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SCOTT H. DOBBINS President Local 1460 IAFF Marietta, Ga.
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President Scott Dobbins father dies
John Edward Dobbins, 79 of Marietta passed away, Sunday, January 4, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital from complications of cancer.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at New Providence Baptist Church in Marietta with Rev. Dr. Hugh Johnson and Rev. Dr. Larry Summerour officiating. Burial will follow at New Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years Shirley Summerour Dobbins, his three sons, John Sherman Dobbins; Scott Henry Dobbins & wife, Darleen; Stacy Edwards Dobbins & wife, Marci; four grandchildren, Sarah, Shelby, Little John and Liza, all of Marietta, and several nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his father, Wade S. Dobbins Sr., mother Beulah Ingram Dobbins, his sister, Virginia Hancock and a brother, Wade S. "Buck" Dobbins Jr.
Mr. Dobbins was born in the City of Marietta on April 23, 1929, the son of Wade S. Dobbins Sr. and Beulah Ingram Dobbins. He moved with his family to rural East Cobb in 1931. John was an Air Force Fireman during the Korean War and continued this path joining the Marietta Fire Department in 1952. He retired as an Assistant Chief in 1984. John was active in the community coaching youth baseball for the Eastside Baseball League for many years. He was a member of New Providence Baptist Church. John was an excellent carpenter and could repair just about anything, skills learned from growing up during the Great Depression. He liked to hunt, fish, and garden. John was also known as a good man that helped others and he will be dearly missed.
Contributions may be made to New Providence Baptist Church, Mission Fund, 3740 Providence Road, Marietta, GA 30062.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta. www.mayeswarddobbins.com
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Collective Bargaining
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Collective Bargaining
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (HR 814/ S 606)
The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (HR 814/ S 606) is designed to provide fire fighters and police officers with basic collective bargaining rights, without undermining state authority or existing state laws. The legislation establishes modest minimum standards to be included in state laws, while leaving decisions regarding implementation, enforcement and all significant details of such laws to the states.
This legislation would not affect a majority of states because their laws already meet or exceed the minimum standards. States that do not have such laws would be given the choice of either enacting a law or having the Federal Labor Relations Authority establish procedures for bargaining between public safety officers and public safety agencies in their state.
Recognizing the unique nature of public safety work, the legislation expressly outlaws strikes, and relies on negotiation to resolve disputes.
Specifically, the legislation:
Guarantees the right of public safety officers to form and join a union;
Guarantees the right to bargain collectively over hours, wages and conditions of employment;
Provides for enforcement of contracts through state courts;
Protects all existing certification, recognitions, elections, and collective bargaining agreements or memorandums or understanding;
Outlaws strikes and provides for dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation, fact finding or arbitration to resolve disputes;
Exempts all states with a state bargaining law for public safety officers equal to or greater than the federal law;
Provides states maximum flexibility in implementing a basic collective bargaining law;
Protects state right-to-work laws;
Protects the rights of volunteer fire fighters.
Collective Bargaining FAQ
What is Collective Bargaining? Collective Bargaining is a right that is enjoyed by all private sector, federal, most state and local government employees across the United States, even MARTA employees. Collective bargaining allows employers and employees to meet, discuss and agree to issues relating to wages, benefits, and working conditions. Both parties are to work in good faith towards working out differences.
Does Georgia allow Collective Bargaining?
Yes, the Georgia law (Firefighters Mediation Act Chapter 25-5-1) does allow firefighters to join labor union and enter into contracts with local municipalities having over 20,000 citizens. The contract is for 1year. Unfortunately the state legislature allows municipalities to decide whether they will enter into collective bargaining.
Will firefighters strike?
The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (HR814/S 606) also mandates that firefighters will not strike, work slowdowns or stoppages. Firefighters do not want this because our job is to protect lives and property or the public.
Will collective bargaining cost money?
No, currently firefighters can only go to state or federal court to solve issues that effect wages, benefits or working conditions. Going to court cost the citizens more to litigate issues than to meet and work out problems between firefighters and management. When issues are worked out is cost the citizens less in tax dollars for lawyers and legal fees. The issues are also solved more quickly than going through the already clogged legal system, which saves on possible future costs of paying a settlement.
What can I do to help?
It is important to let those who support firefighters in Georgia know that you appreciate them and support them. Write a thank you note to the senators and representatives who support collective bargaining for firefighters. Let them know that firefighters are important to the state of Georgia.
