| Welcome to the Official Website of AFGE Local 918-FPS |
| AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES LOCAL 918-FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE Representing Federal Protective Service Employees Nationwide |
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| LATEST NEWS & UPDATES |
| Copyright 2010. American Federation of Government Employees Local 918. All rights reserved. |
AFGE Local 918 welcomes inquires from
television and print news media
organizations and reporters.
Please direct all press inquiries to:
David Wright, President, AFGE Local 918-FPS
Tel: (816) 291-0984, Fax: (816) 629-4462
e-mail: david.wright@afgelocal918.org
television and print news media
organizations and reporters.
Please direct all press inquiries to:
David Wright, President, AFGE Local 918-FPS
Tel: (816) 291-0984, Fax: (816) 629-4462
e-mail: david.wright@afgelocal918.org
General Inquiries:
General inquiries, questions, comments or other
requests for AFGE Local 918-FPS should be directed
to information@afgelocal918.org.
Representation Inquiries:
FPS bargaining unit employees may contact AFGE
ocal 918-FPS for representational issues. Visit our
Contacts page to locate the Regional or Area Specific
Vice-President in your Region.
Membership
If you are an FPS employee and would like to join
AFGE Local 918:
Complete a Request for Payroll Deductions for Labor
Organization Dues form.
Click here for the form: SF form 1187
Fax the completed form to (816) 629-4462.
Membership is open to all eligible (non-management)
employees of the Federal Protective Service to include:
General inquiries, questions, comments or other
requests for AFGE Local 918-FPS should be directed
to information@afgelocal918.org.
Representation Inquiries:
FPS bargaining unit employees may contact AFGE
ocal 918-FPS for representational issues. Visit our
Contacts page to locate the Regional or Area Specific
Vice-President in your Region.
Membership
If you are an FPS employee and would like to join
AFGE Local 918:
Complete a Request for Payroll Deductions for Labor
Organization Dues form.
Click here for the form: SF form 1187
Fax the completed form to (816) 629-4462.
Membership is open to all eligible (non-management)
employees of the Federal Protective Service to include:
- Police Officers
- Inspectors
- Special Agents (GS-12 and below)
- Physical Security Specialists
- Support and Administrative Staff
| GENERAL INFORMATION |
Executive Board meetings are held on the 2nd
Tuesday of each month. Executive Board meetings
are open to Executive Board members only.
General Membership meetings are held on the
2nd Wednesday of each month. General Membership
meetings are open to all dues-paying members.
Meetings are held at 6PM Eastern Time via
teleconference.
Information on Regional union meetings may be
obtained from Regional Vice-Presidents. Visit our
Contacts page for RVP contact info.
Due to a holiday the monthly meetings have been
postponed. The next meeting dates are:
Executive Board: March 23, 2010
General Membership: April 13, 2010
Tuesday of each month. Executive Board meetings
are open to Executive Board members only.
General Membership meetings are held on the
2nd Wednesday of each month. General Membership
meetings are open to all dues-paying members.
Meetings are held at 6PM Eastern Time via
teleconference.
Information on Regional union meetings may be
obtained from Regional Vice-Presidents. Visit our
Contacts page for RVP contact info.
Due to a holiday the monthly meetings have been
postponed. The next meeting dates are:
Executive Board: March 23, 2010
General Membership: April 13, 2010
| MEETINGS |
February 1, 2010
| Statement by AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright regarding President Obama's 2011 Budget Proposal |
On behalf of the men and women who protect federal buildings across this country, I am shocked that the Obama
Administration's budget includes no additional funding for the Federal Protective Service - one of the nation's
most important homeland security agencies. In past three years, the GAO has come out with no less than four
reports detailing the impact of insufficient funding and manpower and the vulnerability it has created in our
national homeland security safety net.
Congress has held hearing after hearing on the situation and the issue has been widely reported in the press.
Yet the agency remains underfunded, understaffed and unimproved in any real way. Even worse, the
Administration is proposing to eliminate the minimum staffing standards established by Congress. This could
signal an effort to reduce the size of this agency.
We view this as an irresponsible decision. Federal buildings are, and always will be first line targets for
international and homegrown terrorists such as Timothy McVeigh. If the terror trials are held in NY, the FPS will
have a major responsibililty for overall security. If something were to happen there, it might well be traceable to
this decision.
