| |
|
|
Brothers & Sisters,
We want to share with the membership the hard work and amazing resource our PEER Support Team has been as once again this week, we gathered in El Monte, first at FS 166 and then at Local 1014 Alfred K. Whitehead Labor Center Union Hall, to give the much-needed support and help for all of us dealing with yet another LODD tragedy with the passing of Brother Steve McCann.
Our LA County Fire PEER Support Team supported and crafted in a partnership with Labor and Management is the largest and premier trained and skilled team in the Nation. Our PEER support team and Dr. Steve have been working throughout the nation on responses for our IAFF brothers and sisters during the most incredible and taxing incidents our profession has faced. This year, like no other, we have seen tragedy that has taken yet another member in the Line of Duty and our resources for PEER Support and Chaplain Support have had to go to work right here in our own backyard once again.
|
|
As we prepare to honor Brother Steve McCann and help his family and our fire family, know that the resources of the PEER Support Team with Dr. Steve are in full force and will be here through services and as always well beyond. In addition, let us also thank the rank and file members of Local 1014 and this Department in the Memorial Management Team, the Chaplains Corps, Honor Guard, Pipes and Drums and all logistical support coordinated by our amazing Utility Driver Warriors who make it all happen. Please make time to be a part of the sea of blue so important in support of our family both at the flag ceremony and memorial services for Brother McCann.
We Shall Never Forget - continuing with support for the Flagler family, please take a look at yet another beautiful event put on by the San Clemente High School Football Coaching Staff to raise funds for the Flaglers. |
|
COVID VACCINE MANDATE UPDATE
As a reminder, please see the bullet points below regarding the vaccine mandate and actions that relate to our Local 1014 members.
- Vaccine Mandate set to Implement Oct 1, 2021, by Executive Order and BOS Motion
- Negotiations Commenced with CCU - All Unions over Impact of Order
- All legal challenge to date on the constitutionality of order in federal and state court and arbitrations have failed - affirming the order.
- Negotiations with the Department on implementation and a slow and deliberate process which remains in play and active to date.
- Notices of Registration and Testing requirements sent out to all members
- 3400 members - approximately 13 left who have not registered and face discipline
- 5 shift suspension levied to those remaining unregistered and active reach out to recommend strongly that they register.
- Intent to discharge letters sent to the remaining members who refuse to register and or test
- Representation for all and negotiations continuing on mitigation of registration compliance
- Legal Challenge through courts filed and no date to hear this in the immediate future, pushed out into May.
We have now reached the point where the next steps under the Law, on behalf of our members who do not wish to be vaccinated, is to apply for medical or religious exemptions. We continue to negotiate in mediation with the County and all Unions, but we have collectively all been able to question and vet the process the County and all Departments have implemented.
Exemption Information: Click here to see the summary of what medical and religious exemptions are based on, and begin to prepare your exemption request narrative as we move to a date in the near future announced by the Department and the Union to file your exemptions. We have had success on the exemptions that have already been submitted both for County as a whole and for Local 1014 members. We also have an appeal process built-in for any issues that may come up.
Each exemption will be reviewed by Shaw HR Consulting a firm we have experience in working with the County on other items of Labor / Management work. Shaw HR will make a recommendation on the exemption, and then Big County with County Counsel will review, and move to the Department Heads who will approve or deny based on the recommendation. Chief Marrone is aware of the process and has worked with Local 1014 to move slowly and deliberately to this time when we have vetted the process for clarity and substance before requiring our members to actually submit.
This time has been invaluable and productive on numerous fronts as we see the landscape change weekly in dealing with Covid 19 and the order. We are the only department that has had such an approach to this point. Our goal has been to keep us all together on this path of travel. Both the vaccinated and non-vaccinated for all things health and safety with testing and safety gear, and alternatives to accommodate and keep ALL working in our regular jobs. We have done well getting to this point together with no one on paid or unpaid leave, and a process that focused on the power of the law to ensure exemptions and accommodations are provided as required to protect all members.