Secondly we need to let those who do not want firefighters to have collective bargaining rights know that we need this legislation. Unfortunately, the Republican delegation from Georgia does not want to support firefighters and their right to meet with their employer and work out differences stemming from wages, benefits and working conditions. Write to your representatives to let them know that collective bargaining is important to you and ask them to either become a co-sponsor or support the Public Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (HR 814). To write your representative click here.
Any questions about Collective Bargaining or any other political issues please contact:
Scott Dobbins, President
November 29, 2006
Atlanta Firefighter Looses Battle for Life
After Receiving Injuries from House Fire
ATLANTA FIREFIGHTER STEVEN SOLOMON DIES AFTER NEARLY SIX (6) DAYS
IN GRADY HOSPITAL'S BURN CENTER
Atlanta
After nearly six (6) days in the Burn Unit of Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta Firefighter Steven Solomon lost the battle
for his life during the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 29, 2006. He received life threatening injuries from
fighting a blaze on Thanksgiving evening in N.W. Atlanta. After a thorough investigation, Atlanta Fire Investigators
have ruled the fire to be accidental. Fire Investigators have determined that an unattended candle which was left by
vagrants was the culprit.
Firefighter Steven Solomon, a veteran firefighter, had been with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for approximately
four (4) months. He had previously been employed for about six (6) years with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.
Firefighter Solomon and his family were in the process of transitioning to the Metro-Atlanta Area from the Warner Robins, GA..
During his hospitalization, Firefighter Solomon and his family were surrounded by Firefighters from Atlanta as well as
Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service workers from across the state. Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin said,
"We have truly lost a Hero tonight and one of Atlanta's Bravest Firefighter's".
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In Memory of Wayne Morgan |
Horace Wayne Morgan
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Mr. Horace Wayne Morgan, age 45, of Woodstock, passed away on September 12, 2006.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 2 o'clock pm in the
Reece Memorial Chapel of Woodstock Funeral Home. Rev. John Pope will be officiating.
Mr. Morgan was a firefighter for the City of Marietta for the past 24 years.
Survivors include: wife, Jeanine Morgan of Woodstock, GA; daughter, Jennifer K. Jones of
Woodstock, GA; sons, David Wesley Googe of Macon, GA, T. J. Jones of FL; mother, Sarah P. Morgan
of Acworth, GA; brother, Bryan Morgan of Woodstock, GA; grandchild, Selena Maria Lopez;
nephews, Clinton Morgan, Caleb Morgan.
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In Memory of James C. Carlisle
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James C. Carlisle
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Carlisle - Mr. James C. Carlisle, 63, a lifelong resident
of Cobb County, died August 20th, at home
surrounded by loving family and friends after a courageous
battle with cancer. Mr. Carlisle was a public
servant, retiring after 34 years with the City of Marietta
Fire Department as Station Commander. His giving
did not stop with his job, but was his way of life. He was
always the first to step up and offer help, but
never wanted to be in the limelight or ask for anything in
return.He is survived by his wife,
Janice Richards Carlisle of Acworth, three daughters, Kathy
and Peter Velasquez of Riverview, Fl.,
Jannah and Ed Bryant of Marietta, and Lynn Carlisle of
Marietta. Three stepchildren, Steve Collins of
Acworth, Chris Collins of Woodstock, and Sherri Clanton of
Augusta. Sister, Nell and Ronnie Brownell of Big Canoe,
brother, Larry C. Carlisle of Taylorsville, 7
grandchildren, and 4 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in
death
by his father and mother, Roy C. Carlisle and Hazel R.
Carlisle.
The family will receive friends at Carmichael Funeral Home
on Whitlock Ave. in Marietta from 6:00 pm until
8:00 pm Mon. August 21st and 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Tues.
