December 16, 2008
The AFGE Local 918-FPS Executive Board attended a briefing today at FPS HQ. FPS management officials briefed the Board on
the Risk Assessment and Management Program (RAMP) and Command & Control issues related to the structure of an Inspector-
based workforce. Copies of the PowerPoint presentations are posted in the Members-Private area of our website.
FPS continues to push forward its flawed Inspector-based workforce plan that includes the elimination of Police Officers through
attrition. There are currently 85 Police Officers remaining throughout FPS, with 23 of those Officers holding rank. AFGE Local 918-
FPS will continue to push for significantly increased staffing that includes Police Officers.
December 4, 2008
ATTENTION MEMBERS: AFGE LOCAL 918 IS SEEKING MEMBERS INTERESTED IN FILLING VACANT UNION POSITIONS
AFGE Local 918-FPS is seeking to fill several vacant positions within the Local. Members interested in serving in union positions
should view our vacancy announcements on our Members-Public page. Click here.
December 2, 2008
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on December 09, 2008. The next General Membership meeting will be held on
December 10, 2008. The usual teleconference system will be in effect.
December 1, 2008
DISCUSSION BOARD CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE
The AFGE Local 918-FPS Members-Only Discussion Board is closed for maintenance.
Novemeber 26, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS wishes all of our members and their families a Happy Thanksgiving! Have a safe and joyful holiday.
November 24, 2008
Another instance of the abuse of authority and misuse of FPS resources. It appears that top management officials at ICE, to
include FPS Director Gary Schenkel, authorized and/or directed FPS resources to assist with a private funeral for the brother of
ICE Deputy Assistant Secretary Theresa Bertucci. The same Theresa Bertucci who eliminated retention pay, severely cut overtime
necessary to provide coverage to compensate for a major manpower shortage and in the same memo removed any possibility for
enhanced law enforcement retirement coverage for FPS law enforcement personnel. How ironic that FPS would be called upon to
assist and provide a marked police vehicle and a uniformed presence by the same person who sought to eliminate FPS. Crazy!
Apparently, FPS Director Schenkel did not learn a lesson from conducting building security assessments of private residences.
Who will reimburse FPS for providing support for a private funeral? AFGE Local 918-FPS is demanding a full accounting. Those
responsible for abusing and misusing FPS resources must be held accountable. Debbie Schlussel has posted some additional
information on this event at her website. Also, click here to see a photo of the FPS support at the private funeral. Check back soon
because surely we have not heard the end of this matter. Thank you Debbie for bringing this matter to public attention.
November 10, 2008
REMINDER: Due to the Veteran's Day Holiday, the Executive Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 6PM
ET and the General Membership Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 6PM ET. Both meetings will be held via
the usual teleconference methods.
November 05, 2008
ICE Assistant Secretary Julie Myers announced today that she would leave the agency effective November 15, 2008. AFGE Local
918-FPS considers her departure long overdue. Hopefully, we we'll see the departure of a certain Director in the very near future
before this "aircraft carrier" sinks any further. Read about it on the Federal Times website.
Goodbye, Julie!
November 05, 2008
It's been several months since AFGE Local 918-FPS negotiated a draft Uniform and Appearance policy with FPS HQ. The new
policy contains many changes, among them the new Tactical Duty Uniform (TDU) that was issued to all FPS law enforcement
staff. Despite the lack of a new policy authorizing and defining the uniform's wear, FPS staff are being required to wear the TDU.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has done its part. We call upon FPS HQ to do its part and issue the new uniform and appearance policy. .
November 03, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS has received numerous inquiries from our members regarding the recent "IP Detail Announcement" and the
fact that the positions were not open to Inspectors at the full performance level. FPS HQ has replied to our inquiry into this matter
by stating "As our newly hired Inspectors begin arriving at their regions, we need experienced Inspectors to teach and mentor
them. We don't want to continue sending our most experienced Inspectors to IP and put our regions in a jam. Same reason we
have opened the solicitation to 0083s." We hope this answers our members' questions on this topic. Members may consult with
their local shop steward or Regional Vice President for additional information or questions.
November 01, 2008
Government Executive published an article today in its magazine and on its website about security at federal buildings. The
article entitled Unwatched, by Elizabeth Newell, can be found in the latest edition of Government Executive magazine or on its
website by clicking here.
October 30, 2008
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on November 12, 2008. The next General Membership meeting will be held on
November 13, 2008. The usual teleconference system will be in effect.
October 29, 2008
ICE approves full performance level of GS-1811-13 for FPS Special Agents
From FPS Director Gary Schenkel: "I am pleased to inform you that the GS-1811-13 full performance level proposal for FPS
Special Agents has been approved by ICE. Within the coming days, a vacancy announcement will be posted on USA Jobs and
will be open only to eligible FPS Special Agents. This is a positive step forward for FPS and our Special Agents. My special
thanks to several people at Headquarters and in the field who worked diligently to prepare the package, conduct the briefings for
ICE senior leadership, and resolve many issues to eventually get this approved and implemented."
AFGE Local 918's take on the issue: On October 28, 2008, AFGE Local 918 President David L. Wright agreed to rescind
the January 17, 2008 National Grievance filed as result of the ICE Special Agent Career Path Policy which had been issued on
August 24, 2007. That Policy specifically excluded FPS Special Agents from the ICE Special Agent Career Path, thereby denying
FPS Agents the full performance levels of GS-1811-13.
The grievance will be officially rescinded pending the announcement of the GS-1811-13 Vacancy Announcements on the OPM
USAJOBS website in the coming days. It should be noted that this application process to reach full performance level is in line
with other Federal Agency procedures. It is anticipated that the announcements will be made periodically to accommodate all
current FPS Special Agents. The upcoming announcements should be limited to current FPS Special Agents only.
AFGE Local 918-FPS extends its gratitude to AFGE Local 918-FPS Vice President for Special Agent Affairs John Dean, an FPS
Special Agent in Region 10 for all of his hard work and refusal to let the National Grievance lapse despite intense pressure from
the ICE Employee & Labor Relations office. AFGE Local 918-FPS also extends its gratitude to FPS Deputy Director Paul Durette
for his commitment to the effort to bring FPS Special Agents to a full performance level commensurate with Special Agents in
other Federal law enforcement agencies and for his work with the Union to accomplish this important issue for all of our FPS
Special Agent members. This achievement would not have been possible with the extensive efforts of Mr. Dean and Mr. Durrette.
AFGE Local 918-FPS thanks you both and all those who helped make this possible.
September 29, 2008
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on October 14, 2008. The next General Membership meeting will be held on
October 15, 2008. The date of the General Membership is being pushed back to allow for the Executive Board meeting to be held
immediately prior to the Membership meeting. The usual teleconference system will be in effect.
September 26, 2008
HOT!!!: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking
Member Susan Collins, R-Me., laid out their vision for a more effective and efficient Department of Homeland Security as a guide
for the next Administration and the 111th Congress. “This bill represents a comprehensive package of homeland security
improvements. These reforms will help ensure that our nation is better prepared to prevent terrorist attacks and respond to
disasters,” said Senator Collins. The bill provides FPS with increased staffing for FPS, enhanced law enforcement retirement,
clarifies 24-hour carry authorization among other issues. See the AFGE Local 918 Special News Bulletin in right column.
September 17, 2008
Local 918 files Unfair Labor Practice Charge in regards to Agency's refusal to bargain in good faith
over working conditions at thePlum Island Animal Disease Center
AFGE Local 918-FPS has filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge against the Agency, specifically, Warren Pegram, FPS Chief,
Employee & Labor Relations and Region 2 management. The Agency has refused to bargain in good faith with the Local in
regards to the working conditions and the Local's health and safety concerns as they relate to the assignment of FPS personnel
to Plum Island. The Local has serious concerns about the safety and welfare of FPS employees detailed to Plum Island. We have
demanded to bargain for nearly 2 years on this matter. Despite numerous meetings with Regional managers, the Agency has
failed and/or refused to bring an official to the table able to make a decision in the matter. FPS Employee & Labor Relations
continues to deceive the Local and act in bad faith in regards to bargaining matters of importance to the Local.
AFGE Local 918-FPS strongly urges all FPS bargaining unit employees not to volunteer for assignment to the Plum Island Detail
until such time as the Local and Agency complete a formal agreement regarding working conditions that addresses the health
and safety concerns the Local has presented on numerous occasions to the Agency. The Local recommends that any bargaining
unit employee currently assigned to the Plum Island detail and/or scheduled to work the Detail take immediate action to terminate
their assignment by submitting a formal request through their chain of commands. Bargaining unit employees may contact their
Regional Vice-President for assistance. AFGE Local 918-FPS POC for Plum Island issues is National Local Secretary James
Ward who may be reached at james.ward@afgelocal918.org .
September 16, 2008
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO POLICE OFFICERS AND INSPECTORS
Today, all FPS Police Officers and Inspectors were allocated an additional $150.00 for the purchase of uniforms through the VF
Imagewear website. At the request of the FPS Chief, Uniformed Services, the Local is urging all FPS Police Officers and
Inspectors to log in to the VF Imagewear website and expend the additional allowance on the purchase of uniform items. The
Local recommends that members purchase TDU items to the extent possible as it is anticipated that this will be the primary duty
uniform in the months to come (should the new uniform policy ever be adopted). The additional allowance must be expended
before September 26, 2008 at which time it will expire and be unavailable for reinstatement.
September 8, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS commends all FPS employees who worked in support of the Democratic and Republican Conventions in
Denver, CO and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN respectively. FPS deployed personnel to Denver and Saint Paul to ensure public safety
and continuity of operations at federal facilities in the area. The FPS deployment includes K-9 explosive detection teams,
uniformed officers, intelligence and undercover agents, and bicycle and motorcycle officers as well as the deployment of FPS
Mobile Command Vehicles.
The Local especially commends FPS employees in Region 8 and Region 5, in particular District 2 leadership and staff, for the
outstanding work they did in supporting all FPS employees who deployed to their Regions. From vehicles, to equipment and
uniforms, these deployments were likely the most organized and uniformed events in FPS history.
Further, the Local commends those FPS employees who deployed in support of hurricane recovery operations immediately
following their deployment to the DNC. These employees worked long hours travelling to provide support to areas affected by the
hurricane.
Congratulations FPS employees! Outstanding!
You should all be proud of your hard work! The Local surely is!
August 22, 2008
Department of Homeland Security Press Release: Fact Sheet: Homeland Security Agencies Protect Political Conventions.
FPS provides specialized support to DNC and RNC
August 1, 2008
FPS Director Schenkel released a memo outlining the use of the term "Law Enforcement Security Officer" in lieu of Inspector.
Check it out by clicking here.
July 31, 2008
FPS released a Special Edition of its Stakeholder Newsletter outlining the "Law Enforcement Security Officer" (aka "Inspector")
based workforce. Check it out by clicking here.
July 29, 2008
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES:
On April 15, 2008, all FPS uniformed employees were allocated $650.00 for new uniform procurement. To date, many employees
have not taken advantage of this uniform allowance to purchase new uniforms. AFGE Local 918-FPS strongly encourages FPS
employees to use the allocated $650 allowance to purchase new uniforms before September 1, 2008. Uniforms must be
purchased through the authorized vendor website. The allowance can only be used for uniform purchases through the VF
Imagewear website. Employees should contact their supervisor or Regional Uniform Coordinator for information and instructions
on accessing the VF Imagewear website and purchasing uniforms using the uniform allowance if they need assistance. This
particular uniform allowance is for this fiscal year only and will expire at the end of September.
