Page 14 - February 2018 FOP Newsletter

Financial Secretary’s Report
Cleaning up past grievances and addressing new ones
We move through February, hoping our chilly Chi- cago winter will be leaving us soon. Of course, if you were stuck on Lake Shore Drive in February 2011, you know that more nasty weather can surprise us.
A Grievance Committee meeting was held on Jan. 18. A total of 22 grievances were assessed, and three grievances were deferred. Two grievances needed more information, and one of the officers who was previously scheduled to address the committee was rescheduled for another date. The committee decid-
ed to withdraw 11 grievances, including one that was years old but needed a withdrawal letter submitted. There are a few grievances that had a determination already, but no withdrawal letter was completed by the City. (My secretary, Catharine, is efficiently going through files so we can clean things up and concentrate on our cur- rent and future grievances.)
Finally, we decided to go forward with eight grievances. There are always a few that have simple solutions; for instance, a District deciding not to post assignments for overtime when it should have been offered to all. They plugged in their people, when officers with more seniority were available to work the overtime. Since this does not coincide with use of seniority rights, the more senior officers filed grievances. Dan Gorman and I must thank our Grievance Committee for all their input and advice on these grievances; when
we cannot see an angle for argument, one of our other officers finds good solid reasons to support their fellow officer in the grievance.
Awards rescheduled: An Awards Committee meeting was held on Dec. 15, and the committee approved two awards for the Jan- uary meeting. Since the general meeting’s venue was changed to 26th and California, we rescheduled the awards for the Feb. 20 meeting at 7 p.m.
Lodge 7 Picnic: I know that it’s early, but I want to inform ev- eryone that the Lodge 7 Picnic has been changed this year from a Wednesday to a Tuesday; it will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at Gaelic Park (same place). I know John C. is planning good things for the picnic. If it’s even close to last year’s picnic, it will be great.
St. Patrick’s Day: Speaking of planning early, we have booked a band for the St. Patrick’s Day party at the FOP Hall. The party will be on Saturday, March 17. Come on down — it will be a great time.
A note of sympathy: In closing, I want to send my sympathy out to two families. First, Police Officer Patrick Bernico has lost his battle with cancer. The short time between his diagnosis and his passing was devastating to his family and friends, and I offer my heartfelt condolences. I also want to acknowledge my friend, Police Officer Adlai Coleman, on the loss of his father. Charlie L. Coleman and his wife Julia raised a good, caring and loving family. His spirit will live on for generations.
Thank you, and be safe. d
MICHAEL GARZA
14 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ FEBRUARY 2018