May 2011 Member News
Keeping you informed May 2011
Greetings fellow members of the BPDBS in our continuing efforts to keep you informed I respectfully submit the following update.
It’s been a very busy month and now not only are the Sox playing ball the Bruins and the Celtics are in the playoffs and I don’t have to tell what a doubled edge sword that is.
I want to make an update to last months notice, if you remember I asked if the Detectives that met with the commissioner to discuss matters of concern could identify themselves. I was made aware that Detectives did participate in these meetings and the issues they brought up are being addressed. These issues included cars, info tech services, and improvements to the camera system in the HQ interview room. (Note) These postings go both ways, we welcome your feedback, both positive and negative. The response came from a non-member of this bargaining unit who read the posting online.
As you know by know your health care plans will remain in collective bargaining for at least 4 more years, sadly all you have to do is watch the local news or read the papers and you can see where we could have been. We have been watching this unfold nationally for months. Thanks to hard work and the cooperation of the cities unions we have dodged this bullet. For all of you that came out to vote “Thank you” it was good to see such a large turnout, and even better to see the results of the vote 133 in favor 0 opposed. I also want to thank Sgt Det. Dan Keeler for all his hard work with the Public Employees Committee.
It’s been a while since I’ve updated you on the work of the Labor Management Committee this is in no way meant to mean that nothing is going on. The committee continues to meet on a monthly basis with Labor relations and Deputy Buckley at their last meeting discussions ranged from air quality and mold to cars and training the work never ends. If you have any concerns please forward them to Gerry or me and we will pass them along to Bob Zingg the committee chair.
Two grievances both involving circumventing OT went to step 2 hearings and 2 went to step 3 at City Hall one of these involved a detective “Injured On” the other OT and Punishment without Cause. I’d like to say some of these issues were resolved but they were not. It’s a long process but it is a process we must follow and stick to.
Last month I told about an upcoming meeting with the Commissioner, that meeting was held on April 6th we believe it was very successful. I was hoping to provide you with more details but at this point in time I can’t. We do expect a written response soon and when we do I will share that information with you. It has always been our intention to provide you with the most up to date and factual information as quickly as possible. Meetings and discussions take place constantly at times it seems that Gerry and I are going in 3 or 4 different directions if not up to HQ it’s in town to labor relations, meeting with other city unions or with our members here at the hall. The information we share with you is just our way of keeping our promise to operate your union in an open fashion no secrets, no deals and no hidden agenda.
After several years of service to the membership of the BPDBS, District C-6 Rep Bob Flynn submitted his resignation this past month. Thank you Bob for all your hard work you will be missed.
The BPDBS welcomes 2 new members Cary Chin and Don Johnson the Detectives were presented their badges by Superintendant Holloway at an informal ceremony in the media room of HQ on 4/29/11.
An award ceremony was held at the union hall this past month 12 of our members were recognized for their excellent work along with ADA Ed Zaban and DV Advocate Kimmarie Keane. Congratulations to Sgt Det Mike Talbot, Dets. Paul Walsh, Arthur Hall-Brewster, Kenneth Dorch, Joe Trodella, Joe Kennedy, Miguel Montesino, Marcelino Cardoso, Molwyn Shaw, Sandra Swain, Steve Charbonnier, and Retired detective Bob Brown. (photos posted on website)
We continue on one foot in front of the other working for you every day. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
“Keeping you informed”
Tom Famolare
