Posts tagged International Association of Firefighters
Grand Forks International Airport Firefighters Vote to Unionize for Expected Benefits
May 23, 2025 // At a Thursday, May 15, Airport Authority Board meeting, it was announced that the firefighters had voted to unionize. Among the benefits that led them to make this decision, according to Burrows, were additional training opportunities, additional health benefits, access to an international peer group, the ability to support research regarding firefighter safety — such as cancer and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — as well as the ability to participate in charitable events like the Fill the Boot campaign and Toys for Tots.
Commentary: VA is selectively enforcing Trump’s order stripping workers of union rights
April 22, 2025 // But the same notice, without explanation, exempts eight small labor groups within the VA from Trump’s edict, effectively allowing them to retain their collective bargaining rights. Those unions include the Laborers International Union of North America, the Western Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, the Veterans Affairs Staff Nurse Council Local 5032 in Wisconsin, the International Association of Firefighters in Arkansas, the Teamsters Union Local 115 in Pennsylvania and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Hawaii. While Trump’s order exempts law enforcement and firefighter unions from losing their collective bargaining rights, that exception would apply only to the IAFF local.
Unions face a moment of truth in Michigan in this year’s presidential race
October 18, 2024 // Union leaders have said his first term was far from worker-friendly, citing unfavorable rulings from the nation’s top labor board and the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as unfulfilled promises of automotive jobs. They emphasize Democratic achievements in states like Michigan, including the recent repeal of a union-restricting right-to-work law enacted over a decade ago by a Republican-controlled legislature. With membership dwindling in states like Michigan, Fain will need to attract more than just union workers to secure a victory for Harris, who has campaigned in the state alongside him. If the union president cannot deliver Michigan after all these efforts, it could raise questions about his union's political influence in future elections.
JD Vance receives received a mix of boos, applause at firefighters’ convention in Boston
August 30, 2024 // There was applause. There were boos. But Vance asked critics to give him a chance. "Sounds like we got some fans and some haters. That's OK," he said. "Let's listen to what I have to say here." Vance's pitch to the largest firefighter union was fairly straightforward: Firefighters, he claimed, are worse off than they were before President Biden took office.
OPINION: Government unions are behind corrupt Oakland mayor
July 1, 2024 // Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s home was raided by the FBI last week as were two other homes owned by members of the Duong family. The Duongs own California Waste Solutions, a company that has a billion-dollar contract with the city. Thao is reported to have traveled to Vietnam at the Duong family’s expense last year. Since the raid, Thao’s lawyer and communications director both quit and her former chief of staff called on her to resign. Thao refuses to leave office, however, claiming that she is completely innocent and the victim of “right-winged forces” that are trying to take her down. Thao’s political troubles did not start with the raid. Thanks to rising crime, a weak economy, and a huge budget deficit, Thao was already facing a recall election set for this November. As bad as Thao has been in office, though, there still is a good chance she will hang on to power.
Norfolk City Council denies collective bargaining request from Police Benevolent Association
November 29, 2023 // Councilmembers Courtney Doyle, Mamie Johnson, Danica Royster, Martin Thomas and Mayor Kenny Alexander voted to adopt the measure declining collective bargaining. Councilmembers Andria McClellan, J.P. Paige and Tommy Smigiel voted against the ordinance. The ordinance included that City Council decline collective bargaining “at this time” and also included the creation of at least four “employee committees,” which will meet with the city manager. Input from the employee committees will be factored into City Council’s budget discussions, according to city documents.