AFGE Local 918-FPS encourages all FPS uniformed employees to use their allowance to purchase the new Tactical Duty Uniform
(TDU) which will be the replacement for the current Class "C" uniform. The TDU will be the primary uniform for daily wear by
uniformed employees in the near future. Employees are encouraged to order now to ensure all orders using the FY08 uniform
allowance are completed before the end of September. This includes allowing for ample time to return items as may be
necessary due to sizing or other issue. Employees should purchase both long sleeve and short sleeve TDU shirts as well as
TDU trousers.
AFGE Local 918-FPS discourages the purchase of the nylon-look holster through the website. Employees should consult with
their Regional Firearms Coordinator for additional information before purchasing holsters or nylon duty gear through the website.
AFGE Local 918-FPS and FPS have been discussing issues related to uniforms and a new uniform policy that details the wear of
the TDU. We anticipate that the new FPS uniform policy will be published in the near future.
Employees may direct questions or concerns regarding FPS uniforms to information@afgelocal918.org however, the primary
point of contact for information on accessing the website and using the uniform allowance should be directed to your supervisor
or Regional Uniform Coordinator.
All FPS employees are strongly urged to use your uniform allowance to purchase uniforms before September 1, 2008. AFGE
Local 918-FPS will not be able to recover uniform allowances lost due to employee negligence. Spend it before you lose it!
July 23, 2008
The Election Committee held the Nominations Meeting for the 2008 AFGE Local 918 election. There was no more than one
nominee for each office. Nominees were elected by acclamation or the position was declared vacant if there were no nominees or
nominees did not accept the nomination. For more information, visit the Local 918 Election Committee's website by clicking here.
July 18, 2008
AFGE Local 918 President David Wright and Secretary James Ward met with the new FPS Chief, Employee & Labor Relations at
FPS Headquarters in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss open issues and establish a mutually
beneficial communication process. The results of the meeting were positive and both parties look forward to a positive and
productive working relationship.
July 11, 2008
Election Committee establishes website for the Local's election information. Visit the website by clicking here or going to: www.
afgelocal918.org/election_committee.html.
July 10, 2008
The Election Committee published a Nomination Notice and requested it be placed prominently on the Local 918 website, posted
by RVPs and stewards in the work area as authorized and distributed to members to the extent possible through email.
July 9, 2008
At the General Membership Meeting on this date, the general membership present and voting elected 3 members in good
standing to the Election Committee - Gene McNamara (Chairperson), Luis Toro and Tony Wong. The Election Committee is
immediately beginning the election process for 2008.
July 2, 2008
FPS Special Agents arrested two men for allegedly distributing hundreds of fraudulent law enforcement badges and credentials.
The arrests took place after a lengthy joint investigation with the NYPD and FBI and was initiated when FPS officers discovered
persons possessing this badges and credentials were attempting to circumvent security checkpoints when entering Federal
buildings in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey. Read more about the arrests on our In The News page.
July 1, 2008
There will be a General Membership Meeting on July 9, 2008 at 6PM ET held via teleconference. Among the topics to be
discussed are th election of members to the Election Committee. All dues-paying members in good standing are urged to
participate.
June 25, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS President Interviewed on Flailing Agency
AFGE Federal Protective Service Local 918 President David Wright was interviewed on Washington, D.C.'s News Channel 8
"Federal News Today" on June 18. Wright had just come from testifying before the House on a new GAO report that describes
FPS as a critical homeland security agency in a shambles, and talked to "Federal News Today" host Beverly Kirk about
understaffing and underfunding at the agency.
June 19, 2008
U.S. Senators Akaka and Voinovich will lead a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the
Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia to review the GAO report on FPS. The hearing entitled "Management Challenges
Facing the Federal Protective Service: What is at Risk?" will take place at 2:00 p.m. in SD-342. AFGE Local 918-FPS President
David Wright is scheduled to testify on behalf of FPS employees.
June 18, 2008
AFGE Press Release: FPS UNION: AGENCY IS SINKING FAST
AFGE Local President Urges Congress to Intervene
Calling the Federal Protective Service “a rudderless, sinking ship,” American Federation of Government Employees FPS Local
918 President David Wright today testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on
Public Buildings about a new GAO report released today that describes a critical homeland security agency in a shambles.
June 18, 2008
The Government Accountability Office released its full report entitled The Federal Protective Service Faces Several Challenges that
Hamper its Ability to Protect Federal Facilities (GAO 08-683).
A House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee will hold a hearing today to review the GAO report on FPS. The hearing
entitled "The Federal Protective Service: An Agency in Need of Rebuilding" can be viewed online here. AFGE Local 918-FPS
President David Wright is scheduled to testify on behalf of FPS employees.
June 18, 2008
Senators React to GAO Report Revealing Vulnerabilities in Federal Building Security A bipartisan group of Senators on the
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee reacted to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report out
today, done at their request, revealing serious operational and management challenges facing the Federal Protective Service
(FPS). The report revealed numerous challenges that could compromise federal building security, including inadequate staffing
and broken security equipment, as well as heavy reliance on contract security guards who are not sworn law enforcement officers
and do not have arrest powers.
June 18, 2008
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Sees Risk to Federal Employees and Facilities if Congress Fails to Act on FPS Decline
this Session. Read the entire press release here.
May 30, 2008
IMPORTANT REMINDER TO ALL MEMBERS: There will be a General Membership Meeting on June 11, 2008 at 6PM ET held via
teleconference. Among the topics to be discussed are the proposed amendments to the AFGE Local 918-FPS Bylaws which may
be reviewed in our Members-Private Area and on the Members Bulletin Board. All dues-paying members in good standing are
urged to participate.
May 14, 2008
NOTICE: There will be a Special General Membership meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 6PM ET. The purpose of the meeting
is for general membership ratification of the Local's 2008 Budget . The Budget was approved by a vote of the Executive Board on
May 13, 2008. This is a teleconference meeting. Teleconference information is available on the Bulletin Board or from the
Regional Vice-Presidents.
May 10, 2008
A Notice of Proposed Amendments to the AFGE Local 918 Bylaws has been posted in the Members-Private Area. These
Proposed Amendments will be voted upon at the General Membership Meeting on June 11, 2008.
May 6, 2008
Reminder for all members: There will be a General Membership Meeting on May 14, 2008 at 6PM ET. Among the items to be
discussed are the ratification of the Local's Budget. A copy of the budget is available in the Members-Private section of the website
and on the member's forum.
May 4, 2008
Early this morning, a pipe bomb or series of pipe bombs exploded at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in downtown
San Diego, CA. The explosion sent shrapnel into a courtyard and to the eighth floor of a building across the street.
Two guards with the Federal Protective Service, who were inside the building, called authorities when they heard the explosion at
1:40 a.m. on Front Street near Broadway. Fortunately, The guards were not injured. Authorities believe the device or devices were
left outside the building's front door shortly before being detonated. Click here for a full story.
AFGE Local 918 calls on the Department of Homeland Security to significantly increase the number of FPS Police Officers,
Inspectors and Special Agents. Today's incident is another example of why FPS needs to increase staffing. FPS has little to no
coverage on weekends and after-hours throughout the United States except for ill-trained contract security guards. The lack of
adequate staffing is placing Federal facilities and the persons who work and visit these facilities at greater risk of crime and
terrorist attack. FPS needs additional personnel in to order provide 24-hour, 7-day per week law enforcement coverage. How
many more Federal buildings must be attacked before this happens?
May 1, 2008
Ann Lewis, senior advisor to presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), will be featured this week on the American
Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) radio program “Inside Government”. Lewis will talk about the Clinton campaign’s
communications efforts and the Women’s Outreach program, which is designed to get women involved in the political process.
Also get an inside look at the critically low staffing levels at three federal agencies: Social Security Administration (SSA), Federal
Protective Service (FPS), and Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Hear from Witold Skwierczynski, president of AFGE’s National Council of
SSA Field Operations Locals; David Wright, president of AFGE’s FPS Local 918; and Esther White, president of AFGE’s BOP Local
3955. The show will air on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. ET nationwide on www.federalnewsradio.com and 1050 AM in the
Washington , D.C. , area.
“Inside Government” is a one-hour weekly nationwide radio/Internet program dedicated to issues that impact all federal and D.C.
government employees. In launching “Inside Government”, AFGE became one of the first unions and the only federal workers’
union to have a national broadcast program on the air.
The program, hosted by AFGE Assistant General Counsel Ward Morrow, can be heard Fridays at 10:00 a.m. ET nationally on
demand (available anytime) at www.federalnewsradio.com or 1050 AM in the Washington, D.C., area.
Programs are archived on the Federal News Radio Web site and can be heard on demand (available anytime) at http://www.
federalnewsradio.com/?nid=300. Federal News Radio is one of the most popular online news stations in the country, according
to the Baltimore Sun/New York Times Syndicate.
“Inside Government” is also available to more than 70 million iPod users through Apple’s iTunes music download software. The
program is available via podcast, located at the following link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.
woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=212048686. Users must install iTunes on their computers before accessing “Inside Government” via
podcast.
For more information, please e-mail InsideGovernment@afge.org or go to www.federalnewsradio.com.
May 30, 2008
IMPORTANT REMINDER TO ALL MEMBERS: There will be a General Membership Meeting on June 11, 2008 at 6PM ET held via
teleconference. Among the topics to be discussed are the proposed amendments to the AFGE Local 918-FPS Bylaws which may
be reviewed in our Members-Private Area and on the Members Bulletin Board. All dues-paying members in good standing are
urged to participate.
May 14, 2008
NOTICE: There will be a Special General Membership meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 6PM ET. The purpose of the meeting
is for general membership ratification of the Local's 2008 Budget . The Budget was approved by a vote of the Executive Board on
May 13, 2008. This is a teleconference meeting. Teleconference information is available on the Bulletin Board or from the
Regional Vice-Presidents.
May 10, 2008
A Notice of Proposed Amendments to the AFGE Local 918 Bylaws has been posted in the Members-Private Area. These
Proposed Amendments will be voted upon at the General Membership Meeting on June 11, 2008.
May 6, 2008
Reminder for all members: There will be a General Membership Meeting on May 14, 2008 at 6PM ET. Among the items to be
discussed are the ratification of the Local's Budget. A copy of the budget is available in the Members-Private section of the website
and on the member's forum.
May 4, 2008
Early this morning, a pipe bomb or series of pipe bombs exploded at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in downtown
San Diego, CA. The explosion sent shrapnel into a courtyard and to the eighth floor of a building across the street.
Two guards with the Federal Protective Service, who were inside the building, called authorities when they heard the explosion at
1:40 a.m. on Front Street near Broadway. Fortunately, The guards were not injured. Authorities believe the device or devices were
left outside the building's front door shortly before being detonated. Click here for a full story.
AFGE Local 918 calls on the Department of Homeland Security to significantly increase the number of FPS Police Officers,
Inspectors and Special Agents. Today's incident is another example of why FPS needs to increase staffing. FPS has little to no
coverage on weekends and after-hours throughout the United States except for ill-trained contract security guards. The lack of
adequate staffing is placing Federal facilities and the persons who work and visit these facilities at greater risk of crime and
terrorist attack. FPS needs additional personnel in to order provide 24-hour, 7-day per week law enforcement coverage. How
many more Federal buildings must be attacked before this happens?
May 1, 2008
Ann Lewis, senior advisor to presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), will be featured this week on the American
Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) radio program “Inside Government”. Lewis will talk about the Clinton campaign’s
communications efforts and the Women’s Outreach program, which is designed to get women involved in the political process.
Also get an inside look at the critically low staffing levels at three federal agencies: Social Security Administration (SSA), Federal
Protective Service (FPS), and Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Hear from Witold Skwierczynski, president of AFGE’s National Council of
SSA Field Operations Locals; David Wright, president of AFGE’s FPS Local 918; and Esther White, president of AFGE’s BOP Local
3955. The show will air on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. ET nationwide on www.federalnewsradio.com and 1050 AM in the
Washington , D.C. , area.
