Professional Firefighters Association
of
New Jersey
International Association of Fire Fighters State Association
--Always
on the Front Line Protecting "New Jersey's Bravest"--
--Established 1929--
Member of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO
Welcome to the home page of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, proudly representing the interests and concerns of New Jersey's Bravest and their loved ones.
We encourage our membership to periodically, if not several times daily, review the contents of this web site and it's various departments, in order to remain up to date and conversant on the issues facing our profession in the 21st century.
In the event you need more specific or additional information, we further encourage you to submit your inquiry or commentary via e-mail to pfanj@pfanj.org. We will endeavor to provide any needed information or address any concern in a timely manner.
NYC Mayor Says No Rank and Affiliation on 9/11 Memorial The National September 11 Memorial Foundation has informed Michael Burke and other families of FDNY fire fighters killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks that ranks and affiliation will not be included on the Memorial Wall in New York City because New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, chair of the Memorial Foundation Board, believes such distinctions will cause visitors to mourn the death of the plane's captain or a fire captain more than the death of the plane's passengers or the civilian the fire fighter was trying to rescue. "This is a disgrace," says IAFF 1st District Vice President Kevin Gallagher. "To not honor our fallen brothers with their rank is wrong. We cannot let their sacrifice go without the proper recognition for the courageous acts they performed." Burke's brother, William F. Burke Jr., was a captain in Engine Co. 21. Michael requested to meet with the board about the decision to omit ranks and was told no. "This is a public entity supported by public funds. I am the voice of a guy who gave his life on 9/11, but I cannot meet with the board," writes Burke in his message, "Denying My Brother's Identity" posted on the FDNY web site. "I don’t know where any of them were on September 11." The IAFF is encouraging members to send a loud and clear message to Mayor Bloomberg and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Foundation that listing the rank and company affiliation of FDNY fire fighters who gave their lives that dark day is about honoring them and that disallowing it is inexcusable. For more information, click here. Mayor Michael Bloomberg Why aren't the ranks of those killed in the 9/11 terrorists attacks being included on the memorial wall at the National September 11th Memorial in
New York City? The memorial must speak to future generations as equally as it does to us. As such, the 406 first responders at the World Trade Center, the military personal at the Pentagon and the flight crews who died in service to their city, their country and humanity on 9/11 must be identified by the rank they earned with
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U.S. Supreme Court Reverses Lower Court Decision in Ricci v. DeStefano Case Eighteen New Haven, Connecticut, fire fighters who filed suit in federal court against the City of New Haven after the City threw out the results of promotional exams prevailed over the City today when the United States Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote, reversed a lower court’s decision. |
Changes Will Allow Use of SAFER Grants to Retain Fire Fighters President Barack Obama has approved the new rules that govern how fire departments can use funding from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. These changes are especially significant during the economic crisis that has caused widespread layoffs of IAFF members across the country. The IAFF has prepared Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that help explain what the changes mean for your fire department and provide a potential timeline for the new rules to be in place so your department can begin applying for the grants. |
Frequently Asked Questions The IAFF is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the new guidelines for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants to make funding available to rehire fire fighters who were laid off, bring back positions that are not being filled and to prevent further reductions in staffing that have resulted from the current financial crisis. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below provide the basics of what we know right now and a potential timeline for the new rules to be in place so your department can begin applying for the grants. These FAQs can also be downloaded as a PDF file. The old rules were too restrictive, how will the new rules help? Where does the bill stand now? When will the application period begin? What should I do in the meantime? I already have a SAFER grant. How will the changes affect me? Where can I find updated information on the status of the bill and the application process?
What does the new SAFER bill do? That is changing under the new law. The IAFF wrote and lobbied for the new provision that was included in HR 2346, the Supplemental Appropriation bill – which was initiated and supported by President Obama – to allow the use of SAFER grant funding to rehire laid-off fire fighters and prevent fire department staffing reductions that occurred as a result of the current financial crisis. With its passage, the bill grants Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano the discretion to waive the rules governing the current SAFER program and make funds available to save IAFF members' jobs. So if your department has had layoffs or reductions in force through attrition, you should apply for SAFER funds once the new rules are written to get those fire fighters back on the job and fill the spots that were lost. The IAFF is working with DHS to establish guidelines for how SAFER grants can be used to address the current wave of staffing cuts. The new guidelines will apply to the $210 million that Congress approved for SAFER for Fiscal Year 2009, as well as the $420 million that Congress is expected to approve for Fiscal Year 2010. The old rules were too restrictive, how will the new rules help? That said, knowing that many departments didn't apply for SAFER grants under the old rules, we are focused on fixing the problems. In our discussions with Secretary Napolitano, we will be looking to accomplish a number of things:
Where does the bill stand now? When will the application period begin? What should I do in the meantime? Where can I find updated information on the status of the bill and the application process? |
June 12, 2009 On behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police - New Jersey State Lodge and the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, we urge you to protect the state's property tax deduction and oppose the $1 billion cut to the state's scheduled public employees' pension fund payment. Eliminating the property tax deduction on next year's income tax filings for anyone earning more than $150,000 annually would hurt our members. Many of our members, in order to provide for their families, work two jobs or have spouses who work to stay financially above water. New Jersey, as well as other states, is still reeling from the recent economic downturn, which is causing workers to lose their jobs, placing a financial strain on families and reducing home values. Altering the property tax deduction will only worsen the burden on struggling New Jerseyans. We hope you will support preserving the property tax deduction as is and oppose cuts to the state's pension payment obligation. Sincerely,
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Apply for Harvard University Trade Union Program The IAFF offers two scholarship programs to IAFF members: the Harvard University Trade Union Program and the National Labor College (NLC) Scholarship. The deadline to submit an application for either of these scholarships is July 1, 2009. To apply, you must be a member in good standing and be active within your IAFF affiliate as an officer, committee member or another leadership role. The Harvard University Trade Union Program scholarship offers two awards annually to IAFF members. This program is an intensive six-week residential session that explores key issues for the labor movement in a rich academic environment. Scholarships are $1,000, plus the cost of tuition. For more information about this scholarship or to download an application for submission, click here. The National Labor College Scholarship awards three scholarships annually to IAFF members to pursue labor education through the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland. The NLC delivers degree and certificate programs through week-long residential courses, fully online courses and courses that are a combination of online and residential components. The award includes tuition for one semester, room and board, and $1,000 for travel and incidental expenses. Click here to learn more or download an application. Time is running out, so apply today! Applications must be submitted to the IAFF by July 1, 2009. Don't miss this opportunity to advance and help fund your education.
