Received via Email 12.13.09 Its too bad lanning isnt atill here. Make him do the night drills and entry combat challenge. I believe everybudy on the dept from the Chief on down be required to do it or your canned. Im thinking all of admin would go and those fat slobbs at the station wouldnt be able to pass it. We should be eating healthy and not shoving chips in our mouthes. But dont worry the overweight guys would run and complain to he union and then the aclu and say they are making me get in shape. Boo hoo. Maybe if you people out there that are fat people would actually do something. I noticed at 4 the other day how many people out of shape and large mad me vomit
Negotiation Session
Regarding the Over Time reopener
Day: Tuesday
Date: December 29, 2009
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 pm
Location: MSC Conference Room 800
At the conclusion of the bargaining session, we will hold a consultation to discuss:
1. Staffing
2. SCBA Fit Testing
3. Scanning of Annual Physical records
4. EMT, county vs. state
UNION MEETING THIS THURSDAY - 7:30PM
And the pay Mr. Pumpkinhead how much to wear chief's bugles?
Received via Email 12.15.09 Looks like someone shotoff a little too soon tipping their hand. Now what are we going to do? The county knows our entire game plan. Shoulda gone to the union to find out how the politcs thing worked.
Received via Email 12.16.09 Hey Steve, quit pissing off the county. It is not helping us be the juggernaut that we are. Look out Lealman we are taking you over next. What a laugh. St Pete is laughing stock of all, thanks to our Mayor and bungling division chiefs who daily make us look like a bunch of idiots. But hey, its a great day in St Pete, and we are all proud to be here. Funny that the 3 guys that stayed at lealman are actually smarter than our division chiefs. They are also visionaries because they see the writing on the wall on what a screwed up place St Pete is and will become in the future. We need a hero to get us out of this mess. We are depending on you BILL to help us out of this mess. We have no other hope.
Received via Email 12.16.09 "Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm." --James Madison
TEAM: Bravo!
Is anyone in our city council watching this circus we call a fire dept.? We're letting money and people slip through our fingers while attempting to run this place with Third Reich ethics.
Received via Email 12.16.09 Obviously I am not as enlightened as some of you other master planners, but if you hire employees that are funded by two year grants, what do you do when the time is up? It seems to me that federal grants are fine for buying firetrucks, but potentially disastrous when it comes to funding personnel.
Received via Email 12.17.09 It gives some departments time to build the money into their budgets. For others like us it's simply free money to replace many who will be leaving after the drop. Attrition would just about zero it out after a couple of years. Free money.
Received via Email 12.17.09 The money is meant to offset bad budget years where you'd be laying off people. It's meant to be used as a stop-gap measure to keep departments from bleeding out firefighters. In the city of St. Petersburg - from the Mayor to the Council to the fire chief who's just trying to keep his job and nothing more, free money is a roadblock to their do-nothing plan. They don't have to give the money back and they no longer have to match funds. Really, the only thing they have to do is care about you and me and the safety of the public. How's that been working out for us as of late? The city has just tucked away over $290,000,000.00 in the bank and restructured their reserves to show all the money as untouchable reserve funds. They're keeping the taxpayers money without mandate, based on the notion that we're going to be wiped out by a hurricane. All the while we're still staffing our apparatus like we're in Pasco or Hernando.
Show you utter contempt for this city and this dept.'s lack of respect for you by showing up at every negotiations meeting and making your contempt for their actions known.
Received via Email 12.17.09 That won't be hard. Just the other day I was telling whatshisname with a white shirt and 4 bugles what I thought.
Received via Email 12.17.09 Someone tell me it's not possible that they've suspended Winnie's ability to swap because the Chief of Paperwork and the Assistant Chief of Paperwork don't believe he's going to be paying back the swaps anytime soon. Let me tell you pilgrims something, I've swapped with him in the past so that he could take care of union business and I never asked him to pay me back and don't want him to either. Consider it my contribution.
Received via Email 12.17.09 There is no such thing as "free" money. If we use federal funds for payroll, we will be laying people off every other year. If the feds want to pay for our trucks and radios, fine. But there will never be a free fix for payroll and healthcare issues. Keep the pressure on the city. If the feds gave us one million dollars, the city would cut the FD budget $1.1 million the next year.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Keep your eyes open.
Received via Email 12.17.09 "Chief of Paperwork!" I love it.
Received via Email 12.17.09 Actually, Winnie has worked for me and a few others on Christmas day and I still have not paid him back from over 3 years ago.
TEAM: And yet another guilty member of the scarlet letter club comes forward. Shameful...
Received via Email 12.17.09 Chiefs of paperwork, now thats funny. They have never really been the chiefs of firefighters. But we all know they can prance around the paper palace like a bunch of giddy school girls.
Received via Email 12.19.09 Lets talk about the most important issue at Fire Headquarters. It is what the chiefs start talking about and planning as soon as they get to work and continue the talk for hours. WHERE ARE WE GOING TO LUNCH TODAY? Now lets talk about what the firefighters and medics on the street talk about during the first part of their day. Why are we still understaffed and lets hope the big one don't catch us shorthanded whereas we may lose citizens and or firefighters. Now do you see the big picture? If public safety is so darn important, lets make some changes to help protect our citizens and our own firefighters. Merry Christmas to all those who care more about life than lunch.
Layoffs big in TFD proposal
Up to 120 firefighters could lose their jobs, and some stations might close as part of budget cuts.
by: BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
Friday, December 18, 2009
12/18/2009 4:09:42 AM
Laying off as many as 120 firefighters and closing some of the city's 31 active stations will be among the projected budget cuts that will be presented to the mayor, Tulsa Fire Chief Allen LaCroix said Thursday.
City department heads must turn in their 2.2 percent and 4.4 percent reduction scenarios to Mayor Dewey Bartlett by the end of Friday as he works to cut either $5 million or $10 million from the budget.
How deeply the mayor will cut after the start of the new year depends on the city's sales-tax revenue performance during the holidays.
The Fire Department's 2.2 percent scenario would mean 49 firefighters laid off, while the 4.4 percent budget reduction would hit 120, LaCroix said.
The bigger cut also would force the closure of an unknown number of stations because of a manpower shortage. The force now has 674 firefighters.
"I think it's important to be clear that these are just recommendations we are making to the mayor with the guidance we were given," the fire chief said. "He will make his own decisions, and we have to give him the opportunity to review this and possibly look for other options."
During an interview earlier this week, Bartlett said it's not certain that each city department will be cut equally.
LaCroix said: "We're like everyone else. We're down to personnel. We don't have much else we can cut."
The fire chief said he is working with the Firefighters Local 176 on possible contract concessions so that more firefighters could keep their jobs.
The fire stations that would need to be closed under the worst-case scenario have not yet been identified, LaCroix said.
"We're hoping we don't have to go there," he said.
As reported Thursday, police union leaders told the Tulsa World the police force is looking at either 54 or 123 officers laid off under their budget-cut scenarios.
Police Chief Ron Palmer said those numbers are "in the ballpark" but that they remain "pretty fluid" as his administrators continue working on their recommendations to be given to the mayor.
Palmer declined to be more specific about the Police Department's budget cuts. The force now has 808 officers.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 93 President Phil Evans said union members have started discussions on possible contract concessions to help avoid as many officer layoffs as possible.
Bartlett this week said he has asked the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office for a proposal that would have deputies patrol a portion of the city in the event of a police manpower shortage.
How big the area would be depends on the severity of the police cuts, and how the county would be reimbursed has not been determined.
Bartlett also said he will work to change the education requirement from a college degree to be a volunteer reserve officer. Reserves could help the force with more mundane duties, he said.
And the mayor said the city may end up selling its two police helicopters. In earlier budget cuts this fiscal year, 21 police officers were laid off, but 18 were rehired using federal stimulus money. Also, the helicopters were grounded and the mounted patrol was disbanded.
The Fire Department has, so far, avoided firefighter layoffs because of a restructuring that eliminated several upper-management positions.
Editor: To the members who commented (12-17 #4 & #6) on the subject of swap time: You're probably already aware that there's a story going around that there may be some changes to the swap time policy because of supposed abuse of swap time by your union president. Funny... no one's complaining except for management. I've personally talked with some of the people who swap with the president and they note no problems with the arraignment.
Don't be duped by some handsome strapping young lads who are all claiming to be holding their fingers in a dike, intent on saving you and me from the union and its out of control president. Yes, he's out of control -- out of management's control. If change comes to any policy that governs swap-time, you can be sure that any attempt at blaming your union president for that change is merely a form of False Flag Terrorism by Jim Large and Jim Wimberly. "False flag terrorism" is defined as a government attacking its own people, then blaming others in order to justify going to war against the people it blames.
You pay good money in the form of dues and pool-time contributions to operate an effective arsenal to defend you. Seemingly unbeknownst to some of our members, there are members of this Local who regularly attend labor and legal schools in an attempt to learn how to detect and thwart such a ruse as depicted in your comments above.
You have every right to challenge such propaganda. If you don't want to personally challenge another, immediately call you union president and shove the phone in the offender's face. If a non-union chief officer attempts to discuss this potential policy change with you, notify him that this is a mandatory subject of bargaining that you'll not discuss with him and that he is out of bounds. This union has but one registered bargaining agent and it's neither you nor I. Don't let these guys screw with your head's. Regularly attend union meetings, pay attention and speak-up when something just doesn't look right. Remember - what they do to your union president they do to you and me.
Received via Email 12.19.09 If it was not for Winnie and the staff of the union, I would have been forced to sign an illegal document or lose 10 shifts pay. (By the way they tried to put me in a position so they could terminate me). Because of your union you no longer are forced to sign an illegal document and give up your federal rights. Large and Wimberly are just trying to intimidate YOU. Don't let that happen. Stand up for your rights! Call their bluff EVERYTIME. Regardless what they say, they do not know all.
Fraternally,
Bob Martin
Received via Email 12.21.09 While the False Flag thing doesn't ring a bell, it doesn't have to. Large buzzes around like a little bee leaving his pollen here and there and we're all supposed to believe that he's just being one of us. It aint working Jimbo.
Received via Email 12.22.09 Jim has never been and never will be one of US. You have to be a firefighter to be one of US.
Received via Email 12.23.09 Did I miss the 2nd memo or something? Last spring we got the doom and gloom memo telling us that we had fish hooks in our pockets so we couldn't touch the $286M or use any money dropped on the floor for overtime staffing. Now all of a sudden we've got more people on the trucks more often? Is this some attempt to straighten out a screw up by a chief that claims if he had the money he needs his minimum would still be 2? Why no memo announcing that you've done the right thing? Admission of guilt? Is this really the best this dept. can produce for leadership?
Received via Email 12.23.09 Funny, we only had two on our truck the other night. Maybe Large is a bit confused or just an out and out liar.
Received via Email 12.24.09 2nd 12/23, he appears to be a little of both. Always has been, nothing new here.
Received via Email 12.24.09 WTF! Why are the discussions about the 3 new captains on the BS page and not here??
Large is out getting his select few ready for the new positions, am I the only one that finds this train of thought a blatant slap in the face to every taxpayer, not to mention every "Real" firefighter on this Dept.
I see that staffing is a topic at the table this month. Please address this before it's too late. How can we layoff, understaff and continually cry poor mouth while making NEW staff positions?
The word is out to the papers, others need to make their voices heard before we get taken over by the Cronies of 941!!!!!!!!!
