?
Received via Email: 09-20-12 Didn't you hear? Since the consitution and bylaws say the president is in charge of picking his nego team, sexual predators, guys that would do anything to get promoted and guys who just woke up from their sofas are all good prospects. Just ask the idiot passing himself off as a union president..........Michael Blank. Proof positive that stupid should hurt.
Received via Email: 09-20-12 OMG help! What the hell are some of you doing? After YouTube’s show of our ,"leader" dauu dauu ing his way around. Dealing with pedo's, and we hear a lynch mob is going to try and hijack the meeting from the right minds that want fixing of our constitution, and make the exe positions something that is earned, not bought into, or sucked for some of you. Hay? Pleeze,. Sweet? OMG pleeze (sorry b shift). Two Suits, aka HQ do-boys have absolutely NO PLACE in the union executive branch. OK Sweetie wants to be b shift VP, and not pay dues. Do you think he will give up any PTEC time, money to help you poor suckers out? ( sorry B shift) Hell no he won't. Neuberger, the real Neuberger has been through hell for our local, and will continue to steer you all where you need to go. So, here is what will be needed to win. When you get that Ballot in the mail, open it, put an X by Rick Pauley, an X by Neuberger. Don't be tempted to draw a big Poop for the plumber because that will get your ballot tossed. ( that is pretty funny though, a poo-poo ) MAIL that sucker today, or tomorrow! I did! Good luck to all of us that know what the Union is, and should become again. We have strayed too far and to let in more clueless wanna be leaders! That is not going to help anyone... OK that’s me rant for the day. See you at the UNION MEETING!
Received via Email: 09-20-12 Good afternoon! I just read Rick Pauley's letter for re-election to the post he has defended so well. It states all he has done, and continues to do. If any of you have not decided what a great pit bull for US he is, go and watch the video's of negotions, or ask anyone that was at the contract explaination. Unlike rumors, and gossip, he is not against Mike he is doing his job as EVP to steer and guide the new Pres. I will be voting for Rick.. Good job EVP!
John Barfield
Received via Email: 09-21-12 John, I concur with what you have written in regards to the letters sent by the Incubmants that have served us well during their terms of Office. These letters speak of experiance and dedication. The cheeto eatin couch boys speak of how they will follow the trail of Larges shit that continues to fall from Blanks britches.
Received via Email: 09-24-12 John Barfield Rocks
Received via Email: 09-26-12 City Council has the last budget meeting tomorrow and then they hold one of their super secret Executive Sessions. I smell the oder of vasoline.
PHASE 2 OF 'THE SCIENCE EXPERIMENT GONE BAD' HAS NOW BEEN IMPLEMENTED
EVP RACE - HAY-125 -- PAULEY-115
B-SHIFT VP RACE - SWEET-51 -- NEUBERGER-24
THERE IS NO ONE LEFT TO DEFEND LOCAL 747 OR ITS MEMBERS
RIP
Received via Email: 10-05-12 F*CK, for the first time in my 25+ years I think I'll drop out of this union.. WTF are you mutts trying to do? RIP 747....
Received via Email: 10-05-12 Okay now, on the blackboard 500 times: GO ALONG TO GET ALONG GO ALONG TO GET ALONG GO ALONG TO GET ALONG GO ALONG TO GET ALONG GO ALONG TO GET ALONG...............................
Received via Email: 10-05-12 RECOUNT RECOUNT, RECALL!
Received via Email: 10-05-12 wow
Received via Email: 10-05-12 Holy shit! This is just like real life politics where the political tide swings back and forth. Nah. This is more like "out of the frying pan and into the fire".
Received via Email: 10-05-12 If we can knock just a few more of you guys out at the top we'll totally be owned by administration and the two dim bulbs Blank and Hay.
Received via Email: 10-05-12 This is a huge shame for our local. Why in anyone's right mind would you think putting an Officer, 2, not just one into an executive position? Didn't the shit that has gone down before with Officers sleeping with the chief carve any memories into your weak minds? God forbid anyone of you that are not in the Boy's club, and yes i said BOYS needs representation, you can forget any of those stooges stepping up. Do you even think, for a second that they have any clue on how to protect you? Hay said he would step aside if any of his guys got written up, and defer to another official. Blank sure as hell has no balls, Hay is just one of them.. He lost his spine years ago..I am sure he will be fighting with Swt & Low for the coveted under the desk spot...Pray for the next Pres election of our local. Newton will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of our new BOYS trying to give more back to admin, and restore, more likely rebuild, whats let of our Union.....I'm not a religious person, but by god I'm praying now.. In good spirit I say whole whole heartedly, F#*k The New Boys..(they don't deserve Man.)