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Senator Puts Taxing Health Benefits Immediate Action Needed to Avoid Tax Hike on Fire Fighters The nation's professional fire fighters could see their federal taxes jump under a health care plan being pushed by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), who chairs the Senate committee that oversees tax policy on Capitol Hill. Senator Baucus has stated and is fighting in support of a plan to tax employees on the value of their employer-provided health care to pay for an overhaul of the nation's health care system. If you have health care insurance provided by your employer, as virtually every single IAFF member does, you will be disproportionately taxed by Senator Baucus's plan. While President Obama campaigned strongly AGAINST such a plan, and has continued to indicate he does NOT support Senator Baucus's proposal to tax health benefits, the plan has support among a number of Democrats and Republicans in Congress. We need your help and action immediately to fight Senator Baucus's plan! If enacted, the health care tax could cost you several thousand dollars a year. "We need every IAFF member in the nation to call both of your senators today and tell them not to tax our health benefits," says IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger. "So far, senators are listening to economists and policy wonks rather than working Americans. While we are on the Hill telling the Senate this proposal is a huge mistake, we need your help to derail it. Please contact your senators today to let them know your displeasure with Senator Baucus's plan." Call and email both of your senators with a simple message: "Don't support any health care plan that taxes health care benefits." The Senate switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. Simply call this number and ask to be transferred to your senator's office.
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DOMINICK
MARINO Statement is Support of Assembly Bill 3578 On behalf of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chair and Members of the Committee for the opportunity to offer commentary and our full support of Assembly Bill 3578. The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, AFL-CIO, is the chartered New Jersey state organization of the 292,000 member International Association of Fire Fighters, representing approximately 4,000 active career professional firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and related emergency service employees serving throughout the State of New Jersey. Assembly Bill 3578 provides for the more appropriate treatment, respect and according authority for those members of the State’s career professional fire service who serve as Chief of Department in Civil Service or Non-Civil Service jurisdiction. Fire Chiefs, by virtue of their rank and responsibilities, serve as a municipality’s senior fire, emergency medical services and technical rescue expert, and in that regard, bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety and welfare of a community’s citizens and real property. In a post 9/11 world, fire chiefs have assumed an even greater role and responsibility as it relates to post terrorism response. Fire Chiefs require, as well as deserve, the protections and authority proposed by this initiative, of which is similar in nature and content to protections afforded to their law enforcement counterpart police chiefs. The rank and file firefighters and fire officers who are led by these executive and command professionals support Assembly Bill 3578, and accordingly urge our legislators to do so as well.
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Dear Affiliate Leader, The Obama administration will honor picket lines planned by Providence, RI Local 799 for the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Annual Meeting being held June 12-16 in Providence, where our affiliate has been in a long-running dispute with that city's anti-union mayor, David Cicilline. For more information: IAFF Press Release: IAFF Thanks Obama Administration for Supporting Providence Fire Fighters Providence Journal: Pickets prompt Biden, others to cancel their visit I spoke directly with Vice President Joe Biden about the situation in Providence. And when the vice president offered to attempt to resolve the dispute amicably -- to see if we could avoid the picket lines -- and after discussions with Local 799 President Paul Doughty, we agreed to the proposed resolution. However, Mayor Cicilline refused any fair-minded discussions outright and insisted on continuing the dispute. Based on that reaction, the vice president, Attorney General Eric Holder, senior Obama Adviser Valerie Jarrett, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and other administration officials informed the National Conference of Mayors that they will not cross our picket lines, cancelling the attendance of a number of administration officials. We appreciate the Obama administration's support of fire fighters and our union. Just as important, please let your mayor know that the picket lines will be up, that President Obama and Vice President Biden have stated their refusal to cross our lines, and that they have a choice to make, as well.
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SAFER to Be Used to Rehire Fire Fighters Congress is expected to give final approval in early June to an IAFF proposal that would allow the use of federal funding to rehire laid off fire fighters and prevent fire department staffing reductions. The Senate has approved its version of a special Supplemental Appropriation containing language that allows the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to waive the current rules for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants that have prevented using the money to save the jobs of IAFF members. The Senate action virtually assures that the provision will become law, since the House of Representatives had previously approved similar language in its version of the Supplemental Appropriation that funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The final step is for the House and Senate to reconcile the few differences between their competing versions of the Supplemental Appropriation. Final passage is expected shortly after Congress returns from a week-long Memorial Day recess. President Obama has pledged to promptly sign the bill into law. IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger met with DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to discuss how the new flexibility will be used to protect fire fighter jobs. Napolitano agreed to postpone the application process for SAFER grants until the new waiver authority is in place. This move will assure that the $210 million that Congress appropriated for SAFER can be used to address the current wave of staffing cuts. Under the law as it's currently written, communities could only receive a SAFER grant if they planned to increase their fire department staffing levels. Fire fighters hired with SAFER grants would have to be retained for at least five years, and the fire department could not reduce staffing levels during this period. Moreover, each grant is capped at $100,000 for the five years, far below the salary of most entry level fire fighters. These restrictions have combined to prohibit fire departments from using SAFER grants to prevent layoffs, and have discouraged fire departments from applying for SAFER grants during the current economic downturn. Once the IAFF’s proposed language is signed into law, each of these restrictions can be waived. |
The registration fee is $100. Once you register, you will be directed to our online donation service to set up your own fundraising page. Click here to register. Team members receive an official IAFF Burn Foundation MCM Team race singlet and T-shirt and are invited to a pasta party the night before the race. In addition, the IAFF Burn Foundation sponsors a hospitality tent in the Charity Partners Village at the race finish for team members and their families. Team runners will also receive a Marine Corps Marathon participant T-shirt, champion chip and goodie bag. For more information, contact the IAFF Burn Foundation at (202) 824-8620 or email burnfoundation@iaff.org.
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DOP Update......
Click here for the DOP FIRE Promotional Announcement and Testing Schedule as of January 2009.
Be advised that the DOP will automatically initiate Lieutenant, Captain, Officer 1, Officer 2 and Battalion Chief announcements for most jurisdictions based on the expiration date of their existing list.
The February 2009 Fire Fighter announcement has been postponed until February 2010.
The Fire Fighter lists that were issued in November 2007 will be extended for one year or until the next cycle of lists issue, whichever comes first. This will allow for greater use of existing lists which have been underutilized due to budget cutbacks in many municipalities.
DOMINICK
MARINO Date: April 29, 2009 To: PFANJ Membership Subject: PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: SWINE FLU UPDATE
What is swine flu?
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? This is a rapidly evolving situation and guidance should be considered
interim and will be updated frequently. OSHA
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To assist you in protecting our members, we have developed a tip sheet to give you some guidance when interacting with your department and members on the issue. We also have developed a sample letter reminding your chief, mayor, city manager, county executive – whoever you believe is the best person – that adhering to NFPA 1581 is the best way to ensure the health of our members during this threat. For our members, we have also put together some resources to remind them to take the necessary precautions for responding safely and effectively during this outbreak. To that end, on our web site is a Remember the Basics tip sheet, an Interactive Resource Guide and a comprehensive database of additional resources. We will continue to update these resources as events warrant. Stay safe. |
DOMINICK
MARINO Date: April 22, 2009 To: PFANJ Membership Subject: Civil Service Emergency Furlough Rule As you may or may not know, the state in their infamous wisdom had implemented an emergency furlough rule with respect to Civil Service. In essence this emergency rule gives municipalities the ability to “lay” a fire fighter off for a period of time. Since the emergency rule was put forth, we have been in contact with the governor’s office because firefighting was not specifically spelled out in the rule under public safety, but police officer was. The reason for this was that there was some language that gave a limited ability to be exempt from furloughs due to public safety. We were successful in getting fire fighting spelled out, but not successful in getting a “concrete” exemption. We were able to get language written that made it more complex for a municipality to furlough a fire fighter. When a law suit was filed against the state, we were not initially on the suit because we were working with the Governor’s office and the Civil Service Commission to address our needs. We have since become part of the law suit, through labor attorney, Bruce Leder. Here is a synopsis of what has and is happening at this point; On April 17, 2009 the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New Jersey rendered its decision regarding the challenge to the promulgation of regulations by the Civil Service Commission on an emergency basis. The Court found that there was imminent peril to promulgate emergency rules based upon the economic crisis confronting the State and the Nation. The Court went on though to find that the substantive validity of the regulations is undecided. The Court was concerned with furloughs based upon a staggered implementation. The Court also restrained public employers from the layoff of part of the work force on Monday, another part on Tuesday. The Court did permit layoff of all employees even if on a temporary (daily) basis. The Court then decided that the issue with regard to staggered layoffs should be considered by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) in a scope of negotiations proceeding. We believe that PERC has no jurisdiction to determine that the Civil Service rules regarding staggered layoffs are a violation of the statutes on layoffs. The bottom line is that we feel PERC will find that staggered layoff as established by the emergency promulgation at the Civil Service Commission preempts negotiations. It is our belief that PERC will send it back to the Appellate Division. We will continue to be involved in this fight! When more is known, we will advise!
