PAX Centurion - September / October 2013

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • September/October 2013 • Page 3 President’s Report: Thomas J. Nee, BPPA President Parity: It’s not a dirty word! Certainly, the arbitration decision does not – cannot – satisfy everyone. We all look at the decision through the prism of our own particular, individual circumstances. In other words: Is it good for me and my family, at this point in time? In some circumstances, the answer will be yes, for others, the answer may be no. We negotiated with the city for three long years, (starting long before the last contract expired in June 2010), and the negotiations were ultimately fruitless. We were being strung along, purposefully, by a few city officials who publicly say how much they “appreciate” your fine service, but behind closed doors have nothing but contempt for the work you do and for your union. They spent countless thousands of taxpayer dollars on highly-paid, outside attorneys who relished denigrating your current contract, this union and every police officer. In meeting after meeting, they tried to present false, contrived statistics showing your pay to be an average of “$109,000”. They tried to include an “average” of detail and overtime pay (both forced and voluntary) as being “equal” to that of a firefighter. (In other words, comparing a 40-hour workweek to a 60 -70 hour workweek.) To say this was comparing apples and oranges would be a mild understatement. T he Dictionary defines the word “Parity” as “ … equiva- lence, as in amount, status or character…” Other defini- tions include “…a relative similarity between amounts or entities….” . “Parity” with the Boston Fire department was what the BPPA bargain- ing committee was directed by the House of Representatives and the membership to attempt to achieve in this current award. And, by-and-large, the arbitrator’s deci- sion does just that. As it currently stands, firefighters earn an average of $16,000 above and beyond a similarly-situated police officer in base- pensionable pay. We have examples of a 30-year police officer making $300.00 less than his five-year firefighter son. A Boston Police Sergeant’s firefighter- daughter (again about five years on the job) makes a few dollars more than her Dad, the Sergeant. This is simply unten- able. And while we’re discussing “par- ity”, let’s include our world-class EMT’s and Paramedics. They are as essential as any police officer or firefighter, and play their own critical role in saving lives and protecting this city. And they are being treated as shabbily by the Boston Public Health Commission (with whom they bargain) as we are by the City Labor Relations Office. Certainly, the arbitration decision does not – cannot – satisfy everyone. We all look at the decision through the prism of our own particular, individual circum- stances. In other words: Is it good for me and my family, at this point in time? In some circumstances, the answer will be yes, for others, the answer may be no. We negotiated with the city for three long years, (starting long before the last contract expired in June 2010), and the negotiations were ultimately fruitless. We were being strung along, purposefully, by a few city officials who publicly say how much they “appreciate” your fine service, but behind closed doors have nothing but contempt for the work you do and for your union. They spent countless thou- sands of taxpayer dollars on highly-paid, outside attorneys who relished denigrat- ing your current contract, this union and every police officer. In meeting after meeting, they tried to present false, con- trived statistics showing your pay to be an average of “$109,000”. They tried to include an “average” of detail and overtime pay (both forced and voluntary) as being “equal” to that of a firefighter. (In other words, comparing a 40-hour workweek to a 60 -70 hour workweek.) To say this was comparing apples and oranges would be a mild understatement. In truth, it was the City who pro- posed proceeding to arbitration, not the BPPA. After discussion, we agreed as negotiations were going nowhere. And it was the city who proposed arbitra- tor Tim Buckalew, not the BPPA. We agreed in order to move the proceedings along. When the decision finally came down on Sept. 27 th , we were pleased with some items, and not pleased with others. We all wanted more retroactivity, but we have to live with what the arbi- trator decided. That is what we agreed to, and we stand behind our agreements, both verbally and in writing. Obviously, many in our fair city do not, and openly flout the law with regards to “favorably” reporting the arbitration decision to the city council. As of this writing, the award has been sent by the Mayor to the City Council for approval of funding. (“Final and Binding” arbitration existed before the passage of Prop 2 ½ in the early 80’s; what exists now is subject to approval by the City Council.) It was submitted on October 9 th , formally, so that allows the Council up to Decem- ber 9 th . We are very much aware of the political dynamics at play during an election season. There are those who pat you on the back one day, and then stick a knife in you the next day. All of those who responded to our question- naire answered that they would support whatever decision came back from the arbitrator. Let us see if they are men and women of their word, as we are. Please call your particular city councilor, encourage their support and thank them if they stand with us. Have your family members and friends do likewise. If this award does not pass, we find ourselves back in political limbo-land. Thank you, and hopefully, we will have good news for the December Pax Centurion.