Dear Members,

The Administration has once again created a dispute claiming the union business performed during the IAFF Local 244 President’s workweek is against city policy and unlawful. As fire and rescue personnel we take an oath to serve and protect life and property. As fire union officers we are elected to represent job integrity and keep personnel safe so that our oath can be fulfilled. The IAFF Local 244 Executive Board is committed to serving and protecting you and your family. We have several unprecedented disputes with the city administration which are waste of time and valuable resources. Let’s not forget the hefty price tag that comes with these disputes; such as the President’s workweek where District Court has ruled against the city proving that we are not “illegal” representatives of hard working firefighters and paramedics. This is a blatant disregard for what has been established by former leadership and for the hard earned tax money that has been spent to advance their unwarranted attacks on us. Albuquerque's citizens also pay for private negotiators that do not benefit from mutual agreements but profit from impasse and disagreement between labor and management.

Great leadership is what made the Albuquerque Fire Department and Bernalillo County Fire Department what they are today, among the best departments in the country. For decades IAFF Local 244 representatives have served in legislative sessions, departmental policy committees, city council and the mayor’s office on many subjects to include firefighter safety, equipment, staffing parameters, pension solvency, training, membership counseling, laws that effect fire and rescue personnel and most importantly public safety. The city and state do not waste time balancing the budget as it is required by law. So, it is imperative that we have a voice and a presence in government to lend our perspective and insight to achieve amicable solutions that preserve our member’s best interest and keep the public as safe as possible. Labor/management policies have earned their place in city governance and have proven to be beneficial to all of us taxpayers and citizens alike.

Despite our efforts in offering concession after concession, the end results of negotiations are uncertain with only the city's private negotiator benefiting from months of negotiation sessions. Our negotiating team is standing strong and is committed to protecting the integrity of our profession, never forgetting the sacrifices that our forefathers made for us. Even though this administration does not value the significance of our essential service we must continue to serve with the level of professionalism the citizens of Albuquerque deserve.

It is important to remember that these attacks on us are meant to discourage us from organizing, create apathy and dissent. We must withstand these attacks with firm resolve and respond with a well organized campaign to educate the public on the truth. Our voice is powerful and it is time that it be heard! I would like to acknowledge the AFD Retiree Association and President Sam Trujillo for their unwavering support and guidance during these difficult times.

 

http://www.firehouse.com/news/10623495/albuquerque-fire-union-at-odds-over-firefighter-trip

 

Please click on link to read the support letters below from retired Chief Ortega, Deputy Chief Pearce, Deputy Chief Montoya and Lt. Goodyear:

 

Fraternally,

Diego Arencón, President

IAFF Local 244

 

As more governors try to force 401 (k) style pension plans on public employees, a group of pension experts say they aren't the solution for workers who want a secure retirement. The real issue is why defined benefit plans make sense, said Dean Baker, a co-director, of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The crisis over (public pensions) has been invented and the pension system is performing well, Baker says. The public sector is getting by and they are not living high on the hog and are living comfortably on what they earned. Baker took part in a panel to discuss the effectiveness of defined benefit pension plans Thursday at the National Press club. The event was sponsored by the National Public Pension Coalition a non-profit organization that works to secure the financial futures of public employees. Other panelists included: New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, North Carolina Treasurer Janet Cowell, and National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems Director Hank Kim. About 80 percent of the cost of pensions is covered by public employee contributions and earnings from investments, with less than 20 percent paid for by taxpayers. While the recession that began in December 2008 did have a negative effect on public pension assets, significant gains have been made since that time. Long term investments are expected to exceed returns. Panelists agreed that private sector pension plans cost more and don't provide workers with the retirement security they deserve. When you look at the 401 (k) style pension plans they aren't reliable just look at the marketplace in 2008, said Thomas DiNapoli. The individual is looking at paying higher fees and getting a lower rate of return. New York has one of the better performing pension systems in the country with its plan fully funded. The New York pension system pays an average of $19,150 annually to retirees. DiNapoli made it clear that politicians just can't think of short term costs, but must take a long-view about how 401(k) plans would affect the economy. He says at a time when most people want more economic certainty, the 401 (k) plans would prove more expensive in the long term with state and local governments having to pay more in wages and benefits to workers. Hank Kim says public employee pensions have been too politicized today and more dialogue is needed to help reduce the $8.5 trillion debt on the private sector side. If not, the US could be on a collision course with baby boomers and millennials going head to head for jobs. If the baby boomers can't afford to retire, then we will have 75 million people competing for a limited number of jobs in the US. -Bill Glanz, IAFF Director of Public Affairs

