Page 10 - August 2016 Newsletter

Family and solidarity
Brothers and sisters, Labor Day marks the end of summer for many of us, but in reality it’s much more than that; it’s a celebration of the labor movement in America, the social and economic accomplishments of workers. Let’s not be modest; despite the recent events that have taken place across the country and in our own city with the anti-police rhetoric, our members continue to provide police
Department will use mandatory overtime to avoid any staffing shortfalls.” What does that mean? You will get compensated as set forth by the language in our CBA. Don’t sell yourself short; show your solidarity and enjoy the time off with your family during those days.
Medical Corner
RAY CASIANO, JR
service, fight crime and take more guns off the street than ever before. Our Collective Bargain- ing Agreement (CBA) has secured us fair wages, time off, holidays and compensation if required to work during those times, as well as other ben- efits.
Recently the Lodge sent out an email blast as well as a flyer declaring Sept. 2 to 5 as FOP Unity Days and to remind officers to refrain from volunteering to work if you are off during these days. I ask our members to take a break from V.R.I., special employment and oth- er non-mandatory overtime as an opportunity to have fun under the sun with your family and friends. As re- ported by the Chicago Tribune on July 26, “The Police
In July the Lodge met with the city to mediate sev- eral grievances involving denied injuries on duty (IOD). These injuries occurred while our mem- bers were providing some type of police service by being proactive, not necessarily involving an arrest or responding to a call. This grievance comes at a time when the city is looking to rebuild relationships and trust with the communities we serve. So as you are providing some type of police service by stepping out of your vehicle and meeting with the pub- lic, and by chance you get injured, the city has been re- fusing your injury as IOD. It is clear that in the Police Department’s mission statement and core values that are specific to the Chicago Police Department, our ob- ligation runs deeper than just legal requirements. The interaction with the public is an opportunity to en- hance the perception of law enforcement, build pub- lic trust and meet some of the Department’s goals. So it seems to me that this is specific to policing and not to the general public as a requirement of our office; therefore, it should be covered as an IOD. I have recom- mended to our grievance committee that we demand arbitration. The city cannot have its cake and eat it too.
Acknowledgment
I know an officer named Sean Hayes; I worked with him on the shooting range. Today I have the honor of acknowledging this officer for saving a life. A big salute goes out to Officer Hayes for saving the life of a bicy- clist. In the early morning of July 3, Hayes was driving in his car, off duty, when he noticed a man who seemed to be dazed. The man had just crashed into an open door of a vehicle and started to bleed profusely. Natu- rally and without hesitation, Hayes jumped into action and helped save the bicyclist’s life. Nice job, Sean! d
FOP is here to serve and protect you, so that you can better serve and protect the citizens of Chicago.
First Vice President’s
REPORT
10 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ AUGUST 2016
God Bless.