Lets Talk Chi Town 911

10-1 is just that , no ifs ands or buts

2009-09-02T23:08:00.002-05:00

Don't know what else to say but there is no excuse for not doing your job. Calltakers take the calls one at a time, get as much info as possible, if they dont tell you, ask! Don't just tell the dispatcher they are calling again or "dupe". Go that extra mile and answer every question a po on the street would like to know. Dispatchers, your number one priority should be officer safety. Your job is to dispatch jobs, order that tow, run that name or plate, yes even if they have 4. Bottom line, this is your job, just do it and do it good.

No Furlo Day for Us

2009-08-17T23:11:00.001-05:00

On this day when most of the city is sleeping, let us be grateful that we were able to come to work and actually get paid for it.

Welcome Back

2009-07-27T21:53:00.003-05:00

They're baaaaaaaack
Welcome some familiar faces walking around the OEMC this week. Glad to have you back and boy do we need the extra help!

RIP Louie

2009-07-27T21:53:00.001-05:00

Gone, but never forgotten

New Contract

2009-07-03T20:22:00.002-05:00

Well as many of you heard, contract negotiations a done deal, or is it?
No retro, 6.25% and Jan 2010 a tad bit more, well let's look on the bright side, at
least we have jobs. Happy 4th of July!

To bag or not to bag

2009-06-22T21:45:00.003-05:00

So that is the latest dilemma , no biggie. If you bag can't fit in the drawer, don't bring it. That sounds easy right?

RIP OFFICER ALEJANDRO VALADEZ

2009-06-06T20:15:00.002-05:00

To the entire Chicago Police Department,
Although we are not out there with you sharing the everyday chase, traffic pursuit, burglar alarm, intoxicated man or woman, please know that I hope I speak for most of my co workers when I say your safety is our number one priority. To be the voice on the other end when a fellow police officer is shot, hurt or injured cannot even be described, until you have felt it. To hear all of what is going on yet not be able to physically help has got to be one of the most hardest things to go through as a dispatcher. But in the end we are all here for one reason and one reason only. Our job is to make sure that you come home to your loved ones. That alone is what brings me gratification on this job, to know I helped a police officer do his job by going that extra mile. In closing although we may never ever feel what you feel, believe me when I say our hearts at this time are just as heavy as yours. God Bless Alex!

Change is coming

2009-05-21T21:09:00.003-05:00

Bosses had a meeting, lots said. Most of it is what everyone should be doing already ie, come to work on time, wear a nice looking proper uniform, no eating, take the calls, get the jobs out. That all sounds easy right?
Swap program? That actually sounds like a good idea. I think this all might be good, any one agree?

Say it isn't so

2009-05-11T14:08:00.002-05:00

According to the Chicago Sun Times, 97 expect to be laid off at the OEMC. While everyone can speculate it will not be dispatchers or calltakers, article does state, "it is not known yet whether calltakers or dispatchers will be among those." Hmmmm

Congratulations CT!

2009-05-11T14:07:00.001-05:00

Nuff said

Happy Telecommunicator Week

2009-04-19T11:56:00.001-05:00

To OEMCland, thanks for a job well done!

Uh oh

2009-04-08T22:13:00.002-05:00

Well seems we made the paper again, really, 120 days of hidden subpeonas?

This will be a very exciting week, yeah ok

2009-03-31T08:40:00.002-05:00

So the words were read at rollcall. This will be a very exciting week for Chicago. When all Olympic big shots will be in Chicago. I can feel the excitement pouring out from the OEMC.
Hold on everyone for the ride of our life!

Open Post

2009-03-24T09:11:00.004-05:00

Well blogmaster is noticing that someone clearly has no life to continually post the same words over and over.........
Seriously nothing well worth it is going on, same ol same ol, we have no contract, overtime issues, the chairs are still falling apart, morale is not where it should be, what else is there to write about? So here all is where you can post til your little heart's content. Perhaps someone will bring upon us a topic which we can all write about.......

We have live camera access to dispatched jobs?

2009-02-26T21:49:00.002-06:00

Well news stations are reporting that we can see over at the dispatch consoles a "live" call. I don't know about you but last time I was there dispatchers did not have the ability to see any live camera action from a call to be dispatched. Far as I know only calltakers can do this. Did we miss something? Does anyone know when this really will happen? Does anyone know what the 3 screens will be showing on the ops floor?

You think it's bad now?

