Local 2544 Membership Meetings are on the Second Wednesday of Every Even Month - 6 p.m. - Union Office

Questions, comments, and concerns can be sent to local2544@gmail.com

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We are the largest local in the Border Patrol. Our voluntary membership rate is approximately 94% of eligible bargaining unit members in the Tucson Sector. We have nearly 3,000 dues-paying members.

We are proud to represent Arizona!

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Collective Bargaining Agreement

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Local 2544 Meets With JD Hayworth

Pictured, left to right: VP Art Del Cueto, President Edward Tuffly, JD Hayworth, VP Brandon Judd, VP Keith Bocharski, and VP Richard Martinez

3-2-10 Local 2544 Executive Board members met with JD Hayworth this morning to discuss issues important to our membership and the Nation. More to follow.

3-3-10 Local 2554 has endorsed Hayworth. The letter is posted here.

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Pay Cuts Coming?

    
David Aguilar         Mike Fisher

2-20-10 We have received preliminary information that the Border Patrol has proposed a budget with $15 million in cuts. They reportedly want to do away with Sunday Pay, Holiday Pay, and "end of shift overtime". This is still developing. We will post more as we get it.

The Obama Administration wants to eliminate 180 Border Patrol agent positions as well.

OWCP Issues

2-26-10 Please see our updated contact info regarding OWCP issues in the Member Resources and Contact Information pages.

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Meeting With Congresswoman Giffords and Acting CPA

Pictured, left to right: VP Richard Martinez, VP Keith Bocharski, Congresswoman Giffords, President Edward Tuffly, VP Arturo Del Cueto

2-22-10 Local 2544 Executive Board officers met with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords this morning to discuss issues important to our agents, including proposed pay cuts, health and safety issues (including the current state of our Service 2-way radio system), station infrastructure at Casa Grande, checkpoint safety issues at Casa Grande and Ajo stations, and maintaining our current bid-for-shift structure.

Acting CPA Victor Manjarrez met with us at Giffords' Tucson office for about 30 minutes, and we agreed to meet with him again in the near future.

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Working With Mexican Law Enforcement?

2-20-10 We learned of this program yesterday from a news reporter who called us for comment. We had no idea what he was talking about and had to research it. We will be gathering input from agents and we'll comment further at the appropriate time.

Click here for an article.

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Senator John McCain - He Just Doesn't Get It

02-20-10 Senator McCain has been a vocal supporter of amnesty for illegal aliens for years. He has sponsored and supported disgraceful legislation that would reward illegal aliens for breaking the law. He has incessantly trivialized the crime of illegal immigration, to the point of sarcasm. He has never been a friend to Border Patrol agents in this state and has sold us down the river at every opportunity.

Senator McCain recently appeared on the Doug and Wolf radio show at KTAR Sports 620 in Phoenix. He was asked about the "steroid era" in baseball and whether baseball players who used steroids should be allowed in the Hall of Fame. McCain stated that baseball players who used steroids should not be rewarded for their accomplishments because it's "not fair" to those who didn't cheat. We have been saying for years that any form of amnesty for illegal aliens is not fair to those immigrants who did things the right way, stayed in line, and waited their turn. It's too bad that Senator McCain can see how "cheating" is wrong in the professional baseball world, but he fails to meaningfully acknowledge that cheating is wrong when it comes to immigration.

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Discounted Phoenix Coyotes Tickets

Discounted tickets for the Coyotes/Blackhawks on March 20th are available to law enforcement. Click here.

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Chief Gilbert Leaving Tucson Sector

Local 2544 President Edward Tuffly Presents a Plaque to Chief Gilbert

1-23-10 Local 2544 has enjoyed a terrific working relationship with Chief Gilbert. During his tenure we have been able to get some good work done on behalf of the agents in this Sector. He has always treated agents fairly, and we are sorry to see him leave. We wish him the best in his new assignment.

Local 2544 Executive Board officers Tuffly, Brandon Judd, Richard Martinez, Art Del Cueto, Keith Bocharski, and attorney Jim Calle recently attended a going-away luncheon to honor the chief's service here.

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Bonus Bucks for New Recruits

1-14-10 Attention Members: AFGE is paying Bonus Bucks for new member recruits through March 5th. Please send completed sign up forms to our office, and make sure your name, complete mailing address, and social security number are listed on the 2nd page of the form under "recruiter". We will process the forms. You will receive $25 from NBPC and $50, mailed separately from AFGE, for a total of $75 for each new member signed up.