Local 1014 has consistently and unwaveringly maintained the same position of opposing the mandate and supporting “Vaccinate or Accommodate” with the County. They have been working with us to move at a pace and process that suits our situation. This is the path within the law to work to protect all members and we highly recommend once again to any members not registered to do so immediately and stay in the process as we move once again down the road slowly and deliberately. This is not about a vaccine mandate notice, only registration and application for exemption - please remember that in your decision-making.
|
|
CCU Fringe Benefits and Unit Bargaining
Longtime chairperson and leader of the County Coalition of Unions (CCU) representing 14 Unions is retiring. The CCU principal officers representing the Unions at the table unanimously nominated and elected Local 1014 President Dave Gillotte as Chairman of the CCU and Lead Negotiator at the CCU Fringe Table. Additionally, they elected ALADS Executive Director Derek Hsieh as Co-Chair. This is a temporary assignment that President Gillotte and Director Hsieh have agreed to tackle to finish Fringe Bargaining, and the COVID Mandate mediation work as the CCU seeks new long-term leadership. VP Kurt Kobler will assume Local 1014’s seat at the table with alternate Jason Green and the entire Local 1014 team helping as we set to bargain our fringe benefits.
This is a testament to the confidence all Unions have in Local 1014’s leadership and our effectiveness in dealing with the BOS and the CEO and we look forward to working to bring a fair contract that protects our medical, dental and vision benefits we work so hard to earn. We want to thank outgoing Chairman Blaine Meek from CAPE for his years of dedicated service to all Union members and their families.
In solidarity and strength, we will navigate these waters together. |
|
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Brothers & Sisters,
We woke today with continued grieving with yet another brother from our job leaving us way too early. It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the Active Duty Death of another one of our brothers, Fire Captain Steven McCann, Fire Station 166/C, Battalion 10. Captain McCann passed away unexpectedly this week while at the station. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve’s family and friends. |
|
| This profession takes our firefighters at a higher rate than any other occupation, a fact we have been reminded of too many times over the last several months. We take calculated risks and the way we get through it all is together as a fire family with love and support and solidarity. We have worked hard to build a Peer Support Team that numbers over 200. Together with our Lead Peers and Dr. Steve we tackle the most difficult situations. We are grateful to have our Peer Support Team working out of Local 1014 Alfred K. Whitehead Labor Center to help the East End family begin their healing. We also want to thank our MMT, Chaplains, and Honor Guard members who once again will do the heavy lifting as we work to honor Brother Steve and support his family. |
|
| The Benefit & Welfare Association with Muertos Coffee are sponsoring a benefit fund for Fire Captain Steven McCann. This is a family approved fundraiser. Please donate today! |
|
COVID VACCINE MANDATE UPDATE
Local 1014 represents over 3,400 members and we have worked very hard to represent all of our members during this trying time on the vaccine mandate which was originally set to take effect October 1, 2021. We have worked with Chief Marrone to slowly and deliberately roll compliance with the County order. So far, the legal challenges have all failed in federal and state court and in arbitrations throughout the state and nation. Our position has been consistent and firm, Vaccinate or Accommodate. Our communication with the CEO, DHR, and the BOS have earned us space to move as deliberately and slowly as we have with our safety gear and testing capability.
The past couple of weeks, some four and half months after the order, we have continued to bargain with the CCU on the impact of the order and the legal requirement to provide medical and religious exemptions. Negotiations to date have netted a process that uses Shaw HR Consulting to review exemption requests, and then after County DHR review, the recommendations are moved to the Department Heads, in our case the Fire Chief for a decision to approve or deny. To date we have had a small number of our members submit their request for medical or religious exemptions and most all have been approved. Those who have not been approved have needed additional information as they continue to be processed.
In the coming weeks you will see the Department and the Union put out a call to file for your medical or religious exemptions if you are not vaccinated. We will be sending out information on the law and the legal requirements for the exemptions and you will be able to craft your own original compliant request to submit to the Department. We will also be providing legal review for form and content before you submit for all members who want that help. If any of those exemption requests are denied or additional information is requested, we will represent members.
Leading up to the move to submit for exemptions, our members were given orders in the form of a Notice of Registration and Testing Requirement. This notice was an order to register with Fulgent online, and submit to any testing requirements. We have navigated from over 100 members in this group and we have worked hard to move that number to approximate 20 or so. Those off on Injury or Long-Term Leave are exempt from the process until they return, and those with recent exposure to COVID and positive test results have 90 days where no compliance with testing is necessary. The remaining members who are making a choice to not register with Fulgent or are not willing to test when necessary are facing further discipline up to intent to discharge.
We are representing the members on the intent to discharge and while we have consistently recommended for all members to register and be prepared to test, we also firmly believe that any move to discharge any member with regard to this process is uncalled for and excessive.