Received via Email: 10-05-12 You f**ksticks aint seen nuthin yet. The new Brain Dead Posse of Blank, Hay, and Sweet is now Large and in charge. They have promised that they are gonna rock our world and drink till we stink. Come on by the office a quaff a few with them anytime. Negotiations!! we dont need no stinkin negotiations. Greviences, those are for those that deserve everything they get. Arbitrations, waste of time and money. Bring another round, you dont care whats fallin down around ya when ya stay sloshed.
Received via Email: 10-05-12 Thank you Rick Pauley and Rick Neuberger for being great union brothers who worked for firefighters who aren't worthy of your time.
Received via Email: 10-05-12 We have now become the union we used to point and laugh at. No direction whatsoever.
Received via Email: 10-05-12 I'm thinking about calling Billy Mott on Monday and outing everyone who didn't vote and publishing the list here. These numbers aren't too impressive considering Lealman and So. Pas vote in the EVP elections too. Everyone that runs into Rick is going to tell him that they voted for him and the same with Hay. If your name's on the list then your lie is safe with me. If it's not, you need to keep your mouth shut and just dream about being concerned about your future in silence because by no voting you only proved one thing to me.
Received via Email: 10-05-12 Well, it won't be ling now before you start to see the structure here fall completely apart. FTM
Received via Email: 10-06-12 114, thats alot of mouths to try and keep shut. I dont think it can be done. I wonder how many of them are also opting out of the pool time donations? Now thats the list I would like to see.
Received via Email: 10-06-12 Brother Rick Pauley, Thank you for all your years of dedicated work, and support of the members of 747. I wish you the best of luck with your extra time off. Enjoy your child, thanks again for fighting the good fight. John Barfield
PS Note to Steve Hay, you could learn a lot if you ask Rick for some pointers...
Received via Email: 10-06-12 The next session for the Blank one to listen to the cities offer is this tuesday at 10:00.
Received via Email: 10-07-12 I guess it's true...a Barfly endorsement doesn't carry too much weight. Quite the opposite.
Received via Email: 10-07-12 Brother Rick Pauley, as a retired past president of this Local I'd like to commend you for all the hard work you've done over the years. I agree with John Barfield in thanking you for being the dedicated and honorable member of this Local for your time here and I wish you only the best. You can be very, very proud of the work you have done both individually and in unison with the other members of the bargaining team and the Executive Board. Each and every member should personally thank you for your involvement. Best wishes for success in your future undertakings.
Dick Tully
Received via Email: 10-07-12 Brother Rick Neuberger I have to say I don't know you but by virtue of the fine things I've heard about you I can only say thank you for your undying support of the members of Local 747. It's pretty obvious that you, with Rick Pauley, have been at times the only voices of reason combined with Bill Mott that this Local has left. Your time in office was well spent and will be very difficult to surpass. Those who know you I'm sure would say that you're one of the best and your knowlege and spirit will be missed. I wish you the best in the future and I personally thank you for your service to this Local.
Dick Tully
Received via Email: 10-08-12 10/7, #1, its obvious that you are a coward to insult a Brother Firefighter. Show your lack of guts by not being brave enough to sign your name. Its is pretty plain who you are with name you used in your post..
Respectfully, and honorable enough to sign my name,
John Barfield
Received via Email: 10-09-12 Barfield signs his name a couple of times and now considers himself honorable! Ha! How about being honorable enough not to talk shit a bout the people your stationed with or honorable enough not saying innappropriate things to someone's girldfriend when they call the station or honorable enough not to change staffing so you can act the next shift? What about that for honorable!
Signed, Up Yours Barfield!
Received via Email: 10-09-12 Hey Blank what are you going to say at the next negotiation meeting. Ahhh, guess we would like a 3 % raise cause one of my pals said it was a good idea. Man you have those negotiation skills down don't you. Large and the boys downtown are laughing their ass off cause your destroying our pay and pensions, but they sure want you in there. They will keep telling you. "Mike, your doing a hell of a job, keep up the good work" while they laugh behind your back. Come on man, start representing us firefighters. When you do that, the Admin Chiefs will be worried. Prove everybody wrong and start kicking some ass Mikey.
