MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2009

FTO UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE  10/12/09

The Lodge completed the hearing portion of the Unfair Labor Practice on Thursday, October 8, 2009. The ULP was filed when the Department reduced the number of training districts down to six. The Department acknowledged that up to fifty FTOs resigned from the program immediately after the new training districts were implemented.

Closing briefs will be filed within forty-five days and the Lodge will await the decision of the Administrative Law Judge that heard the case. The Lodge is seeking to have the Judge rule that the Department acted improperly and return the FTO program  to the original training districts that were in place prior to the change. The Lodge is also seeking to have the FTOs that resigned due to the changes reinstated to their FTO positions and receive the benefits that they would have been entitled to.

VETERAN'S FLU SHOTS  10/12/09

FREE FLU SHOTS for all Military Veterans – Veterans Health Fair at FOP Hall on Wednesday, October 28, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Staff from the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center will be available to provide Flu Shots and Cholesterol, Glucose and Blood Pressure screenings. Veterans must have VA Health Care ID or verification of military service. This will also be an opportunity for veterans to enroll for VA services.  Representatives from Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) will be present and provide assistance regarding other veteran benefits.

ACTIVE AND RETIRED FLU SHOTS  10/12/09

The Lodge will be distributing free flu shots on Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 0800 to 1700 hrs.  As of today, we are uncertain if the H1N1 virus will be available to “first responders” on that date. We will definitely be distributing the annual flu vaccine, and we have requested the H1N1 inoculations, but we will be distributing in compliance with the, then current, CDC recommendations. H1N1 will most likely be distributed as a second vaccine and healthy adults will be able to get both vaccines at once. Adult dependents can receive the vaccine for a cost of $12.00 payable by cash or check.

RETIREMENT OPTIONS  10/02/09

Phase One of the 55-59 Healthcare Agreement mandated that 160 officers submit their retirement PAR forms by October 1, 2009 in order the program to go forward with effective retirement dates of November 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010.

The Lodge was notified that only 111 officers had submitted PAR forms. These officers will receive letters advising them of their options via US Mail, Department Mail, and Department E-Mail.

These officers must log on to the CLEAR system and elect one of three options. They may elect to retire and not receive the premium-free healthcare benefit. The may Withdaw their retirement request. They may opt to participate in Phase Two of the Healthcare Agreement and select a retirement date of April 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.

These officers MUST choose one of these three options no later than close of business on October 26, 2009 or their retirement will be effective on date they selected on their original PAR form and they will not be eligible for the premium-free healthcare benefit.

DEFACEMENT COURT CASE UPDATE  09/25/09

The three adults that were charged with defacing the Memorial appeared in Court Branch 42 at 0900 hrs on 23 September 2009 . All three defendants waived their right to their preliminary hearings. More than 150 officers attended this court appearance.

The next scheduled court date is 14 October 2009 for arraignment before the Chief Judge at 26th and California. Members are again encouraged to attend.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS

Please contact Rich Aguilar.