Page 12 - February 2018 FOP Newsletter

ThirdVice President’s Report
Medical arbitrations update
As some of you are aware, arbitrations for med- ical-related grievances are held monthly, with the agreed-upon arbitrator hearing only one case. When this administration took office, there were more than 70 medical grievances (some as old as 1998) that were waiting to be heard by an arbitrator.
In August 2017, the FOP, along with our attorneys and the City’s representative, agreed to meet monthly to determine if these pending cases can be remedied thru a “supplemental mediation.” These mediations
— minus a paid mediator — are held at the Lodge and only review pending grievances in which the grievant was looking to have his or her IOD certified as such, and/or his or her out-of-pocket med- ical bills paid by the City.
The average cost for each medical arbitration can range between $6,000 and $10,000. This cost includes the arbitrator’s and lawyer’s fees.
I am pleased to say that as of today, there are only 23 grievanc- es still pending arbitration. We have been able to resolve close to 60 cases during these supplemental meetings. Our members have been able to have their grievances resolved and put closure to their incident at a savings to the Lodge somewhere between $360,000 and $600,000. During these supplemental meetings, the Lodge is only billed for the fees for our attorneys (who are on retainer). At no time would we take away any member’s right to demand arbi- tration.
So far, the members’ responses have been positive. We anticipate that these meetings will subside in early 2018, as we will catch up and will have exhausted all means, minus arbitration. Stay safe! d
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12 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ FEBRUARY 2018