Negotiation Session
Regarding the Over Time reopener
Day: Tuesday
Date: December 29, 2009
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 pm
Location: MSC Conference Room 800
At the conclusion of the bargaining session, we will hold a consultation to discuss:
1. Staffing
2. SCBA Fit Testing
3. Scanning of Annual Physical records
4. EMT, county vs. state
The arbitration for District Chief Richard Johnson will be held on Monday,
January 11, 2010 - conference room 800 - MSC beginning at 09:30.
Councilman Wengay "Newt" Newton's 3rd Annual Appreciation Bar-B-Que
Come out and have a good time and fellowship with your Local Elected Official. There will be Music, Food and Fun. It's a pleasure to serve.
"Newt" invited you to "Councilmen Wengay "Newt" Newton's 3rd Annual Appreciation Bar-B-Que" on Sunday, January 3 at 1:00pm.
Event: Councilmen Wengay "Newt" Newton's 3rd Annual Appreciation Bar-B-Que
Start Time: Sunday, January 3 at 1:00pm
End Time: Sunday, January 3 at 4:00pm
Where: Dell Holmes Park - 22nd Street and 27th Ave. South
Received via Email 12.29.09 Anyone here good news from the negotiation session today ?
Received via Email 12.30.09 Sorry, but as 1 of the 4 that made the time to attend I aint wasting my time to tell a bunch of panty wastes. It is time we ALL become involved. Your profession is having the supports chopped out from under you daily and it is terribly obvious that not enough care.
On the other hand, to all you overtime whores out there that would sell your soul to get a call from someone that does'nt care about you. There are new forms out and about to get as much information about how to get in touch with you, so you will have numerous ways to be reached for a overtime slot...Yeah my ass, this information will give admin that many more ways to find you for MANDATORY. That is all they care about, and don't think differently.
Received via Email 12.31.09 1st 12/30. Those that were on duty 12/29 were not able to make the meeting, but thanks for knowing something and not sharing it. You say many dont care but neither do you or you would share some info with us. Remember it works both ways. Admin loves division among us. Keep up the good work !!
Received via Email 01.01.10 Yeah, I remember all of those that were asked to do some trade time so a duty member could attend. Compare this to how many make the Annual Dunkin Bus Ride and you will see that I know a little bit more of what I am talking about than you do.
Received via Email 01.01.10 Again, you mention some or many people but not all. When you throw out those kind of remarks it puts even the most loyal against you. Better work on that buddy, even if you are one of the leaders. Or your Union will be U without the rest. Quit bragging how great you are and start working on uniting us all. Then we can move mountains within the organization.
Received via Email 01.02.10 There's a very large mountain you didn't move named Bill Foster.
Too bad the majority of the members were on duty when the work needed to be done.
No one to swap when the one's who DID want to work were asking for help.
We just aren't that good at moving mountains. Jaws ... yes. Mountains ... no.
Received via Email 01.03.10 I guess were gonna get what we worked for (not much)!
Received via Email 01.04.10 Thats your whole problem. The Foster issue was a sad deal but it is OVER and it is time to work and unite and try to get him on our side. But instead of trying to move new mountains you want to cry over the old ones. Well, I was one out there that day holding signs and trying to get Ford in office. But now it is time to move on together. So quit moving your Jaw by crying and get to work by motivating your brothers and sisters instead of hammering them so much. Obviously it hasnt worked in the past, Are you trying to be like THEM and be an asshole to all. Well, your doing a good job at it. You might as well just start working toward a bugle instead of whining about the mountains you cant move.
Received via Email 01.04.10 If you all haven't visited the union's website lately, I'd go check it out. It's looks like we're going to war my Brothers. Oh yeah you don't need to log in. Even the jagoff's at HQ can see what's coming their way. FTM
Received via Email 01.05.10 I just watched the Smoke Showing video. It's not like we haven't seen this stuff before but then again, we're all so smart that every now and then we need to be reminded that we've had firefighters on our own department lose their lives. The management team that Large has put together doesn't reassure me in the least. His showing up at city hall to help the mayor SAVE MONEY instead of helping to SAVE LIVES leaves me cold. This isn't a real fire department anymore and it won't be until the shitbags at the top are cleaned out. You screwballs looking to line up to suck off this fire chief should be lining up to kiss the union president's ass. Our union is the only group fighting to keep us alive. God help us all. Yeah, FTM
Received via Email 01.05.10 This department is getting so ridiculous, we might as well start promoting explorers to the rank of officer. They would probably do a better job than those Large has been promoting.
Received via Email 01.06.10 Funny how we keep making positions at HQ with a 7 day work cycle but we can't keep the trucks staffed without wearing out people with all the bullshit manditory overtime. I hope Winnie breaks if off in their ass.
Received via Email 01.06.10 He'd have to break it off in their face for that to happen.
Received via Email 01.06.10 When you look at their face all you get is ass.
The arbitration for District Chief Richard Johnson will be held on Monday,
January 11, 2010 - conference room 800 - MSC beginning at 09:30.
Received via Email 01.08.10 Pertaining to Chief Johnson. SAFETY will prevail. That is what the fire service is all about. If it is not for the safety of citizens and firefighters we might as well be a car salesman.
Received via Email 01.09.10 "Fire Chief James Large said the grant requirements would put too much pressure on St. Petersburg's budget." Someone tell me again.......... James Large is the fire chief and not the budget director? We still have ladder trucks dropping to two people. I wish we had a chief who would man up and say to the mayor that he has always needed the extra people and that instead of throwning $286M into reserves for a baseball stadium, he'd rather see fireground safety as his first goal, last goal and only goal. It's so easy to agree with your bosses.
Received via Email 01.09.10 Now you know what the difference is between a real fire chief and a fire administrator is. These guys all go to business school so they can stroke chicklets on a keyboard. Wait till they get TeleStaffing up and running. Wimberly will never come out to play. He'll be working the gig 24/7 from his office and from home tracking every swinging dick on this dept. If you hate it here now, just wait till they build a database on every one of us. There's barely anyone at hq anymore that works for the FD because they all work for the city.
Received via Email 01.09.10 Well, hopefully the new Training Division will come out with some great training on how to effectively rescue trapped occupants in a fire from elevated areas with only two people on a ladder truck. In fact our next BCE I hope we do it with 2 on the ladder truck because that is what we do in real life. Since our city admin won't help us our only other hope is our training division. But if you bring up this whole safety issue idea, you will be targeted like Chief Johnson. Our chiefs of ole would have never let this happen. Hopefully things will change, but not likely when our Chief fights against his own people. We need a firefighter for a chief, not a person who doesn't have a clue about real life fireground situations.
Received via Email 01.09.10 Guess Foster forgot what it was like at the Fire Ops to be short handed at a fire scene. Or he wasn't really paying attention, or he just doesn't care. What a shame.
Received via Email 01.10.10 The training division has already started the new training that results from being short handed in their own division. We now get to do our training on a computer. Forget about asking questions, or asking for an explination. Log on, Log off, thats all it takes now to fulfill the requirements of OSHA, the ISO, and SPFR. When did they become a part of our Dept?
Received via Email 01.12.10 To 01-09 What does any of it matter? Whether you've got 2 or 5 on a truck? Using a stopwatch to document some arbitrary time shouldn't mean anything to any of us except for the guy holding the stopwatch making PTEC bank. Think safety first and don't bust your ass doing a thing for this ungrateful city. Work for your brothers and sisters and the citizens while on the fireground. Next time some of you go to the drill grounds with a 2 man truck, demand that the stopwatch be left in the classroom. Tell them that you're going to move at a safe pace and that you're not going to do any kind of work to make more work for yourselves because this cheap ass city and gutless fire chief won't supply you with the manpower to get the job done safely.
Received via Email 01.12.10 To 1.12.10 #1
I have to think that's a fast way to some time off. Just sayin'.
Received via Email 01.15.10 I'm a firefighter and I've just relocated to the area. I'm a totally mindless drone and I'm looking for a job at a department whose primary goals in the next few years will be the harvesting and tracking of all personal information and excellence in the workforce through opressive management tactics. I wonder SPFR would have a place for me in the future?
Received via Email 01.15.10 Dont even waste your time. Benedit Arnold wouldn't even be noticed by the group of egregious egotistic maniacs we have ruining this department.
Received via Email 01.15.10 You don't need a job here but you've nailed this place right on the head. This Fire Dept. is quickly going down the toilet. You all pissed and moaned when the drunk was in charge but you missed a very important point. City hall didn't mess with him because he wasn't in the mayor's pocket. Jimmy Large is weak knee'd and is like a puppy always in need of a pat on the head. He is a MUTT. The assistant fire chief should be named "one way" because he's always right and there's no wiggle room for discussion, otherwise. He's not a people person and is way over his head in his present position. He is a MUTT. We need a change at the top that will restore needed respect amongst those of us who actually work for a living. The crew at the top now is more concerned with who's trying to avoid manditory overtime [bullshit], who's using too much sick leave [bullshit], who's arguing pt. care with their ate up officer [bullshit], etc.
I'm willing to bet that if they treated people here a little better and supported us rather than always giving the impression that we're spending money from someone's wallet at HQ then maybe people would respect this place enough to actually show up for work and give a shit too. FTM
Received via Email 01.16.10 The city says mandatory overtime is very limited. What a lie that is. We are running this department on overtime. It gets worse every year and out of the 100 plus year history- in the past 10 years we have lost all respect it took 90 years to build. And it aint getting better any time soon until we get leadership that leads and does not self serve.
Received via Email 01.16.10 To all of you that "think" you worked MANDATORY OVERTIME today (Sat.1/16/10) just remember, close your eyes and repeat after me. There is no MANDATORY overtime, There is no MANDATORY overtime, There is no MANDATORY overtime, There is no MANDATORY overtime. There, don't that make you feel better? Just remember there IS No Mandatory overtime for the idiots that continue to make the statement. However if there is no Mandatory overtime, then why is there a seperate Mandatory Overtime list? Actually it is very rarely mandatory overtime because very few of us ever get to see the overtime pay rates. Its only OVERTIME if you are eligible for true time and one half pay.
Received via Email 01.16.10 1-15 #3 portrays an accurate desription. Jim Large is grasping at straws in an attempt to control the uncontrollable. He so desperately wants to be loved by all but in real life that's just not possible. Just because people laugh at your stupid jokes when you enter a fire station doesn't mean they adore you.
Received via Email 01.17.10 Jimmy IS the Joke we laugh at when he enters a room.
Received via Email 01.19.10 So Chief Joke says that SPFR meets the intent of 1710 when it comes to staffing for a residential fire. However he obviously don't give a hoot when his Firefighters are called upon to assist other agencies staff their departments. Stations 6 & 9 repeatedly respond to high density high rise condo's on a regular basis to supplement the "wont hire enough" call St. Pete for what you need departments. Monday evening SPFR sent 2 engine companies with their pathetic 6 personnel to supplement the 5 from South Pas and the 5 from St. Pete Beach to a confirmed fire on the 20th floor. Fire was out on arrival but there was damage to the apartment and smoke conditions on the entire 20th floor. There was also a fire casualty that resulted in transport. Over 1 hour was spent on this call, with a whopping 16 folks, 17 if you count the don't give a shit DC 5 who never asked for additional alarms. Why does SPFR send additional folks from the get go to this same type call and upgrade when smoke conditions are reported? SPFR DC was in charge of this scene and he failed our brothers and sisters. If the answer is that it is not our city then we need to get our units out of the run cards before the all together unthinkable happens.