Received via Email: 10-09-12 Did our newly elected EVP Steve Hay and B shift VP Mark Sweet make any kind of dfference or provide support to the Blank one during todays session?
Received via Email: 10-10-12 It appears that newly elected EVP Hay and B shift VP Sweet are in no hurry to get up to speed with the inside knowledge of the inner workings of this Union. They already know that after next week everything will be handed over to the Mayor.
It appears that newly elected EVP Hay and B shift VP Sweet are in no hurry to get up to speed with the inside knowledge of the inner workings of this Union. They already know that after next week everything will be handed over to the Mayor.
Received via Email: 10-10-12 Is there a Youtube video available of the latest reissue of the same old offer we've voted down again and again?
Received via Email: 10-11-12 10/9 #1 your a slanderous pig. I do not participate in slander of anyone, especially their GF or who ever. As for staffing I could care less. So show some brass state your name and we'll talk..JFB
Received via Email: 10-11-12 Me here again, without question I know who the so called author is. One of my past back stabbing buddies (I use that term lightly) from the days downtown. All of those allegations were just part of the BS that went on down there then. As a matter of fact, and I have nothing to prove. The score I received on the review 3 weeks before I left motel hell was a woppin 4.68, given by the Lt of EXVP his self. I see that my minor battle victory then, as in step 2 grievance at city hall( I won) still stings. They had nothing else to do but make up sh--, & force a move. Honesty, integrity sure doesn't mean much with those old folks. So again, come and see me. I dare ya..
Received via Email: 10-11-12 So are you telling me that neither Sweet or Hay bothered to be in this last negotiations session? Oh thats right, they are both against the President being saddled with deadwood. Its much better if there are no witness's to observe his Oopsies and "my bads". This is getting slicker and sicker by the minute. I feel an emplosion coming on.
Received via Email: 10-11-12 I hear one of the medics at 7C is going to drop out of the union not to be a scab but to get away from the new union. If you can't get the bugs out of your cereal you get some new cereal. Mine's looking buggy too.
Received via Email: 10-11-12 be ready to be __________ if you keep up this bad sweethay thing.. I hear feet a stomping & tears a fallin'!
Received via Email: 10-11-12 If you're talking about Scott Harper, that wouldn't surprise me. He wrote a letter to the chief a few years back telling the chief exactly what he thought on how the medics weren't being supported for shit. Pauley was trying to make a change for the medics on the EMS advisory board but was thrown off for speaking the truth. Will there ever be any truth spoken at Local 747 ever again? It's beginning to remind me of the shit the chiefs pulled on the EMS advisory board. FTM including the dues paying kind.
Received via Email: 10-11-12 If anyone's interested, the latest contract negotiations video is up on Youtube. It took three long tries, but it finally took, before midnight.
Fraternally,
Jon Pearl - 9C
Received via Email: 10-12-12 still waiting.......
Received via Email: 10-12-12 The mayor and his goons could give a rat about us firefighters. The latest round of negotiations proved that.
Received via Email: 10-12-12 Give yourself a payraise Pearl. Oh....that's right.......we don't pay you for any what you do. If I see you I'll buy you lunch. The mutts can SUCK ONE.
Received via Email: 10-12-12 This city is so stinking greedy. They deserve to lose baseball but of course they are holding them hostage like they are all of us. Arent you glad your once a week council members make as much as a full time new firefighter (that is trying to support their family). What a bunch of greedy selfish people running our city. Then the Mayor gets in a huff because we vote down a contract so he comes back with items like- we want you doing drug testing but no 8 hours vacation for the test. It is obvious these people are no better than a ruthless attorney going after every last dime a person has, just to win their case. Or a used car salesman pissed off cause he cant make the deal. It would be nice if these people running our city would GROW UP and start understanding that these are real folks with real families working hard and trying to support their families. Not just a game for their silly egos. GROW UP
Received via Email: 10-12-12 I got through about three minutes of that sorry ass bargaining session. Maybe it got better later on but if there was ever an example of the "paper blizzard" it's that city plug showing one of the best I've ever seen. I was waiting for numb nuts to go balistic and tell the city to shove it since he already has all the articles that the city says there are no changes to. Instead he and the team sit there and let the city rep go through his little dog and pony show and say nothing.
