Update from Capt Andes

We understand that some people in the Union dont get all the emails and we feel that this info is important to all.

Brothers and Sisters, I hope all are well! Just wanted to update thosethat could not make the meeting last night, we had a great turnout and I hope some information was gained by the two representatives who underwrite for Anthem and other insurance companies. If you want to talk to these men on a quote for your family or your spouse, I can give you their contact number. From what was said last night, the plan for just the employee will be hard to match by any insurance company. Depending on family or spouse's health history a savings could occur with another plan, they said. Again the local is not endorsing any health plan or company, just trying to provide information to you. Please get quotes from a number of companies, then sit down and discuss what's best for your family. Chief Creasy stopped by and spoke with the E-Board on FLSA and Fitch. On FLSA, information still coming in from federal and local levels and Chief Glidewell met with Admin. yesterday to advise them on his findings. From the information I have read, I believe we are in compliance and will be able to continue the mutuals as we do now. As far as the morning shift change and times to relieve, we seem to be opening more cans of worms than solving the issue. Stay tuned! Fitch & Associates were here on Wednesday to meet with Admin. and the CAO, a bullet point presentation was given with the news that the final report will be given to the city sometime in August. We were able to gain a little info from Chief that no down size to the department was suggested and the FTA complex were in the report. Good news on both those fronts! I hope all have a great weekend and please stay safe!

 Keith  

Union Meeting tonight 6/21

Just a reminder there will be a Union Meeting tonight that will be open to ALL MEMBERS of the Fire Department. Two health care representatives will be there to answer questions about our new health care.

Union Hall is located at:

   2302 West Main St. Richmond VA 23233

Beat the Heat

Just a last FYI, today is the last day to sign up for Beat the Heat.
http://www.richmondfirefightersbeattheheat.org/cms/

Mutuals

We heard some rumblings about this when the City transferred to the RAPIDS timekeeping software but we are starting to hear more unsettling news. Basically, since the RAPIDS program wants us to log in and log out of work, we will only be able to work mutual within the SAME PAY PERIOD. WOW. So much for the brotherhood. If true, you can't come in early for someone cause that would be overtime. You couldn't hang over for someone cause that would be overtime.  We really hope this isn't true. Really, really hope this isn't true.

Chief, if this is being pushed on you by the city, here is an opportunity to win back some support from your firefighters. STAND UP for us. You know we aren't like every other city department. We have to pick vacation a year in advance, we need this trade time. It is essential to us and our families. For us to see our kids play baseball, our families on vacation and stay at home just a little longer on Christmas cause you know your brother/sister is covering you. You have a golden opportunity to fight for us. Time to be a leader.

Oh an the city is pretty pissed about the fire department needed an note for every day we mark off sick and that being a cause for rising health care cost. What do you think getting rid a mutuals is going to do?

Really hope this isn't true.