“Inside Government” is a one-hour weekly nationwide radio/Internet program dedicated to issues that impact all federal and D.C.
government employees. In launching “Inside Government”, AFGE became one of the first unions and the only federal workers’
union to have a national broadcast program on the air.
The program, hosted by AFGE Assistant General Counsel Ward Morrow, can be heard Fridays at 10:00 a.m. ET nationally on
demand (available anytime) at www.federalnewsradio.com or 1050 AM in the Washington, D.C., area.
Programs are archived on the Federal News Radio Web site and can be heard on demand (available anytime) at http://www.
federalnewsradio.com/?nid=300. Federal News Radio is one of the most popular online news stations in the country, according
to the Baltimore Sun/New York Times Syndicate.
“Inside Government” is also available to more than 70 million iPod users through Apple’s iTunes music download software. The
program is available via podcast, located at the following link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.
woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=212048686. Users must install iTunes on their computers before accessing “Inside Government” via
podcast.
For more information, please e-mail InsideGovernment@afge.org or go to www.federalnewsradio.com.
April 29, 2008
Once again, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has called for an increase in Federal Protective Service staffing and increased FPS
presence in New York City Federal facilities. AFGE Local 918 commends Senator Clinton for all of her actions to date to ensure
safe and secure facilities in which Federal agencies, employees and visitors can conduct their business and to ensure FPS is
adequately staffed to prevent and deter crime and terrorist attacks at Federal facilities throughout New York and the United States.
In December of last year, Senator Clinton successfully included a bi-partisan amendment to the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations
bill to stop the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to downsize the Federal Protective Service from moving forward. Senator
Clinton’s amendment also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to restore the number of full time FPS staff to a minimum
of 1,200 and 900 full time Police Officers, Inspectors, Area Commanders and Special Agents who will be directly engaged on a
daily basis protecting and enforcing laws at Federal Buildings.
Read Senator Clinton's entire statement here.
Thank You, Senator Clinton!
April 24, 2008
The Unpaid Lunch Period Claims page of our website has been updated. Please be patient as we carefully review our options in
this matter.
April 16, 2008
New Memorandum of Understanding between AFGE National, AFGE Local 918 and AFGE Council 118 has been posted in the
members-private area. (Members Only)
April 9, 2008
The Majority Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security, Chaired by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), released a report
entitled “The ICE Halloween Party: Trick, Treat, or Cover-up?”.
The report explores the 2007 ICE Halloween party where an employee who wore a costume composed of a prison uniform,
dreadlocks and skin-darkening make-up was awarded a prize for “most original costume” by Assistant Secretary Julie Myers and
other senior ICE officials. The report finds that Myers was not forthcoming about the existence of photographs of the party, ordered
the destruction of the photographs, and ordered the sanctioning and relocation of an employee to conceal the details of the party.
CNN has published a story on its website about this Report.
April 9, 2008
FPS Inspectors: The unpaid lunch period website has been updated. The 30-minute arbitration table has been replaced. Please
use this new version and discard the previous version.
April 8, 2008
Members: There is a General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 6PM ET. All dues paying members are
encouraged to attend. Teleconference information is available on the Bulletin Board or from your Regional Vice President.
April 5, 2008
Attention current & former FPS Inspectors: Check out our FLSA website for information on filing claims for unpaid lunch periods.
AFGE Local 918-FPS is assisting all current and former FPS Inspectors with recovering pay that they may be entitled to as a result
of being required to work a half-hour pay day.
April 4, 2008
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on April 8, 2008 at 6PM ET. This meeting is limited to Local 918 Executive Board
members only.
The next General membership will be held on April 9, 2008 at 6PM ET. All dues paying members may attend.
A Special Membership Meeting will be held on April 16, 2008 at 6 PM ET. The Agenda includes the nomination of Delegates to the
District Caucus and other related purposes. All dues paying members may attend.
Teleconference information for all meetings is available on the Members Bulletin Board or members may contact their Regional
Vice President for information.
April 4, 2008
The new Constitution & Bylaws were approved in a General Membership meeting. A copy is posted in the Members-Private area.
April 3, 2008
All members are reminded of the April 4, 2008 membership meeting regarding the Constitution & Bylaws. Members may call in
using the teleconference number and code provided to each member in a mailing last month. Members may contact their
Regional Vice-Presidents for additional information.
March 16, 2008
Lou Dobbs Tonight: Homeland Insecurity: Federal Buildings at Risk. CNN has learned dramatic details about how federal
buildings are at risk due to cutbacks. CNN's Jeanne Meserve reports. AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright was
interviewed for this story Watch the report here.
March 15, 2008
ABC15 has a follow-up story on FPS on its website. Read it here.
March 14, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright was interviewed by CNN on the current financial and staffing crisis within FPS. Read
the story at CNN.com.
The AFGE Local 918-FPS Blog has been updated with information on the FPS Director's recent message to FPS stakeholders. As
an FPS stakeholder, AFGE Local 918-FPS is troubled about the Director's misleading message. It is time for change within FPS.
Read our blog for more information.
February 26, 2008
Press Release: AFGE Local 918 is pleased the Bush Administration is complying with the law enacted by Congress last year
requiring DHS to provide 900 law enforcement personnel at FPS. But we are disappointed that the Department continues to
believe all of these personnel should be "Inspectors" rather than "Police Officers". AFGE Local 918 believes that Police Officers
are the first line of defense against terrorist and criminal attacks at Federal properties throughout the nation. Evidently the
Department does not share that belief. AFGE Local 918 anticipates that when the GAO report comes out in May, it will offer a more
rational view of this agencies’ future mission.
February 18, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright was interviewed for a story appearing in today's Federal Times. Read the story here:"
Cuts Hobble Federal Protective Service"
February 17, 2008
Check out our new blog at www.afgelocal918.org/blog
February 15, 2008
ABC News in Phoenix, AZ uncovered serious gaps in security. ABC News found that FPS was not conducting required security
assessments and wasting millions of dollars. AFGE Local 918 President David Wright, who was interviewed by ABC News, said
that "any major city could be at risk". See the full story here.
February 8, 2008 HOT!
The House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure Committee held a hearing today on the Government Accountability
Office Preliminary Observations on the Federal Protective Service's efforts to Protect Federal property. According to
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who chaired today's hearing, GAO's preliminary findings are so serious that they must
be made public. GAO's preliminary findings indicate that the downsizing of FPS may be placing Federal facilities at greater risk of
crime and terrorist attack. Ms. Holmes Norton stated that Congress cannot wait on FPS to become a debacle like that of FEMA a
few years ago.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton issued a statement on a new Government Accountability Office study showing the devastating
impact of Bush Administration cuts to the Federal Protective Service. Senator Clinton said Congress "should be making sure the
FPS has the resources needed to do its job effectively not undercutting the safety and security of our federal workers and
facilities." Read more of the statement here.
February 7, 2008
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency
Management will hold a hearing on preliminary findings by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of what Norton says is
"shocking deterioration and use for non-police functions of the Federal Protective Service, charged with security and safety
functions for one million federal employees and sites." The hearing will take place on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 9 AM in 2167 of
the Rayburn House Office Building. Norton said that when the GAO informed the Subcommittee of its preliminary findings, she
believed she could not "sit on them."
Read more of the statement here.
January 7, 2008
AFGE Local 918 President and Council 118 Vice-President David Wright along with the AFGE Council 118 bargaining team is in
Washington, DC this week continuing to negotiate a new bargaining agreement this week with ICE in Washington, D.C..
The AFGE Local 918-FPS Executive Board attended a briefing today at FPS HQ. FPS management officials briefed the Board on
the Risk Assessment and Management Program (RAMP) and Command & Control issues related to the structure of an Inspector-
based workforce. Copies of the PowerPoint presentations are posted in the Members-Private area of our website.
FPS continues to push forward its flawed Inspector-based workforce plan that includes the elimination of Police Officers through
attrition. There are currently 85 Police Officers remaining throughout FPS, with 23 of those Officers holding rank. AFGE Local 918-
FPS will continue to push for significantly increased staffing that includes Police Officers.
December 4, 2008
ATTENTION MEMBERS: AFGE LOCAL 918 IS SEEKING MEMBERS INTERESTED IN FILLING VACANT UNION POSITIONS
AFGE Local 918-FPS is seeking to fill several vacant positions within the Local. Members interested in serving in union positions
should view our vacancy announcements on our Members-Public page. Click here.
December 2, 2008
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on December 09, 2008. The next General Membership meeting will be held on
December 10, 2008. The usual teleconference system will be in effect.
December 1, 2008
DISCUSSION BOARD CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE
The AFGE Local 918-FPS Members-Only Discussion Board is closed for maintenance.
Novemeber 26, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS wishes all of our members and their families a Happy Thanksgiving! Have a safe and joyful holiday.
November 24, 2008
Another instance of the abuse of authority and misuse of FPS resources. It appears that top management officials at ICE, to
include FPS Director Gary Schenkel, authorized and/or directed FPS resources to assist with a private funeral for the brother of
ICE Deputy Assistant Secretary Theresa Bertucci. The same Theresa Bertucci who eliminated retention pay, severely cut overtime
necessary to provide coverage to compensate for a major manpower shortage and in the same memo removed any possibility for
enhanced law enforcement retirement coverage for FPS law enforcement personnel. How ironic that FPS would be called upon to
assist and provide a marked police vehicle and a uniformed presence by the same person who sought to eliminate FPS. Crazy!
Apparently, FPS Director Schenkel did not learn a lesson from conducting building security assessments of private residences.
Who will reimburse FPS for providing support for a private funeral? AFGE Local 918-FPS is demanding a full accounting. Those
responsible for abusing and misusing FPS resources must be held accountable. Debbie Schlussel has posted some additional
information on this event at her website. Also, click here to see a photo of the FPS support at the private funeral. Check back soon
because surely we have not heard the end of this matter. Thank you Debbie for bringing this matter to public attention.
November 10, 2008
REMINDER: Due to the Veteran's Day Holiday, the Executive Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 6PM
ET and the General Membership Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 6PM ET. Both meetings will be held via
the usual teleconference methods.
November 05, 2008
ICE Assistant Secretary Julie Myers announced today that she would leave the agency effective November 15, 2008. AFGE Local
918-FPS considers her departure long overdue. Hopefully, we we'll see the departure of a certain Director in the very near future
before this "aircraft carrier" sinks any further. Read about it on the Federal Times website.
Goodbye, Julie!
November 05, 2008
It's been several months since AFGE Local 918-FPS negotiated a draft Uniform and Appearance policy with FPS HQ. The new
policy contains many changes, among them the new Tactical Duty Uniform (TDU) that was issued to all FPS law enforcement
staff. Despite the lack of a new policy authorizing and defining the uniform's wear, FPS staff are being required to wear the TDU.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has done its part. We call upon FPS HQ to do its part and issue the new uniform and appearance policy. .
November 03, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS has received numerous inquiries from our members regarding the recent "IP Detail Announcement" and the
fact that the positions were not open to Inspectors at the full performance level. FPS HQ has replied to our inquiry into this matter
by stating "As our newly hired Inspectors begin arriving at their regions, we need experienced Inspectors to teach and mentor
them. We don't want to continue sending our most experienced Inspectors to IP and put our regions in a jam. Same reason we
have opened the solicitation to 0083s." We hope this answers our members' questions on this topic. Members may consult with
their local shop steward or Regional Vice President for additional information or questions.
November 01, 2008
Government Executive published an article today in its magazine and on its website about security at federal buildings. The
article entitled Unwatched, by Elizabeth Newell, can be found in the latest edition of Government Executive magazine or on its
website by clicking here.