We are certain that Congress will not support this decision and provide the resources necessary to secure the
nation's federal buildings. We urge President Obama to reconsider and support sufficient funds for the FPS to
perform its mission.
Administration's budget includes no additional funding for the Federal Protective Service - one of the nation's
most important homeland security agencies. In past three years, the GAO has come out with no less than four
reports detailing the impact of insufficient funding and manpower and the vulnerability it has created in our
national homeland security safety net.
Congress has held hearing after hearing on the situation and the issue has been widely reported in the press.
Yet the agency remains underfunded, understaffed and unimproved in any real way. Even worse, the
Administration is proposing to eliminate the minimum staffing standards established by Congress. This could
signal an effort to reduce the size of this agency.
We view this as an irresponsible decision. Federal buildings are, and always will be first line targets for
international and homegrown terrorists such as Timothy McVeigh. If the terror trials are held in NY, the FPS will
have a major responsibililty for overall security. If something were to happen there, it might well be traceable to
this decision.
We are certain that Congress will not support this decision and provide the resources necessary to secure the
nation's federal buildings. We urge President Obama to reconsider and support sufficient funds for the FPS to
perform its mission.
January 9, 2010
| AFGE Local 918-FPS Warning to Our Membership Use of assigned government-owned law enforcement vehicle and exercise of authority off-federal property could be detrimental to your career |
On January 7, 2009, an FPS Inspector was arrested by investigators with the FPS Policy Compliance Unit and
ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The Inspector had been federally indicted on seven misdemeanor
charges for violations of Section 242 of Title 18, U.S. Code. In summary, the Inspector had conducted traffic
stops off-federal property while operating an assigned FPS law enforcement vehicle. AFGE Local 918-FPS is not
familiar with the merits or specifics of the government’s case however, based upon information as we know it now,
we believe the Inspector's actions, when properly and competently presented at trial, would tend to exculpate him
from the alleged criminal elements and hopefully lead to acquittal or dismissal of charges. This officer will get his
day in court and of course is presumed to be innocent.
This message is not intended to get involved with the particularities or advocacy of this individual’s case. It is
intended to point out a very significant detail pertaining to this arrest that apparently has potential to impact to all
FPS Law enforcement officers who operate government-owned vehciles, especially marked police units, whether
on duty, during official travel or even during routine Home-To-Work commute. From casually examining the
indictment, it appears, that for at least one U.S. Attorney's Office, in one federal court district, that at least one
grand jury saw that the mere presence of that marked police vehicle - especially with the accompaniment of an
on- or off-duty officer bearing the accouterments of FPS police authority - uniform, badge, weapon, vehicle
emergency equipment (lights, PA, siren) - at location other than federal property with public interaction (traffic
stop or related driving incident) as constituting that officer's and vehicle's presence as being within the meaning
of "color of law" as applied within the cited statute. The Grand Jury saw it appropriate to issue a seven count
misdemeanor indictment decreeing that the alleged conduct of that officer rose to the level of being inherently
criminal and that such conduct was also allegedly a deprivation of civil rights under the color of law. Apparently
the nature of the alleged actions and the postured FPS authority cemented the color of law perception.
AFGE Local 918-FPS is issuing a warning to all of FPS law enforcement membership who operate
government-owned law enforcement vehicles: You are driving a marked FPS Police vehicle that is also
liveried with an 800 number that for all practical purposes has become the "drop a dime" line for both legitimate
and artificial public complaints. If you cover, deface or remove the 800 number you are violating policy and can
be disciplined. You are in the public eye. Also, the agency is disastrously and historically inconsistent in how it
establishes, enforces and administers policy concerning off-property (on and off duty) enforcement/assistance
expectations and obligations of its officers when encountering public summoning (hailing) incidents or those that
develop on view.
FPS at FLETC and some of the HQ and Regional Leadership - with either only a tacit wink and a nod, or a softly
spoken verbal nudge - will tell you to get involved in everything that you see or encounter while representing the
agency off property. They won't give you the appropriate authorizing policy, MOU/MOA, state certification,
deputization or peace officer recognition that would tend to guide and support (and likely indemnify) such good
faith actions as being within the lawful constructs of off-property empowerment apparently intended within the
framework of Title 40, U.S. Code, Section 1315 despite the fact that many States and municipalities have granted
some type of law enforcement authority to FPS law enforcement officers.