2009-02-17T21:54:00.002-06:00

You are punishing a watch manager because you feel his stats were unsatisfactory. This watch manager is respected and well liked by all. This watch manager brought the medical stats down. This watch manager was able to run his watch to the best of his ability. The bottom line is we are not adequately staffed. You cannot blame our lack of staff on one person. His supervisors do what they need to do. And so now the switch is set to take place on March 5th. And if you think stats are unsatisfactory now, just wait til March. While we have no control over what management does. We have no control over what manager they place on what watch, we still can voice our opinions. So in light of "the switch", here are a few points. 1) Yes, I put that slip in 6 months ago and yes I really do need that day off for whatever family function I have. 2) Please don't come up to me and tell me that you will owe me , you are the boss and all you owe me is a seat up in that place for 8 hours. 3) Please take deep breaths and know that our previous watch manager was able to do this without that "nervous nick" look. 4) Please understand that we work hard, we have families and believe it or not we look forward to our scheduled furlo, so please don't mess with us when it comes to that segment that we truly look forward to. And lastly to the management up above, you may think the moves you make are for the better, but summer is around the corner. Remember this equation, Summer chaos +continually getting denied td+being questioned like a 5 year old +denying a 5 day furlo extension =most likely not the outcome you are expecting. In fact, don't be surprised if your stats mysteriously get worse.

Help is on the way

2009-02-05T20:35:00.001-06:00

If you can, come on down to support one of our own. A benefit lunch is planned this Saturday, 3rd floor lunchroom. See you there!

How does this happen?

2009-01-26T10:58:00.002-06:00

Please explain to me how somebody, anybody does not realize a 14 year old is not the police?
Saw pictures of this kid and ok so he doesn't look 14 but you can't tell me when he had no gun or star, nobody thought twice until 5 hours later? When you think about it, this could have been really bad. What if this kid did come armed with guns, bombs? Scary huh?

10 more new white shirts

2009-01-16T11:05:00.003-06:00

Well today we officially have 10 new supervisors in training. Here is to hoping they remember where they came from, have the want for this job, are able to do their best by standing by the ops floor personnel when that bogus complaint comes in, when the calltaker shoudn't have sent a job to the zone, or tell that dispatcher, "if you don't stay in your seat." I guess all we are looking for is that supervisor that is going to do their job, nuff said!

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-01T12:56:00.002-06:00

Get ready for another fun filled year at the OEMC. Anyone want to share words spoken at the open town hall meetings? If I could just leave all with one thought....this year was bad, really bad, on all aspects. We all have a job, one which when you really think about it, isn't all that bad. Sure at times conditions can be better. Let us all take a moment to stop and thank the man above for what we all have, and that is a place to come to for money making, friend making and securing our futures. Happy New Year my friend!

Open forum

2008-12-13T20:21:00.004-06:00

OEMC , make sure you make it out the the open forum hosted by the big boss on the 16th @ 0600 hrs and/or the 18th @ 1400 hrs. This should be interesting!

In the nick of time!

2008-12-13T20:18:00.003-06:00

Word is our new Supervisors will begin their training on the 16th! And we really need all ten of them! (Just ask the 2nd watch) Anyway, congratulations new Supervisors!

Tis the season

2008-12-02T21:34:00.002-06:00

Christmas cheer is in the air! It is that time again. Time to ask Santa what you want from him. So is it another new chair? Do you want a new headset? Do you want a union contract? Let's have some fun with fill in the blank.

Dear Santa,
My wish for this Christmas is________________________

Wishful thinking!

2008-11-13T13:51:00.003-06:00

Well blogmaster isn't too happy about the decision to delay the promotions until December. Thus forcing those who we know will be promoted in weeks to take a spot on a watch, a spot someone else could've had. Well let us hope that they do not find a way to have those being promoted a chance to also take a much wanted furlough spot. Only time will tell.

History is made

2008-11-08T10:47:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Chicago's own, new president Obama! While I am happy for our new president and look forward to his time in office. I am so so glad this is all over! Onward we move and at the OEMC, it's time to slow down , business wise, we hope. Time to decide the fate of fellow employees with their promotion, shift and furlough for the year 2009! Here's hoping that all will go as smooth as possible.

Congratulations new Supervisors

2008-10-23T21:54:00.002-05:00

Well word is we have some new leaders on the ops floor. Without using names and bad bashing, we just want to say, Good Luck!

That dreaded month is coming

2008-10-16T21:16:00.002-05:00

In less than 2 months we will have a new 3rd watch crew, 1st watch crew, 2nd watch crew along with many newly picked furlos. With that said, anyone have any insight? Anyone want to see promotions before we bid?