October 30, 2008
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on November 12, 2008. The next General Membership meeting will be held on
November 13, 2008. The usual teleconference system will be in effect.
October 29, 2008
ICE approves full performance level of GS-1811-13 for FPS Special Agents
From FPS Director Gary Schenkel: "I am pleased to inform you that the GS-1811-13 full performance level proposal for FPS
Special Agents has been approved by ICE. Within the coming days, a vacancy announcement will be posted on USA Jobs and
will be open only to eligible FPS Special Agents. This is a positive step forward for FPS and our Special Agents. My special
thanks to several people at Headquarters and in the field who worked diligently to prepare the package, conduct the briefings for
ICE senior leadership, and resolve many issues to eventually get this approved and implemented."
AFGE Local 918's take on the issue: On October 28, 2008, AFGE Local 918 President David L. Wright agreed to rescind
the January 17, 2008 National Grievance filed as result of the ICE Special Agent Career Path Policy which had been issued on
August 24, 2007. That Policy specifically excluded FPS Special Agents from the ICE Special Agent Career Path, thereby denying
FPS Agents the full performance levels of GS-1811-13.
The grievance will be officially rescinded pending the announcement of the GS-1811-13 Vacancy Announcements on the OPM
USAJOBS website in the coming days. It should be noted that this application process to reach full performance level is in line
with other Federal Agency procedures. It is anticipated that the announcements will be made periodically to accommodate all
current FPS Special Agents. The upcoming announcements should be limited to current FPS Special Agents only.
AFGE Local 918-FPS extends its gratitude to AFGE Local 918-FPS Vice President for Special Agent Affairs John Dean, an FPS
Special Agent in Region 10 for all of his hard work and refusal to let the National Grievance lapse despite intense pressure from
the ICE Employee & Labor Relations office. AFGE Local 918-FPS also extends its gratitude to FPS Deputy Director Paul Durette
for his commitment to the effort to bring FPS Special Agents to a full performance level commensurate with Special Agents in
other Federal law enforcement agencies and for his work with the Union to accomplish this important issue for all of our FPS
Special Agent members. This achievement would not have been possible with the extensive efforts of Mr. Dean and Mr. Durrette.
AFGE Local 918-FPS thanks you both and all those who helped make this possible.
September 29, 2008
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on October 14, 2008. The next General Membership meeting will be held on
October 15, 2008. The date of the General Membership is being pushed back to allow for the Executive Board meeting to be held
immediately prior to the Membership meeting. The usual teleconference system will be in effect.
September 26, 2008
HOT!!!: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking
Member Susan Collins, R-Me., laid out their vision for a more effective and efficient Department of Homeland Security as a guide
for the next Administration and the 111th Congress. “This bill represents a comprehensive package of homeland security
improvements. These reforms will help ensure that our nation is better prepared to prevent terrorist attacks and respond to
disasters,” said Senator Collins. The bill provides FPS with increased staffing for FPS, enhanced law enforcement retirement,
clarifies 24-hour carry authorization among other issues. See the AFGE Local 918 Special News Bulletin in right column.
September 17, 2008
Local 918 files Unfair Labor Practice Charge in regards to Agency's refusal to bargain in good faith
over working conditions at thePlum Island Animal Disease Center
AFGE Local 918-FPS has filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge against the Agency, specifically, Warren Pegram, FPS Chief,
Employee & Labor Relations and Region 2 management. The Agency has refused to bargain in good faith with the Local in
regards to the working conditions and the Local's health and safety concerns as they relate to the assignment of FPS personnel
to Plum Island. The Local has serious concerns about the safety and welfare of FPS employees detailed to Plum Island. We have
demanded to bargain for nearly 2 years on this matter. Despite numerous meetings with Regional managers, the Agency has
failed and/or refused to bring an official to the table able to make a decision in the matter. FPS Employee & Labor Relations
continues to deceive the Local and act in bad faith in regards to bargaining matters of importance to the Local.
AFGE Local 918-FPS strongly urges all FPS bargaining unit employees not to volunteer for assignment to the Plum Island Detail
until such time as the Local and Agency complete a formal agreement regarding working conditions that addresses the health
and safety concerns the Local has presented on numerous occasions to the Agency. The Local recommends that any bargaining
unit employee currently assigned to the Plum Island detail and/or scheduled to work the Detail take immediate action to terminate
their assignment by submitting a formal request through their chain of commands. Bargaining unit employees may contact their
Regional Vice-President for assistance. AFGE Local 918-FPS POC for Plum Island issues is National Local Secretary James
Ward who may be reached at james.ward@afgelocal918.org .
September 16, 2008
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO POLICE OFFICERS AND INSPECTORS
Today, all FPS Police Officers and Inspectors were allocated an additional $150.00 for the purchase of uniforms through the VF
Imagewear website. At the request of the FPS Chief, Uniformed Services, the Local is urging all FPS Police Officers and
Inspectors to log in to the VF Imagewear website and expend the additional allowance on the purchase of uniform items. The
Local recommends that members purchase TDU items to the extent possible as it is anticipated that this will be the primary duty
uniform in the months to come (should the new uniform policy ever be adopted). The additional allowance must be expended
before September 26, 2008 at which time it will expire and be unavailable for reinstatement.
September 8, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS commends all FPS employees who worked in support of the Democratic and Republican Conventions in
Denver, CO and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN respectively. FPS deployed personnel to Denver and Saint Paul to ensure public safety
and continuity of operations at federal facilities in the area. The FPS deployment includes K-9 explosive detection teams,
uniformed officers, intelligence and undercover agents, and bicycle and motorcycle officers as well as the deployment of FPS
Mobile Command Vehicles.
The Local especially commends FPS employees in Region 8 and Region 5, in particular District 2 leadership and staff, for the
outstanding work they did in supporting all FPS employees who deployed to their Regions. From vehicles, to equipment and
uniforms, these deployments were likely the most organized and uniformed events in FPS history.
Further, the Local commends those FPS employees who deployed in support of hurricane recovery operations immediately
following their deployment to the DNC. These employees worked long hours travelling to provide support to areas affected by the
hurricane.
Congratulations FPS employees! Outstanding!
You should all be proud of your hard work! The Local surely is!
August 22, 2008
Department of Homeland Security Press Release: Fact Sheet: Homeland Security Agencies Protect Political Conventions.
FPS provides specialized support to DNC and RNC
August 1, 2008
FPS Director Schenkel released a memo outlining the use of the term "Law Enforcement Security Officer" in lieu of Inspector.
Check it out by clicking here.
July 31, 2008
FPS released a Special Edition of its Stakeholder Newsletter outlining the "Law Enforcement Security Officer" (aka "Inspector")
based workforce. Check it out by clicking here.
July 29, 2008
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES:
On April 15, 2008, all FPS uniformed employees were allocated $650.00 for new uniform procurement. To date, many employees
have not taken advantage of this uniform allowance to purchase new uniforms. AFGE Local 918-FPS strongly encourages FPS
employees to use the allocated $650 allowance to purchase new uniforms before September 1, 2008. Uniforms must be
purchased through the authorized vendor website. The allowance can only be used for uniform purchases through the VF
Imagewear website. Employees should contact their supervisor or Regional Uniform Coordinator for information and instructions
on accessing the VF Imagewear website and purchasing uniforms using the uniform allowance if they need assistance. This
particular uniform allowance is for this fiscal year only and will expire at the end of September.
AFGE Local 918-FPS encourages all FPS uniformed employees to use their allowance to purchase the new Tactical Duty Uniform
(TDU) which will be the replacement for the current Class "C" uniform. The TDU will be the primary uniform for daily wear by
uniformed employees in the near future. Employees are encouraged to order now to ensure all orders using the FY08 uniform
allowance are completed before the end of September. This includes allowing for ample time to return items as may be
necessary due to sizing or other issue. Employees should purchase both long sleeve and short sleeve TDU shirts as well as
TDU trousers.
AFGE Local 918-FPS discourages the purchase of the nylon-look holster through the website. Employees should consult with
their Regional Firearms Coordinator for additional information before purchasing holsters or nylon duty gear through the website.
AFGE Local 918-FPS and FPS have been discussing issues related to uniforms and a new uniform policy that details the wear of
the TDU. We anticipate that the new FPS uniform policy will be published in the near future.
Employees may direct questions or concerns regarding FPS uniforms to information@afgelocal918.org however, the primary
point of contact for information on accessing the website and using the uniform allowance should be directed to your supervisor
or Regional Uniform Coordinator.
All FPS employees are strongly urged to use your uniform allowance to purchase uniforms before September 1, 2008. AFGE
Local 918-FPS will not be able to recover uniform allowances lost due to employee negligence. Spend it before you lose it!
July 23, 2008
The Election Committee held the Nominations Meeting for the 2008 AFGE Local 918 election. There was no more than one
nominee for each office. Nominees were elected by acclamation or the position was declared vacant if there were no nominees or
nominees did not accept the nomination. For more information, visit the Local 918 Election Committee's website by clicking here.
July 18, 2008
AFGE Local 918 President David Wright and Secretary James Ward met with the new FPS Chief, Employee & Labor Relations at
FPS Headquarters in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss open issues and establish a mutually
beneficial communication process. The results of the meeting were positive and both parties look forward to a positive and
productive working relationship.
July 11, 2008
Election Committee establishes website for the Local's election information. Visit the website by clicking here or going to: www.
afgelocal918.org/election_committee.html.
July 10, 2008
The Election Committee published a Nomination Notice and requested it be placed prominently on the Local 918 website, posted
by RVPs and stewards in the work area as authorized and distributed to members to the extent possible through email.
July 9, 2008
At the General Membership Meeting on this date, the general membership present and voting elected 3 members in good
standing to the Election Committee - Gene McNamara (Chairperson), Luis Toro and Tony Wong. The Election Committee is
immediately beginning the election process for 2008.
July 2, 2008
FPS Special Agents arrested two men for allegedly distributing hundreds of fraudulent law enforcement badges and credentials.
The arrests took place after a lengthy joint investigation with the NYPD and FBI and was initiated when FPS officers discovered
persons possessing this badges and credentials were attempting to circumvent security checkpoints when entering Federal
buildings in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey. Read more about the arrests on our In The News page.
July 1, 2008
There will be a General Membership Meeting on July 9, 2008 at 6PM ET held via teleconference. Among the topics to be
discussed are th election of members to the Election Committee. All dues-paying members in good standing are urged to
participate.
June 25, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS President Interviewed on Flailing Agency
AFGE Federal Protective Service Local 918 President David Wright was interviewed on Washington, D.C.'s News Channel 8
"Federal News Today" on June 18. Wright had just come from testifying before the House on a new GAO report that describes
FPS as a critical homeland security agency in a shambles, and talked to "Federal News Today" host Beverly Kirk about
understaffing and underfunding at the agency.
June 19, 2008
U.S. Senators Akaka and Voinovich will lead a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the
Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia to review the GAO report on FPS. The hearing entitled "Management Challenges
Facing the Federal Protective Service: What is at Risk?" will take place at 2:00 p.m. in SD-342. AFGE Local 918-FPS President
David Wright is scheduled to testify on behalf of FPS employees.
June 18, 2008
AFGE Press Release: FPS UNION: AGENCY IS SINKING FAST
AFGE Local President Urges Congress to Intervene
Calling the Federal Protective Service “a rudderless, sinking ship,” American Federation of Government Employees FPS Local
918 President David Wright today testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on
Public Buildings about a new GAO report released today that describes a critical homeland security agency in a shambles.
June 18, 2008
The Government Accountability Office released its full report entitled The Federal Protective Service Faces Several Challenges that
Hamper its Ability to Protect Federal Facilities (GAO 08-683).