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PFANJ 10 Week Club Raffle
$100.00 per ticket
10 Week Club Tickets are NOW available!
We are asking every local to participate in this worthwhile fund raiser.
This year, the proceeds will benefit the PFANJ's Widow and Orphan's Fund.
Please email Bob Hilliard @ RHILL290@aol.com with your ticket requests and the raffle tickets will be mailed to your address.
Thank you for your anticipated support.
Dear Affiliate Leader, We are aware of the National League of Cities release of a piece of propaganda by a management consulting firm, TriData, that claims there is no relationship between fire fighting and certain cancers. The NLC has worked against every single piece of presumptive legislation that protects fire fighters and their families. The NLC’s paper is clearly bought and paid-for. We are preparing a detailed response that you will be able to use with legislators in the event the NLC’s propaganda is introduced as an attempt at a legitimate argument against presumptive cancer coverage.
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New Secure Online Resource: Critical Information for IAFF Leadership You are on the frontlines facing the economic crisis -- faced with cuts to your fire department budget, being asked to give up pay raises, pay more for health benefits and make other sacrifices, and threatened with company and stations closures, brownouts and layoffs.
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Have your department's training budgets been cut short? Need training but don't have enough instructors to deliver it? Do you have instructors who took the IAFF HazMat/WMD Train-the-Trainer (TtT), but haven't been able to put their skills to work? The economy is tough, and training budgets are quick to be cut, but this new initiative is available at no cost to IAFF affiliates. After successfully completing a Train-the-Trainer course, the IAFF will provide up to two Supportive Teaching Sessions for instructors. Instructors who have completed a TtT, working through their affiliate president, will be assigned an IAFF master instructor, who will act as a mentor. Here's how it works... Session One: An IAFF mentor will team teach with your local instructor. DOT funding for this project includes one IAFF master instructor, expenses and student materials for the program. Compensation for your local instructor will be covered by your respective department or organization. Session Two: Your local instructor will team teach with an IAFF master instructor, this time assuming more of a leading instructional role in the classroom. DOT funding for this project includes one IAFF master instructor and expenses. Compensation for the local instructor and student materials for the training program will be covered by your respective department or organization. During each session, the IAFF master instructor will observe the teaching skills of your local instructor and provide structured feedback intended to enhance his or her style and knowledge base. For more information, or to request a Supportive Teaching Session, contact the IAFF HazMat/WMD Department at (202) 737-8484. |
Brigantine Firefighters, IAFF Local 2657
present
18th Annual Golf Tournament
-Proceeds Benefit the Burn Foundation-
Thursday, July 9th, 2009
The Links at Brigantine Beach
Roosevelt Blvd. & North Shore Drive
1:00 Shotgun Scramble Format
Players Tickets $90 *
*lncludes fees/cart, refreshments on the course and post tournament buffet
Click here for more details and a registration form
Key Provisions Provide Aid to Struggling Communities Congressional leaders and the Obama administration have agreed on a compromise economic stimulus package that will provide more than $200 billion to states and localities facing budget shortfalls. This critically needed funding will help alleviate the pressure on fire department budgets in communities across the nation. The legislation is expected to pass Congress this week, and be quickly signed into law by President Obama. In addition to fire fighter-specific programs, the IAFF also supported a number of provisions that will aid all middle-income Americans. An immediate tax cut of $800 for families earning less than $200,000, an expansion of the child tax credit, relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and college tuition assistance are some of the dozens of provisions that will also benefit the nation's professional fire fighters. |
February 2, 2009 VIA FAX and EMAIL Dear Honorable Member of the General Assembly: Legislation to allow local employers to reduce their pension contribution obligation to the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) and the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) is scheduled for a vote February 5. On behalf of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey AFL-CIO and the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State Lodge, we respectfully ask that you vote against A3688. PFRS was once funded at 95% of its projected pension obligations, but that was back in 1993. From 1999 till 2008 the state and municipalities failed to continue funding the pension system to keep pace with pension obligations. This has caused PFRS’ current fund value to fall to only 62% of expected pension obligations. This year the state and municipalities are required to resume contributing 100% of their pension contributions into the pension system, but A3688 would permit the continuation of dangerous under-funding of worker pensions. A3688 disguises insufficient funding of pensions as a deferment. This so-called deferment will instead require a future pension fund contribution from the state and municipalities greater than the sum of the payments if they were made fully and on time. Between 1999 and 2008 – when municipalities and the state were allowed to contribute only small amounts or nothing into worker pension funds – firefighters and police officers continued to contribute 8.5% of their annual salary to PFRS. Without regard to the fact that firefighters and police officers continued to contribute their share to the pension system while the state and municipalities did not, some, including some legislators, have unfairly and inaccurately criticized firefighters and police officers regarding the issue of funding pensions. The fact is the state legislature set a harmful precedent when it allowed the state and municipalities to steeply curb or halt their pension contributions between 1999 and 2008. A-3688 would continue this destructive skirting of pension contributions and burden our future municipalities even larger pension liabilities. The enactment in 2003 of legislation permitting the suspension of pension contributions deprived PFRS the
funds to maintain a sound actuarial reserve. The consequence of this was an alarming and significant drop in the plan’s earnings. In response, a lawsuit filed by the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, I.A.F.F.-AFL-CIO, and the Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State Lodge seeks to find the 2003 law unconstitutional, end any conflict of interest involving the State Treasurer determining the type and variety We understand the stress on property taxes. Our members and their families pay property taxes, too – a fact sometimes overlooked. But the reluctance to pay current obligations now creates a new and more ominous obligation – a future debt much larger than the current obligation. The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey and Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State cannot overstate our member’s opposition to A3688 and any legislation that adjusts local employer contributions to PFRS. For our members, we kindly ask that you vote against A3688. Respectfully submitted,
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DOMINICK
MARINO To: All PFANJ Members From: Dominick Marino, President Date: December 7, 2008 Subject: DOP Testing Update We need to advise that the Fire Officer 1 test that was due out by the end of the year or January 2009 – might be delayed. As was reported back in September, the Fire Officer 1, 1st Level Supervisor’s test was under investigation. There was a complaint filed that there might have been a breach of the test security. It was reported to us that the DOP initiated an investigation along with the State Police and the Department of Justice. In September we were told the investigation was for the most part completed and that there was no evidence of a breach or that any scoring was out of sorts. Some developments that have occurred over the last few weeks that you should be aware of. There is still an investigation being done by the Criminal Justice investigators. They have been in a few towns asking questions. Until this investigation is complete and depending on the outcome of the investigation, no list will be issued. So with the above said, the DOP will extend the old lists (which I believe expire on December 21st) until the new lists are certified. As things develop and we are notified, we will send out the information.