Open forum

2008-10-03T16:48:00.001-05:00

What's on your mind. Just one rule, no names , first or last. Go!

Good luck future Supervisors

2008-09-19T17:14:00.001-05:00

Anyone hear any news? Was the test challenging? Was the test predictable? Anyone care to share their experience or info on what happens now?

Train the trainer?

2008-09-12T21:27:00.002-05:00

Really, if you are not a competent calltaker, please do us all a favor and NOT volunteer to train someone. If you constantly send over half made tickets, ie. putting dup or calling again or checking status in the remarks box, you are not a competent calltaker. If you send over tickets that do not make sense, you are not a competent calltaker. Not trying to knock anyone, really but please ask yourself can I share good calltaking abilities or should I probably not do this?

Musical chairs? For or against?

2008-08-23T20:43:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't noticed, there has been somewhat of a ops floor shuffle on the 3rd watch. So are you for that or against it? Blogmaster feels every dispatcher should be familiar on all 13 zones. Any other thought?

The never ending cycle

2008-08-05T17:13:00.003-05:00

Round and round we go, when it will stop, noboby knows. 1st watch calls off. 3rd watch gets mandated. 1st watch calls off. 3rd watch gets mandated. 3rd watch gets warned. 3rd watch calls off. 2nd watch gets mandated. 2nd watch calls off. 1st watch gets mandated. Who really gets it "stuck" to them, management or our coworkers?

Calling all dispatchers

2008-07-23T16:21:00.001-05:00

Heard we have 4 calltakers being promoted to dispatcher. Anyone want to shed some light on a new class forming.

Welcome to the OEMC

2008-07-11T15:32:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the OEMC Mr. Orozco. At least, according to the Suntimes that is the news. See Mr Orozco , we, the employees were never really told of your new promotion. But then again that's just the way it is , we are always the last to know anything. Anyway, good luck in your new position.

Just give me one more day please

2008-06-28T18:28:00.002-05:00

Memo posted read in roll call. Basically if we can give you an extension, you will get it. If we can't give you an extension you will not get it. At this point what is guaranteed are you 2 weeks to the segment you chose back in November. Anything else is extra and appreciated. At least that is how blogmaster understood a memo read to us. Is that what others understood?

Paging the training department

2008-06-18T10:16:00.003-05:00

Attention everyone, this is just a suggestion, not meant at all to point fingers or start bashing certain people. Can we bring back short, one hour, during the tour training sessions for our employees? Example, there are many dispatchers who may not know about all of the commands, or have forgotten what certain commands can do. Some calltakers can be reminded that they probably shouldn't tell the caller that the police have already been dispatched. Dispatchers may have forgotten what to do in the event of an svip. Calltakers may have forgotten that when making out a ticket, "calling again" "checking eta" or "dup" is not appropriate information to put in the remarks section. The 2nd watch was told yesterday in roll call that calltakers are not to include "fire refused" in our tickets. If fire will not be responding, "fire not responding " should be entered. What about dispatcher callbacks? Is anyone ever going to come up with an sop on this? Roll call training is sometimes used for just that but we need more than that. If we are expected to follow a certain procdure then it should be on paper and done the same across the board. So with that all said, can we get the training department to conduct some training sessions maybe bout an hour or so long?

Where's the manual?

2008-06-10T23:32:00.002-05:00

Ok so kinda nice new map, but how can you just toss this whole thing at us without some sort of training or guide to help us? By the way the font is going to take a lot of getting use to, it appears to be much smaller than before. Help!!!!!!!!!!!

Ideas for committees

2008-06-01T15:52:00.002-05:00

The chair and pcad enhancement committees will be meeting. What ideas do you want to get out to them so that they could bring that to the higher ups?

Car 54, I know where you are

2008-05-25T10:20:00.003-05:00

Well the news came to us in the form of a roll call. New "cool" technology coming our way. Or is it really all a dream? If all is true, we as employees will be much happier and less aggravated. But again, if it is true. Some have been heard saying that it won't happen any time soon, or at least in the time that we were given. Only time will tell.

Here it is

2008-05-19T15:45:00.002-05:00

Here's the breaking news...........He's gone!

