Brothers and Sisters,

                 Remember; MDA "fill the boot" Day is Saturday May 15, from 9:00 to 1:00.  Refreshments after at The Cosmo on Hamilton Street.  This is The Firefighter charity, please come out and help.

                  Open enrollment period is May 10 through May 21.  If you need to change or add health insurance, dental or vision insurance now is the ONLY time. Also medical, dependent care and parking/transportation flex spending have to be renewed or added at this time.

                  While not officially endorsed by L1009, as of yet, we are supporting candidate John Mahoney fot the 13th district state reresentative seat.(Spellanes seat).  He is a friend and would give us and the PFFM a direct line off communication on Beacon Hill.  Over the next few months we will be asking for your help holding signs, mailings and at the polls on election day.  FF Mike Papagni E-3, group 2 is the Locals liason to the Mahoney campaign.  Thank You to the firefighters whom have already helped kick off Mahoney"s campaign.  Local 1009 and the PFFM have also endorsed Tom Foley for sheriff.

                  We are working on a number of grievences and arbitrations.  Many have to do with FMLA.  On April 1 the "dual status" FMLA case was heard.  The arbiter will make her decision in the upcoming months.  Due process takes a very long time.

                 The bargaining team has met and started to develop some strategies. We have requested and recieved a municipal financial analysis from the IAFF.  We sent about 3000 pages of financial data and have recieved their 6 page summary.  I will keep you posted.

                 Finally, we have a number of negative news items and internal disciplinary problems over the last few months.  These effect  our ability to bargain, to maintain our manning and to proceed with promotions.  Most of our problems would go away if we would learn to keep our mouths shut.  Do not speak to the T&G about discipline/conduct issues in the WFD.  It does not help anyone.  Stop the rumor mill.  We do not care what you would do if you were the chief.  You are Not .  Mind your own business!

   VP Doug Courville