We will be negotiating with the Department for an alternative registration method but we have no deal with the Fire Chief to support this path at this time. We will be continuing the move to navigate for these 20 members, we also plead and recommend to all these members to register with Fulgent, and be prepared to test, to NOT BE VACCINATED under the order.
We have consistently informed our members that you will have to be registered, test and use safety equipment, under exemption approval to work under the order. We want every member to “stay in the boat” as we navigate the stormy seas of this mandate.
Please do not prematurely challenge the executive order as we are far from being done, and far from any final order of vaccine compliance. Even if we get to that part of the vaccine order, there is a 45-day process to comply, and then like now civil service procedures of appeal that take time and have process. Please help keep time on our side, and more importantly on your side and REGISTER.
If you have received a notice of intent to discharge from the Department, please reach out to the Union to ensure we have your case in our shop. Also, we will be sending out our attorneys’ perspective on the law and requirements for the medical and religious exemptions in the very near future.
OTHER RELATED COVID MANDATE ISSUES
Local 1014 is also dealing with two other issues that may become impactful on our Union and all County Unions. The Board of Supervisors passed a motionwith a 4-0 vote, and one abstention, to attempt to move the Human Resources functions of the individual departments with regard to the vaccine mandate order to big county Human Resources DHR. This motion will face Union challenge collectively and individually and Local 1014 will be part of that effort. In addition, we are a Fire Protection District and we are analyzing whether such and order would even apply to our special district. This process will take some time as both administrative and legal challenges mount. We have also reached out the Board of Supervisors and the CEO to try to broker a bridge for the Departments and Unions with issues. We will update you as those challenges mount.
Finally, today Local 1014 along with our partners at CPF received text bill language of Assembly Bill 1993(Wicks, Aguiar-Curry, Low, Akilah Weber). This bill attempts to provide a requirement for all businesses in California to comply with a vaccine mandate order and that all employees and subcontractors working for the companies, in cities, counties and charter cities unless they have an approved exemption in place. We have adamantly opposed this bill which was recently introduced and we will lobby heavily against it on all levels. There is a fair and legally authorized place to deal with any vaccine mandate and that is the bargaining table. This law would circumvent the bargaining process and also put agreements and rules in cities and counties in conflict with any such state law. See CPF Leadership Alert here. We will keep our members informed on the progress of this bill and our opposition. |
|
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Brothers & Sisters,
Today, your Local 1014 Executive Board began our bargaining process with the County for our successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for our 601/602 Bargaining Unit members (Firefighters, Paramedic, Captains, etc). We have set our priorities for our members for the next several years which include better wages, hours, and working conditions for our members as we continue to protect our communities.
Negotiations will continue in the next few weeks. Our intention is to continue to represent the best interest of our membership on the key points that are critically important to the health and safety of our members while still maintaining the highest level of service and efficiency for Los Angeles County communities. We will keep you updated as we grind out the terms with the County and work towards a contract that reflects the dedication and service of our members and their families. |
|
Saying Goodbye to Former Local 1014 President Larry Simcoe
This week, we also said a final farewell to former Local 1014 President Larry Simcoe, who passed away late last year. |
|
Larry was buried at sea this week along with his wife Judy. Thank you to the members who attended and made this beautiful send-off possible for our former president who served the members of this Union. Rest in Peace. We will not forget.
|
|
CA State Political Action - Endorsement Interviews
Over the last several weeks, our Local 1014 Executive Board has been engaging in cluster interviews with the California Professional Firefighters (CPF) for several State Assembly and State Senate races throughout our jurisdiction. At these cluster interviews, we ask candidates critically important questions on topics that directly impact our members at the state level such as workers compensation legislation, COVID presumptions, pension protections, EMS service delivery, community paramedicine, and more.
We have several more to go as we work to engage every candidate from every party to learn about our issues and garner support for our members in Sacramento. Ultimately, together with our Local Affiliates, we will endorse those who show support for our members and their issues. Thank you to our political staff at CPF who have done an amazing job at prepping interviews and candidates and ensuring we talk to everyone.
We will keep you updated as we progress and work to maintain a strong political action effort at the state level so we can continue to see our pro-firefighter candidates fight for funding, benefits, and equipment for our memebrs and their families.
Stay safe and take care of each other. |
|
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Brothers & Sisters,
Today we honored the memory of our Brother Jon Flagler.