What happened

2008-05-18T19:13:00.002-05:00

Woah there! Seems there are some rather demanding folks out there, and that's very understandable. However it appears some changes have been made at the OEMC. Excuse me for not being up on the 411. Oh no I'm not going to get mad for anyone putting me down for not posting anything about a change that has been made. But at the same time please understand unlike the other blog, I am not a very "inside scoop" person. Unfortunately I do not have any connections on what will happen before us little people find out. I have another life outside of the OEMC. I am sorry this probably won't be a "professional " blog. This blog is a place to vent, good times, bad times and whatever else is on someones mind. So with all that said if somoene would like to start up another blog, that would be great. There can never be enough talk about the OEMC. In any event, since I haven't been to the big building on Madison in a bit, the rumor of "him" leaving is all I know about. Good Luck Sir if that is the case.

Switcharoo

2008-05-10T15:55:00.001-05:00

New wm on mids, new wm on days???? Be nice...........

Why can't we all be comfortable on Friday?

2008-05-05T17:40:00.003-05:00

So, just throwing around some ideas here. Wouldn't it be nice if the ops floor was able to wear comfy clothing like the rest of the building on Friday? Can't help but notice the numerous pairs of jeans I see strolling through the building. Jealous? Heck yeah I'm jealous because we get hammered day in and day out. No matter what watch you work, Summertime is a busy time! I don't think jeans one day of the week will hurt, do you?

Can I get a day off?

2008-05-01T18:02:00.003-05:00

Boy are we in for a long summer! The numbers keep growing for shooting victims. As we enter the Summer, it is a time for weddings, graduations, communions, vacations and much more. How does the average OEMC employee deal with family events and no time due??????

Goodbye our brother

2008-04-24T18:14:00.003-05:00

Please coworkers, keep our brother who has passed in your prayers. Many of us knew and thought so highly of this man. He will surely be missed! For everyone who knew him you know that we have lost a great man. God Bless you J.M.

Police matter?

2008-04-19T15:42:00.002-05:00

Does anyone remember the days when we were able to tell a citizen police don't respond because your son won't go to school? Does anyone remember when we were able to tell a citizen we don't go out for the rotten meat they purchased? Does anyone remember when we were able to tell a citizen we don't go out for children running on grass or shooting hoops in the alley? Boy, times have sure changed!

Happy Telecommunicator Week

2008-04-13T21:44:00.002-05:00

This week lots of activities going on at the OEMC. Monday, lunch on them! Wednesday, let them eat cake! Friday and Saturday, hang up the uniform. Congratulations fellow pco's on a job well done!

If only...

2008-04-09T10:36:00.002-05:00

Now here is your chance to let that police officer know just what you wish! If only...you wouldn't say you were just going to ask for lunch.......If only.......you would tell me where you were in case you started chasing someone....If only ........you wouldn't restart your timer for lunch.....
Now add your own, remember, no names and please be nice.

Open Post

2008-04-02T13:56:00.000-05:00

The rules are no names and no bashing........go!

What if?

2008-03-30T14:59:00.002-05:00

Heard this the other day from a fellow employee, "The best thing we could do is go back under the police department!" Get some cops detailed here also because we are so short, resume under police orders, maybe get us a better chance on a different union. True or not true? Do you think we need to be placed again under the direction of the police department? I don't know about you but way back when, at 11th and State when we were under the direction of the police a good chunk of the problems we have now were nonexistant. And our job was actually fun! Hmmmmmmmm

In black and white

2008-03-29T09:53:00.002-05:00

Well it is there in black and white, our boss has been reassigned. Well now what? Keeping in mind, no names, no bashing, just some plain insight on what you think OEMC's next move will be.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T22:26:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter to our OEMC family. Ok, here's the rules, please do not use any names. Just a little Easter fun to keep us going.
Fill in the blank.

If I can have an OEMC Easter basket that contained three things in it they would be, ___________, _________ and _______________.

Aaah Spring is here! Have a good week!

Should I stay or should I go

2008-03-14T22:01:00.002-05:00

That is the question to answer. You decide, can we maintain? I started this blog so that we could vent, but at the same time laugh and celebrate good things. I want this to be a "fun" blog. So again I ask should we keep up a blog or just get rid of any blog associated with the OEMC? Soundoff..........

No, say it isn't so

2008-03-05T06:56:00.002-06:00

Obviously rumor has now been passed around the floor about an evaluation being altered...Just when we thought we were being saved and good things were coming our way....please someone say this isn't so.................

Nosey newspaper

2008-02-07T10:46:00.000-06:00

It's got to be a slow day in news when the Sun Times has to report how much a calltaker received in overtime.
So Mr Sun Times editor,
You must realize how really ignorant you sound to us here at the OEMC when you don't do enough research to realize that the two "dispatchers" you write about are really calltakers.
You also must be really ignorant and desperate for a "story" to go ahead and name one of our employees who did nothing illegal. They worked for their money, they didn't steal it. They took away time from their families, their own time to give to the city.
You also seem to not care for their safety to print their names and the amount they make so that some sick, criminal can now hunt them down and put possibly their lives, the lives of their families in jepoardy. Thanks! all that for a "story."

