CEA meetings are always held on the second Thursday of each month except for the months of July and August.
Effective April 1st. 1997 every member through the rank of Deputy
Chief will be presented with a retirement shield upon his/her retirement. Notify the CEA of the effective date and a shield will be presented at the retirement party or at a regular CEA luncheon.
PAC
Following a vote, the membership approved the formation of a Political Action Committee. The committee will be responsible for interviewing candidates for
political office and determining which candidates should be endorsed and supported by the union. This will enable the union to actively participate in the political process and have a voice in legislation that directly affects the
membership. The membership will be advised which candidates have been endorsed by the union
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
. With the signing of the new contract there is no longer a Bill Of Rights Clause. This means that the 48 hour rule will no longer apply. Members who are going to be interrogated should call the union
immediately at 212 964-7500 during business hours. In other than business hours and only for emergency representations, call a new hotline number 718 382 -2131.. Never go to an interrogation without representation.
FSLA LAWSUIT
Judge Keenan
has rendered a decision on theFLSA suit.and has ruled in favor of the City. Our Attorney is now filing a Notice of Appeal with the Second Circuit. Members who are retiring should conact the CEA office and get a waiver form. This form will be sent to the Police Commissioner indicating that the member wishes to waive the lost time he has on the books due to the pending FLSA lawsuit. The member will receive a response inddicating that he must take the lost time. Save this letter to preserve your rights to damages in the case
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
The CEA will again be awarding eight college scholarships to the sons and daughters of college bound seniors of active and
retired members.thanks to the generosity of New Yorks Finest Foundation, The Centurion Foundation and the New York Law Enforcement Foundation. Members must submit a copy of the SAT scores to the CEA no later than May 15,
2003. Call the CEA for further information.(212 964-7500).
.
PENSION BENEFICIARY INFORMATION
When an accidental 3/4 disability
retiree dies from the efects of the disability, e.g. heart attack of heart bill retiree, the surviving spouce is entitled to receive the basic medical plan coverage at no charge. The Pension Bureau must be notified and given a copy
of a death certificate in order to continue coverage. LEGAL REPRESENTATION
 All members are reminded to contact CEA attorneys Dienst and Serrins immediately if summoned to appear before the IAB, CCRB OEEO etc.
Call them at 212 406-1700 and call the CEA at 212 330-0032
RETIREES CORNER
As most of you are now aware, all State and City retirees now have a Permanent COLA Bill!!
Thanks to the efforts of some of the active unions and the many retiree organizations the long fight to win COLA is now a reality. It means that starting in
September 2001, pensions will be increased by 50% of the CPI with a minimum of 1% and a maximum of 3% of the CPI. This will not amount to a great deal of money and will
be computed on a maximum of $18,000 of pension. Hopefully, we can get this improved to 100% of the CPI. The best part of this legislation is the "Payback" clause which will
permanently increase pensions by adding 50% of the CPI from the date of retirement based on a maximum of $18,000 in pension and will be computed and added to monthly
checks. In spite of rumors there is no big check for this money! Retirees who currently receive the defined benefit will not get COLA until 2007 when the current benefit
provision expires. As heretofore, the amount received as COLA will be deducted from the annual benefit payment. They give it to you with one hand and take it back with the other.
ODDS AND ENDS
In an effort to contain the escalating costs in the Prescription Drug Plan, effective July 1, 1999, the
co-pays in the Mail Order Pharmacy will be amended as follows:
Prescription Drug Costs Under $100 $10.00 co-pay
Prescription Drug Cost Over $100 $30% Co-Pay with a maximum
of $250.00 per 90 day supply
The Co-Pays in the retail pharmacy will remain as shown above With very few 90 day supply of drugs that will cost under $100 this means a substantial increase in
the cost of prescription medications for retirees. Another example of chipping away at our benefits. SEEMS WE ARE LIVING TOO LONG!!!!
HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENTS
The Municipal Labor Committee is the official bargaining agent for all ciity employees regarding health benefits. The CEA is a member of the MLC along with all other municipal unions.Following
negotiations , the active and retired members of the SOC will receive the following improvements in health benefits::
*A one time lump sum payment of $175.00 for each active and retired member of the SOC upon
signing of the agreement
*Another one time payment for each active and retired member! of the SOC effective July 1st, 2001.
*A $200.00Welfare Fund rate increase for each active and retired member of the SOC to be
made on the last of a ratified successor unit agreement This will be a permanent rate increase.
*Line of duty deaths will now. be covered by Welfare Fund Benefits with the City paying the costs
*Active and non-medicare retirees will see the cost for certain prescription drugs added to the basic coverage of all health carriers.:
Asthma Drugs
Chemotherapy Drugs
Injectible Drugs
Psychotropic Drugs
Check with your carrier for details and other improvements in medical benefits. DEATH NOTIFICATION
The Operations Unit is the central notification point concerning the deaths of retired members of the service. They make all the necessary notifications within the department (212 374-5580}. In
addition, when pallbearers are requested a notification is made to the ceremonial unit. 
Richard and Meryl Olpe
Kittykop@Optonline.net
Retired, NYC Police Department |
|