It was a difficult day, but also a day of sharing fond memories, laughing, as Jon would have, and giving thanks for not only our fire family but also the blessings of this job and the brotherhood and sisterhood we share as we serve the communities of Los Angeles.
Perhaps no one could have summed up the mission of our fire personnel with more depth than Jon’s father-in-law, Dwight Johnson. He said, “Everyone please look around…love and admiration for the many men and women in uniform. They are the same heroes that protect us day in and day out…respect them, honor them, they will give their lives for you, as my son has given his life for you.”
At the service, we heard from Jon’s family and friends and from our fire family. They told stories of his incredible sense of humor and his all-encompassing love of his family and his life.
In his remarks, President Gillotte reminded the Flagler family that they are part of our fire family and they can always count on the “sea of blue” to be there for them forevermore. He continued, “We cannot turn back the clock nor reshape what happened but we can stand strong together.”
Our Local 1014 Executive Board attended and together with International Association of Fire Fighters General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Lima, California Professional Firefighters Secretary-Treasurer Mike Lopez and IAFF 10th District Vice President Stephen Gilman presented The Local 1014 Bible and the IAFF Medal of Valor to Jon’s wife Jenny.
|
|
Yesterday, Jon's home station, Fire Station 13 in Vernon was bunted in black and purple. The Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums, our Vernon Firefighters and Battalion 14 Firefighters were joined in a sea of blue to fly the flag and embrace the Flagler family.
We also had the immense honor of dedicating our Vernon Training Center as the “Jonathan Flagler Memorial Regional Training Center”. The memorial dedication will serve as a reminder for future generations of the sacrifice and service of Brother Flagler. We shall never forget. |
|
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Brothers & Sisters,
START WHERE YOU STAND
This Department, more than most, has dealt with tragedy over the last three years. Yet somehow, we amazingly find our feet and stand together, stand in solidarity, and stand as a Fire Family to help each other, and our families as we grieve. We use the collective spirit and energy of our membership to take care of all of the little things that matter.
Thank you to everyone who attended the candlelight vigil to honor Brother Jon Flagler and his family this week. The love and support within the community and within our Fire Family for Jon, Jen, and the boys was overwhelming. |
|
Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly to take care of Jenn and Brody and Jack and the entire Flagler family and to those who will continue to work next week as we prepare for Jon’s Flag Ceremony and Services. We hope and encourage every member of our Department to be there for the services and to bring our sea of blue for Jon’s family.
Over 50 members of our LACoFD Peer Support Team and our Dr. Steve have been supporting our members and the family every day. Please reach out if you need PEER support help. Click here to get contact information for the Peer Support Team members or utilize the posters in your stations. The Chaplains have once again provided a protective shield and a safe place for Jon’s family to deal with their grief and all they must handle to move forward.
Let us finish out this next week with pride, honor, and courage as we continue to stand together as we lay to rest our Brother Jon Flagler. We should not wait for tragedy to stand together. Let us honor Jon by continuing to stay strong.
A flag ceremony will be held on
Thursday, January 20th at 10:00 a.m.
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Fire Station 13
3375 Fruitland Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
|
|
Local 1014 members and the LA County Fire Department are truly the best in the world because of the men and women who work here.
Start where you stand as we move forward and stay in this place of solidarity and strength. |
|
SIRT TEAM INVESTIGATION PRELIMINARY WORK
Today the system worked like it is supposed to work. The Serious Incident Review Team (SIRT), comprised of both Union and Management has been investigating, interviewing, and coordinating with arson, law enforcement, federal and state investigatory agencies. Their preliminary and final reports with lessons learned will be released soon enough.
While we wait for those reports, the SIRT team identified a couple of radio issues that need to be addressed immediately. These items are not solely a result of this incident nor would they change this incident, but have been identified as potential health and safety issues that need immediate correction.
The Union and the Department met in very short order to produce a corrective action plan and it will be out by the time this Friday update hits your inbox. The issues involve reprogramming rig radios to hear the e-trigger warble tones and the second is the policy of primary channel for radios to ensure e-trigger is heard on the fire ground. Please look at the EA and train and review these items with your crews.
This is an example of a system and process that has netted rapid and timely response as a result of an incident and investigation without waiting or delay for a final report. This is a build off of the Union action to halt the radio release originally, and thankfully many other radio safety issues were addressed before their rerelease. Special thanks to the radio SME team in particular Steve Weston, Landen Jansen, Chief Papas, and Director Carcioppolo for their work on the radio issues then and now.