The Chief Steward at each station has a roster of current dues-paying members.

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Duty Phone

 1-8-10 We are implementing a 24-hour duty phone to improve service and response times to our stewards and members. It is also open to managers who need to contact us. We would like to be contacted for all shootings and other serious incidents. To contact an executive board officer 24/7 call (520) 742-1525.

Please - no salesmen, telemarketers, or calls from the public.

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Douglas Shooting

1-5-10 There was a deadly force incident in Douglas involving several union members yesterday morning.  Due to the ongoing investigation we will not comment on the particulars at this time. However, we will emphatically state that the actions of the agents involved were necessary and justifiable. A criminal alien placed our agents in a situation where they had no choice but to take decisive and forceful action.

We would like to thank Douglas station management, especially new Patrol Agent In Charge Timothy Sullivan, and Assistant Patrol Agent In Charge Michael Hyatt for their professionalism and cooperation during this incident. They knew their responsibilities and carried them out in a competent manner. We are optimistic the investigation will proceed without complication.  The level of professionalism portrayed by by these managers is appreciated and a reflection of the cooperative leadership provided by Chief Gilbert during his tenure here. 

We would like to recognize Local 2544 Attorney Jim Calle, Vice President Keith Bocharski and Douglas Station Steward David Ruiz for their excellent work related to this shooting incident. They worked tirelessly to ensure the rights of the involved agents were protected. We are fortunate to have knowledgeable attorneys and union reps to assist agents in times of dire need.  

Violence along the border continues to increase. Last week during an encounter with armed drug smugglers, an agent was shot in the performance of his duties.  Approximately three weeks ago, an agent was struck in the head and knocked unconscious by a group of rock throwing aliens trying to evade apprehension. We are happy to report both agents are recovering, but it appears the agent who was shot will have long term complications due to his injury. Although deadly force incidents are increasing at alarming rates, it is comforting to know we have dedicated men and women patrolling our borders in an effort to safeguard our nation.

In closing, we would like to point out that Border Patrol agents are trained to shoot at "center mass" when stopping a threat. We are not trick shot artists, and the anti-Border Patrol activists who publicly suggest we should shoot suspects in an extremity when we are under attack by rock throwing aliens are misguided and obviously know nothing of law enforcement operations.

Here is a reminder of what rocks can do to Border Patrol agents. Rock throwing is not a game, it's not funny, and it's extremely dangerous. This Tucson Sector agent was struck in the head with a large rock and is fortunate he wasn't killed.

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Health and Safety Issues

12-18-09 In an effort to better serve our members we have a dedicated e-mail address for health and safety concerns, questions, or suggestions. Please e-mail nbpc2544hs@gmail.com with any H&S issues you would like us to address.

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Secretary Napolitano Continues Push for Amnesty

12-11-09 DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano is pushing to grant amnesty to illegal aliens in this country. We have heard everything she is saying before, in 1986, when the last mass amnesty was enacted. It was a complete disaster. The amnesty was liberally applied, the "tough enforcement" was abandoned in short order, and the net effect was to reward millions of lawbreakers and encourage millions more to engage in law breaking. About 3 million illegal aliens were rewarded for breaking the law in 1986, which naturally encouraged millions more to come here, and now our government wants to reward another 12 to 20 million, which will encourage millions more to come. Does anyone besides us see the pattern here? Open borders advocates attempt to confuse the issue and use lots of catch phrases about "bringing people out of the shadows". The issue isn't confusing at all. Enforce the law and regulate the border.

Read an article about Secretary Napolitano's latest statements here.

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Local 2544 Sends Representatives to Training

12-1-09 Local 2544 recently sent three of its representatives to a 1-week training course in Chicago so that we can effectively help our members with OWCP claims. The training was completed about a week ago and members will see an increased response to OWCP issues from the Local in the near future. More info to follow.

Local 2544 currently has four representatives attending a 1-week internal affairs training class in Nevada. This will help us continue to represent our members in increasingly complicated internal affairs interviews.

We will continue to utilize our attorneys in internal affairs issues, but we often have to send Local representatives to interviews because of time constraints and case conflicts.

