From Local 51

 Volunteers Needed for MDA Lockup!

7600 Alabama St

July 1st @8:00 am

Rental cars and lunch will be provided

For more info call Hector Padilla at 317-8304

 The economy is affecting IAFF members throughout this union through staffing reductions, station closures, cost shifting and wage concessions as local governments lose revenue. To help IAFF members get a clearer understanding of the depth of the financial crisis, the effect it's having at every level of the economy -- including local and state budgets -- the IAFF has prepared the following summaries of and links to "economic crisis" news articles related to cuts in state and local budgets, fire fighter staffing, health care benefits, compensation, pension plans and other areas as a result of the economic downturn.

Click to view

http://www.iaff.org/et/economics/EconomicCrisisNews.htm

Firefighters see cuts eroding safety

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-06-18-firecuts_N.htm

Recession Impacting U.S. Fire Departments

Content Provided By Fireman's Fund Insurance Company

http://www.kfoxtv.com/family/19663306/detail.html

Upcoming Voting Issues

Upcoming election on the deferral of the January 2010 pay raise since receiving a formal request from the city.   

In-station July 1 thru July 11, Mail out July 15, Voting period begins July 18 and end at 12:00 noon on the election date, July 28

Those members that have not received their ballot by July 18, should contact the Elections Committee Chairman, Ruben Loweree, to have a ballot mailed to the correct address.

Click to view KVIA News story

http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?s=10560515

Plan freezes city pay

Brothers and Sisters,

The economic crisis has placed a strain on resources all across the country. Our brothers and sisters in other cities are facing station closures as well as layoffs. Our city is facing a 13 to 15 million dollar budget shortfall and we have been asked to help out with a memorandum of understanding. Our contract allows this as long as both parties agree.

We are being asked to defer our next pay raise that is effective January 3, 2010  to April 11, 2010. In return, the City agrees to defer the increases to our health plan that were to take effect in January and wait until the April pay raise is effective. In addition, the city will increase our life insurance coverage from $15,000 to $50,000.

The letter that went out to the membership was simply a notification that a referendum election will take place on this proposal. The Executive Board will be going out to every station and every shift to conduct the referendum election.

Our legal counsel is reviewing the language and as soon as it is acceptable it will be available for review by the membership. I am aware that many of you believe that we gave up a pay raise in 1996 but the documentation shows that we deferred a 1% pay raise from April 1, 1996 to October 1, 1996. The contract was then extended for another year and we received a 1% pay raise effective September 30, 1997.

The upcoming election will set the stage for contract negotoations next year. If we agree to help the city in these difficult economic times we will be viewed in a very positive light. I am fearful of what will happen if we don't agree to help out. The truth of the matter is that there is a budget shortfall and the money has to come from somewhere.

Please feel free to call your Executive Board members if you have any questions. Do not rely on rumors.        

Now is the time to band together as a union and support each other. There is nothing that can tear us apart if we are united. 

Fraternally,

Joe Tellez, President

Attention Fire Fighters!!

It's that time again to defend your badge, in "The Battle of the Badges".  If you are interested in showing who's the best in the Ring. 

 Contact Rick Marin at 915-474-5787

UTEP Tuition Exemption For Firefighters

All Firefighters who are planning on attending classes in the Fall of 2009 should submit their application to the Financial Aid Office no later than August 1, 2009, in order to ensure a timely processing of payment for the courses.

Any questions may be referred to Ms Lourdes Sanchez at the UTEP Financial Aid Office at 747-7317.

As per EPFD Memo 08-168, "Degrees that are eligible are limited to degrees that will assist the firefighter with career progression in Fire Administration."  The eligibility of any other course of study not listed must be determined by the Firefighter's direct supervisor.

According to Attorney General of Texas, Greg Abbott;
In Education Code section 54.208, "fire science" is a technical term that refers to a course that falls within a designated fire science curriculum, as well as a course that is primarily related to fire service, emergency medicine, emergency management, or public administration, regardless of whether that course falls within a curriculum designated as "fire science."  A fire fighter seeking an exemption from tuition under section 54.208 need not be pursuing a degree in fire science and may already have a degree in fire science.

 Reference

 http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinions/opinions/50abbott/op/2006/htm/ga0397.htm

EPFD Fire Chief Drozd Visits May Union Meeting

Topics discussed included concerns over female station accomadations, next TA makeup, Texas Tech oversights, sick leave reduction and many other issues Local 51 membership talked about over food and drinks.

The Fire Chief will be having dinner at Central Fire Station with the mayor on June 1st A-shift to film the "walking in the Mayor's shoes" TV Show segment that day. The Mayor will be cooking dinner for central that day.

 Insurance Updates

  Insurance Cards

Insurance and Benefits notified me that the new insurance cards were not sent our in January. Aetna was notified and you should receive your new card within 7-10 days. You can also manually order your card on the Aetna website if you don't receive your card with this time period. Also, remember the Copays changed in January to $20 for office visits and $30 for specialist visits. Let me know if you have any questions.

   Preventative Exam

You are allowed 1 preventative exam in a 12 month period for papsmears, mammograms, colonoscopy, and prostate exams. This is based on a rolling 12 months and not by calender year. After your co-pay this exam is covered at 100%. Just make sure it was 12 months since your last one. By sure to tell your spouses. Call me if you have questions.

Paul Thompson
Local 51 - Trustee
915-256-8094

  Check Out Our Online Store

Local 51 Merchandise Make Great Gifts

T-shirts, caps, mugs and much more!!!

Contact Our Office at 598-8117 for availability and office hours (Current Office hours Monday thru Friday 10 am to 4 pm)

Internet orders not possible at this time, store pick up only

  EL PASO FIREMEN & POLICEMEN'S PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

REGULAR MEETING TO BE HELD

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 1:00 PM

El Paso Firemen and Policemen's Pension Fund Office

ChaseTowerSuite

201 East MainEl PasoTexas79901