A House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee will hold a hearing today to review the GAO report on FPS. The hearing
entitled "The Federal Protective Service: An Agency in Need of Rebuilding" can be viewed online here. AFGE Local 918-FPS
President David Wright is scheduled to testify on behalf of FPS employees.
June 18, 2008
Senators React to GAO Report Revealing Vulnerabilities in Federal Building Security A bipartisan group of Senators on the
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee reacted to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report out
today, done at their request, revealing serious operational and management challenges facing the Federal Protective Service
(FPS). The report revealed numerous challenges that could compromise federal building security, including inadequate staffing
and broken security equipment, as well as heavy reliance on contract security guards who are not sworn law enforcement officers
and do not have arrest powers.
June 18, 2008
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Sees Risk to Federal Employees and Facilities if Congress Fails to Act on FPS Decline
this Session. Read the entire press release here.
May 30, 2008
IMPORTANT REMINDER TO ALL MEMBERS: There will be a General Membership Meeting on June 11, 2008 at 6PM ET held via
teleconference. Among the topics to be discussed are the proposed amendments to the AFGE Local 918-FPS Bylaws which may
be reviewed in our Members-Private Area and on the Members Bulletin Board. All dues-paying members in good standing are
urged to participate.
May 14, 2008
NOTICE: There will be a Special General Membership meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 6PM ET. The purpose of the meeting
is for general membership ratification of the Local's 2008 Budget . The Budget was approved by a vote of the Executive Board on
May 13, 2008. This is a teleconference meeting. Teleconference information is available on the Bulletin Board or from the
Regional Vice-Presidents.
May 10, 2008
A Notice of Proposed Amendments to the AFGE Local 918 Bylaws has been posted in the Members-Private Area. These
Proposed Amendments will be voted upon at the General Membership Meeting on June 11, 2008.
May 6, 2008
Reminder for all members: There will be a General Membership Meeting on May 14, 2008 at 6PM ET. Among the items to be
discussed are the ratification of the Local's Budget. A copy of the budget is available in the Members-Private section of the website
and on the member's forum.
May 4, 2008
Early this morning, a pipe bomb or series of pipe bombs exploded at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in downtown
San Diego, CA. The explosion sent shrapnel into a courtyard and to the eighth floor of a building across the street.
Two guards with the Federal Protective Service, who were inside the building, called authorities when they heard the explosion at
1:40 a.m. on Front Street near Broadway. Fortunately, The guards were not injured. Authorities believe the device or devices were
left outside the building's front door shortly before being detonated. Click here for a full story.
AFGE Local 918 calls on the Department of Homeland Security to significantly increase the number of FPS Police Officers,
Inspectors and Special Agents. Today's incident is another example of why FPS needs to increase staffing. FPS has little to no
coverage on weekends and after-hours throughout the United States except for ill-trained contract security guards. The lack of
adequate staffing is placing Federal facilities and the persons who work and visit these facilities at greater risk of crime and
terrorist attack. FPS needs additional personnel in to order provide 24-hour, 7-day per week law enforcement coverage. How
many more Federal buildings must be attacked before this happens?
May 1, 2008
Ann Lewis, senior advisor to presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), will be featured this week on the American
Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) radio program “Inside Government”. Lewis will talk about the Clinton campaign’s
communications efforts and the Women’s Outreach program, which is designed to get women involved in the political process.
Also get an inside look at the critically low staffing levels at three federal agencies: Social Security Administration (SSA), Federal
Protective Service (FPS), and Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Hear from Witold Skwierczynski, president of AFGE’s National Council of
SSA Field Operations Locals; David Wright, president of AFGE’s FPS Local 918; and Esther White, president of AFGE’s BOP Local
3955. The show will air on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. ET nationwide on www.federalnewsradio.com and 1050 AM in the
Washington , D.C. , area.
“Inside Government” is a one-hour weekly nationwide radio/Internet program dedicated to issues that impact all federal and D.C.
government employees. In launching “Inside Government”, AFGE became one of the first unions and the only federal workers’
union to have a national broadcast program on the air.
The program, hosted by AFGE Assistant General Counsel Ward Morrow, can be heard Fridays at 10:00 a.m. ET nationally on
demand (available anytime) at www.federalnewsradio.com or 1050 AM in the Washington, D.C., area.
Programs are archived on the Federal News Radio Web site and can be heard on demand (available anytime) at http://www.
federalnewsradio.com/?nid=300. Federal News Radio is one of the most popular online news stations in the country, according
to the Baltimore Sun/New York Times Syndicate.
“Inside Government” is also available to more than 70 million iPod users through Apple’s iTunes music download software. The
program is available via podcast, located at the following link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.
woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=212048686. Users must install iTunes on their computers before accessing “Inside Government” via
podcast.
For more information, please e-mail InsideGovernment@afge.org or go to www.federalnewsradio.com.
May 30, 2008
IMPORTANT REMINDER TO ALL MEMBERS: There will be a General Membership Meeting on June 11, 2008 at 6PM ET held via
teleconference. Among the topics to be discussed are the proposed amendments to the AFGE Local 918-FPS Bylaws which may
be reviewed in our Members-Private Area and on the Members Bulletin Board. All dues-paying members in good standing are
urged to participate.
May 14, 2008
NOTICE: There will be a Special General Membership meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 6PM ET. The purpose of the meeting
is for general membership ratification of the Local's 2008 Budget . The Budget was approved by a vote of the Executive Board on
May 13, 2008. This is a teleconference meeting. Teleconference information is available on the Bulletin Board or from the
Regional Vice-Presidents.
May 10, 2008
A Notice of Proposed Amendments to the AFGE Local 918 Bylaws has been posted in the Members-Private Area. These
Proposed Amendments will be voted upon at the General Membership Meeting on June 11, 2008.
May 6, 2008
Reminder for all members: There will be a General Membership Meeting on May 14, 2008 at 6PM ET. Among the items to be
discussed are the ratification of the Local's Budget. A copy of the budget is available in the Members-Private section of the website
and on the member's forum.
May 4, 2008
Early this morning, a pipe bomb or series of pipe bombs exploded at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in downtown
San Diego, CA. The explosion sent shrapnel into a courtyard and to the eighth floor of a building across the street.
Two guards with the Federal Protective Service, who were inside the building, called authorities when they heard the explosion at
1:40 a.m. on Front Street near Broadway. Fortunately, The guards were not injured. Authorities believe the device or devices were
left outside the building's front door shortly before being detonated. Click here for a full story.
AFGE Local 918 calls on the Department of Homeland Security to significantly increase the number of FPS Police Officers,
Inspectors and Special Agents. Today's incident is another example of why FPS needs to increase staffing. FPS has little to no
coverage on weekends and after-hours throughout the United States except for ill-trained contract security guards. The lack of
adequate staffing is placing Federal facilities and the persons who work and visit these facilities at greater risk of crime and
terrorist attack. FPS needs additional personnel in to order provide 24-hour, 7-day per week law enforcement coverage. How
many more Federal buildings must be attacked before this happens?
May 1, 2008
Ann Lewis, senior advisor to presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), will be featured this week on the American
Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) radio program “Inside Government”. Lewis will talk about the Clinton campaign’s
communications efforts and the Women’s Outreach program, which is designed to get women involved in the political process.
Also get an inside look at the critically low staffing levels at three federal agencies: Social Security Administration (SSA), Federal
Protective Service (FPS), and Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Hear from Witold Skwierczynski, president of AFGE’s National Council of
SSA Field Operations Locals; David Wright, president of AFGE’s FPS Local 918; and Esther White, president of AFGE’s BOP Local
3955. The show will air on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. ET nationwide on www.federalnewsradio.com and 1050 AM in the
Washington , D.C. , area.
“Inside Government” is a one-hour weekly nationwide radio/Internet program dedicated to issues that impact all federal and D.C.
government employees. In launching “Inside Government”, AFGE became one of the first unions and the only federal workers’
union to have a national broadcast program on the air.
The program, hosted by AFGE Assistant General Counsel Ward Morrow, can be heard Fridays at 10:00 a.m. ET nationally on
demand (available anytime) at www.federalnewsradio.com or 1050 AM in the Washington, D.C., area.
Programs are archived on the Federal News Radio Web site and can be heard on demand (available anytime) at http://www.
federalnewsradio.com/?nid=300. Federal News Radio is one of the most popular online news stations in the country, according
to the Baltimore Sun/New York Times Syndicate.
“Inside Government” is also available to more than 70 million iPod users through Apple’s iTunes music download software. The
program is available via podcast, located at the following link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.
woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=212048686. Users must install iTunes on their computers before accessing “Inside Government” via
podcast.
For more information, please e-mail InsideGovernment@afge.org or go to www.federalnewsradio.com.
April 29, 2008
Once again, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has called for an increase in Federal Protective Service staffing and increased FPS
presence in New York City Federal facilities. AFGE Local 918 commends Senator Clinton for all of her actions to date to ensure
safe and secure facilities in which Federal agencies, employees and visitors can conduct their business and to ensure FPS is
adequately staffed to prevent and deter crime and terrorist attacks at Federal facilities throughout New York and the United States.
In December of last year, Senator Clinton successfully included a bi-partisan amendment to the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations
bill to stop the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to downsize the Federal Protective Service from moving forward. Senator
Clinton’s amendment also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to restore the number of full time FPS staff to a minimum
of 1,200 and 900 full time Police Officers, Inspectors, Area Commanders and Special Agents who will be directly engaged on a
daily basis protecting and enforcing laws at Federal Buildings.
Read Senator Clinton's entire statement here.
Thank You, Senator Clinton!
April 24, 2008
The Unpaid Lunch Period Claims page of our website has been updated. Please be patient as we carefully review our options in
this matter.
April 16, 2008
New Memorandum of Understanding between AFGE National, AFGE Local 918 and AFGE Council 118 has been posted in the
members-private area. (Members Only)
April 9, 2008
The Majority Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security, Chaired by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), released a report
entitled “The ICE Halloween Party: Trick, Treat, or Cover-up?”.
The report explores the 2007 ICE Halloween party where an employee who wore a costume composed of a prison uniform,
dreadlocks and skin-darkening make-up was awarded a prize for “most original costume” by Assistant Secretary Julie Myers and
other senior ICE officials. The report finds that Myers was not forthcoming about the existence of photographs of the party, ordered
the destruction of the photographs, and ordered the sanctioning and relocation of an employee to conceal the details of the party.
CNN has published a story on its website about this Report.
April 9, 2008
FPS Inspectors: The unpaid lunch period website has been updated. The 30-minute arbitration table has been replaced. Please
use this new version and discard the previous version.
April 8, 2008
Members: There is a General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 6PM ET. All dues paying members are
encouraged to attend. Teleconference information is available on the Bulletin Board or from your Regional Vice President.
April 5, 2008
Attention current & former FPS Inspectors: Check out our FLSA website for information on filing claims for unpaid lunch periods.
AFGE Local 918-FPS is assisting all current and former FPS Inspectors with recovering pay that they may be entitled to as a result
of being required to work a half-hour pay day.
April 4, 2008
The next Executive Board meeting will be held on April 8, 2008 at 6PM ET. This meeting is limited to Local 918 Executive Board
members only.
The next General membership will be held on April 9, 2008 at 6PM ET. All dues paying members may attend.
A Special Membership Meeting will be held on April 16, 2008 at 6 PM ET. The Agenda includes the nomination of Delegates to the
District Caucus and other related purposes. All dues paying members may attend.
Teleconference information for all meetings is available on the Members Bulletin Board or members may contact their Regional
Vice President for information.
April 4, 2008
The new Constitution & Bylaws were approved in a General Membership meeting. A copy is posted in the Members-Private area.
