Page 12 - December 2018

Financial Secretary’s Report
Petition filed to enforce arbitration decision regarding ETs
Greetings, everyone. We have been through a lot in the last month and I know you are being strong and supportive of all your fellow officers.
The murder of Officer Samuel Jimenez was a trag- ic shock to all of us; he reacted bravely and heroical- ly in a dangerous situation. His loss shows that ours is the most dangerous job you can have, and we go out every day to face the risk. My deepest sympathy to the family.
A Grievance Committee meeting was held on Nov. 15 with the following results: five grievances were deferred to ob- tain further information; we went forward with seven grievances and recommended the withdrawal of 16. A few of the grievances were medical-related and recommended by the committee to be withdrawn under the advice of Medical Grievance Chairman Jay Ryan.
When an officer appears before the committee, he or she brings further information on why we should go forward on his or her grievance. After the committee reviews the paperwork, once we introduce ourselves (so the officer knows who he or she is talking to), we ask the officer questions on the information in the file. When we are through, we tell the officer that he or she will receive the results of the committee’s decision in the mail. At this time, I want to thank my co-chair Dan Gorman for all his valuable help on the Grievance Committee.
There was an arbitration decision rendered awhile ago regard- ing the evidence technicians (ETs) that the City has been dragging its feet on to finalize before making payment to officers due com- pensation as part of the settlement. It has frustrated all the ETs involved and forced our hand to file a petition to enforce the ar- bitrator’s decision. I really hope someone on the City’s side knows that if the citizens of the City knew how much money it was cost- ing them in legal fees in what should be clear-cut decisions, they would be very upset.
If you are involved in a shooting incident, contact the Lodge to get representation as soon as safely possible. It gets quite hectic in these situations, so if you are on the scene and not involved, please call the union for the officer involved. Do not worry that other people may have called already; better too many than no calls at all.
In a poster in this magazine, I am reminding you about the St. Patrick’s Day party to be held in the hall on March 16, 2019; it is still only $20 for corned beef sandwiches and beer. This year, we are having a great band: Jamrose, featuring Nicole Jamrose. Their lively music should keep everyone’s toes tapping the whole time.
Finally, the holiday season brings joy, happiness and stress. Be sure to try and focus on the cheerfulness and delight that the sea- son brings. I, for one, am grateful for my family and friends and for having enough knowledge to help out my fellow officers. Stay safe.
MICHAEL GARZA
12 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2018