Earlier this year, the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers initiated discussions with Local 3 to discuss the advantages of merging back in with the Firemen & Oilers. On August 24, 2022, the Executive Board of Local 3, after much consideration, voted to approve a merger back into the NCFO. Prior to 2008, Local 3 had been a part of the NCFO for over 100 years. In 2008 the SEIU made changes to its local union structure and in 2012, F&O Local 3 was made a standalone direct local union. The NCFO became a district of 32 BJ in 2008 and remains a strong viable Conference. Every member in good standing will have an opportunity to vote on the merger as well. In the coming weeks, you will get a notice in the mail which will include the merger document for your consideration as well as the date, time, and place to vote.
.What stays the same? The current representatives, staff, and Elected Officers and Executive Board will continue to service members without interruption. The day-to-day operations of the Local will still be managed by the Business Agent and staff. Election of Officers and Board will still take place every 3 years. The Board will still discuss, vote, and act on all matters not related to finances. No changes to the dues structure. Two $1,000.00 Scholarships will still be given out each May. Five Membership meetings will still take place each year. Chief stewards who attend all five membership meetings per year will still have their dues reimbursed. Members will still elect Shop stewards as they currently do and vote on contracts. Our phone numbers, email and office location are not changing. Local 3 has been and remains fiscally secure. Improvements Merging means a bigger, stronger union, more support, power and resources for the members and representatives. A political lobbyist who can assist in union actions by acquiring support of our elected leaders as well as advising on political matters. An actuary that can cost out contract offers and provide detailed reports to representatives and members to assist in negotiations. A grievance and arbitration specialist who manages each case from start to finish in conjunction with the business agents ensuring timeliness. Administrative staff who will handle the day-to-day general member inquiries and general union administrative work, freeing up the Business Agents to be more available to the membership. Under the merger, and in some instances, the ability to negotiate a *100% employer paid union health plan, for some private sector units. *Subject to NCFO & 32BJ approval. If you would like to know more about the NCFO, please go to: www.ncfo.org or visit on Social Media at: https://www.facebook.com/NCFOSEIU32BJ AROUND THE UNION
ORGANIZING Welcome to our newest Union Brothers, the engineers at the Omni Boston Seaport Hotel!
CONTRACTS
In 2022, 22 of our 50 contracts are either currently being negotiated or have recently ratified.
Membership Meetings
Members may attend in person or via zoom. Please contact the Recording Secretary, Myrtle Grullon for a zoom link if you wish to attend remotely or to notify us of your in-person attendance for each meeting. All meetings start at 5:00 pm.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Myrtle Grullon,
Recording Secretary
Bilingual Administrative Coordinator (English & Spanish)
781-281-2977, extension 11
Achievements
Fight for Fair wages: The union organized an informational picket for the Cafeteria workers in the Lawrence Public Schools. For too long, the LPS district has been under receivership and as such, have offered no real growth in wages or benefits. The workers, tired of being underpaid, overworked, and undervalued, stood united and picketed for 6 weeks. On average, café workers were paid about $13.92 per hour and wages had only risen about $1.20 over 12 years in total. The goal of the action was for LPS leadership, The City and its leaders, the community, state, politicians, voters, citizens, news outlets and anyone who cared to listen, provide support. Dedicated to the cause, brothers and sisters of Local 3 were successful in reaching an agreement that improved wages by 18% over 3 years. Congratulations brothers and sisters!
Arbitration win: Two members of the union were unjustly terminated, without cause, when a supervisor assaulted one of our members and both reported the incident. The employer sided with the supervisor, despite video footage supporting their claims, and said our members were lying and filed a false report. Local 3 filed a grievance, and ultimately arbitration, to fight for our members jobs and to restore their good names and credibility. We are pleased to say that we were successful in getting both employees their jobs back as well as an award of over 2 years back pay, benefits and seniority.
Is your contact information up-to-date?
Have you moved or will you be moving? Please be sure to contact our office to update your home mailing address, email and phone numbers. We don’t want you to miss out on important notices!
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