April 3, 2008
All members are reminded of the April 4, 2008 membership meeting regarding the Constitution & Bylaws. Members may call in
using the teleconference number and code provided to each member in a mailing last month. Members may contact their
Regional Vice-Presidents for additional information.
March 16, 2008
Lou Dobbs Tonight: Homeland Insecurity: Federal Buildings at Risk. CNN has learned dramatic details about how federal
buildings are at risk due to cutbacks. CNN's Jeanne Meserve reports. AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright was
interviewed for this story Watch the report here.
March 15, 2008
ABC15 has a follow-up story on FPS on its website. Read it here.
March 14, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright was interviewed by CNN on the current financial and staffing crisis within FPS. Read
the story at CNN.com.
The AFGE Local 918-FPS Blog has been updated with information on the FPS Director's recent message to FPS stakeholders. As
an FPS stakeholder, AFGE Local 918-FPS is troubled about the Director's misleading message. It is time for change within FPS.
Read our blog for more information.
February 26, 2008
Press Release: AFGE Local 918 is pleased the Bush Administration is complying with the law enacted by Congress last year
requiring DHS to provide 900 law enforcement personnel at FPS. But we are disappointed that the Department continues to
believe all of these personnel should be "Inspectors" rather than "Police Officers". AFGE Local 918 believes that Police Officers
are the first line of defense against terrorist and criminal attacks at Federal properties throughout the nation. Evidently the
Department does not share that belief. AFGE Local 918 anticipates that when the GAO report comes out in May, it will offer a more
rational view of this agencies’ future mission.
February 18, 2008
AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright was interviewed for a story appearing in today's Federal Times. Read the story here:"
Cuts Hobble Federal Protective Service"
February 17, 2008
Check out our new blog at www.afgelocal918.org/blog
February 15, 2008
ABC News in Phoenix, AZ uncovered serious gaps in security. ABC News found that FPS was not conducting required security
assessments and wasting millions of dollars. AFGE Local 918 President David Wright, who was interviewed by ABC News, said
that "any major city could be at risk". See the full story here.
February 8, 2008 HOT!
The House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure Committee held a hearing today on the Government Accountability
Office Preliminary Observations on the Federal Protective Service's efforts to Protect Federal property. According to
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who chaired today's hearing, GAO's preliminary findings are so serious that they must
be made public. GAO's preliminary findings indicate that the downsizing of FPS may be placing Federal facilities at greater risk of
crime and terrorist attack. Ms. Holmes Norton stated that Congress cannot wait on FPS to become a debacle like that of FEMA a
few years ago.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton issued a statement on a new Government Accountability Office study showing the devastating
impact of Bush Administration cuts to the Federal Protective Service. Senator Clinton said Congress "should be making sure the
FPS has the resources needed to do its job effectively not undercutting the safety and security of our federal workers and
facilities." Read more of the statement here.
February 7, 2008
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency
Management will hold a hearing on preliminary findings by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of what Norton says is
"shocking deterioration and use for non-police functions of the Federal Protective Service, charged with security and safety
functions for one million federal employees and sites." The hearing will take place on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 9 AM in 2167 of
the Rayburn House Office Building. Norton said that when the GAO informed the Subcommittee of its preliminary findings, she
believed she could not "sit on them."
Read more of the statement here.
January 7, 2008
AFGE Local 918 President and Council 118 Vice-President David Wright along with the AFGE Council 118 bargaining team is in
Washington, DC this week continuing to negotiate a new bargaining agreement this week with ICE in Washington, D.C..
| 2008 NEWS & UPDATES ARCHIVE |
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| Copyright 2011: American Federation of Government Employees Local 918. All rights reserved. |
| AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES LOCAL 918-NATIONAL PROTECTION AND PROGRAMS DIRECTORATE Representing NPPD Employees Nationwide |
Governmental Affairs Committee reacted to a new Government
Accountability Office (GAO) report out today, done at their
request, revealing serious operational and management
challenges facing the Federal Protective Service (FPS). The
report revealed numerous challenges that inadequate staffing
and broken security equipment, as well as heavy reliance on
contract security guards who are not sworn law enforcement
officers and do not have arrest powers.
Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT), Chairman of the full
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said:
"The GAO report confirms our fears that the Federal Protective
Service faces a number of serious challenges that have a real
effect on its ability to protect federal buildings and employees.
Cuts in personnel as responsibilities increase, poor financial
management, and difficulties with its contract guard program
have plagued the FPS and contributed to declining morale,
performance, and safety. These problems didn't spring up
overnight and they can't be fixed overnight, but I am committed
to working with DHS and the FPS to address these challenges."
Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME), Ranking Member of the full
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said:
"FPS is a key component of our nation's security and must be
able to function effectively to carry out its important law
enforcement mission. While I am pleased that efforts have
been made to address financial concerns which are a root
cause of the problems facing FPS, GAO has identified many
other issues that must still be addressed. FPS no longer
proactively patrols federal facilities to detect and prevent
criminal incidents and terrorism-related activities. It has
reduced hours of operation in many locations and has
experienced difficulties maintaining security equipment such as
cameras, x-ray machines, and magnetometers. As a result,
other government agencies are not getting the security they pay
FPS to provide. I will continue to work with FPS and my
colleagues on the Committee to ensure FPS can protect our
federal building infrastructure."
Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Subcommittee
on Oversight of Government Management, said: "Unfortunately,
in recent years it has become clear that federal buildings may
be attractive targets for terrorists. Despite the catastrophic
attack that led to the creation of the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), this GAO report makes clear that FPS was
weakened rather than strengthened by its transition to DHS and
that federal buildings remain vulnerable to terrorism and other
crime. GAO reports that at one high-risk federal building, less
than ten percent of the security cameras worked properly. GAO
investigators also learned of x-ray machines, magnetometers,
FPS radios, and other equipment broken for months or years in
federal buildings. I am also concerned that FPS restricted
employee training, overtime, hiring, promotions, and bonuses
to reduce its costs. I will work to see that Congress continues to
focus attention and resources on this issue." FPS was
transferred from the General Services Administration to DHS in
2003."
Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, said:
"The GAO report that prompted this hearing paints a troubling
picture of operational challenges, management problems and
poor coordination inside and outside of FPS. Specifically,
funding problems and FPS led to poorly timed cuts in funding
for training and retention bonuses - at a time when FPS needed
it most. Questions of equitability also exist in FPS' formula for
charging tenant agencies a basic security fee, and FPS has little
resources to collect information on its own effectiveness. I
question why FPS hasn't adopted the risk based model DHS
uses in allocating homeland security grants. This is a precursor
for inefficiency and waste."
Tomorrow, Senators Akaka and Voinovich will lead a hearing of
the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government
Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of
Columbia to review the GAO report. The hearing entitled
"Management Challenges Facing the Federal Protective
Service: What is at Risk?" will take place at 2:00 p.m. in SD-342.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report is entitled:
The Federal Protective Service Faces Several Challenges that
Hamper its Ability to Protect Federal Facilities (GAO 08-683). It
was requested by Sens. Lieberman, Collins, Akaka, and
Voinovich in February 2007.
FPS is responsible for protecting approximately 9,000
properties that are owned or leased by the federal government
from terrorism and other criminal activity. Approximately 1,100
FPS employees and 15,000 contract security guards protect the
more than one million federal workers who spend their days in
these buildings, in addition to millions of Americans who visit
for government services, as tourists, or for other reasons.
Accountability Office (GAO) report out today, done at their
request, revealing serious operational and management
challenges facing the Federal Protective Service (FPS). The
report revealed numerous challenges that inadequate staffing
and broken security equipment, as well as heavy reliance on
contract security guards who are not sworn law enforcement
officers and do not have arrest powers.
Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT), Chairman of the full
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said:
"The GAO report confirms our fears that the Federal Protective
Service faces a number of serious challenges that have a real
effect on its ability to protect federal buildings and employees.
Cuts in personnel as responsibilities increase, poor financial
management, and difficulties with its contract guard program
have plagued the FPS and contributed to declining morale,
performance, and safety. These problems didn't spring up
overnight and they can't be fixed overnight, but I am committed
to working with DHS and the FPS to address these challenges."
Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME), Ranking Member of the full
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said:
"FPS is a key component of our nation's security and must be
able to function effectively to carry out its important law
enforcement mission. While I am pleased that efforts have
been made to address financial concerns which are a root
cause of the problems facing FPS, GAO has identified many
other issues that must still be addressed. FPS no longer
proactively patrols federal facilities to detect and prevent
criminal incidents and terrorism-related activities. It has
reduced hours of operation in many locations and has
experienced difficulties maintaining security equipment such as
cameras, x-ray machines, and magnetometers. As a result,
other government agencies are not getting the security they pay
FPS to provide. I will continue to work with FPS and my
colleagues on the Committee to ensure FPS can protect our
federal building infrastructure."
Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Subcommittee
on Oversight of Government Management, said: "Unfortunately,
in recent years it has become clear that federal buildings may
be attractive targets for terrorists. Despite the catastrophic
attack that led to the creation of the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), this GAO report makes clear that FPS was
weakened rather than strengthened by its transition to DHS and
that federal buildings remain vulnerable to terrorism and other
crime. GAO reports that at one high-risk federal building, less
than ten percent of the security cameras worked properly. GAO
investigators also learned of x-ray machines, magnetometers,
FPS radios, and other equipment broken for months or years in
federal buildings. I am also concerned that FPS restricted
employee training, overtime, hiring, promotions, and bonuses
to reduce its costs. I will work to see that Congress continues to
focus attention and resources on this issue." FPS was
transferred from the General Services Administration to DHS in
2003."
Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, said:
"The GAO report that prompted this hearing paints a troubling
picture of operational challenges, management problems and
poor coordination inside and outside of FPS. Specifically,
funding problems and FPS led to poorly timed cuts in funding
for training and retention bonuses - at a time when FPS needed
it most. Questions of equitability also exist in FPS' formula for
charging tenant agencies a basic security fee, and FPS has little
resources to collect information on its own effectiveness. I
question why FPS hasn't adopted the risk based model DHS
uses in allocating homeland security grants. This is a precursor
for inefficiency and waste."
Tomorrow, Senators Akaka and Voinovich will lead a hearing of
the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government
Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of
Columbia to review the GAO report. The hearing entitled
"Management Challenges Facing the Federal Protective
Service: What is at Risk?" will take place at 2:00 p.m. in SD-342.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report is entitled:
The Federal Protective Service Faces Several Challenges that
Hamper its Ability to Protect Federal Facilities (GAO 08-683). It
was requested by Sens. Lieberman, Collins, Akaka, and
Voinovich in February 2007.
FPS is responsible for protecting approximately 9,000
properties that are owned or leased by the federal government
from terrorism and other criminal activity. Approximately 1,100
FPS employees and 15,000 contract security guards protect the
more than one million federal workers who spend their days in
these buildings, in addition to millions of Americans who visit
for government services, as tourists, or for other reasons.
| June 18, 2008 FPS UNION: AGENCY IS SINKING FAST AFGE Local President Urges Congress to Intervene |
(WASHINGTON)—Calling the Federal Protective Service “a
Infrastructure Subcommittee on Public Buildings about a new
GAO report released today that describes a critical homeland
security agency in a shambles.
“I am shocked at the leadership failure by the [FPS],
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of
Management and Budget, which increased the risk of criminal
and terrorist attack on federal employees, facilities and
members of the public, by gutting the FPS in the FY08 budget to
roughly the same number of field staff that existed at the time of
the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995,” Wright told Committee
members.
“If one of our local unions had performed in such a manner with
respect to carrying out its mission and responsibilities, it would
have been put into trusteeship,” Wright added. “It is clear to us
that we need Congress to act as a trustee for the Federal
Protective Service.”
