The new Governor?

SLOW DOWN! STAY SAFE!

We have seen the slow, but steady, dismantling of our “normal” staffing levels. We have lost 11 (and perhaps more) positions over the past three budget cycles. Then it was not ordering in for posts. Next came “do not fill” vacant post positions. I am sure further restrictions are most certainly in the works. My advice . . . Slow Down and Stay Safe! If you are dispatched to an alarm, domestic or any other “hot call” and back up is not available, then wait until it is. If you are alone and your shift is a “skeleton crew” or all other officers are tied up, then don’t jump out on a group of 12’s. Slow Down and Stay Safe!

THE WEST WING

Council 15 Labor Leader of the Year

Police union President Lt. Marshall “Chip” Segar was honored as Labor Leader of the Year at the 40th annual Council 15 convention in Atlantic City this week.Segar was honored for his work as both a labor activist and a political activist, James Howell, executive director of Council 15 said Friday. “He's restructured the New London police union,” Howell said.Howell said it is the first time the award has been given to a police union representative that is not on the executive board. Council 15 represents 62 police unions and 4,000 members, with 15 unions represented on its executive board.

Howell said Segar was responsible for leading a coalition of labor unions that endorsed former gubernatorial candidate John DeStefano. Howell said Segar has developed a reputation as a leader not only statewide but also as far away as Washington, D.C. He said the award, which Segar will carry for two years, serves as acknowledgement of the good work he has done.Segar said that while locally the union has contributed to campaigns, DeStefano's campaign was the first time the police union became involved statewide, mostly because of New London's position as a frequent venue for gubernatorial debates

Letter to the members Jan 13, 2006

Local 724,

In consultation with the Chief, City Manager and Personnel Director, it has been decided that in the best interests of the department and in an attempt to salvage morale there will be NO EXTENSIONS to the Sgt. & Lt. Promotional lists.

Many of you are pleased and some of you are upset. I realize this and I completely understand both ends of the emotional spectrum. My efforts on this issue are consistent with the manner I have always conducted union business.

I gave you 110% here, just as I have always done. The slate is now clear so I may concentrate on negotiations. The negotiating committee and I will bring back the best possible contract we can. Let’s stick together and stay focused. We are in an excellent bargaining position. Please do you part to keep us on the “high ground” by continuing the hard work and professionalism that got us here.

I am extremely pleased with the effort put forth by all of those NLPD personnel who participated in Sailfest. The Chief called for an "all hands" day and most everyone answered the call. It was important for our members to show, in force, for this event :

1) Officer Safety - enough said, and
2) Demonstrating Staffing Deficiencies - Even with all available personnel, it is never
enough.

All personnel that were deployed returned safely to NLPD (to enjoy a post-shift BBQ I might add) and despite the tumultuous events, only praise has been heard regarding our conduct and response to the crash and stabbing scenes.

Sailfest is tough duty, there is no doubt about that. However, it makes it easier to endure when everyone pitches in. I plan to write thank you notes/letters to the Connecticut State Police and Officer McKinney of Norwich P.D. for their help on Saturday.

I am proud to be you President and again, great job !

Chip

I am sure that your mother once told you that “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all !” Well, she lied. In today’s labor environment, if you keep your mouth shut you get screwed ! Worse than that, you’ve screwed everyone else around you . Perhaps you think that if you say nothing then no one will notice you. And I suppose if you shut your eyes no one will see you either. WAKE UP ! Read the newspaper, listen to radio or even watch TV ! Other than SpongeBob or Howard Stern ! Everywhere you look companies and governments are trying to reduce the benefits they provide to their employees. Although we are protected by a contract, not all of our benefits are written down and codified. Most notably, TUITION REIMBURSEMENT ! According to the latest Labor Board ruling, We have lost that benefit, perhaps forever. Not because it wasn’t specifically addressed in the contract, but because when two Officers were denied this benefit in 1992 based on budget cuts, THEY SAID NOTHING ! Oh well . . . maybe we should just take this on the chin. Or if I keep my mouth shut, I’ll get Statewide! The truth of the matter is that you took it in the back side and in return you got nothing. I am particularly dismayed with this decision. Tuition Reimbursement was a benefit that was used by the members of this department to better themselves. Now the City has been validated in its decision to not support the higher education of its Officers. Some of us remember the “Dumb Cop” days of the mid 90’s. That was an embarrassing time. What’s even more embarrassing is when the ignorance of a few gets the better of us all.

A message from the President......THANK YOU!

On Behalf of the Officers and Executive Board of your Union, I would like to thank you for the vote of confidence you supplied by allowing the incumbents to run unopposed in the recent round of officer nominations. We have tried hard to give you the membership the best possible representation and benefits for your dues money. Thanks again for two more years. I will do everything in my power to keep your confidence and sustain your trust.

WHY POLITICS ?

Letting our voice be heard is essential in today’s labor climate. We may not always back a winning candidate, but being in the game insures we are counted. To summarize, I will use one of AFSCME’s mottos : Workers organize labor unions primarily to secure better wages and better working conditions. We hold that they also organize in order to participate in the decision which affect them at work and the community.

AUFWIEDERSEHEN NIPPER !
Best of luck to MPO Wayne Monty and his family.

Gov Rell and AFSCME Union 724

AFSCME VP Saunders and President Segar

Convict Roland and President Segar

1 YEAR IN OFFICE AND A SIZEABLE RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT

365 days have past since the new slate of Union Officers took the helm of Local 724. All the Union Officers, VP Mike Strecker, Sec. Toni Walker, Tres. Roger Baker, the Executive Board members (Jeff Kalolo, Rob Pickett, Kevin Barney, Rich Cable, Chuck Flynn) and myself have worked hard to give you, the members of this Union, the best services and representation possible. We feel it is our responsibility to conduct the Union’s business in a professional manner. You deserve nothing less. Below is a list of what’s been accomplished in the past year :

* Newsletter
* Website
* Union Hall
* 100% Monthly E Board & General Membership Meetings
* 4 Year Contract with Retro Pay
* “Active Shooter” Training
* Increased Clothing/Vest Allowance
* No Loss of Jobs or Benefits
* Expansion of “11.6” Usage
* Greater Community Presence
* Successful Political Action
* Fewer Grievances than Last Year
* Social Functions
* Over $6,000.00 Raise for the Union
* Charitable Donations
* Holiday Cards and Gifts

All the Union leaders know that we have much more work to do and that we cannot rest on our laurels. There are some big issues at the State Labor Board that need to be won. Constant vigilance in order to protect the integrity of the contract is always a priority. Plans are in the works to scan and digitize all available union archives, so researching past settlements is easier. We are ready to purchase a “revenue generating” candy machine, owned and operated by the Union. And of course an audit to determine if we are doing business correctly. I thank you for your support and patience.

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