You are on your own! Thus you are potentially a highly visible public target that the agency has the option to
either back up or turn its back upon, subject to their arbitrary discretion. Your actions potentially constitute your
exposure to personal liability. We each must follow orders and act within the law and in accordance with moral
conscience. You must make your own decisions about these types of things. Just remember, your actions,
righteous or reckless, will be in the public eye. Assume that you are being videotaped and maintain your
professionalism at all times. Get professional liability insurance, and document any verbal or implied policies by
recapping them back to the issuing supervisor.
Home-To-Work authorization is a privilege and not a right. Do not abuse it. On the same note, it is not mandatory
to accept a vehicle for Home-To-Work travel. If you accept this authorization, you are assuming the risks.
AFGE Local 918-FPS will be seeking to address the related issues with the Agency and through our
Congressional contacts. FPS needs to enter into agreements with State and local governments, to the extent
possible, to clearly define the authority of FPS law enforcement officers in localities throughout the country and
to develop Regional policies on the exercise of any local authority granted by a State or municipality. Otherwise,
FPS should consider issuing unmarked vehicles to all FPS law enforcement employees.
In addition, AFGE Local 918-FPS finds the manner in which the arrest was accomplished to be abhorrent. The
actions of the FPS Policy Compliance Unit and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility in effecting the arrest
were above and beyond what were necessary for these misdemeanor allegations. There was ample opportunity
to handle the matter in a more appropriate manner rather than take actions which clearly served only to
embarrass and demean the FPS employee. If you have questions or concerns about the use of authority and
government vehicles in your area, you should contact your supervisor and/or Local 918 shop steward or
Regional Vice-President.
Stay Safe!
ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The Inspector had been federally indicted on seven misdemeanor
charges for violations of Section 242 of Title 18, U.S. Code. In summary, the Inspector had conducted traffic
stops off-federal property while operating an assigned FPS law enforcement vehicle. AFGE Local 918-FPS is not
familiar with the merits or specifics of the government’s case however, based upon information as we know it now,
we believe the Inspector's actions, when properly and competently presented at trial, would tend to exculpate him
from the alleged criminal elements and hopefully lead to acquittal or dismissal of charges. This officer will get his
day in court and of course is presumed to be innocent.
This message is not intended to get involved with the particularities or advocacy of this individual’s case. It is
intended to point out a very significant detail pertaining to this arrest that apparently has potential to impact to all
FPS Law enforcement officers who operate government-owned vehciles, especially marked police units, whether
on duty, during official travel or even during routine Home-To-Work commute. From casually examining the
indictment, it appears, that for at least one U.S. Attorney's Office, in one federal court district, that at least one
grand jury saw that the mere presence of that marked police vehicle - especially with the accompaniment of an
on- or off-duty officer bearing the accouterments of FPS police authority - uniform, badge, weapon, vehicle
emergency equipment (lights, PA, siren) - at location other than federal property with public interaction (traffic
stop or related driving incident) as constituting that officer's and vehicle's presence as being within the meaning
of "color of law" as applied within the cited statute. The Grand Jury saw it appropriate to issue a seven count
misdemeanor indictment decreeing that the alleged conduct of that officer rose to the level of being inherently
criminal and that such conduct was also allegedly a deprivation of civil rights under the color of law. Apparently
the nature of the alleged actions and the postured FPS authority cemented the color of law perception.
AFGE Local 918-FPS is issuing a warning to all of FPS law enforcement membership who operate
government-owned law enforcement vehicles: You are driving a marked FPS Police vehicle that is also
liveried with an 800 number that for all practical purposes has become the "drop a dime" line for both legitimate
and artificial public complaints. If you cover, deface or remove the 800 number you are violating policy and can
be disciplined. You are in the public eye. Also, the agency is disastrously and historically inconsistent in how it
establishes, enforces and administers policy concerning off-property (on and off duty) enforcement/assistance
expectations and obligations of its officers when encountering public summoning (hailing) incidents or those that
develop on view.
FPS at FLETC and some of the HQ and Regional Leadership - with either only a tacit wink and a nod, or a softly
spoken verbal nudge - will tell you to get involved in everything that you see or encounter while representing the
agency off property. They won't give you the appropriate authorizing policy, MOU/MOA, state certification,
deputization or peace officer recognition that would tend to guide and support (and likely indemnify) such good
faith actions as being within the lawful constructs of off-property empowerment apparently intended within the
framework of Title 40, U.S. Code, Section 1315 despite the fact that many States and municipalities have granted
some type of law enforcement authority to FPS law enforcement officers.