Received via Email 01.19.10 He thinks we are smiling at him but we are really laughing at him. Grow up Jimmy and be a Fire Chief, start supporting your firefighters and staff the trucks properly.
Received via Email 01.19.10 If anyone is REALLY interested in seeing what a Department with truely staffed equipment looks like, turn to pages 26 and 27 in the January 2010 edition of Firehouse magazine. BTW, this is their response with only 3 engines, 4 truck companies, 2 Rescue companies and a whole lot of lookie lou's.
Received via Email 01.20.10 Very impressive response. I wonder what publications they follow that would lead them to believe they need to have so many personnel on each vehicle? It is obvious they believe in what they read.
TEAM: You guys really make this too easy. Click here.
Received via Email 01.21.10 So when are all of you guys going to get serious and quit these specialty teams? The Punisher sends out a memo telling you all that they need to save money by stealing from you and me (not them) and that you'll now need to be IN THE STATION to get you dive pay, haz-mat pay, TRT pay, but not the Tac Team pay. God forbid, the swat team should have it's medics not get paid every hour of the day to be ready and be trained.
They've already told you that you don't matter. They've told you that your education and rediness doesn't mean shit. What are you all waiting for? Are some of you heros on the acting list affraid that you're not going to get promoted from the 33rd spot? Dude, you're already not going to get promoted. Quit sucking ass that don't know you're even on the same planet as them. Now you're getting nothing for your training and education if you aren't sitting at 4,5 or 11 (unless you're on the SWAT TEAM and then it don't matter. You get paid 24/7 no matter what).
And another thing. Why is it that chumps like large and wimberly wear a patch on their shoulder and get paid extra to do nothing extra? Why does everyone at HQ get paid $150 a pay period plus their working a 7 day work cycle which means they bank OT every week and they all get provisional paramedic pay or EMT pay to sit on their ass in a non hazardous environment. These pricks are in charge and guys like large make $17K a month plus he gets a substantial 401A dump each month that he doesn't have to contribute to.
The slaves keep getting poorer and the massa man keeps getting richer. Someone tell me why should any of us should respect these pricks? FTM and that would be you scumbags at HQ! SMD and those aint my initials.
BARGAINING SESSION
January 25th at 3:00 pm in MSC room 800
FREE POPCORN AND
ICE COLD IMPORTED BEER TO THE FIRST 300 THROUGH THE DOOR!
BRING THE SPOUSE AND THE KIDS
(It's always good to bring a witness to a crime)
Pd. political ad by the "Slaves for a Common Cause Cmte."
Received via Email 01.25.10 Great advertisement, to bad nobody cared enough to go.
Received via Email 01.25.10
Vandal Hurled Large Rock at Wash. Ladder Truck
Jan. 24--A Vancouver Fire Department ladder truck crew had a narrow escape early Saturday when someone hurled a large rock into the massive vehicle's driver-side windshield.
Holy shit! Jimmy Large was right. If we could cut the number of people down to just the driver then we'd only have to worry about one person from now on. Nahhhh, Jimmy wasn't right. He's still the mayor's little boy toy and a douche.
Received via Email 01.26.10 "There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." --James Madison, speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788
Received via Email 01.26.10 We don't spend money to put more firefighters on trucks or for hands on training anymore. PTEC provides the hands on so the city doesn't have to pay for their pension or benefits. Now we have to find more money for more computers because we're all stacked up in front of the tube in the office because our monthly training comes from a box. Someone please tell me how much they just spent on big screen TV's and intrusive cameras that can be turned on remotely and pointed at us without our knowledge? Even if they're not pointing the camera at you someone can easily listen to any private conversation that you're having with the wife on the phone. My house had an intercom in it when I bought it. It's several years old but when we snoop in on the kids room it beeps to let them know we are listening. Someone please tell me that this thing wasn't program this way on purpous and that it was just a mistake. Someone tell me that management doesn't have software on their work and home computer that will allow them to watch and listen to everything that goes on in the stations between all of us or that we aren't secretly being recorded. If the group downtown was worthy of being trusted then trust would'nt be an issue but they've proven time and time again that they aren't to be trusted. The day that a computer rescues someone from a house fire or doesn't the work of a 4 man ladder crew is the day that I'll start believing in the current regime that we've got at HQ.
Received via Email 01.26.10 Just make sure your computer and spy camera is plugged in at all times or discipline will happen. The street work doesnt matter. What matters is that we know what you are doing at the station at all times. Now obey my orders.
The punisher- aka prince.
NOTICE
Contract Explanation
Date: January 26, 2010
To: All St. Petersburg members
Ref: OVERTIME Reopener
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There will be two (2) days of Contract explanation, held at the UNION Office on Wednesday February 3rd and Thursday February 4th, 2010.
Reference the Best and Final offer from Mayor Foster and Chief Large; on the OVERTIME Reopener.
There will be a time line distributed for the balloting procedures and return of ballots after the meetings.
Wednesday February 3rd, 2010 9:00am- Noon (B-Shift Day)
Thursday February 4th, 2010 9:00am- Noon (C-Shift Day)
Fraternally,
William Mott
Secretary Treasurer, Local 747
Subject: Article 22 Reopener Bargaining Session #6
All,
As discussed at the last bargaining session, the parties have confirmed that session #6 is scheduled on Friday 2/5/10 at 2:00 p.m. in MSC Conference Room 800.
Chris Guella
Labor Relations and Compensation Manager
City of St. Petersburg
P.O. Box 2842
St. Petersburg, FL 33731-2842
Tel: 727-893-7419
Fax - 727-551-3247
Received via Email 02.02.10 Once I was very proud to be a member of the finest St. Petersburg Fire Department, now I am ashamed to tell others where I work. What happened ?
TEAM: You're simply mistaken. Ask anyone at HQ. "It's that website, stupid!"
Received via Email 02.02.10 Yeah the website caused all of our problems.
Received via Email 02.07.10 I dont know if anyone can credit this website for causing all of our problems, but I do know that it has caused a whole lot of sleepless nights for the invisible man. So to that my hat is off to all of you that have taken the time to speak (type) your piece. Sal lute.....
Florida League of Cities Supports Pension Reform
St. Petersburg Fire Fighters participate in a defined benefit plan and it's now under attack!
2010 Issue Brief: Municipal Pension Plans
The Florida League of Cities will support legislation that provides comprehensive municipal firefighter and police officer pension reform. Any comprehensive pension reform package should address the issue of statutory presumptions and maximum benefits should be based on actual base salary. Alternatives to defined benefit programs should be incentivized and cities that join the Florida Retirement System for firefighters or police officers should be allowed to purchase past service credit at the 3% rate, rather than the current law 2% rate. Pensions boards should not consist of a majority of plan members and all plans and plan expenses should receive third party independent review. Lastly, if a firefighter or police officer pension plan does not accept insurance premium tax revenues, then the insurance premium tax should not be charged in that jurisdiction.
Background:
The Senate Committee on Government Operations in 2008 and 2007 performed an interim project on local government defined benefit pension plans (not including the Florida Retirement System). Several hundred local governments in Florida, primarily cities and, to a lesser extent, special districts, sponsor more than 500 separate single purpose or multi-purpose pension plans for their officers and employees. The state Division of Retirement produces an Annual Report on local government retirement systems. The Annual Reports for the past several years identified various issues of concern with local government retirement systems, including: auditing of pension plans; limiting certain required contributions; clarifying existing statutory provisions; retaining contribution stability; determining the “reasonableness” of certain assumptions; and non-forfeitable benefits. The Division’s issues of concern and recommendations could have a significant impact on the operation of various local government defined benefit pension plans.
In 1999, the Legislature amended chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes, relating to firefighter and police officer pensions to state that additional premium tax revenues over a base amount must be used to provide “extra benefits” in firefighter and police officer pension plans. The Legislature further amended the law to state that the term “extra benefits” means benefits in addition to those in existence in the plan on March 12, 1999. What this means is if a municipality provided a new pension benefit under its firefighter or police officer pension plan on or before March 11, 1999, the municipality could not use additional premium tax revenues to pay for the benefit; however, if the municipality had provided the exact same benefit on or after March 13, 1999, it could have used additional premium tax revenues to pay for the benefit. This arbitrary date, selected by the Legislature for determining when a pension benefit should be considered to be an “extra benefit,” essentially punishes municipalities that offered heightened pension benefits to their firefighters and police officers prior to March 12, 1999. In aggregate numbers, it is estimated that municipalities have had to provide over $250 million in “extra pension benefits” to firefighters and police officers since March 12, 1999.
Status:
HB 413 (Wood ) and SB 660 (Fasano) limit enrollment in state defined benefit plans and requires other state employees to enroll in defined benefit plans. HB 413 has been referred to the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee and the House Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development. SB 660 has been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Committee, the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee, the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee and the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.
Contact: Tim Stanfield
Revised: 01/11/10
Received via Email 02.09.10 So do you think this League of cities loving city and FD are going to do anything to keep us safe from this? Someone ask the chief if he'll stand up for our pension, considering he's already got his and he's now banking $17K per month I seriously doubt it.
Received via Email 02.10.10 Has he backed you on anything with this city yet, I think his track record speaks for itself.
Received via Email 02.13.10
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Staffing Choices
Mar 1, 2008 12:00 PM
By Bruce Martin
The economic slowdown now gripping the country could eventually squeeze fire department budgets. And that means chiefs must take a hard look at all aspects of their departments, including their staffing model.
TEAM: Start reading this article. Continue through the numbers to the meat of the article. Realize... this is your life!
Received via Email 02.13.10 How many of SPFR's $.65 an hour non pensionable haz mat specialists responded to the haz-mat suecide call Saturday morning? Was that measly bit really worth your livihood? Give it some serious thought. Oh by the way, admin has already taken a dislike to our $2,000.00 paramedics, how long until they take a dislike to all of the $1,500.00 speciality team players? They know they could never pay for a real team so, they get you suckers. As a matter of fact, our fine city is ready to approve yet again a blanket agreement that will pay a company to come in AFTER a storm is long gone to clean up the mess. Oh yes, did I forget to mention that the least paid in the bunch will get $37.00 an hour? Check out this link if you really want to believe,http://www.stpete.org/LegisStream/MG224607/AS224635/AS224636/AI225728/DO225729/DO_225729.pdf yes it comes directly from the city's web page under city council agenda for 2/18/2010. I know you really do want to believe
Received via Email 02.15.10 For anyone that does not believe that we are facing a tough budget year, just go by Fire Station 6 and look at the new addition to the parking lot. No, LR1 has not been reassigned there and no they arent using it as a temporary response location. The flat out truth is the vehicle would not start Saturday and no one had a AAA card to get the battery jumped or towed down to FMD. What a joke we have become.
Received via Email 02.15.10 Whoa, shut your mouth...I thought SPFR was super concerned about our vehicles being secure at all times. If it comes up missing they will probably go looking for a scape goat to try accusing of using the keys to go joy riding.
Received via Email 02.18.10
Largo Professional Firefighters Local 2427
P.O. Box 265, Largo, Fl 33779, www.iaff2427.org
President: Dale Rosko 727-723-5466
Secretary / Treasurer: Will Murphy 727-723-5790
February 12, 2010
Voting Results
The ballots were counted, Friday February 12, 2010 for the “Best and Final” Offer 104 ballots were cast, 83% of the possible voters.