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Willcox Station Managers 10-8

11-2-09 Union representatives from the Willcox station report that they are very happy with station managers Craig Weinbrenner, Gary Robison, Barry Billeaudeau, G. Boone, and others. The managers were praised for being open to suggestions, working closely with the Chief Steward, and finding fair solutions to problems, in the best interests of everyone involved. The Union reps appreciate that the managers work issues with the Union early in order to keep them from becoming bigger issues. They also work closely with the Union reps to make sure training and detail selections are fair.

We would like to thank these managers for resolving problems at the station level and keeping their troops happy.

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Naco K9 Agent Injured

10-29-09 During the early morning hours of Friday, October 16th, a Canine Handler from the Naco Border Patrol Station was seriously injured while tracking a group of drug smugglers to a house.  The agent was transported to the University Medical Center Trauma Unit for treatment.  While at the trauma center, Assitant Chief Patrol Agent Roy Hoats, as well as Canine Supervisory Border Patrol Agents Ruben Ornelas, Chris Jbarra, and Dave Burke visited the agent to ensure his well being.  Several Agents from the canine unit also visited in a show of support.  Peer support stood by his side, helping his wife with their two young children during the time he was in the trauma center.  Needless to say, the agent was truly grateful for the outpouring of concern he received from his Border Patrol Family. 
 
The help and concern for the agent continues.  Many co-workers have contacted the agent and his wife to help.  He has had his lawn mowed, meals have been brought in, and dog poop has been "scooped" from his well-manicured lawn.  On Saturday, Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge John Nieves, on his own time, stopped by the agent's home to visit with him and to bring him a book and magazine to assist in alleviating the agent's boredom.  All these acts of kindness by members of the Border Patrol Family, however small, have been received with gratitude. 
 
This is another example of the great fraternity that exists in the United States Border Patrol.

(Note from the Local 2544 president: A Local 2544 VP who submitted this story for posting failed to mention that he spent most of the day at the hospital with the agent after he was injured. He helped care for the agent's children so that the agent's wife could be with him in a part of the hospital where children were not allowed. The VP was on annual leave.)

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State Legislation to Deter Sanctuary Cities

10-21-09 Local 2544 representatives attended a press conference in support of several anti-illegal immigration measures introduced by Senator Pearce. The press conference was also attended by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), Maricopa County Deputies Law Enforcement Association, NBPC Executive VP George McCubbin, and steel/electrical workers unions. Forty lawmakers have signed on to this legislation. Any law that strips the safe havens from illegal aliens inside this country is a step in the right direction. Sanctuary laws have long been known to hamper our ability to do our jobs.

Local 2544 Vice President Brandon Judd addressed the assembled media. Others, including former U.S. Congressman J.D. Hayworth, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, PLEA President Mark Spencer, County Attorney Andrew Thomas, and Senator Pearce also addressed the media.

An article is posted here. More to follow.

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Nomination of Officers

10-19-09 Attn: Members - You will be receiving a ballot in November. New officers will be installed at the regularly scheduled meeting on December 9, 2009. Terms are two (2) years.

Update 10-22-09 All candidates are currently unopposed.

President                           - Edward Tuffly

Executive Vice President  - Brandon Judd

1st Vice President             - Rick Martinez

2nd Vice President            - Arturo Del Cueto

3rd Vice President             - Keith Bocharski

Treasurer                           - David Hull

Secretary                           - George McCubbin

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Local 2544 Files ULP Charge on ICE-OPR

10-1-09 We have filed a ULP charge against ICE-OPR Agents Martin Suarez and Wendy Lockwood for violating the rights of our members at the Sonoita Border Patrol station. It is always disconcerting when those who are charged with investigating Border Patrol agents for "breaking the rules" think it is alright to break rules themselves.

As a reminder to our members, when ICE-OPR or OIG show up unannounced at your station and urge you to give a "voluntary statement" without the benefit of Union representation, alarm bells should go off in your head. They are usually on a fishing expedition, and if you think for one second that your "voluntary statement" can't come back to bite you, no matter how "innocent" you are, you should probably choose a different career. ICE-OPR and OIG have the authority to compel agents to give statements. When they don't exercise that authority you should be very wary. If they use the word "criminal" at any time, you should immediately call LDF. If they refuse to identify you as a "suspect" or a "witness" with statements like "We don't know if you're a suspect or a witness until you answer our questions.", you should immediately call LDF.

