Written by Francis W. Armstrong, Jr.
on Wednesday, 02 June 2010
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Captain John Gifford has stepped down from his position as the Captain's representative for the Federation's Bargaining Committee. Captain Jack Kervin will be the interim Bargaining Committee Captain's Representative. If necessary, an election for this position will be held no later than July 15, 2010. Any Federation Captain desiring to run for this position should put his intention in writing no later than July 8, 2010 and forward it to Federation Secretary Joe Toomey. Thanks for all your hard work Jack G.
Captain Jack Kervin will be stepping down from his position as the Federation Headquarters' representative and will be replaced by Captain Pervis Ryans. Captain Ryans will be the interim representative until an election, if necessary, will be held no later than July 15, 2010. Again, any eligible Federation member intending to run for this position should send his or her notice of intent to Federation Secretary Joe Toomey by 7/8/10.
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Written by Francis W. Armstrong, Jr.
on Thursday, 27 May 2010
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Lieutenant Wayne Lanchester has stepped down as the Area C-11 Federation representative, thanks for your service Wayne. Lieutenant Ken MacMasters has been appointed the interim C-11 district representative. If necessary, an election will be held within 45 days. Anyone interested in running for this position should notify Secretary Joe Toomey of their intention to run in writing prior to July 4, 2010. Also, just a brief reminder that anyone who is interested in attending our retiree recognition banquet on June 3, 2010 at the Venezia should notify the Federation by 4:00pm tomorrow. Thank you.
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Written by William J. Walsh
on Friday, 21 May 2010
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The Federation Leadership along with other police unions have been strategizing together on trying to get our Police Career Education Funding restored. Unity state-wide has never been stronger. Adversity has helped bring us all in law enforcement together.
An amendment was filed today to the Seante Budget as follows:
Mr. Hart, Jr. moves to amend the bill in section 2, in item 8000-0040, by striking out the figure “$5,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the figure “$10,000,000.”
Now while this is far less that funding of years past, it is more than we got in the House budget and keeps our benefit alive. Budget differences will be worked out in conference and we are trying to show the Legislature that we reasonable here. Ultimately, the benefit may be re-worked and new funding sources are being discussed daily. This funding may become part of future legislation being written.
We have a long way to go and are up against a bad economy. Next year there may be a projected $5 Billion dollar shortfall in the state budget. This years budget was plugged with stimulus funds, which are likely spent and not coming back.
We wish to thank Sen John A. Hart (D-South Boston) for filing the amendment and Rep. Gene O'Flaherty (D-Chelsea) whose staff attorney assisted in drafting it.
When the amendment gets a number we will post it. We will be looking for as many Senators as possible to support the increased funding. Please stay involved. We need to continue the unified front.
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Written by William J. Walsh
on Friday, 21 May 2010
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Police unions from across the state are formulating plans to picket a July meeting of the country’s governors in Boston, hoping to embarrass Gov. Deval Patrick as he tries to show off the city to national press and colleagues.
Union officials said the demonstrations, which stem from an ongoing feud with Patrick over cuts to a higher education incentive program for law enforcement and his replacement of police on traffic details with civilian flaggers, would force other governors in town for the National Governors Association annual meeting to choose whether to support Patrick or risk angering labor back home by not honoring picket lines.
Law enforcement officials said the final decision on whether to stage formal pickets, rather than sign-holding demonstrations, which carry less of a stigma for politicians concerned with union-friendly appearances, had not been made. They said Patrick could do little to influence the decision.
Led by the Boston Police Patrolman’s Association, Mass. Police Association, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, Fraternal Order of Police and the Mass. Coalition of Police were among the groups planning varying actions against Patrick, with some uncertainty about whether all of the unions wanted to target him at the high-profile National Governors Association (NGA). Patrick maintains much better relations with the State Police Association of Massachusetts, which endorsed his Republican opponent, Kerry Healey, in 2006.
Patrick’s problems with police unions are not new. We have angrily criticized the budget cuts he imposed as the state’s revenues crashed, ripped his reduction of the Quinn Bill education incentive account, and called his decision to switch to civilian flaggers at some construction sites an attack on collective bargaining rights and public safety.
At the AFL-CIO’s annual convention in February, police unions protested outside a Plymouth hotel in advance of Patrick’s scheduled speech, prompting other unions to decide to boycott. Patrick eventually cancelled the speech.
The NGA’s annual meeting begins July 9.
AS PLANS NOW ARE BEING FORMULATED, PLEASE STAY TUNED. WE WILL EXPECT FULL PARTICIPATION FROM THIS ORGANIZATION. THIS WORKED IN 2004 AT THE DNC, AND IT SHOULD BE NO LESS SUCCESSFUL NOW. FURTHER PLANS WILL BE COMMUNICATED TO YOU IMMEDIATELY UPON CONFIRMATION.
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Written by William J. Walsh
on Monday, 17 May 2010
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We are offering some new dental plan changes through Dental Blue. One change will offer those Members who do not wanjt or need orthodontic coverage to opt to an "Option B". This plan has a lower annual limit on all dental work ($1,000.00-as opposed to Plan A Limit of $1,500.00), but offers those who elect it a cost savings.
The second change that we have made to the Plan is offering a "1+1" coverage. This would benefit those with no children or those who are covering only themselves and their partner or the Member and a child. This will also offer a cost savings, and many Retired Members may benefit.
Like everything else however rates will be rising. Our claims experience (i.e. Members who use the plan) have resulted in the rates being increased. We put the Plan out to bid to a number of other dental providers and Dental Blue beat all competing bids. A letter from Dental Blue will be mailed to your homes shortly. The final rates will also be set shortly. All of use here at your federation have worked to bring the Membership the best plan at the best price. Please see your Reps for further information ans please feel free to call the Federation with any questions. Thank you.
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