Musical chairs on the 2nd watch?

2008-02-07T10:45:00.000-06:00

What is going on with the 2nd watch? Blogmaster has noticed some unfamiliar faces in some unfamiliar seats. Anyone on the 2nd watch want to comment?

How come our union didn't know?

2008-01-21T21:06:00.000-06:00

Can someone tell us why our union reps knew nothing about how overtime will be handled now at the OEMC????????????

Shoes for sale

2008-01-15T08:26:00.000-06:00

Keeping this positive attitude I have vowed to maintain. Shoes are a beautiful thing, they keep our feet warm, they allow us to walk around in all weather. I am so glad that we at OEMC have the ability to buy such nice, modern, strong shoes. But really , really people, do they have to be up and down the locker room so that it looks like a local Payless Shoe store? It has gotten really bad, I mean really bad! You can't even sit on a bench in the locker room. You have a locker and if you cant fit a pair of shoes in it then there's a bigger problem on your hands. One might say just move em, but do you want to move a pair of shoes that has an Athletes Foot insert in it? Please if you are a guilty participant in the Shoe game, please clean up your shoes, put em away.

Parking lot drama

2008-01-15T08:19:00.000-06:00

Ok, so new parking lot impressive looking stuff there eh? On the positive, I have seen some cars get turned down due to no id. On the positive, there have been a tad more spots opened up. But please, please, have someone in there without attitude, who is awake, who is not away from the shack, who is not going to drop an arm on someones car one day. Just my opinion, maybe , just maybe we can stop parking along the grassy area close to the picnic tables. I know before there was a need to do that, but really if there is no need and truly no spot even in the far back, what gives someone the right to park there as the rest of us walk from a regular, legal spot? If you are running late, why not get moving a little sooner. If you are just lazy and think you deserve that spot, why not ask yourself , yeah why shouldn't I just do the right thing? After all isn't the right thing what we should be doing?

This is hard stuff!!!

2008-01-15T08:07:00.001-06:00

Another year, another long year ahead of us at the OEMC. I must be honest, blogmaster was ready to close up this blog due to just not caring anymore, or so to say throwing in the towel. By that I mean, morale is so bad at our place that it just makes you just go through the motions day after day and watch as yet another amazing something happens before our eyes. I didn't want it to turn into a "bitch blog." But guess what, it has!!! And really can we help it? I just really wish one day I can quickly and with much excitement run to the computer and type an uplifting, "thing" about our place of employment. I mean really, how much fun is it and how quick are you to talk about negativity? Get my point? So blogmaster thought and thought and came up with we'll keep it up and maybe, just maybe things will turn. Blogmaster's resoulution? To find some positive with every negative, and yes, that might not be so easy. So for those of you who wondered if blogmaster on this end fell off the face of the earth, the answer is no. In my opinion there can never be enough support for ourselves and thoughts and ideas. So with that, Happy New Year OEMC!

Open post

2007-11-26T16:47:00.000-06:00

Yeah yeah I know it's been awhile. Sorry Turkeyday, furlo, just got a little busy. But watch selections are up, furlo selections will be held soon, (why can't we go back to bidding by unit instead of watch) anybody have any other ideas or thoughts??????

We weren't there

2007-11-09T06:40:00.000-06:00

So there was a union meeting and yes I know we all should've been there, but some of us weren't. Can someone shed some light as to what happened? Was it productive?

Here it comes

2007-10-28T14:28:00.001-05:00

Well soon we'll be gettin those calendars out, those bids in and ready to plan for 2008!!!!!!!
Any predictions on how smooth it'll go? We will have power shifts right? It will be interesting to see how many spots will be open for furlo segments. I predict it will be much, much better than in the past, anyone else agree?? Sound off......

Remembering John

2007-10-16T21:35:00.000-05:00

Our sympathies with former Watch Manager J.V's family. May he rest in peace. Here you can share your favorite memories with everyone.

Is he gone?

2007-09-23T12:47:00.001-05:00

Is he gone? Does anyone really know?

