Letter concerning Union Dues.
October 2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
When I ran for President, my major goal was to provide this Local the resources to continue into the future. A part of that effort has been encouraging many of you to get involved in various Union activities. Now we must tackle another issue that has been strangling this Local - a lack of sufficient income to maintain our operations, i.e., Union Dues. For years, as Treasurer, I always made it clear that allowing me to handle your money was a sacred trust and would never be taken lightly. That sentiment continues, and I wouldn’t be writing this letter if I didn’t feel it necessary.
If anyone cares to, I will be happy to give them a long explanation in person. The short version is that after all of our fixed monthly expenses (IAFF per capita, salaries, office expenses, etc.), we have less than $8,000 a month for legal fees, arbitration, etc.
Why isn’t that enough? Lately, we have had negotiations yearly. Because the City brings in their “hired gun” attorney from the start, we do also. The fees start adding up. Twice, recently, the members have voted to go to arbitration (we lost once and settled the other). The fees really start adding up then. Shouldn’t the increase in dues from our raise pay the bills from negotiations? We would need well in excess of 10% rise for the process to pay for itself (you can “take your shots” now).
Next, are our fees from grievance arbitrations. We will continue to represent our members through the grievance process and part of that is grievance arbitration. It is not uncommon for any one issue to cost $30,000 to $40,000 from start to finish. We usually have at least 2 or 3 of them per year.
Our most recent concern is the City’s current attempt to start stripping away some of our Pension Benefits. As I am writing this letter, I have been advised that the City will introduce a City council bill to drastically reduce our Retiree’s Variable Annuity benefits. While our Retirees and widows have enjoyed an (average). 3.5% yearly increase in their pensions, the city is attempting to offer a fixed 1.5% yearly increase.
Most troubling is the fact that I don’t see any of this letting up any time soon. The Chief has said that our MOU “has too many pages” . Our promotional system is a shambles and the “good ‘ole boy” network has just moved underground.
Many of you will hear comments about “trips” and various
other extravagances. Very simply, they
don’t exist and haven’t for years. There
are a few select training conferences that people may be sent to and it is
usually new members on the Board that we send.
This goes back to my very first paragraph – training for the future of
this
This is not a Constitution change, so it can be done by a vote at the two Union meetings in November. There is nothing hidden, no secrets. Debate and discussion is healthy and welcomed. If I, or any Union officer, can answer any questions, please call or e-mail.
In closing, I am immensely grateful for all of the help and encouragement from all.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Sledgeski,
President