The IAFF Foundation makes sure fire fighters, paramedics and their families are taken care of in their time of need by providing assistance following disasters or a line-of-duty death. The IAFF Foundation also promotes fire and burn prevention, advocates for fire fighter and paramedic health and safety and promotes public education on how to prevent or recover from these traumatic events.
The photos featured in the 2012 IAFF Charitable Foundation Calendar were submitted in the IAFF Media Awards Contest, conducted annually to honor reporting and photography that best portray the professional and dangerous work of fire fighters and emergency personnel in the United States and Canada. The Media Awards is open to U.S. and Canadian media. For more information, visit www.iaff.org.

The IAFF Local 244 Executive Board would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Have a safe and happy holiday season.

On December 20, 2011 the IAFF Local 244 honored the crew at AFD Station 15, B for outstanding service in responding to a structure fire that resulted in significant loss prevention. Lieutenants Kenny Lucero, Troy Hamby and newly promoted Captain Matt Sullivan received special recognition for leading their crews in aggressively attacking the fire, evacuating personnel and scene management while keeping their crews as safe as possible. Lt. Troy Hamby attributed the success of this response to Lt. Lucero’s experience and leadership. Commander Rainier Perez was also acknowledged for his commitment and dedication to the Department and the IAFF Local 244. The families of the crews were present for the ceremony and stayed to share a meal with their heroes. This was a very inspiring event.

Brothers’ Weaver, Salazar and Union Steward Gonzales spent the last few weeks collecting money and gathering items to send to our brothers serving in Afghanistan; Heath Petty, Ron Benavidez, Tom Dunn and Zach Menzie. We organized at the hall a packed four individual packages for them with several necessary items like green chili. It is with great pride and honor that we support our members who serve our country on the frontlines here at home and abroad. A special thank you to the crew at AFD Station 9 for also contributing to this initiative.

On December 12, 2011 the IAFF Local 244 honored the crew at AFD Station 1, C for outstanding service in responding to a structure fire that resulted in a man’s rescue. Commander Robert Sanchez praised the crew for a seamless response. Special recognition was given to Pat Valerio, Bobby Herrera, Brian Dahl and Brian Varela. The members of Station 1, C also acknowledged all units that responded to the call on December 5, 2011 and commended their professionalism on scene.  

On December 9, 2011 the IAFF Local 244 honored at the crew AFD Station 11, A for demonstrating exemplary compassion for a child who suffered at tragic death on April 13, 2011. We gave special recognition to Raul Navarrete who never gave up on ensuring a proper burial for the boy. With the help of Michael Trujillo, Chad Kim among other union brothers and sisters, Raul raised the money to purchase and deliver a headstone. This was truly going ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty by all involved. Thank you all for your leadership!

Click link below to view flyer:

The Senate Memorial Bill that we have been working on collectively was introduced and endorsed by the Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee on December 2, 2011. This Memorial establishes a public safety task force to evaluate the unfunded liability of our plan and conduct open ended actuarial studies so we can provide appropriate recommendations for fund solvency by October 1, 2012. Public safety pensions are critical to the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel for local municipalities; ensuring healthy and experienced firefighters, paramedics and police officers to serve the community. We have been working closely with PERA Board Member Gerald Chavez in identifying concepts to help improve the funding ratio of Municipal Fire Plan 5. It is imperative that we commit our resources to this effort and work with the PERA Board to ensure our pension solvency. We would like to thank AFD Retirees’ President Sam Trujillo, Former AFD Fire Chief Gerald Grimm, Santa Fe County IAFF L4366 President Thomas Jimenez and FOP Representative David Heshley for representing with us at the IPOC meeting on December 2, 2011.