Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Friday Update  

Brothers and Sisters, 

This week, President Gillotte was the sole Labor representative speaking on behalf of California Professional Firefighters (CPF) and Local 1014 in Sacramento at the hearings for the Joint Committee on Emergency Management regarding budgetary needs for this year's state budget. 

Joined by Chiefs from cities and counties throughout California including Ventura County Chief Mark Lorenzen and our LA County Chief Daryl Osby.  The Committee was convened by co-chairs Senator Hana-Beth Jackson and Assemblywoman Christy Smith to learn directly from Fire Departments and Unions about budgetary needs and the obstacles we face due to lack of funding in the field during an emergency, like the Woolsey Fire. 

Click here to view the full hearing and testimony (begins at 32:30). 

Chief Osby and President Gillotte drove home the need for Municipal Fire Agency Pre-Deployment monies as well as additional engines from OES when fires break that could be staffed with LA County Firefighters.  Additionally, we stressed the need for additional funds to add dispatchers and support staff.  Next will be a discussion with Governor Newsom as we prepare for the final Budget for the new fiscal year which will be finalized in June. 

It is important that we keep our political action and legislative advocacy at full force at every level of government to fight for our share of the budget and funding for mutual aid.  We will keep you updated as this process moves forward. 

MEASURE FD 

The Measure FD campaign is in full swing! Two of our TV spots are up and running on local channels and our mail campaign is moving forward targeting our communities who would benefit most from this critically important funding.

Today we also received an endorsement from the Los Angeles Times for Measure FD which is a big win for our measure and for our members. Click here to read the full article. 

As we have said before, this is the largest ballot initiative and political action campaign in the Union's 70-year history. Your Union is 100% committed to ensuring that we have the resources to allow our members to protect the public and stay safe and healthy while doing our jobs. 

Click below to view the two commercials:

For more info visit www.yesonmeasurefd.com.

Measure FD will be the first additional revenue measure for our Department ever and will bring an additional $134 million annually for stations, equipment, and staffing. Not since Proposition E in 1997 have we asked the voters for additional funding for our Fire Department. We have been good stewards of the public’s funds and have used them to provide world-class services to our residents. But since 1997, we have seen a dramatic shift in the scope of our emergency services, the intensity of our fire season and the use of technology as a critically important tool for providing emergency services. A stable and adequate funding source for our needs in the next 20 years will be critical.

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

TRIAL SHIFT SCHEDULE CHANGE VOTE RESULTS 

With 76.28% of the 601/602 members voting and a simple majority of 50% plus one threshold, we, the members, have voted to pursue a one-year shift schedule change trial with the 48/96 schedule.

On the question of Trial Schedule Change, the Yes votes prevailed with 56.3% vs. 43.7% No. 
On the question of Shift Preference 48/96 prevailed with 58.4% vs. 4/8 with 41.5%. 

This is the largest vote return of any election California Elections Company has ever handled in their history- 76.28% of all ballots returned! We are very satisfied with voter turnout and the representation of the membership's voice. 

Following the March 3rd Election when our Measure FD ballot item will be decided, we will begin the process for the trial shift schedule change. We need our members to be united in solidarity behind this critical funding measure which will ensure our future and future generations. As you are aware, the primary goal in the short term is hiring for our vacancies and we will be continuing to focus on that goal to reduce the impact of recalls to our members.  As soon as the March 3rd election is over, we will take this matter up with negotiations and a discussion with the Board of Supervisors.

We had an open debate and vigorous discussion with both veteran and new members, members who live close and far, with members who favor the trial and those who do not, but the fact is that we can proudly claim that nearly 73% of our membership voted and nearly 60% said they want the trial with 48/96. 

We have one of the best jobs in the profession as it stands and we will continue to have that as we progress through the trial shift schedule.

We want to thank the membership who handled the debate and the discussion which was at times volatile and for turning out the largest historic vote percentage of any Labor Union.