Those in attendance and counting were:
Dale Rosko President
Will Murphy Secretary/Treasurer
Nicole Dobbins A-Shift Representative
Witnessed by:
Ed Bader Member
Dean Chester Member
The results are:
Accept the City’s offer 0 Votes
Reject the City’s offer 104 Votes
The Officers and Officials of Local 2427 would like to thank the 104 voters that found the time to cast their ballots.
Will Murphy
Secreatry / Treasurer
IAFF Local 2427
Received via Email 02.18.10 Now that is sticking together. Largo is awesome. To bad SPFR has our little group of suck asses that always makes it hard for the firefighters to move forward.
Received via Email 02.24.10 Palm Beach County Deputies Lose Raises, Longevity, Holiday Pay, and Patrol Premium Pay
From The Palm Beach Post, February 23
WEST PALM BEACH, FL Police officers won't receive their yearly raises, city commissioners decided last night, despite one final plea from the union.
"You can impose on us anything you want, but you're doing everything on the backs of police officers, which kills me," Ernie George, executive director of the Police Benevolent Association, told commissioners. "It's just not fair."
Although the city's budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year was set in September, negotiations with police had been tied up with neither side able to agree on a contract.
It wound up in the hands of city commissioners, the first time the commission had to decide a police contract in West Palm Beach in more than a quarter century.
Ultimately, the police lost their yearly step increases, a 5 percent raise previously guaranteed for every year of a police officer's first 10 years on the force.
They also lost longevity pay, a 5 percent bonus given to an officer on his or her 10th year on the force, and a 10 percent bonus given in an officer's 20th year on the force.
Also, officers will only receive holiday pay on seven of the 11 city holidays. If they work on any of the other four holidays, they'll receive regular pay.
Patrolmen, who received an additional $21 per pay circle for working on the streets, had to give that up.
The city and union did make one compromise their dental plan will be funded by giving up about $100,000 of cell phone allowances from the city.
"Help us get through hard times together," Mayor Lois Frankel said. "The country is in a mess economically."
The union still has to vote to ratify the contract, something police Chief Delsa Bush said is unlikely. But the commission has the final say, and the contract will be imposed regardless.
Frankel said the city wouldn't try to recoup the raises that the officers' had been receiving in their pay checks since September. However, their paychecks will revert to the 2008-2009 level when the contract is finalized in two weeks.
Officers' starting salaries begin at $47,590, and average $82,455 with overtime, according to city officials.
Bush said she is concerned about the officers' morale, since they joined the force expecting to receive the yearly pay raises.
"I'm worried," Bush said. "I'm hoping this contract is only temporary, because the city is not going to get the caliber of officers that West Palm Beach is used to."
While the city had argued for months that no other employee received raises, George argued that police officers risk their lives daily and should be treated differently than other city employees.
George blasted the commission for taking away holiday pay on four holidays, saying no other city employee had a similar provision.
"There's nothing I can do about bad management," George said of the city having to cut $20 million from its budget during the recession.
George argued that the city should stop hiring new officers, but Frankel said the city has received a federal grant to continue hiring police officers.
The union will begin negotiating its 2010-2011 contract in several months, with the city facing another $10 million shortfall.
We don't have to wait for the next contract year to begin to find out what's coming our way. Fire Chief James D. Large is already robbing the Firefighters of SPF&R. In the last 2 years St. Petersburg City Council has hidden $300M from public view. They aren't going to fix our pension problems. They aren't going to do shit for our Paramedics and you can only dream about a Driver Engineer program.
This fire dept. is quickly going into the shitter and each and every one of us is being robbed without a gun by Fire Chief James D. Large. He got his now we fight to keep ours. Large you are a mutt.
What's wrong with this picture? Nothing. Two of the three firefighters being promoted are officers in their union.
What's wrong with the picture here at SPFR? Everyone trying to get promoted shuns the union because Fire Chief James D. Large never took an active part in our union and looks down his nose at union participation. Catch his act sometime when he drops the fact that the union fights too many battles.
Fire Chief James D. Large is no Fire Chief James Angle. FTM!
Received via Email 02.27.10 There are fire chiefs in this county that take care of their firefighters. Like it was said before Large is no Chief Graham either!!
Received via Email 02.27.10 I know whats wrong with OUR picture. Chief Angle promoted 3 guys to Lt. and put them on a lifesaving squad. Our chickenshit chief shitcanned 5 guys, is the only chief in the Tampabay area to run 2 on a ladder truck and still has the balls to be talking about making HQ captains. We can't keep a 1 man squad on the road and we've got a heavy rescue that sits idle.
Yeah.................................................................................................................what's wrong with this picture? Loser Large.
Received via Email 02.28.10 Hey dipshit read the article. These are upgrades and there is no one being hired to fill the spots of F/F. Half of these posts, bitch that we do not need lts on units but Angle gets an ata boy. If I recall our Captains are in the Union, the lts that would receive the upgrade are in the union and we still want to bash them. If it sucks in St Pete so bad please get the hell out and stop bringing the rest of us down.
Received via Email 03.01.10 To 2-28. I think the point the other person was trying to make was was that the promotions in Palm Harbor are going to augment operations on the street not in a marble vacuum chamber serving the chief.
Received via Email 03.03.10 I sure am glad I dont work for Palm Harbor, shows how non-progressive of a Dept. they are, upgrade only 3 Lts. positions for running calls on the street. If they had any sense, they should have used that money combined and upgraded a HQ position to Captain, beacause we all know how that keeps us and the citizens soo safe, when will they ever learn!
Received via Email 03.04.10 I wonder if Palm Harbor ever let their promotional list expire? Only in SPFR is it possible to lose your place in line because we wanted you to.
Received via Email 03.05.10 How hard is it to keep a current promotional list current? After all they say the list is good for 2 years they can't figure out when the 2 years is up? I know they have a lot to do at the paper palace with all the coffee drinking and trying to figure out where to go for their 3-4 hour lunches, but come on if it is too hard for them to keep the lists current maybe they should outsource it to PARC.
Received via Email 03.05.10 Its the same good ole boy buddy system as always. Only disguised a little better. Nothing new here. It would be nice if someone really was promoted for being an experienced and great firefighter. Those days are long behind us my friend.
Benefits include: annual leave the first year, one 24 hour Relief day every 6 weeks, ten paid holidays, an excellent pension with up to 100% of pay, and many other great benefits.
I find it highly offensive that when we're negotiating for pay and benefits that we have to fight for every scrap that we get but when they go advertising for suckers to walk through the door they gloat over all the GREAT benefits. Like anyone at city hall or HQ had an effing thing to do with aquiring benefits.
Received via Email 03.05.10 That's nothing you should have seen today's city email offerings:
FIREFIGHTER/EMT** FIRE $37,504 - $58,641 ------------ Open Until Filled
** Firefighter/Paramedics are encouraged to apply. If hired in a Firefighter/EMT position, a qualified paramedic will be able to maintain their certification and be given strong consideration for promotion to Firefighter/Paramedic when positions become available.
What's missing?
* Yeah right!
** See above.
***You're subject to the embarrasement of being layed-off because the fire chief is a political appointee.
****We'll hire you with a Paramedic patch and use you like a $2 whore.
*****All the free ice you could want from any station ice machine (except station 7).
******Applicants hired with a Paramedic patch are advised not to scream "you're kidding, right?" when introduced to almost a Doctor Pumpkinhead.
*******When hired. the chief will guarantee you that you'll love it here. When hired the guys in the stations will guarantee you that you'll hate it here.
********Applicants must promise not to expect to much help from the EMS division.
*********Applicants must realize that if we don't like you, you wont make it.
**********Applicants must not be surprised if things don't go as planned, We try...
***********If you're a certified Firefighter Paramedic you should plan on ending up somewhere else that has better everything.
************All applicant's should check out all their options before settleing for SPFR.
*************If the applicant is just an EMT, be prepared to run your ass off as the partner to our overworked single medic.
**************Applicants must understand that the term Paramedic is misleading.
***************Applicants must understand that more work for less pay is the SPFR motto.
****************Applicants are advised not to burn any bridges at their former employer.
*****************Did we mention that you get free ice?
Received via Email 03.06.10 As said by a great former employee. I wouldn't work for the SPFR if I was unemployed.
There is greener pastures. Oh and to a certain DC - you know who you are. You are the Turd !!!
Received via Email 03.06.10 That is a hell of a story about their union president. Every swinging dick on this job needs to know that everyone of the staff members in the glass palace are working against you. Let me say it again, everyone of the staff members in the glass palace are working against you and their doing it full time. They do everything possible to keep our union president at the fire station by coming up with childish bullshit rules off the top of their heads. I don't like any of them as they're all dicks who care nothing for any of us. They care only about themselves and getting ahead. When the chief comes to visit, I walk out of the room. He's become a full time bullshit artist like his new daddy the mayor. FTM
Received via Email 03.06.10 Ooh ooh ooh I've got another one for you. ***********************Applicants should consult with the 3 paramedics now happily working for Lealman before applying.
Received via Email 03.07.10 Speaking of station visits, word on the street had all Division chiefs on the tour this past Friday. Anyone wish to fill us in?
Received via Email 03.07.10 This place is proof positive that a college education doesn't mean that you're prepared to lead or that you're smart enough to outsmart the other guy especially if the other guy's trhing to do the right thing.
Received via Email 03.08.10 03.07.10 Speaking of station visits, word on the street had all Division chiefs on the tour this past Friday. Anyone wish to fill us in?
At my station chief Wimberly was on a rant from the time he walked in until he left. He was pissed about everything, specially when he was told that his officers felt that they dont recieve the necessary backing from admin, when they need it. I'm sure there were other station officers tho that probably never took off their rose colored glasses long enough to see this spy visit for what it really was. Wait until next week when a new directive comes out showing how much goof off time we have to sit around the stations.
Received via Email 03.08.10 Wimberly will screw the officers as fast as he will the firefighters. Just ask around and you will find plenty of officers that have been hung out to dry by both Wimberly and Large. DC Johnson comes to mind for one and that's just for starters.
Take a look at this. We were pretty shocked when we saw this. Well, actually we weren't shocked in the least little bit. Here's a taste of your future under the Brown Shirts. This isn't your HR division sending out a questionnaire, this is one of them.
PS: Thank you to those members of the FFCA (Florida Fire Chiefs Association) who maintain strong union ties.
SURVEY REQUEST FROM ST. PETERSBURG FIRE & RESCUE
FFCA MEMBERS:
St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue asks for your assistance with a brief survey concerning random drug testing for employees. This should be readily answered in a just a few minutes of your time. If you have any questions, please contact Divison Chief Knight at steven.knight@stpete.org or 727-893-7664.
Thank you and please click on the link below.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LD65SN6
Steven Knight, MPA, CFO, EFO
Division Chief of Rescue
St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue
400 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-4472
727-893-7696
727-892-5468 (fax)
steven.knight@stpete.org
Received via Email 03.11.10 I've got a question for all of you smart guys out there. With information like this, why do we need the Invisible Man around? Hitler didn't really do any of his own bidding. He had Speer and Goebbels and Himmler and Goering and Hess and on and on. I figure it's only a matter of time before Mr. Pumkinhead starts covorting with each council member telling them that HE'S really the mastermind running the show.
Received via Email 03.11.10 My whispering campaign is every bit as successful as any attemp that management has to stop it. The more shit they pull and the more people that they injur along the way, it's just the more people that are exposed to how little they lead by example and really lead by fear and intimidation. Hitler and his henchment eventually got theirs so guess where I'm going.
