The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association represents the men and women in the fire departments of the State and Counties. Our members are always on the job, there to protect lives and property. The HFFA is the exclusive collective bargaining representative for the fire fighters in your community. HFFA proudly serves it members and our community
Read this R4R Update
CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION REQUEST OPINIONS AS
TO THE APPROPRIATE FORUM FOR THE BATTALION CHIEFS
APPEAL
Aloha
Members,
At the March 25, 2008,
Civil Service Commission (CSC) meeting, the Commissioners
requested from the parties present to submit briefs as to what
is the appropriate venue for the Battalion Chiefs appeal. As President of HFFA and on behalf of
the union, our response was submitted through Mr. Peter L.
Trask, Esq., a longtime labor attorney and union rights
advocate. HFFAs memorandum filed
with the CSC voiced our opinion and interpretation of Hawaii
law as we continue to protect our contractual and bargaining
rights.
Following our filing,
the attached document was filed on April 11, 2008 with the CSC
by Jeannette H. Castagnetti, one of the attorneys representing
the group of the thirteen HFD battalion chiefs. The document entitled, Appellants
Memorandum in Opposition to Hawaii Firefighters Associations
Memorandum on the Appropriate Forum for the BCs Appeal, if any
was submitted in response to HFFAs memorandum.
There are a
couple of interesting points to note about Ms. Castagnettis
attached memorandum:
1. The overall tone of their document is
very strongly worded and clearly emphasizes that the HFFA, the
exclusive bargaining representative of rank and file fire
fighters, has no stake in these proceedings and is interfering
with the battalion chiefs quest, through their appeal, to gain
immediate participation in our R4R program and also, from
receiving at least $673,920.00 for their lost overtime
opportunities.
2. Although the BCs document is
written in a fashion of absolute certainty, it is only their
opinion and interpretation of the law. The HFFA and our attorney, Mr. Trask
have a very different opinion and interpretation of the law
from the battalion chiefs and their legal counsel.
If you would like to
read the complete document we submitted to the CSC
click here. Due to the length
of the document (27 pages with exhibits), it was posted in its
entirety on our website for your viewing. If you have any questions, please call
the HFFA office at 949-1566 or email us at hffa_local1463@hawaiifirefighters.org.
Stay Safe,
Bobby Lee