Aug 22nd. Visitation will be on Wed. Aug. 23rd
from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm with services at 2:00 pm with
the Rev. Tommy Merritt officiating at Carmichael
Funeral Home in Marietta. In lieu of flowers the family has
asked that memorial gifts be made to WellStar
Kennestone Community Hospice, Memorial - James C. Carlisle,
4040 Hospital Dr., Austell, GA 30106-1117
or the American Cancer Society of Georgia, Memorial - James
C. Carlisle, 1825 Barrett Lakes Blvd.,
Suite 280, Kennesaw, GA 30144. |
Judge upholds discipline of Fire
Fighter |
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By Katie Fallon
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
MARIETTA - Cobb County Superior Court Judge Robert Flournoy
on Thursday upheld
the City of Marietta's disciplinary actions against a
suspended firefighter who
refused to work overtime. Benjamin Martin was a 22-year
veteran of the Marietta Fire
Department when on Oct. 29, 2005, he was asked to work a
second 24-hour shift after he
already worked a 24-hour shift. Martin said he was too sick
to work the second shift,
and on Jan. 23, Fire Chief Jackie Gibbs suspended Martin
without pay for three 24-hour
shifts for failure to work assigned hours, including
assigned overtime, negligence in
performing assigned duties and insubordination. On March
29, Marietta City Manager Bill
Bruton upheld Chief Gibbs' decision, but reduced the
suspension to two 24-hour shifts
and dismissed the insubordination charge. In that decision,
he said Martin had not proven
he was sick.
"Martin did not present any medical evidence to verify his
assertion that he had a medical
condition that prevented him from working," Bruton said. On
Thursday, Martin's attorney Mary Huber
said Flournoy's decision is not necessarily the end of the
road."We're, of course, not happy
with the judge's decision, but we still have appeal
options," Ms. Huber said.
Martin has since returned to duty with the department.
Ms. Huber said she does not yet know if Martin will take
his case to the Georgia Court of
Appeals. She said the local firefighters union has been
paying Martin's legal fees and
the union might not be able to afford an appeal to the
higher court. Ms. Huber said Martin
is seeking to have his record cleared of the disciplinary
action and to be reimbursed for
the two 24-hour shifts he was not allowed to work.
She said in the daylong shift, Martin usually earns makes a
little more than $400.
Local 1460 Of the Internationakl Association of Fire
Fighters is consulting with the home office
in Washington D.C. Depending on the advice of the Legal
Council in Washington the Local will decide if this case is appealed. |
Judge to rule on suspended city
firefighter |
| By Katie Fallon Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
MARIETTA - A Cobb Superior Court judge will decide on an
appeal by a Marietta firefighter who was suspended in January
for
turning down overtime. City Manager Bill Bruton rejected
his appeal last month.
Benjamin Martin, 53, a 22-year veteran of the Marietta Fire
Department, was suspended late last year for a variety of
alleged
infractions. Around 7:15 a.m. Oct 29, Martin was in the
final 45 minutes of a 24-hour shift when his commander told
him he
would immediately have to start a second 24-hour shift at 8
a.m.
At that time, Martin's attorney, Mary Huber, said, Martin
told his commander he was too sick to work the second shift
and went
home.
On Jan. 23, Marietta Fire Chief Jackie Gibbs suspended
Martin without pay for three 24-hour shifts for failure to
work assigned
hours, including assigned overtime, negligence in
performing assigned duties and insubordination.
While Bruton upheld Martin's suspension, he reduced it
during a Feb. 16 personnel hearing. On March 29, Bruton upheld
charges
that Martin failed to work assigned hours and was negligent
in performing assigned duties, but he dismissed the
insubordination
accusation. He also reduced Martin's suspension to two
days.
Ms. Huber said she was unaware of any previous fire
department employees who were disciplined as severely as
Martin for not
working a shift due to illness.
Ms. Huber said Martin is asking a judge to set aside the
suspension.
"We are asking the superior court to uphold that," Ms.
Huber said.
Martin's attorney said they plan to contest results of the
personnel hearing because they believe they weren't based on
fact.
"We don't think the hearing's conclusions were correct,"
Ms. Huber said. "Basically, it is a matter of law."
Martin contends that he was not negligent in performing his
duties because he was not on duty for the shift he was
suspended
for missing.
In Bruton's March 29 decision, he said Martin should have
provided proof he was sick.
"Martin did not present any medical evidence to verify his
assertion that he had a medical condition that prevented him
from
working," Bruton said.
City officials have said although employees are not
required to submit proof of illness unless asked to do so, the
rule applies
because Martin did not phone in sick, but rather was on
duty and said he could not work. Meanwhile, Martin has
returned to active duty with the department, Ms. Huber said.
Overtime has been lessened because a formerly
short-staffed shift was balanced out.
If a judge upholds Bruton's decision, Ms. Huber said their
next step would be to go to the state Court of Appeals, but
that would
be at the discretion of the lower court.