We have been in contact with the AOC to discuss impacts on their group numbering 120 or so and will continue to keep them informed as we move forward.  Specials thanks to the AOC Board for keeping us in the loop also with their questions and or concerns as the vote and voice of the 601/602 members is heard.

As always stay safe and take care of each other. 

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Friday Update  

Brothers and Sisters, 

This week, Local 1014 and the Los Angeles County Fire Department joined our partners from across the region including LAFD, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, IAFF Local-112, OC Firefighters, Local 3631, Long Beach Firefighters, for a two-day training seminar: “Everyone Goes Home.” 

At the seminar, LACOFD Captain Chad Christianson instructed the group of over 200 on Fire Behavior. There was also a special emphasis on Behavioral Health, lessons learned from past incidents and cancer prevention--all of which are critical components to ensuring our members stay safe and healthy while on the job. 

Across town, Long Beach Firefighters Local 372 and Local 1014 hosted an advanced Firefighter Suicide Prevention and Awareness training.  Several of our LA County Peers attended to continue learning how to help our members and ensure they build resiliency and get the help they need when they need it. 

It was a great week for our members as we continuing to train hard to stay safe and ensure everyone goes home.

MEASURE FD 

This week, you should be seeing our television ad spot beginning to roll out and mail beginning to hit voter households for Measure FD. This is the largest ballot initiative and political action campaign in the Union's 70-year history. Local 1014 is at the helm of a monumental effort to ensure that Measure FD passes on March 3. 

Click below to view the commercial:  

For more info visit www.yesonmeasurefd.com.

Measure FD will be the first additional revenue measure for our Department ever and will bring an additional $134 million annually for stations, equipment, and staffing. Not since Proposition E in 1997 have we asked the voters for additional funding for our Fire Department. We have been good stewards of the public’s funds and have used them to provide world-class services to our residents. But since 1997, we have seen a dramatic shift in the scope of our emergency services, the intensity of our fire season and the use of technology as a critically important tool for providing emergency services. A stable and adequate funding source for our needs in the next 20 years will be critical.

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Friday Update  

Brothers and Sisters, 

This Sunday, we were reminded how precious and short life can be with the untimely death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the seven other passengers killed in the helicopter crash in Calabassas. 

Our LA County Peer Support Teams were dispatched to the incident for both the families and the responders. This was a unique and difficult incident. Once again, our Local 1014 members demonstrated the professionalism, compassion, and skill they possess in dealing with extraordinary circumstances. We thank you all for your professionalism this past week and for your continued service to our communities. 

Local 1014 members had the opportunity to work alongside Kobe Bryant together with our partners in labor to support the United Way Home Walk fundraiser to combat homelessness. President Dave Gillotte and the Executive Board presented Kobe with a custom leather Laker Fire Helmet to show our appreciation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, their loved ones and all the people they touched through their philanthropism and kindness. 

MEASURE FD 

This week, our Local 1014 team was hard at work launching the countywide campaign for Measure FD. This is the largest ballot initiative and political action campaign in the Union's 70-year history. Local 1014 is at the helm of a monumental effort to ensure that Measure FD passes on March 3. As we near election day, you will be seeing our campaign roll-out in your mailboxes and multiple media platforms. Stay tuned as we roll out our campaign to the voters and lobby for funding for our future. 

While the Department will still be conducting its community education program and educating the public about the challenges we are facing, it is critical that you follow the rules regarding Measure FD while on duty. What we need from our members is your continued support and your continued exemplary service to our communities as we stand in solidarity to craft the future of our Department. 

Measure FD will be the first additional revenue measure for our Department ever and will bring an additional $134 million annually for stations, equipment, and staffing. Not since Proposition E in 1997 have we asked the voters for additional funding for our Fire Department. We have been good stewards of the public’s funds and have used them to provide world-class services to our residents. But since 1997, we have seen a dramatic shift in the scope of our emergency services, the intensity of our fire season and the use of technology as a critically important tool for providing emergency services. A stable and adequate funding source for our needs in the next 20 years will be critical.  Four-person staffing on our rigs and the upgrading of our stations, apparatus, and equipment are a priority.  