Received via Email 03.12.10 I guess Fire Admin has really and truly turned over a new leaf. If the Chiefs are looking to make a change to our Drug Policy, I guess that means that they have cleaned themselves up as well. In case they haven't heard Alcohol is a drug. Be careful where your stepping, Mutts leave messes everywhere they go.
Received via Email 03.12.10 If the boy got his own site they would call it http://www.surveymr.pumpkinhead.com/s/LD65SN6 Just kidding tho. We all love you.........................................................................................................................................................................................................to leave.
Received via Email 03.14.10 Mr. Jaok-O-Lantern the Alphabet boy.
Received via Email 03.14.10 Alphabet boy?
Received via Email 03.14.10 Yeah, aphabet boy. CFO, I don't know, E I E I O....
ALERT
If you haven't already received the Text Alert from the Local 747 web site, now is the time to make your way there. Follow the links on the page and utilize all three of them. Your pension plan is under attack!
Florida Fire Fighters Fight Attacks on Retirement Benefits
March 16, 2010 -- The Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) is launching a campaign to defeat three proposed pieces of Florida state legislation that, if passed, would put unwanted limitations on fire fighter pensions and retirement plans.
“We have already met with Senate leadership and are working to meet with House leadership,” says FPF Governmental Relations Director Randy Touchton. “Meanwhile, we are asking all Florida fire fighters to contact their state senators and tell them to vote against Senate Bill 1902 and to contact their house representatives and tell them to vote against House Bills 1319 and 1543.”
Senate Bill 1902 focuses primarily on local pension plans. If passed, administrative control over these plans would be back in the hands of the participating municipalities. Current provisions related to extra pension benefits would be eliminated. Additionally, any participant with less than 10 years on the job would be capped at 70 percent and the benefit calculation would only include base pay. In other words, overtime or other sources of compensation would not be included.
House Bill 1319 addresses changes in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), and would also redefine compensation to exclude overtime, annual leave or supplemental pay benefits. It would cap retirement benefits for those with less than 10 years of service at 80 percent. Special risk participants’ (such as fire fighters) retirement age would be increased to age 60 and 30 years of service. Accrual rates for special risks would be reduced from 3 to 2.75 percent. Average Final Compensation (AFC) would change from highest five years to an average of an entire career (30 years for a normal pension). Employees would be required to contribute 1 percent of salary to a current employee non-contributory system. Additionally, it would require all public pensions plans to provide a five-year projection for employer contributions (all plans with fewer than 20 members are exempt).
There are additional bills proposing a reduction to the current 3 percent annual COLA and a complete elimination of the defined benefit pension plan for all new hires. These proposed changes are being made to one of the healthiest public employee pension plan in the country - a plan that has been more than 100 percent funded for the past decade and is currently funded at nearly 100 percent.
House Bill 1543 contains many of the same provisions as House Bill 1319; however, one of the major differences is the elimination of all positions currently in the special risk class, except for fire fighters, law enforcement and correctional officers. It would also cap the retirement benefit for those having less than 10 years to 70 percent, excluding overtime or additional compensation above the base salary.
Received via Email 03.21.10 I am already hearing FINO's saying things such as, "who cares we don't have that anyway". How stupid can one be? What happens to any firefighter will trickle down to include everyone. Unless you just retired yesterday or maybe tomorrow your pension is fair game with these proposed changes. So go ahead and continue to believe that the man behind the curtain will continue to keep you safe and then go wailing with the rest of your brain dead posse and blame it on the u-n-i-on. I guess that would be ludicrous.
TEAM: They obviously haven't read the bills. Same group that's never lifted a finger to help you or I but is always first in line for a handout they didn't earn. There are people on this job that can always be relied on and others that can always be relied on for nothing. We know who they are. Why even bother holding a conversation with them? I know. For a brief moment in time you're inspired to believe that maybe, just maybe they get it for the first time in their lives. Then --- nothing. Ask them to go to Capitol Hill --- nothing. Ask them to go to Tallahassee --- nothing. Ask them to send an email --- nothing. Ask them to phone their state legislators --- nothing. It's easier to run with a hundred than to push one MUTT. FTM
Received via Email 03.22.10 Our union president just returned from Washington DC and is already in Tallahassee. Holy shit! I'm guessing I don't need to ask if any of our chiefs are going to fight side by side with Winnie for our pensions. They got theirs though, didn't they. Keep up the good fight Winnie. We're all with you in spirit!!!
Received via Email 03.24.10 Winnie and the unions are kicking some ass. Here's an email that I got today:
Thank you for taking the time to write regarding the issue of public employee retirement. I appreciate the opportunity to learn of your thoughts and concerns on this important issue.
As we are completing our committee meeting process, two retirement related bills, HB 1319 and HB 1543, have been withdrawn from consideration. As a result, these bills will not advance this Session, however it is possible that similar bills may. I encourage you to continue to watch the Legislature as Session proceeds.
Thank you again for writing to me. Please know that as the Legislature deliberates this important issue, I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind. If I may be of assistance to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Larry Cretul
Speaker
TEAM: Yes, great news. We got the same email earlier this afternoon. Seems like organized labor is nipping this mess in the bud while the bills are still in committee. And yes, we've got several people from 2nd District representing us in the FPF. Politics is everything.
Received via Email 03.27.10 Any one who puts letters after his name to make himself look bigger must have a small P.e.e P.e.e.
ST. PETERSBURG -- Will Newton is no ordinary city employee.
For one, he's president of the local fire union.
Secondly, he's the brother of Wengay Newton, who is a city council member.
But even with these connections Newton is not pleased with how he's being treated at City Hall. He filed a request seeking the names of firefighters who are classified as emergency medical technicians. It's research he's doing for the upcoming collective bargaining this summer.
He was notified that he would be charged $91.84 for the information, which included the staff time to retrieve it. Newton said he was given three pages, and he still didn't have the information he requested.
He asked the city clerk, Eva Andujar, who retrieved the information for him, and she said it was Steven Knight, division chief of rescue.
"I don't have a problem with the city charging for records," Newton said. "But why do they have to get one of the highest paid employees to do what's actually clerical work? This is a slap in my face. They're trying to hit my pocket by having the most expensive person pull the records."
Newton said the request was a relatively simple one and shouldn't have taken two hours.
"They're slowing (the union) down as much as possible," he said.
Fire Chief James Large said Newton never called him with his complaint.
"I guess he's trying to fight his battles in the media," Large said. "I'm disappointed, but I'm not surprised."
Large said normally, Knight wouldn't have gotten the records for Newton. But he said clerical staff was busy and that Knight "knew where to go." It took as long as it did because the information was in different places and other employees had to be consulted.
"(Knight) wouldn't have charged for two hours if he didn't take two hours," Large said.
Large said Newton and the union make more public records requests than anyone else, and it's taxing his staff.
"These requests are very time consuming," Large said.
-- Michael Van Sickler, Times staff writer
TEAM: We see that the gremlins have been out to play.
Received via Email 03.27.10 "I guess he's trying to fight his battles in the media," Large said. Is the invisible man saying that he is not aware of what his staff is doing? If he does know then he is admitting that he is ok with the obsene charges. Is he also surprised that the union is charged for every piece of information that they make? Infomation that is needed to determine what went on that led to a member being written up is also charged for. Is why HQ needs 40+ people? Any time I have been in the palace I have seen plenty of the roach's scattering about. If the information is being paid for at the workers pay rate then there should be enough to hire another person.
Breaking News: Health Care Update
With the Senate’s decision today on reconciliation of the health care reform bill, I want to provide some perspective on the year-long effort.
I believe that one of the most important elements of the reform bill is that the excise tax will not affect you – not today, not tomorrow and not in the future. We stood our ground because we knew we were right. Due in large part to our strong, consistent opposition, the excise tax was modified repeatedly and watered down drastically.
No matter where you stand on the larger reform effort, please know that we worked very hard to insulate you from that unfair tax, and we were successful. Despite what you may have heard, despite the dire warnings and misstatements, fire fighters will keep their current health care and their taxes will not go up.
Here are a few key points: The excise tax:
Has been scaled back significantly and won’t even take effect until 2018
Was modified so it will apply only to those with the richest plans – $10,200 for an individual and $27,500 for families
The tax threshold for health plans that cover fire fighters and others in high-risk professions is even higher – $11,850 for individuals and $30,950 for families
Will not be applied to dental or vision coverage
While we focused on the excise tax, that is just one element of a broad legislative overhaul, and the truth is there are many changes in the bill that we can support. The major changes ensure that:
Health care coverage is extended to an additional 32 million Americans
Ever-rising health care costs will be contained
The reforms also have major implications for the fire service. We all know we can’t afford to continue serving as the primary health care provider for people without insurance, and expanding coverage to the uninsured will help address budget shortfalls at fire department nationwide.
The bill also outlaws some of the worst practices that insurance companies have engaged in. Under the new law:
Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage because someone has a pre-existing condition
Insurance companies are required to cover the full cost of preventative care, including annual physicals and children’s immunizations
Insurance companies are required to cover dependent children until they are 26
Changes to Medicare also are important because we have members who one day may enroll in that program. Those changes ensure that:
The Medicare drug benefit for senior citizens is expanded, and effective July 1, will provide a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs for the low-income elderly
The gap known as the “doughnut hole” in Medicare prescription drug coverage will gradually close and provide the estimated three million senior citizens who fall into that hole a $250 rebate
Medicare will be overhauled so it delivers health care to senior citizens more efficiently and at a lower price
The reform effort has addressed many of the monumental problems afflicting health care in our country for too long. By substantially watering down the excise tax, extending health care coverage to many of the uninsured, improving Medicare for senior citizens and reining in insurance companies, we corrected some of the worst elements of our health care system.
We also know the bill is not perfect and more needs to be done. But this is a good start to improve the delivery of health care, access to health care and to contain costs.
The health care system had become unsustainable, and allowing this crisis to continue was not a realistic option. A recent report by the Government Accountability Office found that the long-term fiscal outlook for state and local governments is very bleak, entirely due to rising health care costs. Even if the economy makes a strong, sudden recovery, health care costs would force cities to continue making deep cuts in fire department budgets.
These changes will help address that crisis.
Fraternally,
Harold A. Schaitberger
General President
TEAM: We'd like to thank all the fire chiefs that helped to make this happen. Remember, unions are just one big pain in the ass. Unions and their leadership are always starting shit and if it weren't for them we'd have better relations with our chiefs.
Received via Email 03.28.10 Well to all those that believe the Union asks for too much...Why is it that the phones are ringing off the hook with folks complaining about the forced mandatory overtime they just received for tomorrows rain out race? When will we have basic rights? We continue to make the events of highly charged vendors look good, and for what? The public has no respect for our bargained for benefits but they never cease to expect us to be everywhere all of the time.
Pension Video
District Vice President Kennell forwarded this video from the Sarasota Local FOX affiliate. Despite the usual FOX sensationalism, and inaccuracies it does portray the depth of attacks on Firefighters, Police and other public employees. Remember that the average FRS pension in Florida is less than $14,000.00 per year, which means half the pensions are less than $14,000.00, FOX didn't mention that little fact.
If you aren't taking this seriously and contacting your legislator, don't be surprised when you get off duty on May 1st to find you pension slashed, your Health Insurance Subsidy eliminated and a new deduction line on your paycheck for your new pension contribution.
We have 4 weeks left in the legislative session, a few of the bad pension bill have already been killed, but there are still more than half dozen that could devastate what we have been promised and earned.