If you believe that simply doing your job can't land you in a world of trouble, you better do some research on the Nick Corbett case. If you believe that giving "voluntary statements" can't land you in a world of trouble, you better do some research on the Nick Corbett case.

The ULP charge can be seen HERE.

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Crew-Neck Undershirts and Pants

9-1-09 BP is finally allowing agents to wear crew-neck undershirts. The shirts are now available to order through VF Solutions (along with pants). We would like to thank John Howard, a Local 2544 steward, for staying on this issue, doing all the research, and not giving up (it was a years-long process). Chief Gilbert should be commended for listening to different ideas, and Chief Aguilar should be commended for signing off on this long overdue improvement. New holsters are also available for order now. We have been extremely critical of Chief Aguilar on a number of issues, but if he wasn't signing off on these improvements they would not be implemented.

More rough-duty uniform improvements have been made over the last several years than were made in the previous 50 years. Everything is not perfect, but it is much, much better. This underclothing is another much needed improvement for field agents, and provides the latest in moisture-wicking technology.

Good job John! Thanks for your perseverance.

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AFGE Convention Updates

Sign from Convention floor


Sign from Convention floor

Resolutions of interest to our members:

8-27-09

* A resolution to support "immigrant rights", including the rights of illegal aliens, was DEFEATED.

* AFGE attempted numerous times to introduce resolutions increasing per capita. They were defeated each time. Their obvious goal is to wear the delegates down until they get their way. We adjourned after 8 p.m.

* AFGE is entering into areas that have no bearing on our workplace rights, pay, benefits, or job security. Rather, some of these activists seem more interested in social engineering. For instance, they have voted to support abortion rights, an extremely divisive and personal issue.

8-28-09

* AFGE passed a $2 per capita increase for 2010 and another 25 cents for 2012. We voted against every per capita increase they introduced. We already pay them far more than we get in return. At our current membership rate, we will be paying AFGE another $6,000 per month, and we will get nothing in return. We will be forced to raise dues $1 per pay period, or cut services to our members at the Local level. We like neither option.

* Eugene Hudson returned to the convention floor at about noon. He was passing out flowers to his supporters in what appeared to be a publicity stunt. We understand that he was asked not to return today, and after about 10 minutes, he left the floor again.

Hudson passing out flowers to his supporters. No word yet on exactly what he plans for those of us who don't support him. He has been accused of directing vindictive and drawn-out "audits" of Locals and Councils who disagree with him, one such "audit" of a Social Security council is currently in its 9th month, without a shred of wrongdoing uncovered. Disgraceful.

Evening update: The AFGE National Executive Council (NEC) met after the Convention was adjourned. In what should be a surprise to nobody familiar with the way they do business, they passed another 25 cent "assessment" per quarter on every member. This is the maximum "assessment" they are allowed to implement unilaterally. These folks have absolutely no shame. The "assessment" works out to another $3,000 per year we have to pay them, on top of the per capita increase they bullied through at the Convention.

In total, we will now owe AFGE an extra $75,000 each year. It breaks down like this:

AFGE will now be taking about 35% of your dues, for which we will get virtually nothing in return.

NBPC takes about 48% of your dues.

This will leave the Local with about 17% of your dues to maintain an office, pay part of your Legal Services Plan (LSP) coverage to defend you in administrative actions, and provide you with Legal Defense Fund (LDF) coverage to defend you against criminal and civil allegations. This Local is already providing you with all the basic services you need, so every dollar that AFGE takes is a dollar we could reduce dues.

Assault on the Convention Floor

Eugene Hudson

8-26-09 Local 2544 delegates are currently attending the AFGE convention in Reno, Nevada. During the opening day of the Convention (8-24-09), the following was witnessed by Border Patrol agents in attendance:

AFGE District 12 National Vice President (NVP) Eugene Hudson decided that he wanted a seat on the Convention floor occupied by National Border Patrol Council President TJ Bonner. The seat was not reserved for anyone, but apparently Hudson felt he was entitled to sit there. Hudson told Bonner to give him the seat. Bonner refused, and Hudson responded by grabbing Bonner around the throat. Bonner did nothing to retaliate and Hudson was restrained by others.

Hudson was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal assault/battery.

You can view a video of TJ Bonner addressing the situation here. NVP Hudson can be seen sitting in the background (bald head with glasses).