Trial Shift Schedule Change 

We only have a few weeks left to get your ballots in for the Trial Shift Schedule Change vote. We are encouraging ALL FIRE SERIES MEMBERS TO VOTE!  The voice of the membership is heard most accurately with the most ballots returned. All Local 1014 members who are Firefighters, Firefighter Specialists, and Captains from 601/602 Bargaining Units have the opportunity to vote YES or NO and pick from one of the proposed shift schedules.                               

IMPORTANT: Please remember all ballots must be received in the PO Box prior to Monday, February 10 at 10 am. Be mindful of that when deciding when to mail in your ballot. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST DAY TO MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT.

Contact the Union if you have not received your ballot yet or if you mismarked your ballot and are requesting a replacement ballot. 

As always stay safe and take care of each other. 

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Friday Update  

Brothers and Sisters, 

This week, the Department began briefing members on the rules and restrictions regarding our March ballot measure--Measure FD. While the Department will still be conducting its community education program and educating the public about the challenges we are facing, it is critical that you follow the rules regarding Measure FD while on duty.

On the Union side, we are leading the largest ballot initiative and political action campaign in the Union's 70-year history. Local 1014 is at the helm of a monumental effort to ensure that Measure FD passes on March 3. This effort is the result of decades of political action, planning and preparing on the part of your Executive Board to be ready, able and properly funded for this campaign. We are ready for this moment and we will be successful on March 3.  This will not be a ground campaign due to the size of the voter pool, rather this is a strategic campaign to reach the voters we need with the most effective methods possible. What we need from our members is your continued support and your continued exemplary service to our communities as we stand in solidarity to craft the future of our Department. 

Measure FD will bring an additional $134 million annually for stations, equipment, and staffing. In 1997 Proposition E reaffirmed with the voters funding for our Fire Department, this measure will be the first additional funding for our Department ever. We have been good stewards of the public’s funds and have used them to provide world-class services to our residents. But since 1997, we have seen a dramatic shift in the scope of our emergency services, the intensity of our fire season and the use of technology as a critically important tool for providing emergency services. 

With the passage of Measure FD our Department will have a stable funding source for the next 20 years. This is a legacy item not only for our current members' future but for the future of our Department and future generations of Local 1014 members. This is our #1 priority over the next five weeks and we will keep you updated as the campaign moves forward. 

603/604 Contract Ratification 

As we announced at the beginning of the year, we have reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) for the 603-604 Bargaining Unit which includes our Dispatch, Health HazMat, Forestry and Fire Prevention personnel. We are proud of the excellent contract we were able to secure which includes higher raises than any other general member group and restorative pay dating back to 6/1/2019 something which no other group received.

The Local 1014 Executive Board continues to meet with the County weekly to ensure the language on the successor MOU reflects the intention of the agreement. We hope to be out to a ratification vote shortly. This work is tedious but critically important to ensure our members get what was promised. Stand by for more updates as we move closer to ratification. 

As a special note, this week, Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) introduced Assembly Bill 1945 (AB 1945) at the state level, which would recognize the brave work of public safety dispatchers by classifying them as first responders. Currently, the Federal government describes dispatchers as an “administrative” occupation. This classification does not accurately describe the work of dispatchers who undergo extensive training and whose work can mean the difference between life and death. We will be monitoring this legislation as it moves through the legislature and continue to support the effort to recognize the work our Dispatchers do for our communities every day. 

Trial Shift Schedule Change-DON'T FORGET TO SEND IN YOUR BALLOTS!

The update from the California Elections Company is that we have already received a good number of ballots and we still have some weeks to go before the vote closes. We want every member to vote! Cast your vote and be counted! All Local 1014 members who are Firefighters, Firefighter Specialists, and Captains from 601/602 Bargaining Units have the opportunity to vote YES or NO and pick from one of the proposed shift schedules. Contact the Union is you have not received a ballot or if you mismarked your ballot and are requesting a replacement ballot.  

