Ballots were counted today by the American Arbitration Association. A total of 2,407 ballots were mailed and 2,178 were returned for a record 90.4% of the membership voting. There were 1,899 yes votes and 277 no votes with 2 voided for a total of 87% voting yes. I want to thank the entire membership for the record number of ballots returned and for your ratification of this contract. I believe the positive vote reflects the work of the Board keeping our Negotiating Advisory Committee, delegates and the entire membership informed and involved during the entire negotiating process.

As I said many times, this round of bargaining was extremely difficult due to the PBA PERB award. We will be focusing our efforts to re-establish a uniformed coalition for the next round of bargaining. I'll have more to say about that in the near future but I want to focus on getting your money to you as soon as possible.

We have been working with the Office of Labor Relations and FDNY payroll in order to arrange for the timely payment of all monies owed and to get your contractual raise into your paychecks.

The payday of May 5, 2006 , will reflect your contractual raises of 5%, 5%, 3% and 3.15% for a total of 17% compounded. Included in that check will be retro money for the period 3/20/06 to 5/05/06 ONLY.

On the payday of May 19, 2006 , all other retroactive money will be paid for the period from January 1, 2003 to March 19, 2006. The only back pay that will not be reflected in this check is the adjustments to holiday pay. That will be paid separately in the near future.

For those members who retired after January 1, 2003, your back pay will be mailed in a separate check on May 19, 2006. That check will include all back pay from January 1, 2003 to March 19, 2006. Back holiday pay will arrive in a separate check shortly thereafter.

We considered the fact that our members would make adjustments in their deferred compensation (457 and/or 401K) plans and also consider changing their ITHP contributions. All these options can protect your back pay check from tax liabilities. Today we are mailing specific information on when and how to make adjustments in your deductions. We met with representatives of the 457 and 401K plans and with the FDNY pension unit to ensure that all options would be available to you.

Our General Membership Meeting will be held this Thursday, April 13 th , 7:30pm at Dante's Caterer located at 75-07 31 Avenue, Jackson Heights, Queens. Joining us at that meeting will be Al Connelly, from the FDNY Pension Unit, Mary Basso, FDNY Payroll and representatives from the 457 and 401K plans. (Directions are available on our website, www.ufoa.org, click on the “Next Meeting” link.)

The UFOA does not provide tax or investment advice, so we ask you to discuss your options with your accountant, tax preparer or investment counselor.

We are also mailing new salary schedules for you to calculate your back pay. Rates for CFR-D are not included but remember, CFR-D money is rate sensitive and subject to all raises. The salary scale for SFM II and Lt.'s that will be promoted after March 1 st are not included. The FDNY Payroll Unit will have pay charts for all steps for UFOA members for each year's raise which will be available on the FDNY Intranet shortly and can be accessed via the Officer's computer.

401K AND 457 Adjustments and Changes in ITHP
Members who wish to adjust the Deferred Compensation (457) & 401k contributions can do so over the phone or via the web. You will need a PIN #. If you do not have one, you should call client services at 212-306-7760. They will provide you with one via mail. It will take up to 7 business days for your PIN number to arrive in the mail. Website:  www.nyc.gov/html/olr/html/dcp/fasc_frm.html.

The limit on contributions to the 457 Plan is 50% of reportable gross annual compensation - up to a dollar limit of $15,000 for calendar year 2006 ($20,000, if age 50 or older).  This amount stands as a separate dollar limit and does not need to be combined with the 401(k) Plan or a 403(b) plan.

The limit on contributions to the 401(k) Plan is 50% of reportable gross annual compensation - up to a dollar limit of $15,000 for calendar year 2006 ($20,000, if age 50 or older).  The dollar limit can consist of all before-tax, all Roth (after-tax) or a combination of the two.

Attached to this mailing is a calendar that will provide you with instructions and dates to make changes in your 457 or 401K.

You may also elect to make changes in your ITHP which would defer 5% of your gross income. Forms are available on the FDNY web site or the Intranet or in person at 9 Metrotech, Room 6W-02K. Forms must be returned at least one week prior to payday.

On behalf of the UFOA Executive Board, I want to thank the entire membership for your support and your patience. A special thank you to our Delegates and NAC members. Now let's get your money in your pockets and we will begin the process of preparing for the next round of negotiations.

Click here to view Deferred Compensation Schedule