The petition in superior court was filed April 26, but a
hearing date has not been set.
kfallon@mdjonline.com |
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Proposed PSOB Regulations Could Include
Coverage for Heart Attack and Stroke
July 28, 2005 After an 18th month delay, the Department
of Justice has finally issued proposed regulations
implementing the Hometown Heroes Act, which expands the Public
Safety Officer Benefit (PSOB) to fire fighters who die from a
heart attack or stroke suffered in the line of duty. The IAFF
will be carefully reviewing the draft regulations and
providing comments to ensure the interests of its members and
their families are protected.
The regulations provide that if a public safety officer
dies as a result of a heart attack or stroke, the death may be
presumed to have been the result of a personal injury
sustained in the line of duty. The law requires that the heart
attack or stroke occurred while the officer was on duty (or
within 24 hours of the end of the work shift) during which
time he or she engaged in an emergency response activity or
participated in a training exercise. Currently, the benefit
under the PSOB is $275,658.00 and this new provision will only
cover deaths occurring on or after December 15, 2003.
Three days after the legislation was signed into law,
Brother Thomas Brown of Baltimore County, MD Local 1311, died
in the line of duty from a heart attack. Since his death, 21
IAFF members have died in the line of duty from either a heart
attack or stroke. None of these families has received benefits
due to the delay in issuing these regulations, which is why
the IAFF, along with other fire service organizations, has
pressured the Bush administration to issue these regulations.
We are pleased that these regulations are finally
available for review, but it is deeply unfortunate that these
families have been put on hold for almost two years, says
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. The IAFF will be
reviewing these rules word by word to ensure they are
consistent with the letter of the law we worked so hard to
enact.
In addition to implementing the Hometown Heroes Act, the
regulations also address beneficiary changes to the PSOB as
required by the Mychal Judge Police and Fire Chaplains Safety
Officers Benefit Act. The legislation, named after FDNY
Chaplain Father Judge who was killed on September 11, 2001,
provides for coverage of fire chaplains and allows fire
fighters who do not have immediate family to bequeath the
benefit to a non-relative.
The proposed regulations also include certain technical and
administration changes to the way the program is administered.
The regulations have a 60-day public comment period, which
runs through September 26, 2005. Once the comment period
closes, the Department of Justice will review the comments and
make any changes it deems appropriate before issuing the final
rule. |
PSOB to Include Heart Attacks and Strokes
The IAFF won a significant victory as Congress passed the Hometown Heros Survivors Benefit
Act
(S.459). The legislation extends the Public Safety Officer Benefit to cover fire fighters
who die from heart attack or stroke suffered in the line of duty.
Under current law, families of public safety officers who die "as the direct and proximate
result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty" are eligible to receive a
one-time federal benefit in addition to any compensation provided by states or localities.
The Department of Justice, which administers the program, has interpreted the phrase
"direct and proximate" to cover heart attacks only when an autopsy shows a high level of
carbon monoxide in the blood. This narrow interpretation of the law has resulted in the
denial of benefits to hundreds of survivors of fallen fire fighters. In fact the
Department of Justice has never awarded benefits under this interpretation.
The new law directs the Justice Department to pay benefits for fatalities that result from
heart attack or stroke that occurs within 24 hours after engaging in any strenuous or
stressful emergency response or training activity.This President Bush signed this law
into effect on Dec 16, 2003.
SAFER Becomes Law
Federal dollars for more fire fighters
On Nov 24 2003 President Bush signed the annual Defense Authorization Bill, containing
funds to hire fire fighters. This bill addresses the fire service's most pressing issue:
Lack of staffing. The next step is to get Congress to appropriate funding. Once funded
local fire departments can apply directly for grants to hire fire fighters. Each
application covers a five year period, In the first four years, the federal government
provided a share of the fire fighter's compensation, and the locality must retain the
position for at least one additional year.The federal government will pick up 90 percent
of the cost in the first year, 80 percent in the second, 50 percent in the third and
30 percent in the fourth. The amount awarded for each position is $1000,00 over a four
year period based on an annual starting salary of $40,000. The $100,000 cap is indexed to
inflation, and will rise each year.
To: Members of Local 1460
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This is a letter to invite and encourage all of you to participate in your union. We are
basically a trade union. Our trade is fighting fire; we also wear many other hats.
According to Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary a trade union is, Any organized
association of workmen skilled in a trade, formed for their common interests. We have an
organized association but very few show up for the meetings. Our monthly meeting is the
forum for your concerns and issues to be heard. It is quite exasperating to see the same
faces at the meetings and to hear from others who are not at the meetings when there is
an issue of concern that they think the union should tackle. I know that our association
is not recognized by our city administration or the fire department but that doesn't mean
we can't be heard. If we were stronger and more united, our voice would be louder.