Chief Marrone and President Gillotte have been in communication and have assigned the current SMEs on this project with great care to ensure the top experts and radio technical issues are in play. We will keep you updated as we know more. |
|
COVID VACCINE MANDATE UPDATE
Local 1014 has consistently and repeatedly taken a position of support for the COVID vaccine but opposition for a mandate for the vaccine, and taken an aggressive stance on negotiations and policies for exemptions and reasonable accommodations. This path is in alignment with the law and has proven to be the right path to protect all of our members.
We have been fortunate to not lose anyone in our membership, but we certainly have more than a handful of long COVID members some young who may not make it back to work. We have a legal vaccine mandate which has been held up in both federal courts and state courts and now in interest arbitration decisions in every state. The federal decision to strike down OSHA authority over vaccine mandate in private business has no effect or impact on public sector employers or government entities.
So, where are we? The very law that empowers the Executive Order for mandate also empowers and protects individuals who don’t want to be vaccinated through consistently applied medical and religious exemptions. The law also provides that reasonable accommodations must be provided to continue employment and work. For us, that is registering vaccine status and ring or periodic testing along with masks on calls and in places where we cannot distance, cleaning, and emergency protective gear in place while we work. Click here to read EA 24.
We have been in constant grinding negotiations with both the Department and the County with the Coalition of County Unions and we have kept our members in a very good place with regard to the mandate whether you are vaccinated or not. We will continue to work with Chief Marrone on a path to keep everyone “in the boat” as we all cross the stormy seas. You should be either vaccinated or registered and comply with ring testing at this point as we navigate this path.
We had a breakthrough mediation session yesterday after leaning into the County, they responded with an emergency mediation to bargain over all of the exemption approval, appeal, and accommodation processes. We vetted Shaw HR Consulting firm and have gone over all processes that are clear and unambiguous for each Department and its employees to understand. The exemption process involves a review by an outside consultant, Shaw HR, a County Counsel, and DHR review, and then a recommendation sent to each Department Head for authority and sole approval or denial. This leaves the final decision to approve or deny with the Fire Chief as our Department Head. We believe that this system as it is constructed gives shape to a neutral and fair interpretation of the law governing exemption and also gives ultimate authority to the Fire Chief for decisions. We continue to bargain over appeal processes.
Any members who are choosing to not register or not comply with ring testing are facing a 5-day suspension which will not be served, and not affect the single highest year per our negotiations, but will be applied on the books for the purposes of progressive discipline, and make no mistake this is a path to intent to discharge 10 days after that discipline is levied. We do not support nor recommend any job actions to not register or test. This puts your job in jeopardy and we will vigorously represent all members who choose this path with regard to rights of representation and skelly and the full force process for discipline. Know that the Fire Chief has been extremely cooperative in working with the Union to handle the registration and testing order and continues to provide any and all mechanisms to bring all into compliance at any time.
Be kind to each other, be supportive of each other. Chief Marrone and President Gillotte meet daily on this and any and all individual situations are also evaluated and handled case by case. Please contact the Union if you have any special needs or situations that arise.
Finally, we are also asserting our rights under collective bargaining to challenge any and all proposed changes to competitive promotional exams with regard to the vaccine mandate and we will have more information on that work as we negotiate with the Department on any such proposed changes.
|
|
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our own, Brother Jonathan “Jon” Flagler. Brother Flagler passed away early Thursday morning after sustaining significant injuries while battling a residential structure fire in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Known for his sense of humor, his dedication, and his commitment to the profession, Brother Flagler, 47, was a 21-year veteran Firefighter. He was previously a member of the Vernon Fire Department for 19 years before transitioning to LACOFD in October 2020. Brother Flagler leaves behind a wife, Jenny, and two sons, 15 and 13.
This incident is a sobering reminder of the real dangers our members face each and every day as we fight to keep our communities safe. We are an amazing Department, the best in the business and together not only do we handle our business and the work that can sometimes take our lives in service to others, but together we get through the trying times in solidarity.
From moment one, Brother Flagler's family has had both Department and Union support and will continue to have that in the upcoming weeks as we prepare to lay Jon to rest and honor him. The Flagler family is a remarkably resilient and strong family and we ask everyone to let Chaplain Vince Roldan be the gatekeeper and protector of Jen and the boys in the next few days to allow them to have solace and calm.