Soundoff

2007-09-05T16:01:00.000-05:00

What makes you mad? Is there really a sop on callbacks? Are we really mandated to call the citizen back if the police ask us to? Why when a police officer asks to order a tow, your partner says, "Tell him to go in and call the ad desk!" Isn't it our job to order a tow? Why can't a calltaker ask questions of the citizen? Why when a job comes over the screen does it say in the remarks, "calling again?" Why can't a calltaker take the time out and type in all of the information regardless of how many times the citizen called? Why must a calltaker tell the citizen "ma'am the police were dispatched , they should be there shortly" when the calltaker, nor the dispatcher for that matter really know that? Why does one dispatcher stare at the screen as if the jobs are going to disappear and others work like dogs. Why does one calltaker take 200 plus calls and why does one take 80? Why does our refrigerator look so gross? Why were there sunflower seeds along the back wall the other day? Why are people always late to roll call and us fools are sitting there getting yelled at for those tardy? Why does "that " room send me a suspicious man call because a man is standing on the corner by himself? Ok I am done, now its your turn. Have a nice day!

Kudos to training?

2007-08-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

By now everyone should have had a chance to sit through our training department's presentation. Well, what do you think of it, worth it? waste of time? Something you would like to see in a roll call training?

Manager's meeting

2007-08-07T14:12:00.000-05:00

Anybody know what happened when our managers got together yesterday?

Hot off the press

2007-07-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

Well a new installment of the unofficial news of our workplace has hit the floor. Anyone have any ideas? Anyone want to talk about something they don't like? Let em know!

Open Post

2007-07-28T14:46:00.001-05:00

Time for an open post. What's new? Watch bids come out 03August, power watches to return, any complaints? any congrats? (As always please no names)

What does he look like?

2007-07-23T18:52:00.000-05:00

This post hopefully will get to the right person. You see it has been a few weeks now and well we were told we have a new boss. The papers call him the "acting." Well is he acting or is he our leader? Either way, he still hasn't introduced himself to all of us. Some of us have seen him once or twice, some not at all. The only time I've seen him was on tv when he told a large crowd that he wasn't happy with us and that the appropriate action will be taken, perhaps termination, well maybe not those exact words but pretty darn close. So Mr boss please look at it from our perspective, we haven't met you, you haven't come to our roll calls, we know nothing about you and the only thing we do now is that some of us feel like we are in a boat without a paddle, just when we thought we were headed in the right direction

What would you have done?

2007-07-18T15:31:00.000-05:00

Well once again we are in the middle of chaos! OEMC has for the past 2 weeks been in the newspaper in some not so good articles. It is easy to say well I would of simulcasted that call, or I would not have given lunches out, or I would've put a backlog in the minute I sat down, but what it comes down to is NOBODY knows unless you are put in that situation. One thing is for certain, the 8th district is far too large for what they give us as far as cars to dispatch to. That district needs to be cut in half. At this point what is done is done and there is no way to go back and change what happened. But in the future please dispatchers, put those raps in asap, watch your p's and q's and here's a big one, make your cars go on the air with any transmission instead of that pdt. Like it was told at a roll call, you can party all you want with them, but in the end if a beef comes down, do you really think the guy on the other end of the radio has your back?

Summer halfway done

2007-07-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

Well, it's over, another 4th of July survived at the OEMC. Any stories that you would like to share? Anyone think cancelling rdo's was a waste of money? Anyone think we still didn't have enough help? Please share...

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

2007-06-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

Finally some sense is being made! Finally someone who knows how to run this place! Kudos to our new boss, as I hear it is he who will bring back the power watches. Maybe I am wrong, but who cares whoever it is, they are coming back and we should be able to get some time due around that place and not be mandated so much. I see a new OEMC and things getting much better at the OEMC, anyone else see it that way?

Ahhh furlo is nice

2007-06-21T15:03:00.000-05:00

Well blogmaster is back from furlo and what a nice feeling to be away from this city for so long!
Oemc was very much so missed. Let's see what we missed? Well let's see a new boss, a certain someone gone or almost gone to another department or just rumor? kitchen police on the third watch? dressing tips for the 2nd watch? new consoles in the works? Glad to see we at let's talk were missed, anythig else we should know about , anything else going on we should cover? Well the year is half way over, will power watches come back? Will we get a new uniform? Will we get a new contract? Sound off, 1, 2!

How we doin so far?

2007-05-17T08:19:00.000-05:00

Well so new boss new ideas right? An exercise class, a stress management class, some nice awards, a newsletter and so much more! So how are things really going at the OEMC? Any ideas or comments, anything you are not happy with or think is just not being handled correctly? Sound off here.

A new test???????

