First, I would like to start by wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous New Year! This year has been a trying one at best, but as a local we continue to grow and improve our efforts.

At the International level concerning political action there are currently 3 bills we are attempting to push through Congress concerning the federal fire fighter. These bills cover the removal of TSP penalties for early withdrawel, presumptive disability, and retirement calculations. We have also managed to get 1 bill through concerning sick leave credit for FERS retirees. These efforts will continue in March when we once again decend on Washington DC with the State Coucil to visit our Congressional leaders.

The International is also hosting the upcoming affiliate leadership training in January. We have 2 members going to attend, they are Ed Baze and Mark Zielinski. Also later this year we will be having the vote for the Bi-annual convention being held in August.

At the state level we are preparing for the upcoming WSCFF ALTS conference to be held in Bremerton this April. This is a great opportunity for members to learn about union legal requirements, steward positions, without a large cost or having to travel a great distance. Also in line is the WSCFF Convention where we will vote on our state constitution and officer changes.

Locally we continue to prepare for the fight on the new schedule. We hope to be presenting this to managment in early summer and start the new schedule next year (2011). Tim Nold could use some help so if there are any volunteers please contact him at sta 62.

We are also preparing locally to fight the staffing issue at Whidbey Island. This fight will not be an easy one, but we are prepared to go all the way on this issue.

You should all be recieving your clothing allowance in the upcoming weeks. It was recently approved for the $800, but it will be coming in broken payments of $400 each this year. You should also be recieving a $400 back payment for last year (unless you were a new hire and got your $1600).

The station 63 remodel is slated for a walk through on the 6th of January. We hope to get them back in their station ASAP.

The station 71 remodel is over and the Fire fighters have moved back in...congratulations. We will continue to try and get any deficiencies taken care of as soon as possible.

If you have any concerns or suggestions please get with your VP's so they can bring them to the Eboard to address.

Stay safe...respectfully,

Taska Elin