Numb nuts should have been over the table after that city shlub if for no other reason than having his intelligence challenged. Why play their game of pass the paper when we already *have* the same shit their passing and have turned it down? I feel sorry for Bill since he's having to sit there and be a part of this fiasco and take it. Like I say, I couldn't watch any more than a few minutes without starting to shout at my computer as if they could hear me.
But always remember . . . the majority of the members of Local 747, I.A.F.F. have spoken through their ballots and have collectively determined that *this* is the type of representation they want for the foreseeable future. The majority has spoken and all the whining and hand wringing in the world won't make it change. Every last one of you better learn to live with what you elected and the path you've laid out for yourselves. No one did it for you. No one forced you to do it. What you did was of your own free will and with, I would hope, some semblence of rational thought before you voted. And now you're unhappy? How can that be?
Why is it we never hear from those who were on the winning side on this site? Why is it that those who conscientiously voted for each of those candidates who won elections recently never seem to show up here? Where the hell are they? They have to be out there somewhere. They voted. They took the time and absorbed the monumental expense of a stamp to send in their preferrences for representation in the future. They said they weren't happy with the leadership in the past and they want some new leadership. Even if it's the worst possible leadership. Where are they? Let's hear it from those who were influenced so greatly by the promises and verbal attacks that they felt overwhelmingly compelled to vote against the current office holders. Don't they read this site? Don't any of you know someone who voted against the incumbents that would speak up and tell us all just why they voted the way they did? All I'm saying is that those who post most of the time continually whi
ne and bitch but it's falling on deaf ears. Apparently those who make up the majority of the members who DO vote don't read this site or visit. I'd like to hear from someone, anyone, just what influenced you to vote for the current president. I'm not laying a trap or anything else. I just want to know your thinking. I think we should all be privy to what is on the minds of those who make up the majority of the members. It would no doubt be influential in what is expected of this Local in the future and the type of representation we can expect. If we know the rules then we can all play the game.
Dick Tully
Received via Email: 10-14-12 You'll never see those supporters here Dick. The only time they belly up to the keyboard is after a lot of drinks, and back slapping. Then the whiskey brave ones tend to toss out insults to the people that had the guts to say their piece, and sign their name. I tend to be a name signer, why state your point if your not willing to back it up? Usually I would let BS slander slide away, but not this time, and not ever again. I'll continue to attend the meetings, and let them know I am not going to take their crap.
It may be a moot point until the next presidential election, but why wait in the wings? I have said it before I'll never disrespect your position, but I sure as heck don't have to like you. I voted. This is my Union too. Just remember when you toss stones be prepared to have them thrown back at you; yes you, and I am still waiting.
John Barfield
Received via Email: 10-14-12 Dick, those people are not allowed to voice their opinions here because Large wont allow them to. They are all now under his control since he is now running this union. He has mentioned numerous times in front of many firefighters and officers alike (many times) that he does not like this site. So, there you have it. The reason the "winning side" wont speak up. Their Union Boss - Large not Blank wont let them. And of course Blank is Large's puppet, so he makes threats like he is going to close down the site. (ha ha yeah right) Notice how the two are very much alike. Neither one has much upstairs but for some reason they convince the world how great they are. LARGE ego and BLANK stare. A lot in common.
I do agree with you Dick, I along with many others would love to hear from them. In the stations they are just as quiet. I guess they are just like cattle, dumb and follow the crowd no matter where they go.
Received via Email: 10-14-12 Is the city still going to freeze the escalator on the old pension for 12 years under the emergency clause? I heard that was starting in January.
Received via Email: 10-14-12 10/14 #3. I'd call a member of the pension board or Winnie Newton. these cheese heads that run the 747 now wont know.
Received via Email: 10-14-12 Freeze the escalator? Are you kidding me. That escalator hasn't been running for five or six years. I doubt if anyone on the prior pension still thinks that the escalator clause is viable. You guys howled and whined about it for years and couldn't do anything about it. And I seriously doubt that anyone is gonna mess with it now. It was a nice try though. Don't forget the fact that when you don't get a pay raise . . . I'll say it again . . . when YOU don't get a pay raise neither do I. I'm surprised at just how much of a dimwit some of you people can be. Hell, you can't even elect someone smart enough to get YOU a pay raise let alone me. Don't worry. He'll get you some "on the seat" stuff that'll have you groveling for more. How long have you been without a contract? And when do you think you'll see another one? And what do you think the pay plan will contain? A raise? Status Quo? How about a raise for officers but not rank and file? Ooooooo, that's never happened. How about a pay raise for medics and not for rank and file? Now there's something to think about.
