Fellow Members,

The January RPPA meeting has been canceled. Our next meeting will be February 3rd, 2010, 1900 hrs at the Teamster Union Hall on Angus Dr. As usual the Teamster Local meeting will be on Saturday January 16, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at the Teamster Union Hall.

As the decade comes to an end and we reach our ten year anniversary mark I would like to detail some of our major accomplishments.

In 2001 we won the FLSA lawsuit, many officers received between $200-$500 in compensation and how the city calculates overtime was changed.

In 2003 after the proposed budget recommended no range adjustment for city employees we were able to lobby city council to maintain our yearly 1.5% raise.

In 2004 we were able to get dues check off passed through the council although there was significant opposition from the city manager’s officer.

In 2006 the first half of our educational incentive was passed. Officers with bachelor degree would receive $700 a year and officers with an associate would receive $350.

In 2008 the second half of our educational incentive was implemented. A bachelor degree earns your $1400 a year and an associate $700.

In 2009 joined with the Firefighters Union we were able to maintain some of our health insurance benefits. Our deductibles remained $250 a year as opposed to the recommended increase of $450 and our co-insurance remained at $1500 as opposed the the recommended increase to $2500.

We had input on several policies and procedures suggested by the Chief. Many times we were able to negotiate a better policy for the rank and file, including fewer restrictions on the initial off-duty proposal. The amount of off-duty hours worked in a 28 day cycle was to 72 hours from 60 hours, permitting officers to work 12 additional hours per month. The mandated pay rate of $35 an hour for off-duty employers was delayed for three years. Over the past ten years and four Chiefs during that time span we had a significant impact on many policies.

We won dozens of appeals of disciplinary action that would have led to the loss of time, rank, and employment for our members.

By joining the Teamsters we secured a seat on the North Carolina Training and Standards Commission. A position we have maintained over the past three years.

Over the last 10 years we were able to get a majority of City Council members elected that support our agenda.

These accomplishments were only possible due to our growing active membership. Our close to 500 members has helped us gain a significant amount of influence with the city council, the Chief of police, and the general public. I want to thank all of our members who helped achieve our goals by attending meetings, offering input, helping getting council members elected, recruiting officers to join the RPPA, getting our message out, and by just being a loyal member through the good and bad. We will not always agree on our strategy as a union but as long as we remain united with one voice we will continue to be successful. Thank you again and please remain active to help grow your union in strength and numbers.

Have a happy New Year.

Rick Armstrong