You are on your own! Thus you are potentially a highly visible public target that the agency has the option to
either back up or turn its back upon, subject to their arbitrary discretion. Your actions potentially constitute your
exposure to personal liability. We each must follow orders and act within the law and in accordance with moral
conscience. You must make your own decisions about these types of things. Just remember, your actions,
righteous or reckless, will be in the public eye. Assume that you are being videotaped and maintain your
professionalism at all times. Get professional liability insurance, and document any verbal or implied policies by
recapping them back to the issuing supervisor.
Home-To-Work authorization is a privilege and not a right. Do not abuse it. On the same note, it is not mandatory
to accept a vehicle for Home-To-Work travel. If you accept this authorization, you are assuming the risks.
AFGE Local 918-FPS will be seeking to address the related issues with the Agency and through our
Congressional contacts. FPS needs to enter into agreements with State and local governments, to the extent
possible, to clearly define the authority of FPS law enforcement officers in localities throughout the country and
to develop Regional policies on the exercise of any local authority granted by a State or municipality. Otherwise,
FPS should consider issuing unmarked vehicles to all FPS law enforcement employees.
In addition, AFGE Local 918-FPS finds the manner in which the arrest was accomplished to be abhorrent. The
actions of the FPS Policy Compliance Unit and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility in effecting the arrest
were above and beyond what were necessary for these misdemeanor allegations. There was ample opportunity
to handle the matter in a more appropriate manner rather than take actions which clearly served only to
embarrass and demean the FPS employee. If you have questions or concerns about the use of authority and
government vehicles in your area, you should contact your supervisor and/or Local 918 shop steward or
Regional Vice-President.
Stay Safe!
February 1, 2010
| FEDERAL EMPLOYEE UNION RESPONDS TO OBAMA BUDGET AFGE Disappointed with Smallest Pay Raise since 1973, Applauds Pay Parity |
(WASHINGTON) – The American Federation of Government Employees today responded to President Obama’s
2011 budget proposal, including a 1.4% pay raise for civilian and military employees. “We are going to work very
hard with Congress to adjust the 1.4% pay raise upward,” said AFGE National President John Gage. “While we
are pleased that the administration recognizes the importance of pay parity between civilian employees and the
military, a 1.4% pay raise will do nothing to close the remaining pay gap between federal and non-federal
salaries. We’re talking about a pay raise that will take effect an entire year from now. Although the economy is
still weak today, all signs point to a recovery by 2011, and by that time prices will be higher, health insurance
premiums will be much, much higher, and labor markets will have tightened.”
The 2011 budget goes a long way to take care of our nation’s veterans and our retirees. “We are relieved that
President Obama recognizes how understaffed the Social Security Administration is. This increase will go a long
way in reducing the unacceptable backlog in handling and processing disability claims, appeals and hearings
that has been created by years of understaffing, the aging baby boomers and the economic recession,”
continued Gage.
AFGE lauded the decision to increase Veterans Administration funding. “For too long, the unpredictability and
inadequacy of the VA’s discretionary funding process has had an adverse impact on the care of our nation’s
veterans. With an increase in funding of 20% since 2009, and with advanced appropriations, the 2011 budget
honors veterans by fortifying the world-class medical care they deserve,” said J. David Cox, AFGE national
secretary-treasurer and former VA nurse.
“We are also pleased that President Obama recognizes the need to strengthen the federal prison system,
including a significant increase in full-time employee positions. The imminent threat that understaffing has posed
to federal correctional officers, prisoners and the communities that surround the prisons have become a
dangerous matter of life or death. Proper staffing will help alleviate the dire situation in our federal prisons,” said
Gage.
The 2011 budget touches on the need to control contractor costs. “We are as committed to eliminating waste,
fraud and abuse with the federal government as anyone. However, many federal agencies have not yet
recovered from the onslaught they experienced during the past administration. We are eager for more defined
guidance on the insourcing of government jobs. Over the past decade far too many American tax dollars were
wasted away through sole-source contracts and misguided personnel systems. The boost in the acquisition
workforce in the 2011 budget points to a desire for more government efficiency which would allow agencies to
rein in their budgets while still hiring more federal employees,” said Gage.