Here's the thing dumbass. The escalator clause is linked directly to the pension which is directly linked to the pay plan of the on-duty fire fighter. When you get a raise I get half of it. Real simple. When YOU don't get a raise I don't either. Now here's the part that makes your question so improbable. The city can't just arbitrarily manipulate the escalator clause in my pension all willy nilly. In fact if they could have taken it away they would have done so long ago. Probably before you were hired. So when you throw stuff like that out for consideration I have to admit it's funny and somewhat ironic but has no substance. But I like your spunk. Have you considered running for office in the Local? We could use someone like you who at least gives stupidity a shot rather than just sitting there at the bargaining table with your thumb up your ass.
Waiting for a contract with a pay raise just like you,
Dick Tully
Rank & File Grievance & Arbitration Hearing
Tuesday, October 23 (B Shift Day)
Location - TBA
All Hands Needed in Audience
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Supervisory Unit Grievance & Arbitration Hearing
Monday, October 29 (B Shift Day)
More Info to Follow...
Received via Email: 10-18-12 I hope that our attorney does all the talking during the Drop grievance. If Blank opens his mouth we're shot. Everyone needs to be there like we were for Bob Martin.
Received via Email: 10-18-12 I asked my uncle about the old timers losing the cola on their pension. He said that he thought they already had done it.
Received via Email: 10-18-12 Instead of second guessing on the various pension plans of what they have or don't have, why don't you ask one of the pension board members. I am sure that they will explain and get you a copy of the plans. Better yet why don't YOU get involved with the pension. You don't have to be a pension board member to go to the meetings and conferences that are available. The current board members aren't going to be here forever, there is a need for new blood and you can't learn it overnight.
Received via Email: 10-18-12 If those old fossils lose their cola I guess ours will be next.
Received via Email: 10-19-12 Old fossils? You mean Veterans you POS...
Signed, a non fossil working hard.
Received via Email: 10-19-12 Our HERO'S that are still with us collecting their well deserved and EARNED pension benefits DO NOT have a COLA in their pension plan. Did you just read and understand what was written? What they have is an escalator based on whatever increase we receive. When we dont get a raise in the top paid spot neither do they. Thats right they have not gotten any pay increases in the past 2 years either. And now the city is telling us at the negotiating table that there is nothing in the vault for this FY13 budget year. So just like us there is NO COLA, NO ESCALATOR, no extra anything for them. It is so nice to hear what the idiots dont know. Like the poster above said, get involved and get your asses out of the gossipy hate groups. The way it is going in less than 5 years you will be in a group that has the superior pension plan and all of the new hires will someday be talking crap trash about your golden parachute pension. I hope you can stand up to the hatered like the "Veterans" do.
Received via Email: 10-20-12 There is no difference between an "escalator" and a "COLA" since they are both adjustments that are designed to offset cost of living increases. Pretending otherwise means you are gay.
The current pension's COLA is a fixed 2% starting at age 60. This began in 2008, prior to that there had not been a COLA since the Old Goat program that was changed in 1971 (or perhaps 1970), way before many of our employees were even born. Many consider this an example of old guys selling out new guys, but I digress. Although some morons believe otherwise, there are firefighters currently working for us that will theoretically have COLA's once they turn 60.
Government COLA's such as those found in social security or military pensions are tied to the CPI (Consumer Price Index).
The old fossil's pre-1971 "20 and Out" pension's COLA is tied to Local 747's contract raises. These raises, of course, are tied to economic conditions such as the CPI, or the number of bugs that have crawled up the ass cracks of the stingy bastards on the other side of the negotiations table. Not getting raises makes the old goats really, really cranky. It makes them get liquored up and type incoherently.
Either way, anyone that thinks there is a difference between an "Escalator Clause" or a "COLA" is gay. Hence, 10-19, #2 is an enormous pole smoker.
Received via Email: 10-21-12 1st 10/20 Your an idiot. a cola is an amount you get annually, no matter what. An escalator is what you get only if the current employees get a raise that year. You are an arrogant ill informed idiot.
