Keeping you informed January
January 2, 2012
Happy New Year to one and all and welcome to” Keeping you informed”.
2011 came to an end on a low note unfortunately the long-awaited decision on take-home cars came down with a bang. (Please keep in mind these articles are posted on the website) let's just say the decision was less than flattering to our prior administration. That being said members of the E board had several questions regarding recourse.
I've asked our attorney Paul Hines to address these issues specifically, the question of recourse at the January E board meeting. Another issue that was discussed was our Legal Defense Plan a request to look into other plans was made. At some point this month as a result of those requests the E board will meet with representatives from the FOP, MPA, and possibly private attorneys to discuss the various plans. Before I go on let me say from an administrative standpoint as someone who has used the FOP legal defense plan I have found it to work out very well for the society. Our calls for services have been responded to at times within 20 minutes, none of our requests for assistance or review of documents has ever been refused. Our local resources include several attorneys all within 10 miles of Boston. (Disclaimer)I have no personal affiliation with the FOP nor do I seek any future consideration from the FOP.
Several grievances filed this past year have now moved on to either step three hearings or are going to arbitration, some settlements are pending. You should however know in some cases our struggle continues. Grievances that were filed early in 2011 have arbitration dates in June or July of 2012, also still pending is the Quinn Bill decision. Contract talks continue and relatively speaking as long as we continue to talk we believe we continue to make progress. The labor-management committee will be meeting with management later this month if you have any issues regarding health and safety or training please e-mail them to me and I will forward them to the committee chair. Elections will be held for District Rep within the next few weeks for District 3 and District 14. Good luck to all the candidates we look forward to welcoming you at our monthly meeting on 19 January.
A recent article in the Herald regarding how homicides are investigated also mentioned a $500,000 grant. Here's hoping that some of that money goes to answering our constant call for training. Granted the department has offered sporadic training in the past hopefully there is a full-time modern day training program in the near future for all detectives. We have what we believe to be some of the best Detectives and instructors in the country teaching our new Detectives now why not expand the program to all Detectives. Looking back at our Labor Management meetings training has been on the agenda on a regular basis.
With the holidays behind us we look forward to a new year hopefully a new contract while our struggle continues we have had some luck in regards to working with the city's office of labor relations we hope this can continue. As always your leadership continues to work for you every day, to voice your concerns, and to represent you in a professional manner.
One last item last month I mentioned a pizza party for our kids during February school vacation week. Part of putting that together will require your feedback. If you are interested in attending with your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew, please contact me so that we can plan accordingly. I'm sure Sharon Wong who has planned our Christmas parties in the past will make this pizza party just as successful and enjoyable for the kids.
Until next month please view the website for updates
Keeping you informed
Tom Famolare
