Our DEEPEST Thanks to SULLIVAN & GALLESHAW

Our DEEPEST Thanks to SULLIVAN & GALLESHAW
Please visit and THANK the attorneys at Sullivan & Galleshaw, especially Keith Sullivan and Jay Galleshaw, whose pro bono assistance has been absolutely INVALUABLE!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Staying in the Loop...


















I have been meaning to keep all the Reps updated as frequently as I can but have failed miserably up to this point. While this message really doesn't contain anything new, a few of you have wondered what you could be doing to help the cause. Here's a list:

- Push our t-shirts. Bob Eustace's cell number is 917-292-7802

- Push the MADD FD shirts. Richie Solero's cell number is 516-383-6177 (for either shirt start your own sign up sheet and try to have as big an order as possible when you call).

* Read the posts on our site; they provide great ammunition for you to use in a debate or when writing a letter to the editor.

* When debating, remember you can disagree without being disagreeable.

* Always wear the proper work duty uniform on duty, but the t-shirts mentioned above can be worn off-duty anywhere.

* If you have questions, or disagree with something said at EEO training, speak up and encourage others to do the same. Silence is consent. Utilize the points made in our posts. Equal Employment Opportunity should mean Equal Employment Opportunity.

* Realize (as I know you do), and let others know, that Merit Matters is open to anyone. While we may disagree with what the leadership of a group may do or say, we do not treat people based on their membership in a group but as individuals.

* We know many are eager to become members and are eager to pay dues; we are working on this.

* Be our eyes and ears, and encourage others to do the same. Forward anything you think we should see, or call my cell 516-848-9847. We keep all confidential. We don't follow a chain of command, and no one should hesitate to call.


That's it for now. Stay safe. Have a good weekend, and say a prayer for our service men and women this Memorial Day.


Paul Mannix

Friday, May 11, 2012

To Our Representatives, THANKS for Stepping Up...



 









First, I'd like to once again thank you for stepping up and helping us in our efforts.

I've joked that you now have a target on your backs, but I'm only half-joking when I say that. Happily, there are protections available to you (and us) and we will not be shy about demanding they be enforced.

One of these is Department Order 72/2011, SDO 57 "Fire Department's EEO Anti- Retaliation Policy". This Order reminds all that, among other things, this Policy "extends to all persons who are involved with...litigation filed by the Department of Justice and the Vulcan Society against the City of New York and the FDNY". Merit Matters has Amicus status in that litigation and submitted an Amicus brief in support of the City's appeal. It may not have been written with us in mind but that is irrelevant and, again, we will not be shy about demanding (as we have done since we were first created) equal treatment for all.

We do not recommend and will not support any abuse of these protections, but if you believe you are being targeted, threatened, intimidated or treated differently because of your position with Merit Matters let us know. There are many options available to address this separate and distinct from the FDNY EEO Unit and we can guide you in accessing them.

Stay safe.


Paul Mannix

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Congrats to Richie Solero....and Buy “MADD FD” Tee Shirts!





















Richie Solero (E-39 & Merit Matters 10th Battalion Rep) with Meredith Vieira






Merit Matters 10th Battallion Representative Richie Solero of E-39 competed succesfully on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" this week and we congratulate him. We also urge him to come out of his shell a little bit.

We also urge all to contact Richie to purchase those great "MADD FD" t-shirts (Minorities Against Dumbing Down the FD). He can be reached at 516-383-6177; try to put together a large order before calling him.

Exam 2000 Candidate Group meeting















There will be an Exam 2000 Candidate Group Meeting;
      Tuesday June 5, 2012 at 7:30 pm
      Jack Dempsey's
      33 Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
      Manhattan


      Merit Matters will attend and strongly recommends Candidates who took this test attend also to organize and protect your rights while recognizing your responsibilities.