President Dave Gillotte has spoken to President Tom Ray from the Association of Chiefs to get their input on the Trial Shift Schedule Change. While we cannot legally take their vote, our partnership has always beneficial to both memberships.  

IMPORTANT: Please remember all ballots must be received in the PO Box prior to Monday, February 10 at 10 am. Be mindful of that when deciding when to mail in your ballot. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST DAY TO MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT.

As always stay safe and take care of each other. 

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Sisters and Brothers,

It is a historic day for our membership and the membership of the Los Angeles County Lifeguards Association (LACoLA)! Today we implement and begin the use of Compensatory Time Off (CTO).

Thank you for your patience as we took on the grueling task of getting this moved through the County and solved Auditor-Controller and payroll issues.  We would like to thank the payroll staff for our Department for working out IPFIRS issues as well.  

Crafting the language for the EA and the follow-up language that will be placed in the manuals was quite a grueling task. Special thank you to our Local 1014 Executive Board and the Staffing Committee for your many hours of work to get this done.  Deputy Chief of Business Operations Dawnna Lawrence is also to be commended for directing the Department's logistical efforts.

For well over thirty years the battle to attain the ability bank time on the books in lieu of OT payment has been a goal of our collective memberships.  Previously the County and the Department would only entertain the idea of banked time if we would agree to bank it at a straight time rate.  We could never agree to this as it contradicts the sentiment and value of FLSA protections for our OT. 

We bargained and worked our tails off to leverage and get support from our Board of Supervisors and ultimately from the Fire Chief to give this a go with 4 shifts / 96 hours for our members.  We put protections in to prevent games and pyramiding by not allowing members to bank a CTO day worked. The ability to bank and replenish the hours each year allows our members in conjunction with all other benefit time to have better access and control in setting up days off. 

We all know that we are understaffed and the work in progress to fill the ranks and vacancies will eventually move us back towards better ability to access benefit time including CTO and reduced recalls.  The use of CTO will also allow our members to bank their Vacation and Holiday time as well under Ventura as they near retirement.  The overall positive impact of CTO and it’s responsible use is undeniable and for us all a landmark achievement that your Union fought hard and bargained to get for you… our members. 

Please follow all the rules and policies regarding banking and use of CTO so that we may have a positive impact based on use as we head to the bargaining tables again where our goal is to double the number of days you can place on the books.  We would like to again thank the Fire Chief and the Board of Supervisors for their support and our partners at LACoLA for their efforts at the table to get this agreement.  Enjoy the use of this new and historic benefit as we forge on in 2020 and the years to come.  

This is yet another reminder that solidarity through political action and legislative advocacy yields results for our members. Union Strong!  

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Friday Update  

Brothers and Sisters, 

This week has been a major week for Local 1014's March 2020 ballot measure--Measure FD! Local 1014 has been hard at work securing support from across the County for this critically important measure that will fund our Department for the next 20 years.On Monday, the LA Federation of Labor, representing 850,000 union workers across Los Angeles County unanimously endorsed Measure FD and pledged their support for our efforts this March. Labor solidarity is critical for our issues. In the past, our members and our union have stepped up to support other unions and this week it was our turn to ask for help and help is what we got.  Thank you to the brothers and sisters of the LA Federation of Labor for your solidarity and support and special thank you to LAFed President Ron Herrera for your commitment to our cause. 

Then on Tuesday, Local 1014 President Dave Gillotte, joined by CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Local 1014 endorsed Board of Supervisors District 2 candidate Herb Wesson, to address the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and secured an endorsement of Measure FD. The Los Angeles County Democratic voters are the largest group of voters in the County and vital for the success of Measure FD. We have bipartisan support for this measure and are looking to secure more endorsements from political and community organizations across LA County. 