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In Memoriam
Mychal Gregory Vicidomini
2003 - 2009
On January 15, 2009, the world lost a very special little boy. Mychal Vicidomini was a loving and compassionate five year-old that was taken from his family without warning. A victim of sudden brain trauma, he went peacefully in his sleep and left heartbroken family and friends behind. Mychal passed away just one week shy of his sixth birthday.
So many people have been touched by Mychal’s love. His family cannot express in words the gratitude they feel towards all of those who have extended a helping hand in every way imaginable. In response to the many questions they have received regarding donations, Mychal’s parents have requested that such gifts be put towards finishing the playground at Lincoln School. Mychal spent many happy school days playing there, and their only wish is to see his brother AJ, along with other children, enjoy a completed playground they deserve. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider helping them fulfill this wish.
Click on the above link for more details.
Training Requirements for PFRS Eligibility and Enrollment
Click here for details.
To All Local Leadership From: Kevin Gallagher, IAFF 1st District Vice President Date: January 21, 2009 Subject: Geographic Impact Studies (G.I.S.) Due to the unprecedented demand for Geographical Impact Studies (GIS) our IAFF Technical Services Department has had to set up a "Triage System" based on the severity of the local's situation and the length of time your request has been submitted. The Triage System will work as follows: "Red Tag" (Top Priority) - these are requests which are made to avoid layoffs or service reductions or are subjects of bargaining in imminent contract negotiations. "Yellow Tag" (Next Priority) - these requests concern unsafe working conditions. "Green Tag" - refer to locals who are looking for a study to support their efforts in a future round of negotiations. Our staff is working diligently to keep up with the demand of our locals. They will attempt to assist you as quickly as possible; however, in order to prioritize the requests properly they must follow this system. My recommendation would be to submit your requests with at least a six month window before your next round of negotiations. If you run into a situation where your local needs a priority tag due to unforeseen circumstances, please have you local president contact me via email and I will try and assist you. I will evaluate your situation and discuss your case with our IAFF staff. To anyone who currently has a request in the system, a member of the IAFF Technical Team will contact you as soon as a project technician is assigned. Fraternally, Kevin Gallagher |
DOMINICK
MARINO October 15, 2008 PFANJ Member: The Governor’s speech today to the joint legislative branches outlined how he wants everyone in government to work together and quickly to get a New Jersey stimulus package put forward. Although we are waiting for the complete document as to the entire package, we are very concerned with how he plans to fund this package. I participated in a telephone conference call prior to the Governor’s address today with the NJ State Treasurer, NJFOP, PBA, FMBA and other major unions. A quick synopsis of that call was to give us somewhat of an advanced notice as to the Governor’s speech. What concerns us is that the financial funding is going to come through our Pension Systems! What we were told is that the thought process was that the Pension Systems would “invest” in guaranteed and fully insured loans to any State or Federally-charted bank in New Jersey on a short term, somewhere under five years. The only way a bank would be able to receive this financial backing would be to then turn it around and have it available for small businesses in New Jersey to borrow to meet their needs to stay in business. The interest that will be earned on the loan and amount of the loan would have to be paid back within the time allotted. A quick look at this type of investment seems to sound “ok” because it is guaranteed and insured and it will make money after the loan is satisfied, as opposed to investing in the stock market that has taken numerous hits over the last month. Because of the struggling economy and the stock market taking big hits, right now our Pension system is at 69% funding! This is a major concern for us. For anyone to think that taking “OUR” money from “OUR” pension system and using it to help someone other than “the members of the system” better have thought the process through. This is meant to advise
everyone what is being pushed on the state level and to let you know that we will
be sitting with the Governor and his people in the near future to see exactly
what his “stimulus” package means to OUR PENSION
SYSTEM, before we sign on as supporters of the plan. Fraternally,
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At the urging of the IAFF and other public sector groups, the IRS has announced it will delay implementation of a regulation that would change the rules for determining pension eligibility. Under a proposal issued last year, the IRS sought to do
away with using years of service as a criteria to determine eligibility for a
pension, seeking to replace it with a straight eligibility age. The
IAFF will continue working with the IRS and its allies in Congress to assure that
fire fighter pensions remain intact. |
MEMBERS
WANTED The Ocean County Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band was established in 1993 and is comprised largely of Police and Firefighters. Since our inception it has been our purpose to represent and honor fallen Heroes by playing at Funerals, Blue Masses, Police Memorials, Fire Memorials and other charitable events throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We are a parade band not a competition band. We are a non-profit organization. Approximately half of our performances are for charities and fund raising events.We are currently accepting applicants for our 2008 season for both Pipers and Drummers. No experience is necessary and training is provided. The only requirement is a willingness to learn and commitment to participate. Weekly practice is held Tuesday nights at the Beachwood Community Center at 7:00 PM. Come
and represent your agency like our members from: For
further information contact Bernie Snyder at (609) 693-6833 or (609) 276-1775. |
PENSION LOANS
INFORMATION, ESTIMATES, AND APPLICATION
PLEASE NOTE Interest Rates and Fees Loan Applications received during calendar year 2009 Loan Applications received through December 31, 2008
ALL LOANS MUST BE REPAID WITHIN 5 YEARS! If you have an outstanding pension loan balance and plan take another loan, you must repay the combined balance of the original loan AND all subsequent loans within five years of the issuance date of the FIRST LOAN. Find out more about multiple loans. For complete information about pension loans, please see Fact Sheet #81, Pension Loans. |
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The IAFF has developed a series of online "Mini Drills" for responding to hazardous materials incidents. These Mini Drills give emergency responders an opportunity to practice their own jurisdiction's Standard Operating Procedures/Guidelines (SOPs/SOGs) to address issues present during a hazardous materials incident and evaluate their effectiveness.
Each drill includes:
Each drill takes approximately 1.5 to two hours to complete. Mini Drills are accessible on the IAFF web site. For more information, or to submit an incident
for consideration, contact the IAFF HazMat/WMD Training Department at hazmat@iaff.org.