Received via Email: 10-21-12 Let's see, that's one member who is educated in the facts of the prior pension and that leaves only 249 members who aren't. LMAO Thanks brother, whoever you are. It's amazing how many members of this Local don't have a clue what got them to where they are today. I'm not saying it's great. I'm not saying you should be happy with what you have. But the majority of you have no clue to just how bad it could be. Those of us receiving the benefits of the prior pension plan are realizing that what looks at the time like a great benefit can sometimes fail miserably in the future. That's what's so ironic about the whole thing. The members who over the years wailed and thumped their chests about how they got screwed out of an escalator clause never realized that it was something that could be bad just as it could be good. Meanwhile they work to acquire a drop plan that for 7 years will amass a sum nearly anyone would kill to attain. All of us on the prior plan worked for the benefits of it. All the while we understood that the escalator is a two way street. When the members at top fire fighter pay recieved a pay raise, those of us on pension recieved half. That's the good part in case you're having trouble following along. When the members at top fire fighter pay DIDN'T get a pay raise, those of us on pension got zip right along with them. There were other conditions that didn't play well for the pensioners also. For instance "on the seat" money. Didn't count because it wasn't part of the negotiated pay plan in the contract. It may have been negotiated for but was a separate Article in the contract. A "one time bonus". Same thing. Pensioners got nothing. This was the case with any and all fancy shmancy pay offerings that the city could conjure up. The only time the retirees on the prior plan got a pay raise because of the escalator clause was when the Union negotiated an increase in top fire fighter pay and it was part of the Pay Plan Article. This was one of the reasons that all prior Presidents of Local 747 ALWAYS demanded that any increase in pay be part of the Pay Plan. This is why all prior Presidents of Local 747 ALWAYS knew that they were negotiating for retirees even though it wasn't clear or even understood to many of the perpetual whiners and cry babies. There were those who either couldn't or wouldn't accept the fact that the on duty members were inadvertantly representing those that had gone before; those who had laid the groundwork for the current benefits on and off the job. It's also why every retiree on the prior pension has always been leery of a weak sister president who would go to the table and agree to one or any of these examples. We use to be leery. Now, for whatever reason, we're downright terrified.
Over the years it seems the prior pension became less of what was at one time the main thing that kept people on the job. It was, for that time period, a very lucrative pension compared to what other people received upon retirement. But then in those days the public didn't think fire fighters were the scum of the earth and that they deserved a good pension for their many years of service in a profession that, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Eventually, like anything else, it became seen by the city basement dwelling bean counters and the slugs posing as city managers as a club that could be used to control rather than a benefit for future retirement. Consequently in 1972, in our case anyway, the prior pension was replaced by the first of several supplemental pensions FUNDED BY THE CITY. And to make matters worse the pension plan became a subject of negotitation. And it just got worse from there. The one thing I could never figure out and never seemed to understand was why the on-duty members were so hateful to the retirees and the members on the job who were under the prior plan. The thing that equally bothered me was that no one was educating the new members as to what occurred in the past that effected them as it did. I don't know if it would have made things easier or not.
Dick Tully
Webmaster: "The one thing I could never figure out and never seemed to understand was why the on-duty members were so hateful to the retirees and the members on the job who were under the prior plan." I don't think anyone really worries what will come of our retirement benefits in the future, Dick. Not unlike politics, MDA collections, contractual obligations, etc... few worry about lifting a finger for the common-good because a core constituency has always been around to somehow pull it off.
Received via Email: 10-21-12 Truth be told, the definition of an escalator clause has to do with long term contracts allowing for changes due to outside factors such as inflation. In other words, a COLA. Anyone who thinks an Escalator Clause is not a COLA is officially gay. Sorry pickle puffers, but that's just the way it is.
Received via Email: 10-21-12 All these years and the old guys are still pretending they didn't try to screw the new guys over with the pension back in the early 70's. I guess a few years of not getting raises has put some life into those fossilized old bones.
Received via Email: 10-21-12 Mr. Webmaster the core constituency that you speak of just got kicked to the curb. Those guys got it done without trying to get promoted or working a deal for a civilian inspectors gig in retirement. If some of you have that sinking feeling in your gut it ought to match the one you're about to feel in your ass. Blank is already planning another round of negotiations and he has never ever ever ever looked the contract over to be sure there are no trouble spots. Blank is a fool and people who blindly follow a fool are also called fools. Hey Steve Hay..........you were telling everyine about how good the shit contract offer was that we all just voted down AGAIN. Why don't you tell everyone about your stroke of genius? You know..............the one where we all (all 5 of us a month) would get 24 hours to bank for piss testing. Do the math junior. That's 5X12=60 people a year and you're still giving something away and getting nothing near what the captains and DC's got for pissing in the same cup. What a bunch of sorry stupid assholes!