Wright urged the Committee to increase the number of
authorized personnel from its current level of 1200 by
approximately 400 for next year. AFGE opposes the effort by
ICE, which oversees FPS, to eliminate police officers and other
law enforcement personnel and create an all-inspector work
force. Wright calls the ICE effort “a mistake,” stating “while there
are more than 1,600 Capitol Police with a budget of $281
million to protect a 12-block radius including the Capitol and
congressional offices, in FY08, all of FPS is projected to have
just 1,200 personnel and approximately $238 million
nationwide. Furthermore, the Secret Service has more than
1,300 officers in its Uniformed Division to protect its assigned
facilities in Washington, D.C., and the Veterans Health
Administration has more than 2,500 police officers protecting
its 154 medical centers nationwide … All these agencies use
extensive proactive patrol by police officers to detect and deter
attack—the very critical activities GAO found missing in FPS.”
AFGE also urged the Committee to restore the 10 percent cut in
retention pay on employees and provide full law enforcement
retirement benefits for FPS law enforcement personnel not now
eligible. It also voiced strong objections to the FPS funding
formula, which relies entirely on the square footage
measurement of federal buildings to determine the fee paid to
FPS.
“ In today’s post- 9/11 world, it makes virtually no sense to rely
upon a square footage based fee to entirely determine funding
for the FPS,” Wright said. “While AFGE does not oppose the
continued funding of some optional FPS services through this
mechanism, we strongly believe that most activities of FPS can
and should be funded through annual appropriations. The
current funding formula is a root cause of the problems at FPS
and it is in desperate need of reform.”
In addition to today’s testimony, Wright will go before the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the
Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia on June 19 to
discuss “Management Challenges Facing the FPS: What is at
Risk”
Infrastructure Subcommittee on Public Buildings about a new
GAO report released today that describes a critical homeland
security agency in a shambles.
“I am shocked at the leadership failure by the [FPS],
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of
Management and Budget, which increased the risk of criminal
and terrorist attack on federal employees, facilities and
members of the public, by gutting the FPS in the FY08 budget to
roughly the same number of field staff that existed at the time of
the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995,” Wright told Committee
members.
“If one of our local unions had performed in such a manner with
respect to carrying out its mission and responsibilities, it would
have been put into trusteeship,” Wright added. “It is clear to us
that we need Congress to act as a trustee for the Federal
Protective Service.”
Wright urged the Committee to increase the number of
authorized personnel from its current level of 1200 by
approximately 400 for next year. AFGE opposes the effort by
ICE, which oversees FPS, to eliminate police officers and other
law enforcement personnel and create an all-inspector work
force. Wright calls the ICE effort “a mistake,” stating “while there
are more than 1,600 Capitol Police with a budget of $281
million to protect a 12-block radius including the Capitol and
congressional offices, in FY08, all of FPS is projected to have
just 1,200 personnel and approximately $238 million
nationwide. Furthermore, the Secret Service has more than
1,300 officers in its Uniformed Division to protect its assigned
facilities in Washington, D.C., and the Veterans Health
Administration has more than 2,500 police officers protecting
its 154 medical centers nationwide … All these agencies use
extensive proactive patrol by police officers to detect and deter
attack—the very critical activities GAO found missing in FPS.”
AFGE also urged the Committee to restore the 10 percent cut in
retention pay on employees and provide full law enforcement
retirement benefits for FPS law enforcement personnel not now
eligible. It also voiced strong objections to the FPS funding
formula, which relies entirely on the square footage
measurement of federal buildings to determine the fee paid to
FPS.
“ In today’s post- 9/11 world, it makes virtually no sense to rely
upon a square footage based fee to entirely determine funding
for the FPS,” Wright said. “While AFGE does not oppose the
continued funding of some optional FPS services through this
mechanism, we strongly believe that most activities of FPS can
and should be funded through annual appropriations. The
current funding formula is a root cause of the problems at FPS
and it is in desperate need of reform.”
In addition to today’s testimony, Wright will go before the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the
Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia on June 19 to
discuss “Management Challenges Facing the FPS: What is at
Risk”
February 26, 2008
Press Release: From David Wright, President AFGE Local 918:
AFGE Local 918 is pleased the Bush Administration is
complying with the law enacted by Congress last year requiring
the Department of Homeland Security to provide 900 law
enforcement personnel at the Federal Protective Service. But
we are disappointed that the Department continues to believe
all of these personnel should be "Inspectors" rather than
"Police Officers". AFGE Local 918 believes that Police Officers
are the first line of defense against terrorist and criminal attacks
at Federal properties throughout the nation. Evidently the
Department does not share that belief. I anticipate that when
the Government Accounting Office report comes out in May, it
will offer a more rational view of the future mission and direction
of the Federal Protective Service.
Press Release: From David Wright, President AFGE Local 918:
AFGE Local 918 is pleased the Bush Administration is
complying with the law enacted by Congress last year requiring
the Department of Homeland Security to provide 900 law
enforcement personnel at the Federal Protective Service. But
we are disappointed that the Department continues to believe
all of these personnel should be "Inspectors" rather than
"Police Officers". AFGE Local 918 believes that Police Officers
are the first line of defense against terrorist and criminal attacks
at Federal properties throughout the nation. Evidently the
Department does not share that belief. I anticipate that when
the Government Accounting Office report comes out in May, it
will offer a more rational view of the future mission and direction
of the Federal Protective Service.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight of
Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the
District of Columbia held a hearing on this date on:
Management Challenges Facing the Federal
Protective Service: What is at Risk?
View the statement of Senator Daniel K. Akaka
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Mark Goldstein, GAO Director
of Physical Security Issues
View the Written Testimony of David Wright, President, AFGE
Local 918-FPS
June 18, 2008
The House of Representatives, Transportation & Infrastructure
Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public
Buildings and Emergency Management held a Hearing on this
date on: The Federal Protective Service: An
Agency in Need of Rebuilding
Watch a recording of the hearing.
Read additional information about the hearing
View the Opening Statement of Chairman James L. Oberstar
View the Opening Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor
Holmes Norton
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Mark Goldstein, GAO Director
of Physical Security Issues
View the Written Testimony of David Wright, President, AFGE
Local 918-FPS
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Gary Schenkel, Director,
Federal Protective Service
April 29, 2008
Senator Clinton Calls for Increased Presence of
Federal Protective Service at Federal Buildings
in the New York City Area
While Threat Levels Remain High, the Number of
Officers Protecting Federal Buildings Has Dropped
Agency Responsible for Protecting Federal Buildings
Throughout New York, Including the D'Amato Courthouse and
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, Has Suffered Severe Staffing
Cuts
Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called
on the Administration to address the drastic cuts that have been
made to the Federal Protective Service (FPS), which protects
Federal Buildings in New York City, Long Island, and
throughout the country. The Administration has been pushing a
proposal to eliminate and reassign hundreds of FPS personnel.
“The number of FPS officers protecting our critical federal
buildings should be going up, not down. FPS officers are being
stretched thin by the actions by the Bush Administration. The
New York City area remains one of highest risk places in the
nation. It simply doesn’t make sense that, when we are still at
risk, we are cutting staff at the only agency primarily responsible
for keeping our federal buildings safe,” Senator Clinton said.
According to the American Federation of Government
Employees (AFGE) the Metro New York District (including New
York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties) has suffered
significant personnel losses in recent years. In 2003, the Metro
New York District had 34 Police Officers and Supervisors.
Currently, Metro NY District has 4 Police Officers and 2
Sergeants. In addition, one Captain remains in service but is
dedicated almost entirely to administrative duties, and another
Sergeant administers the firearms range. In 2003, Metro NY
District had 33 non-supervisory uniformed law enforcement
personnel, of which 23 were Police Officers. Currently, Metro NY
District has 18 non-supervisory uniformed law enforcement
personnel which is nearly half the number in 2003. Of these 18,
only 4 are Police Officers. A recent Government Accountability
Office (GAO) report found that the cuts have not only led to
demoralization within the FPS but the potential to expose
federal facilities to a greater risk of attack.
In December of last year, Senator Clinton successfully included
a bi-partisan amendment to the FY2008 Omnibus
Appropriations bill to stop the Department of Homeland Security’
s plan to downsize the Federal Protective Service from moving
forward. Senator Clinton’s amendment also requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to restore the number of full
time FPS staff to a minimum of 1,200 and 900 full time Police
Officers, Inspectors, Area Commanders and Special Agents
who will be directly engaged on a daily basis protecting and
enforcing laws at Federal Buildings.
“We have been sounding the alarm about the reductions in FPS
personnel for some time and yet the cuts continue,” Senator
Clinton said. “While Congress managed to put a stop to the
Administration’s plans to downsize the FPS, we have heard
nothing about how they plan to build the agency up to where it
was in 2003.”
FPS Union President David Wright stated that the Bush
Administration has waged war on the Federal Protective Service
ever since its integration into the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) in March 2003. "FPS is an integral part of the
nation’s homeland security safety net. The failure of the
Administration embrace the criticality of the FPS Mission is
inexcusable. Senator Clinton's efforts to remedy the problems
at the Congressional level are much appreciated by the rank
and file law enforcement officers of FPS," Wright said.
According to the General Services Administration, the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Protective
Service (FPS) provides law enforcement and security services
to over one million tenants and daily visitors to federally owned
and leased facilities nationwide. The Federal Protective Service
(FPS) protects federal buildings and the employees within them
through measures such as risk assessment, security and
surveillance support, and safety education. In addition, FPS
performs several roles such as keeping the public safe while in
a federal building.
Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight of
Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the
District of Columbia held a hearing on this date on:
Management Challenges Facing the Federal
Protective Service: What is at Risk?
View the statement of Senator Daniel K. Akaka
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Mark Goldstein, GAO Director
of Physical Security Issues
View the Written Testimony of David Wright, President, AFGE
Local 918-FPS
June 18, 2008
The House of Representatives, Transportation & Infrastructure
Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public
Buildings and Emergency Management held a Hearing on this
date on: The Federal Protective Service: An
Agency in Need of Rebuilding
Watch a recording of the hearing.
Read additional information about the hearing
View the Opening Statement of Chairman James L. Oberstar
View the Opening Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor
Holmes Norton
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Mark Goldstein, GAO Director
of Physical Security Issues
View the Written Testimony of David Wright, President, AFGE
Local 918-FPS
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Gary Schenkel, Director,
Federal Protective Service
April 29, 2008
Senator Clinton Calls for Increased Presence of
Federal Protective Service at Federal Buildings
in the New York City Area
While Threat Levels Remain High, the Number of
Officers Protecting Federal Buildings Has Dropped
Agency Responsible for Protecting Federal Buildings
Throughout New York, Including the D'Amato Courthouse and
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, Has Suffered Severe Staffing
Cuts
Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called
on the Administration to address the drastic cuts that have been
made to the Federal Protective Service (FPS), which protects
Federal Buildings in New York City, Long Island, and
throughout the country. The Administration has been pushing a
proposal to eliminate and reassign hundreds of FPS personnel.
“The number of FPS officers protecting our critical federal
buildings should be going up, not down. FPS officers are being
stretched thin by the actions by the Bush Administration. The
New York City area remains one of highest risk places in the
nation. It simply doesn’t make sense that, when we are still at
risk, we are cutting staff at the only agency primarily responsible
for keeping our federal buildings safe,” Senator Clinton said.
According to the American Federation of Government
Employees (AFGE) the Metro New York District (including New
York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties) has suffered
significant personnel losses in recent years. In 2003, the Metro
New York District had 34 Police Officers and Supervisors.