2007-05-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

Anyone have any information on a new "dispatcher test" coming out in the near future? Anyone have any information on more dispatchers/calltakers to be hired?

Welcome to the OEMC

2007-05-08T15:46:00.000-05:00

A nice warm welcome to the newest group of PCO II's who have just hit the floor this week. There are some very nice and seem to be good working dispatchers out of this class. And so they were placed on the regular 3rd and 1st watches as we expected. New dispatchers, get lots of practice and rest as our most busiest time is coming round the corner, Summer. Congratulations and welcome to the OEMC!

Things that make you go hmmmm

2007-04-22T23:17:00.000-05:00

New section, sort of like an open post, but with a theme. Something on your mind, something that made you think, let it out, we'll call this one, things that make you go hmmmmmm
I'll start, a new open bid to work in the OC if no volunteers reverse seniority will be used, why do you think they had to add that, things that make you go hmmmmmm.

Wow, just wow

2007-04-12T11:53:00.000-05:00

Well thought I would take a break from OEMCland and chat about something that just caught my attention. I was talking to a buddy the other day when it was brought up a story in Knoxville about a young couple who were tortured and murdered, I mean really bad. I went online to check it out myself and read up on the murders of Christopher Newsom and his girlfriend who were car jacked, tortured and killed. Their body parts cut off and if I remember reading right she was found in numerous bags. Anyway they have 4 or 5 men and 1 woman who are awaiting court appearances. But the odd part is there was no media coverage on this. Not at all. So you are telling me that Anna Nicole, some goofy news announcer's ignorant comments, a bogus rape, and whateve else is more important that this! If you get a chance , google Chritopher Newsom and read about his ordeal along with his girlfriend Channon, sad, just sad.

Give em a hand

2007-04-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

So now our hand, i mean palm, i mean finger, or really what is it that gets one in? And how long before someone breaks this gizmo? Please, please share your experiences with us here.

Movin on up

2007-04-01T22:21:00.000-05:00

Anyone hear any rumors of who is in the running for the tape review spot? Does this mean all openings up on "that" floor will now be open for bid? Hmmmm

Open Forum

2007-03-26T16:22:00.000-05:00

It's time for an open post, please be nice, or close to nice. Initials only no names please. Have Fun!

Should I stay or should I go???????

2007-03-19T16:31:00.000-05:00

Mandatory Overtime, ah such a touchy topic nowadays. Does anyone really know the "rules" on who has to stay and when? Is it really fair for someone to not have to be mandated but continue to work their lunch or break? Is it a "rule" that after 3 "passes" one gets an automatic CI? Are we still under our former leaders orders? Are we under new rules that we don't know about? Anyone have any imput??????

Can I get a seat?

2007-03-13T12:08:00.000-05:00

I know we've mentioned this topic before but it just seems that important to mention it again. We really appreciate a replacement tv, a nice shiny refrigerator (even though someone already broke it) and exercise tips on our breaks, but please, please can we get a decent chair in the place?

Tube Time

2007-03-09T14:57:00.000-06:00

Ok so I wasn't quite on target when I said better parking conditions for all, but let's all cheer for a brand new tv and some fancy schmancy blinds. Yep a brand new 30 inch tv was delivered to the break room. Thanks to whoever was behind this! Now please, please can we pullllleaze treat this tv as if it were the one in your home. And while we are talking about doing the right things, please if you eat in the breakroom/lunchroom, how about cleaning up after yourself. It just takes a minute to run a wet papertowel across the table after you've eaten or throw your wrappers and cups out. Now that that's out, all we need is a cleanup in the parking lot and we are good to go. What cleanup you ask? I counted 17 cars in the south side of the lot that were either tma, police or oemc vehicles, and that's not counting the north side of the lot. Come on now surely you can see our point in that those vehicles need to go in the alternate lot. There might still not be enough for the 3rd watch, but it would be a start.

Are things looking up?

2007-03-07T20:38:00.000-06:00

Well with a new leader we get better parking conditions, a forthcoming newsletter, some exercise advice in the workout room and who knows what else is to follow. I for one am pretty happy and welcoming of these new ideas. I really think that I am correct in saying that things are going to start looking better for us. Now if we can just get someone to take A.V.'s place who is on the same page with us and knows about us. Enjoy the changes everyone, we've waited for a long time!

What would you like to see?

2007-03-04T16:32:00.000-06:00

Now that we have a new DD, let's just suppose that maybe he would read this and come across someting that we would wish for. What would you like to see happen, change or get better at the OEMC?

Oh no!