The Florida Professional Firefighters will be mounting an all out effort in Tallahassee and to be successful we will need your help back home to remind these legislators, most of whom are up for election in November, that we have already given more than our fair share.
Over the past 8 years the legislators have skimmed over 5 billion dollars from the FRS pension Trust fund to fund other state programs, and pet projects.
We will remember in November who supported us and who didn't.
Fraternally,
Gary Rainey, Vice President
Florida Professional Firefighters
Received via Email 03.29.10 So what you're saying is that fire chiefs have little in common with the common man and we shouldn't be surprized. Not to worry. Nothing they do ever surprizes me and it's usually doing for themselves. I'm always wary of anything they tell me and I never tell them anything they can take away and use unless it's bad information.
Received via Email 03.29.10 "AN OPEN FOE IS A CURSE; A PRETENDED FRIEND IS WORSE" Poor Richards Almanc
Received via Email 03.29.10 "He asked the city clerk, Eva Andujar, who retrieved the information for him, and she said it was Steven Knight, division chief of rescue." When you only supervise one person, you have plenty of time to do clerical work. Only in St. Pete !!
Received via Email 03.30.10 You know what soo sad, there isn't one politican or fire administrator in this city that actualy believes we have ever earned anything we have. In their eyes, what we have is a generous offering that they let us receive, only to be competitive with other depts. and cities. It is soo obvious in their attitude, that if you haven't been promoted, then you haven't earned shit. I now believe FTM baby, FTM! Shove it up their ass and keep pushing 747!
Notice
To: All Members
Dates: Thursday April 8th, 2010 9:00 until 11:00am
Friday April 9th, 2010 9:00 until 11:00 am
Ref; Town Hall Style Meeting
ALL members of local 747, we will be holding an Informational Town Hall Style Meeting @ the Union Office Both days start PROMPTLY at 9 am.
Bring your questions and concerns about, Injuries during Training, ALS engines, Pension changes, Personnel moves, etc.
Our Labor Attorney Robert (Bob) McKee will be the Special Guest, for a limited time each day. Mr. McKee has represented this Local and its membership for with grievances, arbitrations, contracts, and general matters for the past 25+ years.
Refreshments will be provided.
This is your opportunity to express your concerns, hear options, and make educated decisions.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me at (727) 323- 1786 ext 3
Fraternally,
William Mott
Received via Email 04.03.10 HOUSE BILL 5701 ELIMINATES HEALTH INSURANCE SUBSIDIES FOR FRS PARTICIPANTS. What is the problem? Obama and his cronies are giving all of us FREE health insurance, so what do we need any health benefits in retirement for?
Received via Email 04.04.10 Yup, thats the kind of who gives a shit attitude that will kill us all. If we think SPFR is out to kill us, these new bills being introduced are the beginning of the end.
Week 6 Legislative Report
For the many of you who worked hard to help get Angela Rouson get into office this past fall, you probably took a lot of shit from the cops for your supporting her. We all heard it many a time. "Why are you supporting her? Her husband's an asshole!" Well, to that we said, "We aren't campaigning for Darryl Rouson because he's already in office! We're campaigning for his wife." Read the following letter. It ought to be obvious to you that we have friend in Tallahassee with undying support for a good reason.
Received via Email 04.21.10 Anyone planning to go to tonights open forum budget talks? JW Cate community center 6pm. Old northwest 22 av 58 st n. I am curious where the 16 positions are going to come from that Chief L. is willing to give up that he mentions in his latest chiefs rag?
Received via Email 04.22.10 What's everyone think of the way the jimmies shit David Glass out?
Received via Email 04.26.10 If you ask them they will just say Dave who?
Received via Email 04.30.10 Well I guess its pretty much a sure thing. Chief Pumpkin Head folded over like a piece of grass in the wind when the county questioned him about his proposed EMS budget. He immediatly struck out the possibility of the 3% wage increase that he put in before. So if the additional funds dont come from the EMS budget for the medics is there any chance that the no medic employees of this department stand a chance of seeing a rise from Mayor Froster?
Volusia County firefighter John Curry was killed in November 2007 during a training exercise. He was 30, lived in DeLand and is survived by a wife and son.
Received via Email 05.01.10 To 4-40-10. An education doesn't make you street smart of suddenly ready to enter into the political arena with county administrators who see you as a single vote (even less than that if you live in 941). Throwing away a 3% pay raise shouldn't be a problem for him as it's not his. He's not someone who naturally leads and he's not someone who others naturally follow. Another Clearwater.
Received via Email 05.01.10 The requested increases included no new positions or units, but came mostly from higher salaries and benefits for paramedics. County figures show the average EMS-funded paramedic will earn 4.3 percent, or $2,098 more, next year than this year. The average increase in benefits will be about 12.12 percent, or $3,803 more than this year. That makes for an overall increase in compensation of about 6.3 percent, or $5,901.
So the rest of the county's looking good for medic raises but Mr. Pumpkinhead threw ours away. And these are the same guys asking if everyones onboard with they're YES MAN program. Large should be proud. He'll soon be the envy of every chief in the county.
Received via Email 05.01.10 Large IS the envy of EVERY Fire Chief in the world. He shows everyone just how far you can push stupidity and still have a job. On job evaluations they are now refering to it as the Large-ass curve.
Final FPF Legislative Report From Our Lobbyist, Randy Touchton
Received via Email 05.09.10 SAFER Grant Saves 46 Orlando Firefighter Jobs
FEMA gave the department the $8.3 million grant to help save the firefighter positions. Too bad that St. Petersburg Fire and city administrations aren't progressive thinking like Orlando administrations are. If they were, we wouldn't be the laughing stock of the state!
Received via Email 05.11.10
From the Union website:
Subject: Re: Department Physicals/ Lt Martin Arbitration Decision
Date: Jun 10, 2009 4:08 PM
Will,
The understanding reached between you and Rose remains in effect. To confirm, those employees who choose not to complete the required release form will not incur discipline or threats of discipline for refusing to take the annual physical. The only consequence for refusing to sign the form is that the affected employees will not receive their annual physicals.
Please contact me if you have any further questions or concerns regarding this matter.
Chris Guella
Labor Relations and Compensation Manager
Received via Email 05.12.10 Funny that we still have people that dont understand. I have heard and seen many of last years naysayers signing up and taking the exam this year. Some are also making statements like how they are only going to take it every few years. Wake up idiots, you cant have a problem with signing the forms every other year. What do you think a judge will say to that? Your a Stupid Idiot comes to mind. Also unless your TB test has ever come back with a positive reading, you do not have to submit to the chest xray. I am sure that each of our highly skilled professionaly trained phlebotomists can answer that basic question? Why are we using our paramedics to do the blood draws? Does the city save money by allowing this? What other parts of the exam will our people be doing next? I can see the blood pressure, eye exam, reflexs, ekg, mens testicles and womens pelvic exams, and what the hell ever other parts our self proclaimed best in the medical world Paramedics will except to do. We are all being lured into the trap and it will spring real soon.
Received via Email 05.13.10 Baltimore Firefighters Fight Pension Reform
"To fight the reform effort, city police, firefighters and retirees are building a $2.6 million legal fund to pay for a possible lawsuit in federal court. They're paying $10 out of their paychecks every two weeks for the next year, I-Team lead investigative reporter Jayne Miller said. "
Received via Email 05.13.10 Instead of working to provide a benefit that could be a major factor in the prevention or early detection of a major illness we have found it easier to involve ourselves in the city's crafty way of denying and actually destroying a major benefit without the benefit of negotiations. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. How stupid do you have to be to actually deny yourself a benefit that could save your life? It's true that the city has done everything possible to make the annual physical something that is repulsive to us in the manner in which it is grudgingly made available. But they've accomplished through unlawful tactics what couldn't be accomplished at the bargaining table. They've eliminated the annual physical from the contract without a whimper from us. While we are railing about how we aren't going to take the physical and how stupid those are who do, the city is laughing it's ass off at the membership tilting at windmills. They created a very well crafted diversion and while we were getting our ass all up in the air about it they have successfully denied or greatly restricted a very necessary and, in the past, beneficial process that was good for the fire service. It also cost the city quite a bit of money to provide that benefit. A benefit that has been in the contract since it's inception. And sure as hell when the first one of us is diagnosed with a major problem that same person will be the first one to yell and bitch about how the city took away the physicals and now this person is paying the penalty. And the city will sit back and say "We didn't take it away, you gave it away." And you know this will happen. Do you actually think that there's some mystical aura that we have around us that will protect us when so-called civilians are lacking? We're no different that anyone else and sooner or later there will be incidents. And when there are it'll be too late to start pointing fingers and whining like a damn girly girl about how the city should have been providing physicals for the members that would have caught the problem early on. If you don't like the way the physicals are provided then work to get that changed. But don't race off into the void with your brain disengaged and refuse to take part in the process that could save your life. No one is saying it's a good process but we're throwing the baby out with the bath water. The city doesn't care that you're not signing up for a physical. In fact that's exactly what they want you to do. The more who refuse the less it costs the city and the more data they have to use against us when they have to go to the bargaining table or to court. "Here's the facts your honor. The vast majority of the fire fighters covered in the contract by this benefit have opted not to use or take advantage of the benefit. The city cannot be held responsible for the problems of those who are offered a benefit and then choose or intend to not use it. This benenfit has been a part of the union contract with the fire fighters since day one with minor negotiated changes over the years. Unfortunately at this time there are those who opt to refuse the benefit on perceived legal means and therefore are not covered by this agreement. After numerous meetings between the city and the firefighter's union this action is endorsed by both parties and is being employed at this time. Here is the paperwork that provides the proof of that act." Don't be the first one to fall victim to this finely tuned denial of benefits. It could be your ass on the line down the road. And if that should happen your whining about how you've been denied benefits or denied opportunity or denied anything for that matter will fall on deaf ears. Sooner or later one of us will pay for this and pay dearly. If you're so ignorant that you think the annual physicals, if done properly, are not a benefit then that's your perogative. There have always been those who thought that way. But they were made to take the physical in spite of themselves. Now their shortsightedness plays into the hands of the city each and every year. They scream and howl about how they're not taking that damn physical and how no one else should either. And they'll be the first one to whine when that thinking turns against them.
Received via Email 05.16.10 All that you've said might be fine except for the fact that these physicals are now being used as a tool by the city. They have become a hazard. There is no earthly reason that I should rely on the place where I work to provide me with a physical that I can get from my own primary car physician who is sworn to protect my privacy. I take personal responsibility for myself and my own welfare. My doctor will not make copies of my physicals and place them on computer desktop for any Tom, Dick or Harry to see. My doctor will not run to my employer and tell them that he found a potential problem and ask them what he should do next. The city has taken something that was once bargained for and turned it on its head by using information that would otherwise be private and is using it against us. There is no other group in the city that requires a physical from the city or anywhere else. If the city claims to be in financial trouble they should give up on spending the money on physicals for us. I'm sure they'd like to but the fire chief wants them in spite of the fact that he's been very unsuccessful in his campaign to use that information. People are going to their doctor's to temporarily change their meds, etc. and routinely lying to the city retain their job's. We're left between a rock and a hard place. Judging from the wordy paragraph above, Dick is at it again with information that is 40 years old. Dick, an attorney couldn't possibly mount a defense on partial information gleaned from a website along with information that is 40 years old, so how can you? James D. Large wants these physicals in the worst way because he's running out of steam everywhere he turns. He's a weak leader and he's struggling. He's going to go down in history as one of the most memorable fire chiefs that the city has every had. History will record that he was played like a fiddle by city hall and conquer and divide was his closest friend. Just another Clearwater
Negotiations session with City of St.Petersburg
Bargaining session # 2
Thursday May 27, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in MSC Conference Room 800
Please mark your calendars.
