Page 15 - March 2018 FOP Newsletter

Financial Secretary’s Report
Honoring all of our officers, both old and new
We all have suffered a terrible loss with the mur- der of Commander Paul Bauer. Wherever I went throughout the Department, there were words of admiration and sorrow. Nowhere more than in the 18th District, where the commander worked; ev- eryone was in unison with their words of sadness and disbelief. Attending afternoon roll call along with President Graham, we could see the grief on all the officers’ faces. My sympathy to all his family and friends; this is the most horrible reminder of
what a dangerous job we work.
Grievance Committee update
A Grievance Committee meeting was held on Feb. 16 with the following outcomes: four of the grievances were deferred (one was the ongoing case of the destruction of material regarding an officer’s file). We had arbitration on this and are still seeking a resolution.
The committee withdrew seven grievances. Some require having the officer come in and clarify the case, and some have been discussed previously. In some cases, the officer has re- solved the matter or does not wish to pursue it.
In the last few grievances, we are going forward to request ar- bitration. When this decision is made, a letter is sent to the City stating that we want to go to arbitration; in some cases, we can mediate a decision. This is a reasonable solution and saves the cost of a full arbitration. The final decision always involves the
officer. If there is mediation, I discuss what the offer is to resolve and reach a resolution with the officer.
PAR forms
I know I am repeating myself, here but the same problem keeps going past my desk regarding filling out PAR forms: When an opening is posted, you must have it signed by the command- ing officer, executive officer or lieutenant within 72 hours of the posting. The PAR form is then due within a week.
The main problem that people have been having is not hav- ing it signed in a timely manner. I understand if you have never put in a bid before. If you do not have knowledge of the proce- dure, you can always call your union for assistance. You know how it is sometimes if you ask your question in the district — you get five different versions of what you should do, and none of them are fully correct. I was one of those guys without much knowledge on filling out PAR forms, so you have my full sympa- thy for a missed bid.
Recognizing the new generation
Finally, I would like to thank all the young officers on the street still doing police work. In these difficult times of being judged by people who have no idea what we do and how haz- ardous it is for us every day we put on the uniform, I must stop and recognize the new officers who, despite all these challeng- es, do the job.
Thank you, and be safe. d
MICHAEL GARZA
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2018 15