VRP and in-sector (SDC) relocations

Local 1613 recently heard how Chief Fisher attended a muster at the Chula Vista Border Patrol Station (BPS) on March 25, 2009 and conducted a formal discussion with bargaining unit members. During the formal discussion, an agent asked about relocations within the San Diego Sector (SDC), and Chief Fisher told the agents who were present that the Voluntary Relocation Program (VRP) addresses in-sector relocations.

Instructions on Accessing the Member's Section of the AFGE Website

On November 11, 2008, during the general membership meeting, members discussed problems they experienced when attempting to access the member’s section of the AFGE website and update mailing addresses. Click here or on the title above to read the instructions on how to validate your membership with the AFGE website. To read how to update your mailing address, once you have validated your membership with the AFGE site, visit the Members Services page of the Local 1613 website.

Chris Bauder

Member Advisory: Taser Training

Attention Local 1613 Members:

San Diego Sector recently announced Taser training for agents. According to the memo from Chief Fisher, agents are required to be certified with the baton and OC Spray. This assertion directly contradicts section 6.1.4 of the national policy which states agents who have previously been certified in either the collapsible straight baton or OC spray are eligible to be trained and certified with the Taser. In addition, the person who is in charge of the program at the national level gave assurances to the National Border Patrol Council that agents would not be required to be certified first with OC Spray.

Local 1613 Recommends Changes to Equipment on New Pursuit Vehicles

National Border Patrol Council, Local 1613 Secretary Thane Gallagher drafted a document to express the union’s concerns regarding how some of the new pursuit vehicles in San Diego Sector are being equipped. The document was mailed to San Diego Sector and the union is now awaiting a response. If and when the union receives a response, we will notify our members.

To read the recommendations, click here or on the title above. If you have any concerns or suggestions related to this particular topic, please email Thane Gallagher.

Chris Bauder
President
NBPC L-1613

San Diego Sector Ignores Proposals to Safeguard Employee's SS#'s

On July 11, 2008, a staff member from the Pine Valley (Campo) Border Patrol Station (BPS) administration sent an email to every employee assigned to the Pine Valley BPS. The problem with this email is it contained the names and social security numbers of practically every bargaining unit employee assigned to the San Diego Sector. In response, Local 1613 filed a grievance and proposed reasonable changes to properly safeguard employee’s social security numbers and prevent identity theft in the future.

Monthly Union Meeting Location Has Changed

Local 1613 will no longer be meeting at the Holiday Inn in National City for monthly Union meetings. Starting October 14, 2008, Local 1613 monthly general membership meetings will be held at The Handlery Hotel and Resort (click for The Handlery’s website). The Handlery is located at 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108 (click address for map).

Retired DCPA Beasley's Letter to Mayor Villaraigosa

The following letter was written by retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Harold Beasley. Mr. Beasley served as the Deputy Chief Patrol Agent in the San Diego Sector up until he transferred to the Tucson Sector. Mr. Beasley was one of the “leaders” with the foresight to help build a successful labor-management relationship that resolved matters at the lowest possible level and avoided unnecessarily wasting Border Patrol/taxpayer money on arbitrations. Mr. Beasley was responsible for many agreements that are now being violated under the direction of Chief Fisher, who effectively destroyed the once successful relationship within days of taking over as the Chief of the San Diego Sector without any regard to the history behind the relationship or the agreements.