Received via Email 05.28.10 I called the union hall this morning to get the scoop on negotiations. The city's offering 0,0,0 and they want us to change important language that saves our rights, not to mention drug testing and physicals too. This ought to be an easy contract to vote on.
Received via Email 05.30.10 I understand the 0-0-0 pay offer, nobody is getting raises right now and you can't ask for big raises while layoffs are being considered. But that doesn't mean we have to give up ANYthing. Don't vote to approve ANY take aways. Don't vote to approve
ANYthing less than what we have already. Don't vote for ANY contract beyond one year, or at least exclude pay issues so that we can bargain for raises in a year or two when things improve.
Three years is a LONG time without a raise.
Received via Email 06.04.10 This City sucks !!!!
Received via Email 06.08.10 St. Greedysburg, we have our employees make us tons of money, but we simply just don't share it with them. Oh, and our employees save lives everyday but we would rather reward our own greedy pockets rather than the men and women whose families allow them to risk all for another. Aren't you proud to be a part of this great caring city.
Thanks Bill ! you have the power to change things.
Will you ??
Negotiations session #3 with City of St.Petersburg
This is to confirm that the parties will hold a joint bargaining session on
Friday June 11, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in MSC Conference Room 800.
Please mark your calendars.
Our "Bargaining Session" rescheduled to next week June 17th @ 10:00. Room TBA.
Pass the word to all members.
Received via Email 06.11.10 Okay, just an observation but as I understand it, we've had two joint nego sessions and not one captain or DC has shown up for the meetings?
Received via Email 06.11.10 Wrong. Bernie Williams shows for all. He's not a management bitch boy.
Received via Email 06.11.10 Press Release: Bill McCollum Endorsed By Florida State Firefighters Association
Friday, June 11th, 2010
Daytona Beach, FL - Today, speaking at the organization's awards ceremony dinner, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum was endorsed by the Florida State Firefighters Association, a nonprofit firefighters association representing current and retired fire service personnel from across Florida.
"Florida is home to the finest firefighters in the nation and it gives me great pleasure to have the support of their largest association. From Florida's rural communities to our sprawling cities, these men and women courageously put their lives on the line every day," said Attorney General Bill McCollum. "I look forward to working with all of Florida's fire personnel when I am elected governor."
"Bill McCollum is the most qualified candidate running for governor and the Florida State Firefighters Association is proud to offer our support for his campaign," said Steve Robertson, President of the Florida State Firefighters Association. "As Attorney General, Bill McCollum has made listening to firefighters a priority and we look forward to his continued support as governor."
Founded in 1925, the Florida State Firefighters Association advocates on behalf of volunteer and professional firefighters across Florida. In addition to advocating for firefighters' safety, training, and improvements to Florida's fire facilities, the association works to educate the public on issues of firefighting, education, life safety, and fire prevention.
As Attorney General and Governor, Bill McCollum is committed to safety in Florida's communities by increasing the state's commitment to local law enforcement and fire personnel. From cracking down on Internet predators and scam artists targeting our most vulnerable, to fighting for consumers, Attorney General McCollum has a proven record of making Florida's communities safer and stronger.
For more information, campaign news, and updates, visit www.BillMcCollum.com.
Received via Email 06.13.10 **Press Release: Bill McCollum Endorsed By Florida State Firefighters Association.
This FSF has been, and will always be a tool of the Jeb Bush repub's. Don't let that band of administrators turn you away from the right choice for gov is. The IAFF Endorses: Alex Sink!
Just one of McCollum's lies:
Received via Email 06.15.10 Alex Sink will be just like Lawton Chiles. Do you remember what he did to the firefighters of this state? He vetoed the improvements to the state fire pension (it also benefited SPFR by giving us a 3% multiplier) , which by the way Jeb passed as his first piece of legislation. And Chiles did what for the state firefighters.....yea, I thought so.
Received via Email 06.16.10 6/15, you know this for sure? Our local leaders had a meeting With Alex Sink just last week. Why don't YOU go and find out exactly what she plans?
Received via Email 06.16.10 Alex is not only the state's Chief Financial Officer she's also the State Fire Marshal. The first endorsement that she sought when she announced was the FPF's. I don't know about this FSFA group but none of our dues money goes to them and they have never done anything for a professional firefighter in this state that I know of.
The fourth (4th) SPAFF contract negotiation session is confirmed for Thursday, July 8, 2010 at the Municipal Services Center, conference room 900, starting at 10 a.m.
Received via Email 06.19.10 So Alex Sink does support us. No old 'he coon' hiding in her. Do the right thing look beyond your party affiliation, and vote for "our" supporter, Alex Sink..
Received via Email 06.19.10 The only fire department in the US where our own chiefs fight against us for city negotiation sessions. They worry about trying to get their dirty agenda deals in our contract rather than help us provide for our families. Then worse, they try and blame the Union for not being cooperative. Utterly DISGUSTING. This place is an embarrassment.
Received via Email 06.22.10 Intimidation and threats. Hey they (city) are treating the RAYS like they have been treating us for years. If the city does not support us and want to give us a raise, do you think they will treat anyone any better. By golly, we only save lives everyday and they still treat us like crap. Remember City. you reap what you sow. You have been screwing your employees (Police and Fire) for years, and now it is time for the Rays to screw you. Doesn't feel so good - does it?
Received via Email 06.23.10 Brooksville City Council adopts fire assessment fees
Alan Jones Arbitration Hearing
Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Time: 0900
Location: Municipal Services Center Conference Room 800
If you believe that the time off book is a living, breathing document that can be changed at a whim - stay home for this one!
If you believe that the City and the Fire Chief should stop limiting, curtailing, restricting, restraining, confining & thwarting your efforts to utilize the time that's available in the time off book per the union contract - come prepared to listen to the Fire Chief plead his case as to why the City of St. Petersburg can't or won't hire enough employees so as not to permanently modify your contract by underhanded, back-door means.
Received via Email 06.24.10 Holy shit. Two thumbs up for that one. Funny how the DC's can always get a shift off. FTM
Received via Email 06.26.10 I hate to sound out of the loop, but what is Alan Jones going through??
Received via Email 06.26.10 Alan Jones is going through BS because of our lame brain administration who values themselves, but doesn't give a rats about thier employees and families who do all the work - and because of US (FF and medics) - keep THEM (chiefs) employeed. They just have it mixed up in their pea brains. But hey, if they sleep better at night really thinking they keep our streets safe- well- it goes perfect with their dream land mentality at HQ. As for the rest of us. We will keep the streets safe in reality, and not in dream land. Get a life - you with 3 - 5 bugles who think you are really that important. Everyone including the public know the real truth !
Contract Negotiation
Session #4
Date: Thursday, July 8, 2010
Location: MSC room 900
Time: 10 a.m.
Contract Negotiation
Session #5
Date: Friday, July 23, 2010
Location: MSC room 800
Time: 10 a.m.
Received via Email 07.09.10 Why is it that Wimperly always fights so hard against us during negotiations. You would think he would want what is best for the firefighters. But no, he has to be the adversary every time. You might as well put horns on his head. Boy Jim, sure was different when you were a blue shirt. Looks like your little ego sure has dominated your life. You must be miserable when you go to sleep at night.
TEAM: Sometimes it's just easier cutting through the minutia by lumping some people into groups by persona.
Adjective: Authoritarian - 1. Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty.
Received via Email 07.11.10 Wait, I thought Alan Jones was one of the boys? The kind that keeps HQ updated with station news. How could he be in trouble?
Received via Email 07.12.10 Maybe Alan wants you to think he's one of the boys. It works for me and I'm NOT one of the boys. Now you keyboard kowboys get back to work. You can't keep hiding behind the enter key.
Received via Email 07.13.10 If Alan Jones is one of the boys. Then chief JW is in tight with the Union staff. GET A LIFE.
Received via Email 07.15.10 I hear now, someone else has been unfairly written up. What happened with that one? WOW
Received via Email 07.17.10 Well, I can see that it dont take much for our own members to totally destroy our hopes for any future advancements. Our hopes for additional r-days is now long gone when we have folks jumping all over themselves to work an unheard of 48 straight hours. Look at yourselves, you look like a bunch of zombies. Some say they feel like they are in prison but they just cant pass up the money. Work it while you can get boys and girls. Then when you folks get all worn down and start calling in sick, then the rest of us who dont want or care to work the extra hours will again be faced with the daily mandatory slots that you will be causing.
TEAM: We'll just have to learn to do more with less. You know... row faster, slaves!
Received via Email 07.18.10 Do you think the city would allow us to work all this overtime if it were counted on our pensions? Think about it! City and fire administrations are sitting back and laughing at us for being such fools.
NOTICE
Date: July 19, 2010
TO: All Members
Ref: Informational meetings for all St. Petersburg members of the Rank and File & Supervisory Units
FIREFIGHTERS
PARAMEDICS
LIEUTENANTS
Captains
District Chiefs
There will be two (2) days of explanation
Monday July 26th @ 9:00 A.M (A Shift)
Tuesday July 27th @ 9:00 A.M (B Shift)
These meetings will be held at the Union Office 5240 1st Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL.
These meetings are for you, the member, to become fully knowledgeable about the current offers between the bargaining parties.
Your attendance is beneficial for you to remain educated on issues that concern;
You, Your future and Your family’s future.
TEAM: See the home page...
Received via Email 07.26.10 I went to the meeting today and am glad that I heard from the horses mouth. The chief can make the rounds and talk all his shit like why dont we bargain for the 300hours of overtime for the pension like the cops when Winnie told us that they havent had that in their contract since it was bargained out years ago. Must be a bitch to be the fire chief and not know what your talking about. Kinda like Obummer the president with no birth certificate. Everyone go to the meeting and hear the real facts. Listen to the story and the facts that back them up. The chief's working on dividing us and the union's working to keep us together. FTM
Received via Email 07.27.10 We talked about the city buying us firefighting boots with money we already get for station boots. Hellooooo, the city isn't giving us anything at all. They're merely trading one boot for another. I still haven't heard that they're offering a single thing at all. I guess they're in no hurry to get a contract, especially a contract that weakens the members position so incredibly. If we vote for this we ought to have our heads examined.
Received via Email 07.27.10 Shame on Bill Foster. He said public safety is number one. Yet he leaves our families suffering through this economic downfall while the city grows richer. SHAME SHAME SHAME on you.
Received via Email 07.29.10 Someone please have a talk with T. Witt. He's going around telling everyone that he's being paid way too much and he like riding alone. The city's PAYING HIM TOO MUCH. If all the players at city hall could do what we do, they wouldn't have a need for us. Because they can't, we do their dirty work. And any medic that tells you he likes riding with an EMT as a permanent partner has poor skills and doesn't want any witnesses. T.Witt you're a moron and me and the guy next to me think so.
Received via Email 07.30.10 Isn't it funny that admin fights against the union about us getting time off (vacation slots and such) yet they (admin) specifically (JW) always takes the prime summer days to go on vacation, why we just dream about it. Must be nice to not only have your cake and eat it, but also eat ours too. What a screwed up place this has become. And Large just sits there and lets his staff run rampant with stupid policies made to harass the union or better stated (firefighters and medics) We need a Knight in shining armor to get us out of this mess. To bad Steve that your armor is to tarnished it may take decades to gain trust from the troops. All and all, the firefighters and medics are still doing a great job everyday. It is truly amazing that they do such a great job with such goof balls in charge.