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To: All Local Presidents, Delegates and Members of the PFANJ From: Kevin Gallagher, IAFF 1st District Vice President Date: August 25, 2008 Subject: New GI Bill Many of our members have served in the military and some are currently serving right now. Below is a link to info on the new GI Bill (crafted and sponsored by Senator Jim Webb [D-VA) that was recently signed into law. The new provisions will go into effect August 2009. I believe the Department of Veteran Affairs is doing a mailing to eligible veterans but if you want to review the info it is availabe at: http://www.gibill.va.gov/S22/Post_911_Factsheet.pdf Basically the new Bill covers full college or technical school tuition at the highest (public) in State rate where the veteran resides. The Bill also provides for book fees and a monthly living stipend. A recent article in the Army Times estimates that the average allowance for the monthly stipend will be about $1100.00 per month , the average monthly tuition $1450.00 per month and the average book fees $1000.00 per year. Overall it is estimated that the new Bill will provide on average about $80,000.00 of educational benefit (including the monthly living expense) over a four year period. The new GI Bill is retroactive back to September 10, 2001.
Kevin
Gallagher |
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| IAFF Releases Third Resource for the Labor Information Database The Wage and Compensation Database, developed as the third resource in the IAFF Labor Information Database, is NOW AVAILABLE online. This new resource makes a searchable wage/salary database available to leaders as needed, allowing users to develop a list of municipalities for comparative purposes using population and other geographical and demographic data. Demographic data contained within the Wage and Compensation Database is from the U.S. Census Bureau and Stat Canada. Users can develop their own list of jurisdictions, then prepare charts for the rank of fire fighter for years 1, 6, 11, 16 and 20 of service. Charts include information on base salary, longevity pay, scheduled hours of work, leave hours, holiday hours and personal hours. The Labor Information Database, created in partnership with the Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters, includes three online resources designed to give local leaders rapid access to key information through a password-protected web site. The first product, the Collective Bargaining Agreement/Wage Schedule Library, is searchable by province or state, and was released in December 2007. IAFF affiliate leaders can search from more than 1,600 salary schedules, memorandums of understanding or contracts using this secure Library. A Model Contract Clause Database, developed as the second resource in the Labor Information Database, is searchable by clause type and links to the main Online Contract Library for easy reference -- from model clauses to full collective agreement language. Restricted to affiliate leaders, this Model Contract Clause Database is a valuable resource for local affiliates at the bargaining table and in informal talks with their employer. Keep in mind that only those IAFF affiliates that have submitted their current salary schedule, memorandum of understanding or contract for inclusion in the database are able to gain access to this valuable resource. Don't be left out! Email your collective bargaining agreements, MOUs and salary schedules to mshaffer@iaff.org or mail to: IAFF Labor
Issues and Collective Bargaining |
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To: All Local Presidents, Delegates and Members of the PFANJ From: Kevin Gallagher, IAFF 1st District Vice President Date: July 15, 2008 Subject: IAFF Database This month, the IAFF Database was expanded to include items which can be of great value to our union leadership when preparing for contract negotiations. One item is a section on our website called “Contract Language.” This section allows you to review contract language on any subject that may be part of your current contract, or items you may add to you future contracts. The site will give you 3 sample contract wordings on each of 70 + items listed for you to review. Anything from uniform allowance, to overtime, to drug and alcohol testing language. This could be of great assistance to you, in addition to saving money, by allowing you to come up with the proper wording without the need of an. The second item is the “Wage Database.” This permits the local membership to compare other municipalities base on demographics, population, or area. For example, if your city has a population of 50,000, you could review the salaries and benefits of 10 cities of similar size. Now you will have something that you can use to compare benefits when seeking a contract with your city. This could be of great value to challenge the city’s numbers hopefully in your favor. Finally, this new site allows you to review the exact contracts of other cities in your district, as well as across the country. Any contract from Edison, NJ or Rochester, NY, to Los Angeles City to Maui, Hawaii. This can only be done by having the leadership of these cities forward you their respective contracts to the IAFF database. If we have it, now you have it. This information can only be available to you and your local leadership directly, only if you have forwarded your current contract to Michele Shaffer at the IAFF Technical Services Department at IAFF headquarters. Then, and only then, will you have total access to this information. In our own district, less than half of our locals are currently up to date with their contract in database. Let’s make every effort to get your contracts into the IAFF to be placed in our database. Only then will you have total access, otherwise, the only way to get this information will be through the 1st District Vice President Kevin Gallagher. If you need any assistance in obtaining this information contact your respective PFANJ representative. It is very much in your local’s best interest to become a part of the IAFF database. Your will be better informed, and better prepared to deal with the constant battle with your municipalities in trying to get your members and their families what they truly deserve and what they truly deserve and that is a fair and equitable contract.
Kevin
Gallagher |
In response to a request from the fire service, NIOSH is announcing the posting of a new web page titled, Fire Service SCBA Cylinder Part Numbers, (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/firescbacylinder.html).
The page is a quick reference showing cylinder assemblies which are authorized components of NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). This posting lists the SCBA models commonly used in the fire service and the corresponding approved cylinder and valve assemblies based on the information in the NIOSH data base and provided by the manufacturer. Currently two manufacturers are listed, Draeger Safety and Biomarine. Other manufacturers will be added as their information is submitted to NIOSH for posting to this web page.
In general, this list contains the configurations thought to be most common, it may not be comprehensive. The definitive source for information on the components which make up an approved SCBA remains the approval label included in its user instructions. You should refer to this label if there is any question.
Any questions or comments, please contact us at 412-386-4000 or 1-800-232-4636.
To contact NIOSH by e-mail, cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
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The Boston Globe reports, "Across Massachusetts, cities and towns face the prospect of deep cuts in what appears to be the grimmest fiscal year since 2003. Moreover, " local revenue and state aid can't keep up with such rapidly rising expenses as employee health insurance, heating oil and even street paving. Many " town and city officials face a difficult choice: cut staff and programs..." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes, "The city of Atlanta expects to fall short $120 million when it approves its next budget in June, which likely means 25 percent cuts for most city departments. The decrease comes as the city collects less money from sales tax, property taxes and other fees, while spending more on health insurance and pensions. Mayor Shirley Franklin and her staff are brainstorming ways the city can cut back on spending." In Kansas, CBS affiliate WIBW-TV reports, "The Council adopted the 2008 budget with certain dictates to staff, including cutting overtime by 10 percent, cutting contracts and commodities by 3.2 percent, and cutting capital expenses and upgrades for a total...anticipated savings of $750,000. Some of the cuts include reducing callback overtime in the fire department by idling one or two engine companies when staffing drops below minimum levels." These headlines and many more like them are appearing in local newspapers throughout the country, and yours could be the next to feel the budget squeeze. To help IAFF affiliates prepare for and prevent proposed cuts in staffing, health care benefits, compensation, pension plans and other areas as a result of an economic downturn, the IAFF has revised and published its “Surviving An Economic Crisis” guide. This hands-on guide includes advice and guidance to help affiliates understand how their respective local governments operate in order to evaluate the threat, identify resources and develop a strategy and plan to prevent or minimize adverse actions on fire department budgets and individual benefits. Download
“Surviving an Economic Crisis” |
PFANJ
Winter
2009 Newsletter Available NOW
Click
Here for your copy
-Adobe
Acrobat Reader is required to read the On Line Newsletter-
-Download your free copy below-
Click
On The Graphic Above For The Latest News Briefs From The I.A.F.F.
June 24, 2009
State Health Benefits Program Changes
Click Here - Active Member Plan Comparison
Click Here - Retired Member Plan Comparison
Click Here - Chapter 330 Rates
Click Here - Important Safety Notice Concerning SCOTT HUD Quick Disconnect Hoses.