Measure FD will be the first additional revenue measure for our Department ever and will bring an additional $134 million annually for stations, equipment, and staffing. Not since Proposition E in 1997 have we asked the voters for additional funding for our Fire Department. We have been good stewards of the public’s funds and have used them to provide world-class services to our residents. But since 1997, we have seen a dramatic shift in the scope of our emergency services, the intensity of our fire season and the use of technology as a critically important tool for providing emergency services. 

A stable and adequate funding source for our needs in the next 20 years will be critical.  Four-person staffing on our rigs and the upgrading of our stations, apparatus, and equipment are a priority.  Your Union is using every tool at its disposal to ensure the success of this measure for the future of our Department and our members. We will update you as we progress towards election day. 

Trial Shift Schedule Change 

By now all Fire Series members should have received ballots for the Trial Shift Schedule Change. The voice of the membership is heard most accurately with the most ballots returned. We want every member to vote! Cast your vote and be counted!

All Local 1014 members who are Firefighters, Firefighter Specialists, and Captains from 601/602 Bargaining Units will have the opportunity to vote YES or NO and pick from one of the proposed shift schedules. As a reminder, please see the attached sheet with examples of both proposed schedules, this sheet will also accompany your ballot.

IMPORTANT: Contact the Union if you have not received your ballot yet or if you mismarked your ballot and are requesting a replacement ballot. 

As a reminder, ONLY mail from Local 1014 on Local 1014 letterhead and ONLY information sent from our info@local1014.org email address or our Facebook Page will contain Local 1014 approved information. 

REMINDER: All Local 1014 members need to be sure to update their contact information with the Union. Please call 310-639-1014 with your Employee ID number or Social Security number available to update the following member information: Name, Address, Phone, Cell, Email, Rank, and Station. 

Take time to evaluate the information and then cast your vote and help determine our future direction. 

As always stay safe and take care of each other. 

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Fire Series Trial Shift Schedule Change Vote 

TODAY - February 10th 

Brothers and Sisters, 

Today ballots for our Trial Shift Schedule Change have been mailed out. The balloting will stay open for 30 days with ballots tallied on February 10th. 

We are asking that ALL members VOTE!!

The voice of the membership is heard most accurately with the most ballots returned, ideally, we want every member to vote.  Please take the time to cast your vote and be counted. 

Also, be aware that there will be messaging from those lobbying various sides of this issue—the YES votes, the NO votes, those who embrace 48/96 and those who embrace 4/8.  ONLY mail from Local 1014 on Local 1014 letterhead and ONLY information sent from our info@local1014.org email address or our Facebook Page will contain Local 1014 information on the actual days of the proposed schedules and the ballot questions.  

To be clear, there is no wrong position to take on this important issue. Some members want to try this schedule change trial and some do not.  Some favor our current schedule and others favor 48/96 or 4/8 on a trial.  All are legitimate opinions that will be measured by way of a majority vote.  The Executive Board is no different than the General Membership, we all work and each of us has an opinion and a vote on this issue. 

The ballot asks members to vote YES or NO on a trial shift schedule change. Additionally, the ballot also asks members to choose either 48/96 schedule or 4/8 schedule to move forward with providing there is a 50% plus one majority vote to pursue the trial shift schedule change.  

All Local 1014 members who are Firefighters, Firefighter Specialists, and Captains from 601/602 Bargaining Units will have the opportunity to vote YES or NO and pick from one of the proposed shift schedules. As a reminder, please see the attached sheet with examples of both proposed schedules, this sheet will also accompany your ballot.  

IMPORTANT: Contact the Union if you have not received your ballot by Thursday or if you mismarked your ballot and are requesting a replacement ballot.  

REMINDER: All Local 1014 members need to be sure to update their contact information with the Union. Please call 310-639-1014 with your Employee ID number or Social Security number available to update the following member information: Name, Address, Phone, Cell, Email, Rank, and Station. 

Take time to evaluate the information and then cast your vote and help determine our future direction. 