Received via Email: 10-21-12 Brother Tully, education is a scary thing. It requires an effort and time of no drinking to get stinking. Your plan was at the time far better than ours because it allowed to leave at an early age and immeditly strat collecting your retirement benefit. It also provided an automatic increase every October when the General wage increase took effect. Back not to long ago, raises were a thing that came along regularly. What we have now is by far better except for the leaving and collecting with 20 years of service. We must wait until age 50 or we can give up a few percentage points to get out early. What hurt the most throught the late 70's and 80's was when a retiree with your benefit would stop by a station and introduce himself as so n so and how he retired 15 years ago and was now making twice what he was when he retired. So as you can see, while we sat there thinking about our dead end never increasing pension we were having your plan rub in our noses. That has all changed now and I still cant figure why anyone still working has a problem. I do suspect however that we may be hearing from someone that retired with a lesser level of what we now have. As you pointed out there are now many different levels to what is in existence today. We enjoy the removal of the Social security offset, possibility of a 100% pension, 5 year DROP, 3% for all years worked, and the COLA beginning at age 60. There are 157 folks that have none of these, 1, 2, or maybe even 3 of them but not all. These are the folks that I believe are keeping this hatered alive. There are no firefighters left on the job as a sworn employee that was hired before 1977 and only 10 or 12 between 77 and 83. These are the few that are aware and even fewer, which have no knowledge of what it was about. I am sorry that those from your ERA must continue to endure this misguided dislike. Dont worry though, it will be our turn real soon when our city offers only a savings plan as the retirement plan for new hires.
Received via Email: 10-21-12 How does any of that make you gay? Fucking idiot.
Received via Email: 10-22-12 So an escalator clause can "escalate" pay for any number of reasons which makes it by definition a COLA. I'm not the smartest guy on the job but I understand that. But then of course, I'm not gay.
Received via Email: 10-22-12 It's true what they are saying. People that lack the ability to understand basic concepts such as "a man's ass is not the place for another man's dick" or "dudes blowing each other at the firehouse is NOT a negotiated benefit" or "an Escalator Clause is the same thing as a COLA" are gay. It's in Web MD. Go look it up.
Received via Email: 10-22-12 RE: 10-21-2012- #6
Thank you brother for a very concise and accurate explanation of the situation concerning the generational steps the fire fighter pension has experienced over the years. You've given me and everyone else a very accurate scenario of just how the years and the changes created the different attitudes we see today. I have to apologize for the acts of some who were on the prior pension to antagonize and taunt with the benefits of the prior plan at a time when the supplemental wasn't what it is today. That was uncalled for but occurred at a time when conditions were much different than they are today. I'm not saying it was right nor necessary. Only that it went on and was a carry over from the day when mostly members who were ex-military were on the job. The new "boys" took a lot of bullying and taunting because it was the way it was done in the military at that time. The private, or new boy, commonly known on the department as "probie" got all the crappy jobs and was the butt of many pranks and jokes. Again I'm not saying it was right but it was a way of weeding out those who could take it and those who couldn't. This mental condition continued until the "kinder and gentler" employee started to get hired. They didn't have the "probie" exposure that preceeded them in time. They came on the job as equals to the members who were seasoned and had a much different view of the fire service. Many of these "old timers" saw vast improvements over what they originally worked under. I suspect that some were a bit jealous of the basic changes that had happened since they were hired and maybe held a bit of resentment. I don't know and I'm not making excuses. I'm just sayin'. The new hires, it seemed, couldn't understand how it had ever been different from what it was when they came on the job. They immediately took the attitude, at least in many cases, that what the old timers did was unimportant. That was then. This was now. EXCEPT for the pension. The new hires knew instinctively, and with a little help from the old timers, that their pension wasn't equal to what the old timers enjoyed. Some new hires understood. Some thought they were not being treated equally and got pissed and have carried a grudge ever since. But just as you so accurately pointed out the new hires eventually surpassed the old timers in pension benefits and today have a plan that is far better than theirs. Before anyone starts screaming at the computer just let me say that this admittedly didn't happen over night and there are those who paid a price for the progression that took place to get here. I can't apologize for all the members who did what they did. I can only say that I find it sad and very disappointing that there are still those who can't seem to get on with what they're doing in life and realize that the sun doesn't shine on the same dog's ass all the time. They are what they are and we were what we were. I agree with you that pensions are a thing of the past and anyone who has a pension of any shape or form is ahead of the game. The removal of said pension will be a major factor at the bargaining table in the near future, I'm sure. It would be more productive for the members who carry this never ending grudge to put their efforts into THEIR future and be a lot less involved in mine.