Bargaining Session #6 and Free Government Cheese
Tuesday August 17, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. (B-Shift Day)
MSC Conference Room 800
We're looking to fill the room (thus, the cheese) so pass the info along.
Received via Email 08.11.10 Since the city is broke and can't give pay raises or hire firefighters, I wonder were they can come up with the 2.5M for the Dali?
TEAM: Unlike our Federal government, the city of St. Petersburg doesn't need to print money. They've got all they need.
Received via Email 08.12.10 This place is UNBELIEVABLE
Received via Email 08.15.10 Which management cheese dick is giving away the free cheese? Seems that's the only thing they're giving away lately and the want a contract. Bwaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Received via Email 08.16.10 I vote to cut em all free if they don't want to be in the union. Some of them are elitist dicks who don't come to meetings and don't asociate with us but want all the bennies. Let Large do like Callahan did and claim to always go to the mayor to get them pay raises. Funny thing was, they asked Callahan if they could be present when he went to the mayor to pitch for them and he always said NO! That's cuz he was full of shit.
Received via Email 08.17.10 Yeah and so is Large
Received via Email 08.17.10 Hey, where are the spfd funny videos. I really miss them. They were awesome.
Received via Email 08.21.10 Went to a conference out of state and our department was the laughing stock. We used to be admired now we are looked at, as a bunch of squirrels hoping for some peanuts. What a joke we have become. Thanks current Administration.
TEAM: Yeah, well the Mayor likes the effort that our chief puts forth.
Received via Email 09.02.10 T.Witt has and always will be a moron. Sure wouldn't want him to come and render aid to myself or family.
Received via Email 09.02.10 Are you saying T. Witt is a TWITT ? meaning of TWITT- Terrible With Individual Trauma Treatment.
Received via Email 09.07.10 Boring !!
Received via Email 09.14.10 Any word on Negotiations. I hear we may get less slots, random drug testing, no chance of a raise. No pension improvements and a whole lot more crap that will be dumped on us. Sounds like a great deal from a few really great chiefs and a wonderful city administration. Its a great day to be working in St. Pete. So proud of this place it almost brings a tear to your eye.
Received via Email 09.14.10 Yes. Here the WORD! They're not offering anything and we're not kissing their ass! Howz that? Most if not all the bullshit they're trying to dump on us comes fight from your fire chief JAMES D. LARGE. Why be in a hurry to vote on something that sucks so bad? If it looks like shit and it smells like shit and it tastes like shit JAMES D. LARGE has something to break off in your ass. Jimmy you'll never be the man
Next Bargaining with the City of St.Petersburg
Day: Wednesday September 29, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Room: 800
Received via Email 09.15.10 Negotiations with this city is a waste of time because they just don't care.
Received via Email 09.16.10 Jimmy gets his $17,000 plus a month and hangs out at the MFS only everyday because he doesn't want to have to work and devise ways to make our department better. So there you have it. Nothing for you and everything for him. Hey he hasn't changed in the 37 years he has worked here. Always is, always has been a LOSER. Do us a favor Jimmy and Leave the job. We don't respect or want you here any longer.
Contract Negotiation
Message: Bargaining w / City of St.Petersburg
Day: Friday October 1, 2010
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Room: 800 MSC
Received via Email 10.02.10 Jesus H. Christ, tell me it just aint so. After 4+ months of going to the table with the city, the mayor has agreed to provide to the Worlds Best firefighters that he cares so much about and all that BS, a pair of fire boots, (if I get my receipt in ahead of 99 others) health care coverage for my as yet to be determined gay lover, Mandatory random substance testing, and Mandatory give up my personnel health history to Chief Wimberly health screening by a healthcare employee? Damn I dont understand what took so long for that agreement to be hammered out. I can almost understand how a city with close to $300 million in reserves wasn't going to provide its employees with enough money to keep up with the rising costs of food, water, fuel, and health care, but this really stinks. Vote this stack of shit Froster wants to call his best and final offer down. Trust me, we wont miss anything.
TEAM: Ahhh, mmmm, ehhh... it's over $400 million, actually.
NOTICE
Contract Explanation
Date: October 3rd, 2010
To: All St. Petersburg: FireFighters, Paramedics, and Lieutenants
Ref: Contract explanation
There will be two (2) days of Contract explanation, held at the UNION Office on Monday October 11th and Tuesday 12th, 2010.
Reference the Contract offer from Mayor Foster and Chief Large; The Union has stated for the record it's objections to some parts of the offer, it's very important to attend one (1 ) of these meetings, you have four (4 ) chances to attend.
There will be a time line distributed for the balloting procedures and return of ballots after the meetings.
Monday October 11th , 2010 1st meeting 9:00am - 11:00 & 2nd meeting 13:00 - 15:00
Tuesday October 12th, 2010 1st meeting 9:00am - 11:00 & 2nd meeting 13:00 - 15:00
Fraternally,
William Mott
Secretary Treasurer, Local 747
Received via Email 10.04.10 This contract proposal is by far the worst collection of BS that any Fire Chief has ever let an underling Division Chief push on his members. I guess we now know proof positive that the Invisible man is not even a show pony anymore. The BIG PUMPKIN HEAD now officially rules the roost.
Received via Email 10.04.10 Hail to the great Pumpkin. dd
Received via Email 10.05.10 F--k the Pumpkin, he is far worse than any NAZI turned carrot-top . Maybe we should call the Simon Wiesenthal Center and tell tehm we found the master race's missing link?!
Received via Email 10.05.10 Just think, it took a Comic strip to first honor "The Great Pumpkin" how ironic is that? What a joke we have become.
Received via Email 10.06.10 You rock little Opie. Keep hammering.
Received via Email 10.11.10 So if the city gets its way (Large is the city) am I going to have to kiss his ass to get a few hours off to go to my kids ball game? I'll bet Jimmy got time off.
Received via Email 10.11.10 Did you hear about the ultimatum delivered by the city? With a straight face we were told that the offer of the Fire Boots would go away if we did not approve this great offer. I hate to think that a pair of Leather boots is the holy grail of this contract. I hope I dont miss those boots too much. Now if they offered Cake and Cock every Saturday night we might reach a deal. Come on Ice Cream.
Received via Email 10.12.10 Boy........the meeting that THE INVISIBLE MAN and MR. PUMPKINHEAD had with the crew at station 4 yesterday really had a profound effect on their decision to vote YES on this contract. You two wouldn't ever eat if you went into the used car business because a polished turd is still just a turd. And this contract is a turd.
*Drug testing (but is it for everybody and how will we ever know?)
*Physicals that probe into your private life so that the Assistant Chief of St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue, James O. Wimberly can call to advise you that your blood sugar is a little too high and that some of your family members have high blood sugar too! What a freak of nature! He and the dept. should be sued for disclosing information as well as for the general stupidity that comes with thinking that by holding higher rank you're really smart.
*Less time off. If you don't get your vacation picks in early they'll eat away at the slots every time they have to hire back someone. Sounds like another reduction in benefits to me.
*They just reduced the workforce by 6 positions so we'll have to do more with even less than less.
*Boots! I'll buy a pair and shove em up some fire chiefs ass. I don't want em and don't need em. What else you got?
*5% driver engineer program that doesn't do shit for you in retirment. What a carrot to jump after. I drive all the time now, and it ain't in my pension. Explain to me what it is that you want me to vote on that does ME any good?
This fire chief here and the chief in Clearwater are both grossly overpaid assholes who do their mayors bidding. Stop coming around to the fire stations. You really do embarras yourselves.
Received via Email 10.12.10 I've yet to meet a liar that walked up to me and said, "hey, I'm a liar."
Received via Email 10.12.10 Jimmy used to fashion himself as being pretty cool. Now he hangs with a doosh he'd never get caught dead with 5 years ago.
Received via Email 10.12.10 Have any of you wondered why Dick Johnson and Rosy have been trying to sell this piece of shit? Have you wondered why we can't get any movement out of managment when we go to negotiate but the captains and DC's did? They got threatened with a 14 day work cycle that you and I don't enjoy and that notion is suddenly all gone. This is another red herring that the fire chief placed out there to hang over the heads of all the captains and DC's just to bring them in line. They're in our union but they sure don't act like it. And to any one of you who would ask Ray Landis or Rosy or Dick Johnson a single question about what's going on with contract negotiations, shame on you. They work against us all everyday and some of you are too stupid to even notice. The number at ther union hall is 323-1786. It's printed on every friggin thing that the union prints so you shouldn't have a hard time finding answers. I trust you Ray. I trust you'll remember the day that you told everyone at your station that you'd do anything to get promoted.
Received via Email 10.12.10 Vote NO and vote often.
Received via Email 10.12.10 I guess there comes a point in your life when you're at the top of your game that you either cry yourself to sleep for stabbing every firefighter you ever worked with in the back on a daily basis or you just say f**k it. I'm betting Large hasn't had a good cry in a while and besides......................my back hurts.
Received via Email 10.12.10 Get back to work slaves!
Received via Email 10.13.10 Largo shot their contract offer down 150 to 0. You don't get any better than that. My hat's off to the brothers and sisters in Largo.
Received via Email 10.13.10 Just another Clearwater
Received via Email 10.13.10 I wasnt even close to voting for this POS contract, but after hearing what was discussed during today's Supervisory unit session really boils my nut shack. Somehow the DC's have gone from losing their 7 day work cycle to keeping what they have and now they are on the verge of getting their R-days every 3 weeks. Thats right holding onto that steering wheel in the Suburban is so strenuous that they need the extra time off. But you and me are expected to work every extra hour the "Master" deems you to work.
Received via Email 10.13.10 I just got my ballot in the mail today, I just cant remember a fire chief and his BITCH ( Knight & J.D. in correct order) ever pushing a contract for approval so much before. I'm beginning to think this sounds like shit, smells like shit, feels like shit, this must be shit!
Received via Email 10.13.10 With all the bullshit that's going on in this dept. I can't remember ever having so much fun. FTM
Received via Email 10.15.10 If the captains and DCs accept an additional R day without everyone else getting one, then we should never agree to another contract again until we are treated equally. This is an obvious step to intentionally further erode morale.
They already make more money which is accepted, they have a few other benefits, which also is fine... but except for the 40 hour guys, we should ALL be working the same schedule. Any captain or DC that tells you otherwise is a self serving piece of shit. I would like to think that lieutenants or even paramedics would feel the same way if they were offered this. If they are willing to work FEWER HOURS than us, it proves that they really believe that they are BETTER than us. Bullshit.
Any DC or captain that accepts this benefit is NOT your friend. This is a kick in your face as we all try to board the same lifeboat.
Received via Email 10.16.10 A second R day for captains and DC's? In what other business or government agency do the supervisors put in fewer hours than their subordinates? I thought that moving up in rank was supposed to be for people willing to work harder and longer than anyone else. Now the city is saying that the reward for more effort is less work. It doesn't make sense. It's bad for morale, and I agree that it is an insult to everyone else. Anyone in management that supports this will no longer have my respect.
TEAM: Superviory Unit negotiations, Wednesday October 13, 2010 at 2 p.m. in room 600 MSC. Show up and tell them what you think. With the potential loss of your respect for them, they'll probably ust drop the whole idea.
Received via Email 10.16.10 Why should we stand for our supervisors working better schedules than us? Sounds like union busting to me.