City Political Action Committee (PAC) 

This week, our Local 1014 Executive Board interviewed over 75 candidates for over a dozen local city elections across LA County for the March 2020 ballot. 

Political action is one of the most important things we do as a Union to protect our members and continue to have public safety be the number one priority for our county and our contract cities. We never know when we will be called to put our lives on the line for our communities. We need to have the equipment, personnel, and resources to keep our residents and our members safe. In order to do that, we need to put people in public office who support that mission in every one of our contract cities and in every community we serve. 

As always stay safe and take care of each other. 

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

Fire Series Trial Shift Schedule Change Vote 

January 10th - February 10th 

Brothers and Sisters, 

Pursuant to General Member Motion 058-19 and the Trial Shift Schedule Change Committee work and Executive Board action, ballots for a Trial Shift Schedule Change will be mailed out January 10th.  The balloting will stay open for 30 days with ballots tallied on February 10th.  

The ballot will ask members to vote YES or NO on a trial shift schedule change. Additionally, the ballot will also ask members to choose either 48/96 schedule or 4/8 schedule to move forward with providing there is a 50% plus one majority vote to pursue the trial shift schedule change.  

All Local 1014 members who are Firefighters, Firefighter Specialists, and Captains from 601/602 Bargaining Units will have the opportunity to vote YES or NO and pick from one of the proposed shift schedules. Attached is a sheet with examples of both proposed schedules for your information.  

We are asking that ALL members VOTE. 

It is important for us to have robust debate and discussion. As always, the minority opinion will be heard and the majority VOTE will determine our direction.  Please be respectful of each other’s positions on this passionate and personal issue. 

Additional material will be mailed out and posted on social media as the balloting is underway including reminders to update your mailing address and to contact the Union if you have not received your ballot of mismarked your ballot and are requesting a replacement ballot.  

Balloting will be by top-secret mail-in balloting to our P.O Box and tallied by California Elections Company.  The results of the balloting will be announced and if a YES vote prevails, the schedule change proposal with the most votes will be the schedule we propose to the County.

We will announce the results after ballots are tallied, but work on the 2020 Ballot Measure FD will take priority until the General Election and vote on our initiative is complete.  Know that we are also preparing to open the bargaining tables up for both fringe benefits and salary negotiations as we set to secure a new contract at the end of this year.

We will tackle this issue like we handle all other Local 1014 business with professional and strong debate and Solidarity following the vote.  
 

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board 

Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014

Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat Personnel

2019 Year In Review 

Brothers and Sisters, 

This year has been an extraordinary year for our Union. We have been able to accomplish so much for our members because we have stood in solidarity and unity with each other to improve our wages, hours and working conditions for all members. The power of solidarity, political action, and legislative advocacy is how we all get it done. 

Click here to view video on Facebook. 

As we close out the year, we would like to pause to recognize all we have accomplished this year: 

Contract Ratification 601-602 Bargaining Units 

At the beginning of the year, we successfully ratified one of the richest contracts in the County of Los Angeles for our 601/602 Bargaining Units members garnering bonus’ above the COLA for all members. 

As part of that contract, effective January 1, 2020, our members will receive a four (4) level (approximately 1%) Choices Sustainability Bonus, as an acknowledgment of Coalition of County Union (CCU) members cooperation with maintaining the bona fide status of the Choices Cafeteria Plan. This bonus is pensionable. Just one of the many benefits our members received as part of our contract ratified earlier this year. We will also be receiving a 2.5% COLA on 7/1/2020 for 601/602 members. 2020 will be a great year!

