The Harris County Deputies Organization  

Local No. 154, AFL-CIO  H  International Union of Police Associations

LEGAL REPRESENTATION

The Harris County Deputies' Organization, through its legal staff, represents members in job related incidents, or in off-duty incidents whereby the member is acting in a legal capacity. This representation includes all administrative actions, civil lawsuits in which the member is a defendant, and in all matters involving allegations against members arising out of job related matters or incidents. (Those Organization members affiliated with CLEAT are covered by the CLEAT legal plan).

Neither the board of directors nor the membership votes on whether a member is entitled to legal representation as long as the member is in good standing with the organization. The member is entitled to representation, through its legal staff, in all "color of law" incidents. This entitlement includes all disciplinary hearings, civil service appeals, defense against civil suits, and criminal cases arising out of course and scope of duty. Legal coverage includes civil and criminal appeals, if in the opinion of our legal staff, the member has a reasonable chance of prevailing.

POLITICAL REPRESENTATION

Your interests are represented at all levels of government. Our leaders meet regularly with department administrators, Commissioners Court, The Texas State Legislature and members of the United States Congress. Political Action Committee: We screen candidates for local and state offices which affect our members. Candidates are screened for their backgrounds and positions OR issues. Successful candidates receive our endorsement, financial support, and signs made by volunteers in our sign shop.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

In-Service Training: Local 154 holds training classes on a cost basis to provide needed or required in-service classes not provided by your department. Training schedules are posted in the Star. Scholarships: HCDO awards scholarships each year to children of our members in addition to the scholarships offered by the AFL-CIO. College Counsel: Discounts on personalized reports and search services for finding and financing a college education are available. Social Events: The Organization sponsors two social events each year, a summer family Bar-B-Q and the Annual Christmas Party in December.

COMMUNICATIONS

The Harris County Star: Published monthly, the Star contains local Organization news, announcements and information on issues affecting all Organization members. Organization Bulletins: Special bulletins are put out at the workplace to inform members of immediate problems or issues and the Organization's response to them.

INSURANCE

The Organization Disability & Life Programs cover you 24 hours a day, on and off duty. IUPA/AFL-C10: Special life insurance plans are available for seniors and members with health problems through the IUPA & AFL-CIO. Low group rates are offered up to 25 percent below comparable plans. You can select from $10,000 to $100,000 of coverage; and coverage is available for your spouse. Call 1-800 3274349. Mortgages: Available from the IUPA & AFL-CIO. Get a mortgage from the only lender in the country who specializes in servicing union members. Down payments can be as low as five percent. They also handle refinancing of existing mortgages, and offer special help for first-time buyers. There are also discounts on Century 21 real estate agent commissions which means reduced closing costs. Call 1-800-848-6466. Loans: Available through the IUPA and AFL-CIO. They are longer rate, lower interest personal loans for special projects or to pay off bills. Loans from $2,500 to $ 15,000 for terms up to seven years, which means lower monthly payments. You have the convenience of applying for a loan from home. There are also skip payment options. Call 1-800-343-7097. IUPA MasterCard: A premium card with no annual fee issued by the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago comes with a free supply of personalized credit checks, twice a year "no-pay” options, a Premium Savings Plan and $250,000 air/common carrier travel/life insurance coverage. Call the IUPA office at 703-549-7473 for an application. Health Needs: Available through the IUPA, AFL-CIO. This is a discount mail service pharmacy service which covers your entire family, even relatives not living with you. There is no cost to join. Call 1-800-452-9425. Union Shopper: Available through the IUPA, this benefit offers a computerized buying network to save you up to 50 percent on 275,000 brand name items. It includes Auto Options (TM) Car Buying Service for low prices on union-made vehicles There is a $19.95 annual membership fee, $10 off if you join the Union Driver and Traveler at the same time. Call 1-800-547-4663.

THEME PARK DISCOUNTS

Walt Disney World Hotel Discounts: Special rates for Organization Members at Hotel Royal Plaza near Orlando, Florida--$89.00 per night with prices subject to availability. Reserve early. Free transportation to all Disney Theme Parks. For reservations, call 1-800-248-7890, and ask for the special union rate. Discounts through the Magic Kingdom Club including admission to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Discounts on purchases at Disney stores nationwide and the Disney Catalog. Discounts available through Anheuser-Busch Theme Parks, including Sea World, Sesame Place, Adventure Island, Busch Gardens, Water Country, U.S.A., and Cypress Gardens. Discounts on purchases within any of the theme parks. Discounts through Universal Studios FAN CLUB including admission to Universal Studios and stays at select hotels near Universal Studios locations. Also discounts on purchases inside Universal Studios and Spencer Gifts Stores nationwide. For more information write to Theme Park Discounts, c/o Union Privilege, AFL-CIO Suite 300, 1125 15th St., N.W., Washington, D. C. 20005.

UNION MEMBER DISCOUNTS

Hertz: 20 percent off daily member benefit rates and five percent off leisure daily, weekly and weekend rates are offered. Coupons available for savings on weekly rentals and upgrades. Discount on reservations made using the Union MasterCard. For reservations, call 1-800-654-2200, ID number 205666. National Ear Care Plan (NECP): Access to a network of nearly 2,000 hearing care professionals nationwide. Open to members and their immediate families, including parents and grandparents. Membership fee to join is $10.00 per family per year. Free annual hearing screening. 20 percent to 60 percent on basic audiological testing. 20 percent savings on hearing aids. Bonus free six-month supply of batteries with purchase of union-made Matico hearing aids. For information, call 1-800-766-3363. Travel Services - Union Driver and Traveler Program: The program includes membership in the Cross Country Motor Club; towing and emergency road service; discount auto repair and maintenance service; 5 percent, Cash Back on completed air and Amtrak travel; discounts at over 1,200 hotels and a Hertz Auto Rental Discount. The $49.95 annual membership fee covers you, your spouse and children. Call 1-800-547-4663.

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