Dick Tully
Received via Email: 10-22-12 In the day we had a guy at our station who used to say when his wife did something he didn't like or said something he didn't agree with . . . he'd cut her off. For those of you too young to have ever heard that expression due to the current condition of political correctness it means he would refuse to have sex with her. Yes, he was very proud that he could wreak havoc with her mind and body by withholding sex. What he didn't realize, at least for a very long time, was that by denying her sex he also denied himself sex. A good analogy would be the fool in our midst who crows about how the members are hurting the pensioners by not winning pay raises at the bargaining table. Now here's a genius that's very proud of his stand on punishing the pensioners by withholding non-existent . . . wait for it. . . pay raises. In his mind the bargaining team is refusing pay raises just to hurt the pensioners and the pensioners are the only ones being affected by no pay raises when in fact he's not getting any pay raises either. You keep licking those windows on the short buss sweetie. And tonite when you say your prayers make sure you thank whoever you pray to for findiing you a job that doesn't require much in mental skills. Dumbass
Received via Email: 10-23-12 Would anyone happen to have a youtube of the arbitration today.
Received via Email: 10-24-12 How is it that everyone was told that Mondays arbitration was to begin at 9:30, only to find out at 9:02 that it was 9:00? Guess who was there by himself even earlier than that nob gobbin with HR and the Arbitrator? I'll give you a clue, as current President he has misrepresented the facts before and in his words "oops my bad". Oops I guess I gave out to many clues, oh well, "my bad". I love it when his plans dont come together.
Received via Email: 10-24-12 "Would anyone happen to have a youtube of the arbitration today. "
I attended the meeting but didn't record it.
I now regret that I didn't!
Jon Pearl - 9C
Received via Email: 10-24-12 i'll bet. I heard that Blank was the cities best witness.
Received via Email: 10-25-12 10/24 #1, Have you ever seen the movie, Sleeping with the Enemy? LOCAL 747 era 2012..
Received via Email: 10-27-12 Okay, so tell me what went on during he arbitration that was so bad. Wait..........................did we let SOMEONE other than our attorney speak?????
Received via Email: 10-27-12 Someone asks, "..........................did we let SOMEONE other than our attorney speak?????" Yes lucky for us Winnie Newton was still needed to testify on our behalf. One of these days after we all pull our support of 5 hours of pool time away from the union officers then we wont have to worry about any of those old has beens showing up to try and save our asses from ourselves.
Received via Email: 11-04-12 In the latest Chiefs rag he talks about how with the right outcome of Tuesdays voting, hopeully we might fair a bit better. To bad MTB and his new EVP were'nt involved in this important decision. The last I know is that the only requests for help on this election day have come from the usual persons. Newton and Pauley. Not a peep from twiddle dee or twerp dum.
Received via Email: 11-05-12 Too bad we couldn't vote for Fire Chief, or else the invisible man would have been ousted years ago. In fact, he would have never been chief in the first place. Ponder that one.
Received via Email: 11-11-12 This is incredible. I heard that the Capts and Chiefs are crying about the loss of 60 hours of vacation hours that they no longer earn because the 9 additional r-days result in them working 216 hours less than we do. Say what? Chief Crumity is leading the charge by saying its not fair that a lowly piss-on them firefighter with 13 years on earns more vacation hours annually than a mighty Supervisor with (in his case) 30 years. And? Chief Crumity and the rest of those whiners the city drove a wedge between the 2 units when they first granted the additional rdays to your group and then refuses to talk changes with the rest of us and now you want more? Yup typical selflessness on your part. Your little elite group is not that superior that you need more time off to rest yourselves. But you do have the right Boi at the helm pulling for you since he cares only about making the Chief happy. So go ahead and further prove to the city that we can do without your sorry asses. Just remember, the city looks at reducing your presence every budget year, so go ahead a give them the proof they want.