Tentative Agreement for 603-604 Bargaining Units

As we close out the year, we are especially pleased to announce a Tentative Agreement (TA) has been reached at the 603-604 Bargaining Unit table for our Dispatch, Health HazMat, Forestry and Fire Prevention personnel. After many hours of negotiations over the past weeks, we reached an agreement with the County for a successor 603/604 contract. This contract includes higher raises than any other general member group and includes restorative pay dating back to 6/1/2019 something which no other group received as well as the following additional bonuses for our members:

• General Salary ALL 603/604 BU Members:
  • 6/1/19 +2% COLA (restorative pay back to 6/1/2019)
  • 10/1/19 +2.5% COLA
  • 10/1/20 +2.5% COLA
• Dispatchers 
  • +2% Additional Skill and Responsibility EMD pay 
• Health Haz-Mat
  • +2% APSA Bonus (Above Ground Petroleum Storage Act)
  • Increased Emergency Stand-By Pay Rate for Health Haz-Mat from $3.25 an hour to $4.00 an hour over the term of the contract
  • +3% California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) program bonus for SHMS who work this program
• Forestry  
  • +2% additional skills and responsibility EMT Bonus 
• FPEAs 
  • +2% International Code Council Certification Bonus
• ALL Units - Compensatory Time Off - the ability to bank time for overtime hours worked to a maximum of 120 hours 

We will go to a ratification vote and Board of Supervisors' adoption in January. This was a long hard table to get our members what they deserve.  Our general member workers do than any other general members in the County because of the nature of their work and their commitment to carry out the mission.  

Comp Time Off 

The long-awaited and years in the making negotiated benefit of Compensatory Time Off is finally going to be a usable benefit in January. It took us time to write the language for our Manual of Operations and to work with the Auditor-Controller to get pay codes for Time Banked and for Time Worked but we have it done. We are looking for an EA in January kicking off our ability to bank Comp Time.  

The general parameters are 96 hours maximum at any given time may be on the book. Members can use and bank use and bank up to 96 hours at any given time.  When you work an OT, if you want to bank hours you will get 24 hours on the books and 12 hours of premium pay in your check.  This keeps it simple - 4 shifts is 96 hours, always your pay is at time and a half.  Using Comp Time days will be simply the same as using a Benefit day.  No recalls to fill Comp Time Days same as V and F days.  The 15 shift rule in house applies same as V and F days as well.  If you work a “Comp Time day” you will not be able to bank a Comp Time day, this prevents pyramiding of the days and keeps the use and cost of the Comp Time days manageable and appropriately for why these days are in service. This is a crowning achievement for Local 1014 in that time and a half comp time off banking has been a benefit we have chased for many years and finally, we have attained for our members.  Use it wisely and enjoy the ability to bank time. 

Vacation Day Grievance 

Additionally, we have also reached an agreement with the County regarding our Grievance In General Character (GIGC) regarding Vacation Day. This is a major victory for our membership and our families. We have eliminated the “Use it or Lose It” system the County unilaterally implemented on our members.  No longer will you lose or stop accruing the additional Vacation hours in October, but rather you will be able to bank those hours if you don’t use them, and simply use them later or be paid for them post-termination pay - non-pensionable. 

The agreement is divided into two basic parts: First, we have agreed that a vacation day bank will be established. If you don’t use your days, you will be able to bank them and if unused you will receive a post-termination payout at the end of your career. There is no limit to the days you can bank, and you can use multiple banked V days in a year with no impact to Ventura V day use.  This is a great benefit for our members in their last year, and the last few years to retire with what they deserve under Ventura. 

 Secondly, we will continue to work on restorative hours for those who lost and stopped accruing hours in October of each year under the unilaterally implemented system from the County.  We are hammering out an agreement on those lost hours as well as any impact to members who retired during the last few years who may have lost hours of accrual on this benefit.  We will keep you posted on the second part of this negotiation to settle the Grievance General in Character your Union carried on behalf of the issue.  Also, look for an EA soon on the new Vacation Day Bank and instructions on how to use the additional Vacation Day hours with no impact to Ventura V Day limits or to bank the hours if you cannot use them.  More information will be forthcoming in January but this grind with the County is finally coming to an end, and our fight to get access to the benefit for our members has been a very worthwhile effort to allow us to use these hours appropriately or be compensated for them if we cannot.  