Currently, Metro NY District has 4 Police Officers and 2
Sergeants. In addition, one Captain remains in service but is
dedicated almost entirely to administrative duties, and another
Sergeant administers the firearms range. In 2003, Metro NY
District had 33 non-supervisory uniformed law enforcement
personnel, of which 23 were Police Officers. Currently, Metro NY
District has 18 non-supervisory uniformed law enforcement
personnel which is nearly half the number in 2003. Of these 18,
only 4 are Police Officers. A recent Government Accountability
Office (GAO) report found that the cuts have not only led to
demoralization within the FPS but the potential to expose
federal facilities to a greater risk of attack.
In December of last year, Senator Clinton successfully included
a bi-partisan amendment to the FY2008 Omnibus
Appropriations bill to stop the Department of Homeland Security’
s plan to downsize the Federal Protective Service from moving
forward. Senator Clinton’s amendment also requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to restore the number of full
time FPS staff to a minimum of 1,200 and 900 full time Police
Officers, Inspectors, Area Commanders and Special Agents
who will be directly engaged on a daily basis protecting and
enforcing laws at Federal Buildings.
“We have been sounding the alarm about the reductions in FPS
personnel for some time and yet the cuts continue,” Senator
Clinton said. “While Congress managed to put a stop to the
Administration’s plans to downsize the FPS, we have heard
nothing about how they plan to build the agency up to where it
was in 2003.”
FPS Union President David Wright stated that the Bush
Administration has waged war on the Federal Protective Service
ever since its integration into the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) in March 2003. "FPS is an integral part of the
nation’s homeland security safety net. The failure of the
Administration embrace the criticality of the FPS Mission is
inexcusable. Senator Clinton's efforts to remedy the problems
at the Congressional level are much appreciated by the rank
and file law enforcement officers of FPS," Wright said.
According to the General Services Administration, the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Protective
Service (FPS) provides law enforcement and security services
to over one million tenants and daily visitors to federally owned
and leased facilities nationwide. The Federal Protective Service
(FPS) protects federal buildings and the employees within them
through measures such as risk assessment, security and
surveillance support, and safety education. In addition, FPS
performs several roles such as keeping the public safe while in
a federal building.
| July 8, 2009 Federal Buildings Too Vulnerable, Says FPS Union AFGE reacts to GAO report on FPS Contracting Failures |
(WASHINGTON)— Underfunding and mismanagement at the
Federal Protective Service have left our nation’s federal
buildings vulnerable, the American Federation of Government
Employees said today in response to a preliminary GAO report
on FPS.
“The GAO today confirmed what the members of AFGE’s FPS
Local 918 have been saying for years: The Federal Protective
Service is not meeting its mission requirements because it is
not getting the leadership or financial support it needs to do its
job effectively,” said David Wright, president of Local 918, which
covers FPS employees nationwide. “As a result, federal
buildings around the country are more vulnerable.
“Is it any wonder,” Wright continued, “that there have been
contracting and oversight failures when—from 2000 to 2009—
the number of contractors has increased from 7,300 to 15,000
and the number of FPS law enforcement officers has
decreased from 1400 to1200?”
Seeing a silver lining in this grim report, Wright said, “I see a
much brighter future for the FPS. The Obama administration
has taken the first crucial step by proposing the transfer of FPS
to the National Protection and Programs Directorate, which is a
more natural fit than the current overseer, Immigration and
Customs Enforcement. The move creates the opportunity FPS
needs to rebuild itself into the first class anti-crime and anti-
terrorism agency the nation requires.
“But the move is just a starting point, and we look forward to
working with Senators Lieberman, Collins and all members of
the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to
address the serious and long standing problems at FPS as
outlined in the GAO report,” Wright added.
“Our voice finally has been heard and a new day will be
dawning for this long ignored but truly mission critical federal
agency,” Wright said. “The beneficiaries are not just the
dedicated law enforcement officers who work for the FPS, but
also the many thousands of workers and visitors to federal
buildings and the American people who live and work near
those facilities.”
Federal Protective Service have left our nation’s federal
buildings vulnerable, the American Federation of Government
Employees said today in response to a preliminary GAO report
on FPS.
“The GAO today confirmed what the members of AFGE’s FPS
Local 918 have been saying for years: The Federal Protective
Service is not meeting its mission requirements because it is
not getting the leadership or financial support it needs to do its
job effectively,” said David Wright, president of Local 918, which
covers FPS employees nationwide. “As a result, federal
buildings around the country are more vulnerable.
“Is it any wonder,” Wright continued, “that there have been
contracting and oversight failures when—from 2000 to 2009—
the number of contractors has increased from 7,300 to 15,000
and the number of FPS law enforcement officers has
decreased from 1400 to1200?”
Seeing a silver lining in this grim report, Wright said, “I see a
much brighter future for the FPS. The Obama administration
has taken the first crucial step by proposing the transfer of FPS
to the National Protection and Programs Directorate, which is a
more natural fit than the current overseer, Immigration and
Customs Enforcement. The move creates the opportunity FPS
needs to rebuild itself into the first class anti-crime and anti-
terrorism agency the nation requires.
“But the move is just a starting point, and we look forward to
working with Senators Lieberman, Collins and all members of
the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to
address the serious and long standing problems at FPS as
outlined in the GAO report,” Wright added.
“Our voice finally has been heard and a new day will be
dawning for this long ignored but truly mission critical federal
agency,” Wright said. “The beneficiaries are not just the
dedicated law enforcement officers who work for the FPS, but
also the many thousands of workers and visitors to federal
buildings and the American people who live and work near
those facilities.”
| Senate Homeland Security Committee Introduces DHS Authorization Bill Includes key provisions for FPS to include increasedstaffing, enhanced retirement and off-duty carry among other issues September 26, 2008 |
On Friday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental
more effective and efficient Department of Homeland Security
as a guide for the next Administration and the 111th Congress.
The bill introduced Friday, represents the first Senate bill, the
Chairman and Ranking Member hope to improve the ability of
DHS to carry out its missions and become the mature and
effective Department the nation demands.
The bill represents a comprehensive package of homeland
issues related directly to the Federal Protective Service. Many of
these issues have been priority concerns of AFGE Local 918-
FPS members and as such the Local has vigorously pursued
to have these important issues included in the Senate’s DHS
authorization bill. These include enhanced law enforcement
retirement coverage, authorization for off-duty carry of firearms
and increased staffing for FPS. A summary of the FPS
authorization follows:
TITLE XI: FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE AUTHORIZATION
Section 1101. Authorization of Federal Protective Service
Personnel.
This section requires that the Secretary of Homeland Security
ensure that the Federal Protective Service (FPS) maintain no
fewer than 1200 FTE’s, including 900 law enforcement officers,
for FY2009, and no fewer than 1300 FTE’s, including 950 law
enforcement officers, for FY2010. It authorizes $650 million for
FY2009 and $675 million for FY 2010 for this purpose. This
section also requires the Secretary to submit a report to
Congress evaluating whether all, part, or none of the FPS’
budget should be funded by fee collections, direct
appropriations or some other funding mechanism. Currently,
the FPS is entirely fee funded.
Section 1102. Report on Personnel Needs of the Federal
Protective Service.
This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
study and report on the staffing needs of the FPS, including
recommendations on the level and composition of staffing
required to accomplish the missions of the FPS.
Section 1103. Authority for Federal Protective Service
Officers and Investigators to Carry Weapons During Off-Duty
Times. This section amends Section 1315(b)(2) of title 40 to
permit FPS law enforcement officers to carry weapons and
effect arrests during off-duty times. It does not extend the
jurisdiction of FPS law enforcement officers.
Section 1104. Amendments Relating to the Civil Service
Retirement System.
This section amends the Civil Service Retirement System to
provide law enforcement retirement benefits to FPS Police
Officers, Law Enforcement Security Officers/Inspectors, and
Criminal Investigators.
Section 1105. Federal Protective Service Contracts.
This section directs the Secretary of the Homeland Security to
promulgate regulations prohibiting the award of contracts for
guard services by the Federal Protective Service to any
business owned, controlled or operated by an individual
convicted of serious felonies.
This is just a first step. AFGE Local 918-FPS will continue to
pursue all options to ensure that these issues are formalized
into law. It is essential for the viability of FPS that these bill
becomes law. The inclusion of these provisions in the Senate’s
authorization bill would not be possible without the lobbying
and grassroots efforts of AFGE Local 918-FPS President David
Wright and other members of the Local’s Executive Board and
especially without the extraordinary efforts of our lobbyist, Eric
Shulman, who would not be possible without the dues-paying
members of the Local. In addition, the grassroots efforts our
members have made in contacting their Congressional
representatives have proved invaluable in achieving our goals
in Congress. AFGE Local 918-FPS thanks all of our dues-
paying members for their hard work and support of the union.
more effective and efficient Department of Homeland Security
as a guide for the next Administration and the 111th Congress.
The bill introduced Friday, represents the first Senate bill, the
Chairman and Ranking Member hope to improve the ability of
DHS to carry out its missions and become the mature and
effective Department the nation demands.
The bill represents a comprehensive package of homeland
issues related directly to the Federal Protective Service. Many of
these issues have been priority concerns of AFGE Local 918-
FPS members and as such the Local has vigorously pursued
to have these important issues included in the Senate’s DHS
authorization bill. These include enhanced law enforcement
retirement coverage, authorization for off-duty carry of firearms
and increased staffing for FPS. A summary of the FPS
authorization follows:
TITLE XI: FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE AUTHORIZATION
Section 1101. Authorization of Federal Protective Service
Personnel.
This section requires that the Secretary of Homeland Security
ensure that the Federal Protective Service (FPS) maintain no
fewer than 1200 FTE’s, including 900 law enforcement officers,
for FY2009, and no fewer than 1300 FTE’s, including 950 law
enforcement officers, for FY2010. It authorizes $650 million for
FY2009 and $675 million for FY 2010 for this purpose. This
section also requires the Secretary to submit a report to
Congress evaluating whether all, part, or none of the FPS’
budget should be funded by fee collections, direct
appropriations or some other funding mechanism. Currently,
the FPS is entirely fee funded.
Section 1102. Report on Personnel Needs of the Federal
Protective Service.
This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
study and report on the staffing needs of the FPS, including
recommendations on the level and composition of staffing
required to accomplish the missions of the FPS.
Section 1103. Authority for Federal Protective Service
Officers and Investigators to Carry Weapons During Off-Duty
Times. This section amends Section 1315(b)(2) of title 40 to
permit FPS law enforcement officers to carry weapons and
effect arrests during off-duty times. It does not extend the
jurisdiction of FPS law enforcement officers.
Section 1104. Amendments Relating to the Civil Service
Retirement System.
This section amends the Civil Service Retirement System to
provide law enforcement retirement benefits to FPS Police
Officers, Law Enforcement Security Officers/Inspectors, and
Criminal Investigators.
Section 1105. Federal Protective Service Contracts.
This section directs the Secretary of the Homeland Security to
promulgate regulations prohibiting the award of contracts for
guard services by the Federal Protective Service to any
business owned, controlled or operated by an individual
convicted of serious felonies.
This is just a first step. AFGE Local 918-FPS will continue to
pursue all options to ensure that these issues are formalized
into law. It is essential for the viability of FPS that these bill
becomes law. The inclusion of these provisions in the Senate’s
authorization bill would not be possible without the lobbying
and grassroots efforts of AFGE Local 918-FPS President David
Wright and other members of the Local’s Executive Board and
especially without the extraordinary efforts of our lobbyist, Eric
Shulman, who would not be possible without the dues-paying
members of the Local. In addition, the grassroots efforts our
members have made in contacting their Congressional
representatives have proved invaluable in achieving our goals
in Congress. AFGE Local 918-FPS thanks all of our dues-
paying members for their hard work and support of the union.