Click
Here - Important Safety Notice for all users of Scott NFPA 1981,
2002 Edition Self Contained Breathing Apparatus who received their SCBA or replaced
the low pressure hose on their
SCBA after June, 2005
Click Here: Announcement of New State Health Benefits Medical Plans
NJ.COM - December 4, 2007 - TRENTON - State Sen. Stephen Sweeney introduced legislation Monday to give emergency workers a better chance of receiving workers compensation for chronic illnesses suffered as a result of responding to disasters.
"9/11 is really what brought this to the forefront," said Sweeney, D-3 of West Deptford. "Everyone said it was safe to be there in New York, now you're finding out people are getting very sick from it."
The
measure would place the burden on employers to prove that a responder's illness
did not stem from a response effort, rather than requiring employees to prove
that it did to receive workers compensation.
The bill would also require workers compensation to cover testing and other healthcare costs leading to the diagnosis of an illness, even if it is later discovered that the employee has a clean bill of health.
"The last thing a first responder needs when they're in the initial stages of an emergency (is to think) Is my family going to be taken care of if suddenly I lose my health?'" said Keith B. Kemery, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. "We need this legislation in place so that our protectors are protected."
The measure is called the "Thomas P. Canzanella Twenty First Century First Responders Protection Act," named after a deputy chief in the Hackensack Fire Department who died of a heart attack in June. Prior to his death, Canzanella lobbied for such a measure after witnessing emergency personnel falling ill after Sept. 11.
The bill would cover paid or volunteer emergency, correctional, fire, police and medical personnel responding to fires, chemical explosions, spills or other disasters.
"This happens every single day, whether it's a rail car, whether its just running into a burning building where there's chemicals..." Sweeney said. "But these brave men and women, they don't hesitate, they're there looking out for us, we have to look out for them."
DOP Update...
Unlike previous incidents or times, when the DOP would provide us with the promotional lists in advance, they released the lists at the same time with no advance notification. The results can be viewed by clicking onto the link provided. You will need to enter your city's symbol (see below) to view the eligible lists.
Click here: NJ DOP - ELIGIBILITY LIST
For
more information go to:
http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/public_safety/ffighters_titles.htm
Setting
the Record Straight...
By Thomas P. Canzanella
NJFMBA
Wages Shameful Misdirection Campaign to
Secure Yes Vote on Affiliation.
For details and an explanation click
here.
PFANJ - NJFOP Provide
Testimony Before Senate
&
Assembly Budget Committees
Click
Here for details
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
Recently
enacted New York State Worker's Compensation law provides a legal avenue of protection
for New Jersey firefighters and related emergency services and Support Specialty
Personnel (construction trades workers) who operated at NYC Ground Zero and or
at Fresh Kills Landfill during the hours, days and weeks following 9/11. We urge
anyone who operated to file for protections under this law in advance of injury
or illness that may develop as a result of those occupational exposures to airborne
or skin contact contaminants. In many cases it may be years before such injury
might develop.
Click below for the download that provides an explanation
on how to file. Make sure you retain a copy of all related paperwork for your
own file.
Should you have any questions whatsoever, or require legal
representation in this or any regard for occupationally related injury or illness,
or even suspect such, the union recommends you contact our Preferred Provider
for Worker's Compensation and product liability Stark & Stark's Arthur Kravitz
at 609/896-9060, or Bob Capuano at 856/874-4443 immediately.
BE sure
you advise them of your PFANJ membership.
Click here: http://www.wcb.state.ny.us/content/main/forms/WTC-12.pdf
STATE PENSION THREAT LEVELS
LAST
UPDATED: February 13, 2007
This
report is produced by the AFL-CIO Office of Investment
THREE ALARMS
New Jersey - Fresh from a scuffle with the New Jersey Legislature over who should take on the task of re-examining pensions and health care benefits for state employees, Gov. Jon S. Corzine he was prepared to embark on “serious restructuring” efforts because soaring costs would make it impossible for the state to keep pace over the next decade. Echoing the sentiment of a number of financial experts, Mr. Corzine warned that the process used by the state to estimate its pension shortfalls at about $18 billion were way off, and that the number was “much larger.”“It’s impossible for us to stay on the course that we are on today, and deliver what people are asking for,” he said.
On November 30th thousands of unionized state workers took to the streets at locations around the state to protest plans to trim their retirement and health benefits. They were protesting 41 recommendations from the Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Employee Benefits Reform, one of four special committees that studied ways to trim government spending and property taxes. The proposals include raising the retirement age from 60 to 62, adding co-payments for health coverage and rolling back pension benefits by about 9% for new employees.
The panel's recommendations come as the payments state and local governments make into the public retirement system are soaring, and the funds have a deficit conservatively estimated at $18 billion. Committee members also said the cost of insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of retired teachers and public employees are likely to double within three years, and that a 9 percent retirement benefit hike approved in 2001 is proving unaffordable. On July 28th, Governor Corzine called for a two-tiered system of benefits, in which new employees would have a higher retirement age and a 401(k)-like retirement system.
After strong lobbying by state public employee unions, the FY 2007 budget included a $1.1 billion pension contribution, more than the last 10 years combined. In 1994 Republican Gov. Christie Whitman raided pensions to pay for a $1.2 billion tax cut for the wealthy. Whitman increased employees' contribution to the plan to 5 percent, and through a series of legal maneuvers, she and subsequent governors allowed the state to ride the stock market to cover its pension obligations, deferring payments into the plan. The state pension’s director testified last fall that they had shortchanged the pension funds by $5.5 billion.
PFANJ - NJFOP Join
Forces Opposing Pension and Collective
Bargaining Changes
Click
here
CARRYING THE LOAD
Star
Ledger - Letters to the Editor
Posted - August 16, 2006
After reading your Aug. 6 article "Huge pension payments testing towns," I think New Jersey's police and fire fighters deserve not to be signaled out as villains when, in fact police and fire fighters have carried the Police and Fireman's Retirement System (PFRS) on their backs since 1997, paying 8.5% of their salaries while employers saved millions. By the way, just how much did cities and towns save over the past 9 years while police and fire fighters carried the load?
You omit the fact that most police and fire fighters in New Jersey are not eligible for Social Security. Police and fire fighters and the cities and towns in which they work don't pay into the system, another enormous savings to cities and towns. Are their issues regarding New Jersey's pension funds? You bet. But leave the police and fire fighters out of it.
John
B. Sandella
Verona.
The writer is president of Newark Fire Officers
Union Local 1860
NEWS BRIEFS....
Professional
Firefighter's - Loud and Clear on our Pensions...
"There
is a notion out there being perpetrated by some that current discussions in Trenton
and in the media about pension reforms and changes do not include professional
firefighters and police officers... Our employers have withheld over $4 billion
in pension contributions, and reduced our funding from near 100% to just 80% as
of the most recent pension actuarial report. They don't want to pay back what
they owe the system and they are so used to not paying, they begrudge the substandard
contributions they make now, while you literally carry the system on your back.
Worse yet they are in the papers every chance they get trying to convince taxpayers
that our pensions are the root cause of high property taxes versus the folly of
their underfunding scheme... Kind makes ya' wonder why you weren't there doesn't
it?