A large majority of delegates voted to expel Hudson from the Convention and to stop his pay, but AFGE found a way around the vote, and Hudson will return to the Convention floor on Friday.

8-27-09 update: We are looking into allegations that NVP Hudson made the statement in a meeting, "Any local who stood against me will pay dearly."

 Aguilar Watch Has Been Updated

8-14-09 Click the link on the left.

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Congresswoman Giffords Recognizes Local 2544

(Left to right) Local 2544 President Edward Tuffly addressing the assembled media, Tucson Sector Chief Robert Gilbert, & Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords


Congresswoman Giffords, Chief Gilbert, President Tuffly

8-14-09 On 8-4-09 Congresswoman Giffords presented copies of her words in the Congressional Record, recognizing the leadership of Tucson Sector and Local 2544. We appreciate that Congresswoman Giffords listens to our concerns and ideas as representatives of the front-line agents in this Sector. She has always been willing to meet with us and discuss issues.

The statement entered into the Congressional Record, in pertinent part, is as follows:

"The daily work of the Border Patrol is conducted by a force of hard working agents who carry out their duty with honor and distinction in some of the most rugged terrain in the nation. I am proud of the relationship we have established with the Executive Board of the National Border Patrol Council, Local 2544, which represents the agents who work in the Tucson Sector. The agents on the ground are capably represented by Edward Tuffly, Local 2544 President, and the members of his Executive Board, Richard Martinez, Arturo Del Cueto. David Hull, and Kurt Kelley. They keep me apprised of the needs and concerns of their members so that I can better fight for the resources that they must have to safely and effectively do their jobs."

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AFGE Wants More Money

8-11-09 AFGE has proposed a huge per capita increase that would cost our Local an additional $150,000 per year. Contrary to what some think, Local 2544 only receives a small part of the dues you pay. AFGE and NBPC get far more than we get.

AFGE currently takes about 30% of the dues you pay.

NBPC takes about 48% of what you pay.

Combined, AFGE and NBPC take nearly 80% of what you pay.

Local 2544 is left with about 22% of what you pay.

AFGE now wants another $4.50 per month, which would leave the Local with about 15% of your dues money.

This Local does not use AFGE for much. Further, AFGE gives a portion of the per-capita tax we pay to the Arizona AFL/CIO, which has supported radical groups in the past that have lobbied for mass firings of Border Patrol agents. Do a web search on "Comida, No Migra", one of the groups that the Arizona AFL/CIO supported financially in the past. Do another web search on the "Immigrant Freedom Ride", another endeavor heavily supported by the Arizona AFL/CIO which sold out our mission and intentionally attempted to obstruct Border Patrol agents conducting their duties at a traffic checkpoint in Texas. The AFL/CIO has a radical open borders agenda, and it is shameful that we are forced to pay them to work against us. In this same proposal, AFGE wants open-ended, unlimited per capita tax increases beginning in 2012 to increase funding for state AFL/CIO affiliates. This would ensure that the Arizona state AFL/CIO would receive even more of our money so they can try to get us all fired from our jobs. Terrific idea.

Of the money that NBPC takes, the Local gets money back to pay an attorney for our Legal Services Plan (LSP). This is used for OIG, OIA, IA, disciplinary actions, adverse actions, and some grievance procedures. We also get some training, arbitration costs, and other reimbursements from NBPC.

The Local pays for the Legal Defense Fund plan (PORAC) which provides representation for scope-of-duty criminal and civil allegations (do a web search on Nicholas Corbett). We maintain an office, perform local representational duties, liaison with management, recruit new members, and take care of the day-to-day cost of operations, including this website.

We are admantly opposed to the proposed AFGE per capita increase. We will be forced to either drastically cut back on the services we provide or raise dues to cover the increased AFGE per capita. We prefer neither option.

One final note we will make is that AFGE is between 30% and 40% organized. We are over 90% organized. We believe we are providing the services our members want, and we continually strive to improve what we offer.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact an Executive Board officer.

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Holster Problems

8-7-09 We would like to thank Tucson Sector management for listening to our concerns about the problems some agents have had with the roll-top holsters. Local 2544 representatives recently met with management representatives to discuss our concerns. For officer safety reasons, we will not divulge everything involved with the discussion here, but we will say that we believe some agents have faced disciplinary action for issues that can be attributed directly to faulty equipment. These issues are being worked, and our Sector management has acknowledged the problem.