One of our biggest complaints over many years has been the morale of the men and women
of the department. We manage to stay together because we have to but not as a cohesive
team. Local 1460 has programs we would like to implement but without participation of
our membership they cannot go forward. Some calendar events to note are Love the Loop;
this is our clean up obligation on Cherokee Street that was suggested by one of our union
members and our quarterly union meeting at Rocco's Pub in Marietta. This meeting is a
time to blend business with pleasure and who doesn't want to eat and drink and someone
else pick up the tab. These are just a couple of ways for us to shape our own morale in
a positive way.
We are in the time of year when there are many activities going on within our family
circles, little league sports, softball, baseball, soccer, etc. This is also a time for
school graduations, proms and vacations. We even have some new additions to some
families. These are all important events and we don't want to miss them. Many also work
part-time jobs and the last thing we want to do when we reach home is go out again to a
union meeting. I don't, but I keep in mind that I am the union. We collectively are the
union. No one expects you to be at every meeting or function, but it would be encouraging
to those of us who make the effort to be involved to see some new faces. We are trying
to keep the torch lit but we can't do it by ourselves. Eventually, even the strongest
tire out.
I personally am looking forward to seeing some new faces and hopefully you will look for
ways to fit some union events into your schedule. If you want to give feedback, whether
positive or negative e-mail me my e-address link is next to my picture at the start of
this letter.
Sincerely,
Al Largo
Vice President Local 1460
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Health Insurance
This applies to employees hired after August 14, 1991.
Section 1
Section 4-12-2-040 Paragraph A of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Marietta is modified
as follows.
A. All full time employees hired after August 14, 1991 may continue their health insurance
coverage after retirement from continuous service. Effective July 1, 2003 the City/BLW
will contribute toward the cost of this retiree health insurance on the following basis.
20+ years of employee service-If hired after August 14, 1991 and before November 14,
1996, the City will contribute 100% of the calculated premium cost of retiree health care
coverage(HMO and PPO plans). If hired after November 14, 1996, the City/BLW will contribute
100% of the calculated premium cost of the retiree coverage on the City/BLW's basic health
care plan(currently the HMO plan). The City/BLW will not contribute to the calculated
premium cost of retiree dependent coverage except that the calculated premium cost to the
retiree if he/she elects to cover such dependents will be frozen at time of retirement.
15-19 years of employee service-If hired after August 14, 1991 and before November
14, 1996, the City/BLW will contribute 80% of the calculated premium cost of retire health
care coverage (HMO and PPO plans). If hired after November 14, 1996, the City/BLW will
contribute 80% of the calculated premium cost of the retire coverage on the City/BLW's
basic health care plan (currently the HMO plan). The calculated premium cost to the retiree
for retiree coverage will be frozen at time of retirement. The City/BLW will not contribute
to the calculated premium cost of retiree dependent coverage and rate increases for dependent
coverage will be passed on to the retiree as they occur.
10-14 years of employee service-If hired after August 14,1991 and before November
14, 1996 the City/BLW will contribute 50% of the calculated premium cost of the retiree
health care coverage (HMO and PPO plans). If hired after November 14, 1996, the City/BLW
will contribute 50% of the calculated premium cost of the retiree coverage on the City/BLW
's basic health care plan (currently the HMO plan).The calculated cost to the retiree for
retiree coverage will be frozen at time of retirement. The City/BLW will not contribute to
the calculated premium cost of retiree dependent coverage and rate increases for dependent
coverage will be passed on to the retiree as they occur.
Less than 10 years of employee service- If hired after August 14, 1991, the employee
may continue their health insurance coverage after retirement from continuous, active
service, but the retired employee must pay one hundred (100%) percent of the retiree
calculated premium cost if the retiree elects dependent coverage and all rate increases
thereon.
Approved by Mayor and Council March 13, 2003
This change came about because the Union brought this subject up during the last election
for Mayor and Council.
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Free Life Insurance
February 10, 2005
Local 1460 has aacquired$1000.00 worth of life insurance for each dues paying member.
Also $500.00 life insurance for their spouse and $250.00 for each child under the age of
19. The member child may be a stepchild or llegallyadopted child who is unmarried and
dependent on the member for support.
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