The president’s budget also proposes increases for the EPA, the FDA and for OSHA. “We commend the
essential and necessary strengthening of our nation’s regulatory agencies. With additional staff, the right people
at the head of these agencies and sufficient resources, these agencies will be better able to fulfill their missions
of protecting the American public from bacteria outbreaks in our food chain; on the job injuries and deaths; and
environmental danger. Regulation in these vital areas can only preserve the health and well being of our
country.”
However, the proposed budget includes no additional funding for the Federal Protective Service - one of the
nation's most important homeland security agencies. “In past three years, the GAO has come out with no less
than four reports detailing the impact of insufficient funding and manpower and the vulnerability it has created in
our national homeland security safety net. The agency remains underfunded, understaffed and unimproved in
any real way. We hope that Congress will provide the necessary funding to secure the nation's federal buildings,”
concluded Gage.
2011 budget proposal, including a 1.4% pay raise for civilian and military employees. “We are going to work very
hard with Congress to adjust the 1.4% pay raise upward,” said AFGE National President John Gage. “While we
are pleased that the administration recognizes the importance of pay parity between civilian employees and the
military, a 1.4% pay raise will do nothing to close the remaining pay gap between federal and non-federal
salaries. We’re talking about a pay raise that will take effect an entire year from now. Although the economy is
still weak today, all signs point to a recovery by 2011, and by that time prices will be higher, health insurance
premiums will be much, much higher, and labor markets will have tightened.”
The 2011 budget goes a long way to take care of our nation’s veterans and our retirees. “We are relieved that
President Obama recognizes how understaffed the Social Security Administration is. This increase will go a long
way in reducing the unacceptable backlog in handling and processing disability claims, appeals and hearings
that has been created by years of understaffing, the aging baby boomers and the economic recession,”
continued Gage.
AFGE lauded the decision to increase Veterans Administration funding. “For too long, the unpredictability and
inadequacy of the VA’s discretionary funding process has had an adverse impact on the care of our nation’s
veterans. With an increase in funding of 20% since 2009, and with advanced appropriations, the 2011 budget
honors veterans by fortifying the world-class medical care they deserve,” said J. David Cox, AFGE national
secretary-treasurer and former VA nurse.
“We are also pleased that President Obama recognizes the need to strengthen the federal prison system,
including a significant increase in full-time employee positions. The imminent threat that understaffing has posed
to federal correctional officers, prisoners and the communities that surround the prisons have become a
dangerous matter of life or death. Proper staffing will help alleviate the dire situation in our federal prisons,” said
Gage.
The 2011 budget touches on the need to control contractor costs. “We are as committed to eliminating waste,
fraud and abuse with the federal government as anyone. However, many federal agencies have not yet
recovered from the onslaught they experienced during the past administration. We are eager for more defined
guidance on the insourcing of government jobs. Over the past decade far too many American tax dollars were
wasted away through sole-source contracts and misguided personnel systems. The boost in the acquisition
workforce in the 2011 budget points to a desire for more government efficiency which would allow agencies to
rein in their budgets while still hiring more federal employees,” said Gage.
The president’s budget also proposes increases for the EPA, the FDA and for OSHA. “We commend the
essential and necessary strengthening of our nation’s regulatory agencies. With additional staff, the right people
at the head of these agencies and sufficient resources, these agencies will be better able to fulfill their missions
of protecting the American public from bacteria outbreaks in our food chain; on the job injuries and deaths; and
environmental danger. Regulation in these vital areas can only preserve the health and well being of our
country.”
However, the proposed budget includes no additional funding for the Federal Protective Service - one of the
nation's most important homeland security agencies. “In past three years, the GAO has come out with no less
than four reports detailing the impact of insufficient funding and manpower and the vulnerability it has created in
our national homeland security safety net. The agency remains underfunded, understaffed and unimproved in
any real way. We hope that Congress will provide the necessary funding to secure the nation's federal buildings,”
concluded Gage.
February 1, 2010
| SAMBA Employee Benevolent Fund Special Open Enrollment Period NPPD: Feb 1 to April 1, 2010 |
The SAMBA Employee Benevolent Fund pays an immediate death benefit of $17,500. There is a special open
enrollment period for NPPD employees from February 1 to April 1, 2010. Visit sambaplans.com for more
information.
enrollment period for NPPD employees from February 1 to April 1, 2010. Visit sambaplans.com for more
information.