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FRIDAY UPDATE ON CONDITIONS
Sisters and Brothers,
Our members have once again been called on to answer the request for mutual aid. The Dixie Fire is now the largest single blaze in California history. Our members join the over 6,000 Firefighters from across the nation as we battle this massive fire. Thank you to all our members who are serving on strike teams away from their families. Thank you also to our members who are backfilling and serving in stations providing emergency services to our 4 million residents throughout unincorporated LA County and our 60 contract cites.
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Vaccine Mandates Federal / State / County
Last week was a very busy week for our Union and Unions statewide as we worked to address the state and local pushes for COVID vaccine mandates and policies. Whether you are supportive of the vaccine or not, we recognize that this is an emotional issue. Local 1014 and all IAFF, CPF unions have solidarity in two items: 1) support of our members getting the vaccine and the information needed to support getting the vaccine, and 2) strong opposition to any mandate of the vaccine for our members. While we recognize, based on legal precedent, that the County has the ability to mandate vaccinations, we are opposed and have our own legal precedent to prevent any application of this mandate without a meet and confer with labor.
This Tuesday, we issued a formal letter to the Board of Supervisors stating our opposition to the vaccine mandate. |
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We know that we can educate, encourage and incentivize most to get vaccinated. We have reasonable accommodations for those who do not wish to vaccinate such as masks, gloves, goggles, gowns, washing, and social distancing protocols that have worked to allow our members to not only remain safe while treating COVID patients in the field but also to keep those we treat safe. There is no denying the numbers drop in COVID cases once the vaccine came out and we began inoculations. We want to continue on a path to keep our members safe and keep the economy open for the citizens we serve and the budgets that pay for our Fire and EMS services.
However, we will continue to battle to get our terms to the table and into an agreement. This will take some time as the Unions of the Coalition of County Unions, (CCU) inclusive of Local 1014, LACOLA , ALADS (Sheriff), PPOA, AFSME 685 (Probation), continue to bargain. Together we have the power to deal with the County more effectively than individually. Our efforts are powerful and pragmatic and we have the best legal counsel money can buy for these issues. Federal, state and local laws all combine here to give authority or rights of bargaining to deal with all aspects of a vaccine mandate or accommodations and the laws that govern. Additionally, Local 1014 has our own legal counsel in a coordinated manner to watch out for our own interests specific to Los Angeles County Fire and Local 1014 members.
We have also been in contact with the Fire Chief and the CEO and we have a good discussion and rapport with both as we navigate where this will end up. The Department is not in any rush, nor bent on any particular plan or direction on this, and truly open to a partnership as we deal with the County and the CEO, and BOS.
We are remaining laser-focused on the facts and the negotiations in process and progress. We understand the diversity of our members and opinions on this subject. We represent ALL our members' interest and their right to medical choice and privacy. We must stay together as one and use our strength to navigate this issue alongside our public safety partners. Thank you for the many useful ideas and input as we move forward with the County. |
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Negotiations
We are very close to getting a deal for our members and the members of the Coalition of County Unions (CCU). Each week we meet with the County to grind down the numbers and get the best deal for our members. We are moving towards a short-term, budget-friendly, and fair contract with increases in medical premium including dental and vision, an additional Holiday, and COVIV responder renumeration. We are taking the time to get the language and the details for all CCU members including LACOLA, ALADS, PPOA and AFSCME in the public safety sector.
We meet again next week with what we hope are final numbers and specific language relating to our benefit levels and future benefit level protections. While this is a quick less than one-year contract to gain the increases we need to stay current on medical and dental and vision, it is also equally important we take the time to craft the detailed language that protects our plans and members. Almost there and the grind is real and the effort by all Unions in the CCU is strong and united.
Local 1014 Blood Drive |
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Thank you to everyone who came out to donate blood this past Thursday for our 1014 Blood Drive! Our members continue to demonstrate their commitment to our communities and to the people of Los Angeles County not only through our professionalism but also through our volunteerism. If there is a need, we answer. Thank you to our members and their families for continuing to answer the call.
Stay safe out there and take care of each other. |
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In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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