2007-02-23T11:13:00.000-06:00

One more note to add. The Sun Times reports that AV leaving probably won't happen until after the election next week. As someone already posted what if that someone should take AV's place. Does anyone else really think there is a chance "she" left one spot to take the bigger spot? Is this the 'ol saying, the joke is on us? Again, we will just have to wait and see and pray too.

Uh oh

2007-02-23T09:41:00.000-06:00

Oh no, Let's Talk read this morning in the Sun Times that our head honcho, AV is this close to working with the Gov. So what does this mean for us? Who is going to take his place? Will it be an outsider? Will it be someone from within? One can only hope that whoever it is he or she will be a good turn for us. We will be waiting and watching.

Now is the time

2007-02-16T22:43:00.000-06:00

Now is the time to really be thankful that what we have hoped for has happened. Now is the time to get our morale back. Now is the time to get OEMC back to what it use to be. Now is the time for our union to be on the same page as we are. Now is the time to work on the same team instead of against each other. Now is the time to say, this can only get better, or it can't get any worse. But in the end, I predict things will finally start to look up for all of us ops floor personnel. Congrats new deputy director and please, please make us proud and happy to be working under you.

Open Forum

2007-02-14T19:46:00.000-06:00

Enjoy this open forum for anything you would like to write about OEMC. Just keep in mind it should be in good taste and only initials please. Happy Valentine's Day!

What happened to employee of the month?

2007-02-09T09:16:00.000-06:00

Does anyone know what happened to employee of the month? I hear the 1st watch does something sort of the same. They collect money and based upon nominations declare someone employee of the month. That employee gets lunch, a gift and able to enjoy out of uniform on a weekend. What a great idea! Maybe all of the other watches can do the same to bring back some kind of fun to our jobs. If management wont recognize us , let's just do it ourselves. Anyone else think this is a good idea? Good Job to the 1st watch!

The big bosses, the big bosses, yeah, yeah, yeah

2007-02-02T17:59:00.000-06:00

So is it true we will not be able to wear Bears attire on Sunday? Come on what a bad move management! Everyone and their grandma will be wearing Bears attire. If those of us on the third watch have to be working, those of us on the 1st watch have to be working at least let us show our pride for our Chicago Bears. I bet some of the big bosses will be sportin Bears attire. I really hope if this rumor is true that management reconsiders.

Let's go for number 3!

2007-01-28T12:29:00.000-06:00

I guess I happen to be on a roll when it comes to fixing what is broken. See in my opinion a good company takes care of their workers. I must say those consoles are in some bad shape! The opening for the garbage on Zone 12 still doesnt do the job, the smell and junk is always exposed. Most, if not all of the consoles keyboard support doesn't stay up , they droop down. Zone 5 still has lights that never shut off. Some zones do not have working heat. Some zones and call taking consoles don't even have that extra extension for your wrist's support. And when was the last time you saw a cleaning crew come in to clean them?

Chairs, please new chairs

2007-01-28T12:26:00.000-06:00

Speaking of impressing the big bosses on Superbowl, wouldn't it be just wonderful if we were able to enjoy new chairs that actually work. Just looking at the condition of our chairs and I really wonder, were they just cheap chairs or is someone secretly throwing them up against a wall or talking a chomp out of the arm rests. Really, think of it , those chairs haven't been on the floor that long. Oh well, anyway do you think we can get some working chairs?

We could've done it ourselves!

2007-01-28T12:21:00.000-06:00

Ok it has been discussed before on Let's Talk, and it needs to be brought up again. What is going on with this carpet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One can only imagine what is going to happen if they ever decide to go in a room with new carpeting. Wasn't this just the hallway? So this week it is supposed to be done, hmmm just in time for the big wigs and the Superbowl! I wonder, just wonder if that is why we can't walk on it, could it be they want the big bosses to be impressed?

Fill in the blank

2007-01-23T21:49:00.000-06:00

It's time to play our once in awhile fun game called , Fill in the blank, so let's go!
If we were able to _____________________at work, I would be much , much happier!
AND
If only that police officer would________________it would make my job alot easier!

The Magic Carpet

2007-01-22T17:14:00.000-06:00

Can someone tell us why it is taking a week to install a carpet or pieces of carpet?

Management please read this!

2007-01-17T16:24:00.000-06:00

We, the undersigned blog posters would like to bring to managements' attention some realistic ( please keep it realistic) wishes for a more pleasureable, comforting, and overall happy work environment. While we won't offend anyone , we just wish that some of these suggestions are read and maybe even taken.