Expanding Peer Support 

Since its expansion, the Peer Support Behavioral Health Program has made significant strides in building a program that is structured and provides a range of continuous behavioral health services for our members. 

In addition to the $1.25 million we were able to secure as part of our 601-602 contract at the beginning of the year, we have also doubled our Peer Support Team and instituted quarterly meetings and training. This has truly become a leading and nationally-recognized program and we are proud of all we have accomplished through our labor-management partnerships. 

Staffing Shortage 

Local 1014 will continue the relentless push on management to hire more employees.  This is the only long-term fix for our staffing shortage and we must maintain pressure to run back to back classes in 2020.  We are pushing for at least 3 classes and more like 4 or 5 classes in 2020 to fill the vacancies and keep up with retirements. In addition to the hiring we have maintained a position of promoting to fill the vacancies in ranks as well as promoting into “long-term I spots” and we will continue to push that position in 2020. 

You will see more work being done through the staffing committee to look at additional staffing policy changes that will help both in short-term and long-term to relieve the impact of the staffing shortage, recalls, and inability to access benefit time. This has already had a smoothing and helpful effect for our members as we saw during the Christmas fill and we will continue to utilize short term help until we fill the vacancies. Look to see the Chief post the dates of the proposed academies in 2020 as we have asked him to put it on the board for all to see.  

COUNTY! - Local 1014 Strong! 

We should be proud of our membership and the work we do to serve the residents of Los Angeles County.  We have over 3200 members in the operations and logistics sections of the Department and together we handle one of the largest fire, EMS and all-hazards assignments in the world. With over 400,000 calls each year, serving over 4 million residents throughout LA County’s unincorporated areas and 59 contract cities, our members are the finest in the nation.

This year we have had several major incidents including the Tick Fire, Saddle Ridge Fire, Getty Fire, and the Saugus High Shooting. Each incident demonstrated the professionalism, resolve and heart of our members as they protect our communities. While 2019 was a big year for Local 1014, as we celebrated our 70th Anniversary as a Union, we know that 2020 will be an even better year.  

Measure FD 2020

Our members do more with less but they shouldn’t have to, we need to get the resources and equipment to ensure we stay safe and continue to provide excellent emergency services. 

 This month, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the LA County Fire District 911 Firefighter/Paramedic Emergency Response Measure for the March 2020 ballot. This measure will change our Department for many generations to come. It will provide the funding for much-needed relief for our staffing crisis as well as replacement and upgrading of our aging fire stations and equipment. As the County has grown, we have seen an overwhelming increase in call volume and call complexity. While our members have adapted to the growing needs of the community, we need the voters to recognize that these needs are changing for the County and our members. 

We have a lot of work to do before the March ballot. This will be our highest priority for next year. A stable and adequate funding source for our needs in the next 20 years will be critical.  Four-person staffing on our rigs, stations and apparatus and equipment will be a priority for us in 2020.  Your Union will be leading the political charge to ensure that the voters understand the critical need for this funding for our members' health and safety and continued service to our communities.  Get ready to help as we push this effort across the finish line and change our future dramatically for the mission. 

Trial Shift Schedule Change Vote 

We will boldly be dealing with the membership voice to put to a vote whether we will negotiate for a one-year trial shift schedule change and if so will it be 4/8 or 48/96, the two popular shift schedule change trial models our members brought forward.   

This is a divisive issue but the vote is what matters in the end.  This will be an official vote held by California Elections Company, not be a poll or survey. It’s the real deal, so if you want to try a schedule change or you want to keep our current schedule you must vote to have an impact on the decision.  There are pros and cons to every schedule and valid reasons to like them all so debate, and discuss but then vote!  Ballots will be going out the week of January 10th and will stay open for 30 days to give everyone a chance to evaluate and vote for the future of their schedule and hours.  

On behalf of the Local 1014 Executive Board, we would like to wish you and your families a safe, healthy and Happy New Year! Remember, please be responsible tonight as you celebrate the New Year! 

In Solidarity,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board