Click here for photos from this event.
Attention Potential
IAFF EMS Members!
Click
here for a downloadable and printable IAFF document
"Showing
and Demonstration of Interest"
for those individuals wishing to learn
more about
and affiliate with the International Association of Fire Fighters...
Kindly fill out the form and then mail it the
State Association Office
ASAP!
TOWNS TARGET COP, FIREFIGHTER PENSIONS COSTS
TRENTON TIMES - February 21, 2006 - Deeming it the most costly benefits plan confronting local governments, a group representing New Jersey's municipalities wants publicly funded pensions for police and firefighters reformed, and soon.
That politically risky advice from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities quickly generated opposition yesterday.
"Without being disrespectful to the League, it's almost laughable," said Thomas P. Canzanella, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey.
The league -- a state authorized organization that represents all 566 municipalities -- said the state's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) needs to be changed to help municipalities control costs.
Its report comes as state and local governments face pension and health insurance costs that threaten to consume 20 percent of the state budget by 2010, possibly boosting state and local taxes and restricting spending on other needs. The state owes about $1.5 billion in pension payments next fiscal year.
But the league's report, which responds to public employee pension reform recommendations suggested last year by a special state task force, focuses much concern on pensions given specifically to retired police and firefighters.
William Dressel, the league's executive director, said the system is often a "poster-child example of the Legislature running amok and giving away benefits way beyond what is considered normal compensation."
The state task force, appointed by then Gov. Richard J. Codey, didn't recommend major changes to police and firefighter benefits, with its chairman noting police and firefighters have different and more dangerous jobs than most public workers.
The task force, for instance, excluded police and firefighters from a proposal to increase the public employee retirement age from 55 to 60.
"We take a strong exception to the whole notion of not dealing with all the state-administered pension systems equally," Dressel said.
The state also manages pension systems for civilian government workers, judges and teachers. PFRS funds pensions for state, county and municipal law enforcement and firefighters.
"We should be treated differently, Canzanella said, "not only because of the jobs we do and the inherent dangers of the jobs, but we have the highest contribution rates among the public employees in New Jersey and one of the highest contribution rates in the nation."
PFRS
is funded by contributions from governments and individual officers and firefighters,
though the state and county and local governments made only limited contributions
from 1997 to 2003, adding to the public employee pension woes.
Police
and firefighters continued to make contributions and recently filed suit against
the state for failing to meet its obligations. That suit is pending.
"I don't know how you make the determination that our pension system is too unwieldy after (they) carved so much out of it with underfunding," Canzanella said. "We didn't underfund it. They did."
Edward R. Brannigan, president of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, said he also had concerns.
"The League of Municipalities has got some nerve," he said. "They haven't paid into our pension fund for so long, and now it's time to pay the piper and they say it's our fault.
"These are not entitlements," he added. "These are negotiated benefits."
The league stated benefits for a PFRS member cost three times that of a local government worker. The PFRS has about 45,000 members and $16.35 billion in assets while the system for government workers has about 315,000 members and $23 billion in assets.
The overall state pension system faces a $12.1 billion deficit, with local governments responsible for $3.5 billion. Of that $3.5 billion, the league said 60 percent is for PFRS.
The league blamed much of the problem on state mandates approved by the Legislature for police and firefighters despite league opposition.
For instance, the league cited bills passed during the recent lame-duck legislative session that, among other measures, required full-time county fire marshals and assistant fire marshals to enroll in PFRS.
The league cited what it declared a "significant" pension ratio for PFRS members, under which police and firefighters who retire after 20 years receive 50 percent of their pay, after 25 years get 65 percent pay and after 30 years get 70 percent pay, regardless of age.
"It just doesn't seem fair and equitable to look at all the other systems and not police and fire," Dressel said.
He acknowledged the danger involved in police and firefighting work but said public works employees, social workers, road crews and trash collectors also face dangers.
"We could look at it that way, too," Dressel said.
While the league called for "corrective action," it didn't specify proposed police and firefighter pension reforms beyond ending legislative mandates and eliminating a special mortgage program for PFRS members.
Dressel said the group gave its report to Gov. Jon Corzine's senior staff and to legislative leaders.
"We sincerely hope that state-level policymakers will carefully consider our recommendations," Dressel said. "We have looked at New Jersey's long- and short-term pension and benefit problems, and our recommendations build on what has worked in the private sector and in other states."
Canzanella said no immediate action is needed beyond state and local governments meeting their contribution obligations.
"How about everyone pay into the system like they're supposed to, and then we'll come back in a couple of years and see what type of shape it's in?" he said.
The Group "Firefighters Charitable
Foundation" Appearing to be
Based out of Rhode Island, while it may be
a Legitimate Organization in Nature-has Absolutely NO
Connection whatsoever with the Professional Firefighters
Association of New Jersey or the IAFF.
They are Apparently Soliciting
in this Area.
|
IAFF SCAM WARNING The IAFF has been made aware that individuals claiming to represent the IAFF have contacted IAFF members regarding IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) programs and services. These individuals are requesting personal information that nationally recognized and respected authorized IAFF-FC service providers will never ask over the phone. The IAFF-FC offers competitively priced investment options, top-notch education financing programs, home mortgage programs and insurance protection for IAFF affiliates and members. IAFF-FC service providers are not allowed to call individual IAFF members unless the member expresses a direct interest in those programs or services.
Please report any unsolicited contact from
individuals claiming to represent the IAFF or
For more information regarding the IAFF-FC,
click here. |
Background and Summary of Complaint
Pension Protection Action
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey,
IAFF, AFL-CIO
New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police
Tuesday, October
4, 2005
 |
| President Canzanella with
NJ Fraternal Order |
The Police and Firemen’s Retirement System of New Jersey (PFRS) held a surplus of approximately $938,000,000 in FY2000 drawing down to a deficit of approximately $3,574,000,000 for FY2004. This $4.5 billion dollar deterioration is largely the result of legislation (S-2586 of 2003) that permitted municipal employers of law enforcement officers and firefighters to defer and discount employer required contributions to the PFRS, in association with the State of New Jersey’s own failure to make required contributions. During this same time frame, police officers and firefighters continued to make their own statutorily required contributions totaling 8.5% of their base annual salaries, one, if not the highest public safety employee pension contribution rate in the Nation.
The State of New Jersey and its municipalities were first relieved of their obligations make employer required contributions in 1997, when legislation was enacted that revised the method of accounting and valuing plan assets. Under this new and more creative method of accounting, the value of PFRS assets was purposely and substantially increased, resulting in intended excess or more accurately, inflated assets. Accordingly, the State and its municipalities used those enhanced assets as a manner in which to relieve themselves of their obligation to match employee contributions for the purpose of tax relief. Despite the “free ride” afforded to both the State and municipalities, police officers and firefighters remained obligated, and so did they continue, to contribute 8.5% of their base annual salaries for which they have neither sought nor been granted any similar relief.