Local 1014 was on the incident as it began to take shape and on behalf of the entire Executive Board, we would like to thank you for the incredible work everyone did over the last 36 hours on this incident within an incident. From Operations to our Fire Ground, SIRT, Law Enforcement Investigation Team, our incredible Memorial Management Team, Family Liaison and Support Group, our Peer Support Team and Leads, and our communications teams, we worked as one unit to get it done for our fallen brother. Finally, we would like to keep in our thoughts and prayers the Crew of Fire Station 83, the Squaddies of 106 and the entire Battalion 14 family who operated on the fire, and our Dispatchers who did an amazing job on this incident as always in our time of need.
|
|
We know there are many close friends and family members and many good fundraising and helpful ideas beginning to take shape but we ask that you be mindful of the family's wishes and donate to only those fundraisers approved by the family. Director Jason Cervantes will be our Family Liaison and is working with the Chaplains as we prepare for services and family support. You can contact Director Cervantes if you have any questions about fundraising efforts.
A memorial fund has been started through F&A Credit Union. Please see the details above on how you can contribute to helping the family in the weeks and months ahead.
|
|
The unanswered questions about how and why this tragedy happened are currently in progress with the Serious Incident Review Team (SIRT) investigation. Director Pat Dolan and Chief Will Pryor are heading up that effort on the scene.
This week, we ask that the focus be to take care of the Flagler family and our fire family. Lean into each other and on each other. Please remember that everyone heals differently and on different timelines. Know that time off is always secured and some will use it and need it, and some will not need it and will be back at work sooner rather than later. If you have any needs reach out to the Peer Support Team. They are out in the stations over the next three days to continue with the initial reach out and debrief. Click here to get contact information for the Peer Support Team members or utilize the posters in your stations.
This weekend, send your thoughts and prayers to our County fire family and to Brother Flagler’s family as we deal with our loss together. Thank you to all the members who have stepped up to help and will continue to help in the coming weeks as we lay Jon to rest.
Finally to Chief Marrone, the entire Local 1014 Executive Board, Chiefs Bennet, Harter, Cabrera, Pena, Ewald, Fire Station 83, Squad 106, Battalion 14 Units thank you for your work that night. Stay safe and take care of each other. |
|
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
On behalf of your Executive Board, Staff, and Trustees of Local 1014, we wish our over 3200 members and our Fire Families a Healthy and Happy New Year!
As we end a challenging 2021 and prepare to greet the uncertainties of 2022, let us do what we always do, lean into each other, and lean on each other as we lay it on the line serving the residents of Los Angeles County.
We are truly are the best in the business and we have a Fire Family like no other. We can tackle anything when we come together and find the paths of travel to get it done.
Happy New Year! COUNTY! - LOCAL 1014 STRONG! |
|
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
On behalf of your Executive Board, Staff, and Trustees of Local 1014, we wish our over 3300 members and our Fire Families a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season!
This year, we are grateful that our efforts as a Union have ensured that our membership has remained united and strong. We continue to navigate the impacts of the vaccine mandate and are thankful that we have been able to keep our members secure in their jobs through the holidays, unlike so many departments across the nation. Your Executive Board continues to fight for the wages, hours, and working conditions our members deserve as we enter another bargaining session for our members next year.
We are blessed to work for the greatest Fire Department in the nation. In spite of overwhelming odds, all our Local 1014 members including Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatch, Heavy Equipment, Health Haz-Mat, Forestry, Camps, and Pilots remain committed to the mission of providing world-class service to the over 4 million residents of the unincorporated communities of Los Angeles County and 59 contract cities we serve each day.
We know that you and your families are making sacrifices this holiday to ensure the safety of our fellow brothers and sisters and the communities we serve. We not only recognize this sacrifice we are forever thankful for your commitment.
The holidays are a time of joy and gratitude but they can also be a time of stress and for our members, a time when call loads increase and our jobs become more challenging and more demanding. That is why it is important to remind all our members to take care of each other. If you or one of your fellow brothers and sisters need help, please reach out and get that help. The Peer Support Team is always there to help or visit www.healingourown.org.
We would also like to send special thoughts and prayers to those serving in our military abroad and to those serving in our fire stations, dispatch centers, and our communities this holiday.
Finally, for those celebrating with family and friends, as always, we ask that you celebrate responsibly. Get a ride, a cab, or a room but please stay safe this holiday.
|
|
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
