July, 2008

I am pleased to announce that on Friday, July 11, 2008, the CCA and the City reached an argeement that achieves the same raises that the PBA obtained through their Arbitration Award. The PBA Award provided increases of 4 1/2% and 5% for the same period all other unions settled for 3% and 3.15% respectively. We achieved this pay increase through a re-opener clause in our 2005-2006 Contract.

Last week the Lieutenants' Benevolent Association (LBA), Seargeants' Benevolent Association (SBA) and Uniformed Fire Officers' Association (UFOA) also reached similar agreements with the City and obtained the PBA raises. All three agreements applied the raise to the top step only. In order to get the same raises as the PBA, the LBA, SBA and UFOA gave up such items as additional rescheduled tours, one Holiday, a range day, annuity pay and they all deferred the increases from 14 1/4 to 24 months into the contract.

We followed the same pattern as it relates to the raises in top pay and achieved it by deferring the increases by 14 1/4 months and surrendering some annuity monies and a portion of a raise in longevity pay. Additionally, we also received additional monies for Captains at the entry level and first year salary steps. Most importantly, we did this with NO ADDITIONAL RESCHEDULED TOURS.

A letter has been mailed to your home detailing this agreement. If you have any questions or you do not receive the letter, contact your Delegate immediately.

An important aspect of this agreement is we maintain pay parity with other supervisory unions. As you read the details of the agreement, remember everyone will receive these raises once they reach top pay.

As you know, there is no General Membership meeting in July or August. I want to take this opportunity to extend to you and your families the Executive Board's best wishes for a healthy, happy and safe summer. I want you to know that througout the summer, Billy, Patty and myself will be going to visit you in the facilities and see what is going on first hand.