In 2003, with those self-created inflated assets running dry, despite facing a growing PFRS deficit, and in order to provide continued budgetary relief to municipalities who had by their own admission made no provisions whatsoever to resume employer contributions, the State Treasurer proposed, and the Legislature adopted, an initiative (S-2586) permitting municipalities to pay only a discounted fraction of their required pension contributions. Adding insult to injury, despite the fact that the foregoing legislation in no way extended the State a like ability to skip or discount badly needed pension contributions, they did so nonetheless, paying only a fraction of their required obligation. Again, and to this day as we go forward, police officers and their firefighter counterparts remain obligated to contribute 8.5% of their base annual salaries serving as the sole and sustaining guaranteed plan income.
As a result of the aforementioned legislation, and in association with the States non-legislated failure to required contributions, the PFRS funding ratio, which indicates the financial soundness of the plan, has fallen from 105.65 % for FY2000, to 100.85% for FY2001, to 95.82% for FY2002, to 88.45% for FY2003 and to 83.95% for FY2004.
Enactment of the 2003 legislation, in association with the State’s failure to make their own proper contributions absent legal legislative authority, deprives the PFRS of the funds necessary to maintain it on a sound actuarial reserve basis. An undeniable consequence of this failed scheme is the alarmingly significant reduction in plan earnings from investments and interest that would have been derived from skipped and substandard contributions. The foregoing serving to jeopardize the financial soundness of the plan and its ability to make good on earned benefits as they come due in the future. In that regard, the complete and total lack of prudent fiscal judgment demonstrated by the strategy articulated in S-2586, relying upon the exclusive use of employee contributions to either sustain or accordingly grow the plan, that resulted in the type of significant funding losses sustained over the last several years represents an abdication of fiduciary responsibilities in its purest form.
The complaint seeks to declare the 2003 legislation (S-2586) unconstitutional, to end any conflict of interest that would allow the State Treasurer to determine type and variety of contributions aside from statutory law, and to direct defendants to make regular full payments to the PFRS for FY2004, FY2005, and beyond, in accordance with fiscally responsible actuarial calculations.
The plaintiffs, Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, I.A.F.F.-AFL-CIO, and the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police, along with representative active and retired members and widows of members of these two unions who have been affected by this failure to adequately fund the plan, are represented by the law firm of Greenberg, Dauber, Epstein & Tucker of Newark. The PFANJ/IAFF and NJFOP represent the majority of career professional firefighters and law enforcement officers throughout the State of New Jersey and this Nation.
Named
as defendants in this action are the State of New Jersey,
John McCormac- Treasurer,
the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly.
The aforementioned action was filed this day in State Superior Court.
For
additional information and commentary please contact:
Thomas P. Canzanella, President PFANJ
609/396-9766 or 201/310-2051
Edward R. Brannigan, President NJFOP 609/599-1222
Effective
January 1, 2007, a 7% Sales Service Tax Must be
Added to all Bally's Memberships
The
Most Dangerous and Debilitating Job in the Nation
Sometimes Wears Us Down
*Take
Good Care of Yourself*
*Take Good Care of Your Brother and Sister Firefighters*
*Take Good Care of Your Family and Friends*
*For Situation Related Stress,
Substance Dependency, Family Counseling*
***New Jersey Fire & EMS Lifeline***
24
hour Firefighter to Firefighter, Medic to Medic
Peer Counseling / Crisis
Intervention Unit
Completely Confidential * For Members and Their Families
ENDORSED
BY THE
PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY / IAFF, AFL-CIO
The
organization "Association for Disabled Firefighters, Inc." is in
NO WAY, shape or form connected to the Professional Firefighters
Association of New Jersey, AFL-CIO, or the International Association of Fire Fighters,
AFL-CIO, CLC.
We do not
know whom they are or what they do.
ATTENTION
ALL MEMBERS!
Keep your PFRS beneficiary status up to date at all times
Click
here for access to various PFRS forms and related information
The Police and Fireman's Pension Handbook
Has Been Updated
Click
Here for an Online Updated Copy
Take Action Now!
Contact Your State Representative
Contact Your Federal Representative
|
Breaking News! | ||
|
Judge Rules Perth Amboy's EMTs Will Stay On Job. Click here for more details. Brigantine Firefighters, IAFF Local 2657 Host 18th Annual Burn Foundation Golf Tournament - July 9, 2009. Click here for more details. An Economy in Crisis. Click here for more details. Fire Dangers May Be Hidden Beneath Your Feet At Home. Click here for more details. MSA User Safety Alert - Air Mask Audi-Larm Coupling Nut Tightness. Click here for more details. Important Safety Notice Concerning SCOTT HUD Quick Disconnect Hoses. Click here for more details. FF's Fit For Duty. Click here for more details. NIOSH Respirator Approvals To Be Revoked. Click here for more details. IAFF Letter to IAFC on Secondary Employment. Click here for more details. NIOSH Issues User Notice for Certain Air Purifying Respirators. Click here for more details. NFPA Sets New National Standard for CO Screening. Click here for more details. IAFF Launches New Online Resource that HELPS IAFF Members. Click here for more details. Important Information for all Members and Retirees Covered by State Health Benefits Program. Click here for more details. IRS Publishes Instructions on HELPS Benefit. Click here for more details. Newark Fire Officers Union Local 1860 President Responds to Recent Star Ledger Article. Click here for more information. NBC Nightly News - Firefighter Safety Device Faulty. Click here for more details. Flaws Found in Firefighters’ Last Line of Defense. Click here for more details. Firefighters Face New Hazard. Click here for more details. New Jersey Department of Labor Issues Safety Alert Regarding MSA SCBA Equipped with AirFrame™ Carrier & Harness Assembly. Click here for more details. PFANJ President Responds to Latest Star Ledger Pension Editorial. Click here for more information. PFANJ President Responds to Bergen County Record "Runaway Pay" Series. Click here for more information. NJ AFL-CIO Issues Support Letter for State Workers. Click here for more details. PFANJ President Sends Rebuttal Letter to Local Mayor Regarding Recent Newspaper Article. Click here for more information. PFANJ President Raises Concerns Regarding Homeland Security Funding Cuts During Press Conference . Click here for more information. PFANJ and New Jersey FOP File Pension Protection Action in New Jersey State Superior Court. Click here for more information. Politicians Must Stop Abusing Pension System. Click here for more information. PFANJ President Addresses State of New Jersey Benefits Review Commission. Click here for more information. Bally Sports Clubs Offer Special Corporate Rates for PFANJ Members and their Immediate Family. Click here for more details. PFANJ Launches New Bravest Emergency Relief Fund. Click here for more details. IAFF Financial Corporation now offers Life, Home, and Auto Insurance. Click Here for details. Hershey Park Discount Coupons available through the PFANJ Office. Click here for more details. Dutch Wonderland Discount Coupons available through the PFANJ Office. Click here for more details. Universal Studios Fan Club cards available through the PFANJ Office. Click here for more details. |
Click
On The Graphic Above For The Latest Information
From The I.A.F.F. Motorcycle
Group
Click On The Graphic Above
To Link To
Mattie Stepaneck's Peacemaker Bike Web Site
Professional Pension
Benefit & Retirement Consultation
Click
Here for Information
"Gift
from FDJC Captain Buscio"
Free Cardiac Screening for Firefighters
We are extremely fortunate that Donna
Buscio and her family
have seen fit to share this program with all PFANJ
members!
Click
here for details!
Union Plus Benefits for IAFF Members
Click the graphic
above for details
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