INTERNATIONAL contents SPECIAL EDITION 2011 JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS FEATURES Special Insert Wave of SAFER Grants Keeps Fire Fighters Working

Punching Back IAFF launches powerful response to political attacks ...... 8 Ohio fire fighters march to State Capitol

Silencing Fire Fighters State lawmakers go after collective bargaining ...... 12

Right to Work Gaining Traction States push legislation to curb union membership ...... 16

Paycheck Deception Laws Aimed at Unions Lawmakers want an end to dues payroll deductions ...... 18

Politicians Target Public Employee Pensions Politically motivated attacks threaten retirement security ...... 22 Oklahoma fire fighters rally to protect collective bargaining

A New Threat Anti-labor lawmakers attack pensions ...... 28

On the Legal Front IAFF joins legal fight against anti-union law ...... 30

Threats Head North of the Border U.S. political tactics migrate to Canada ...... 32

Fighting Back on the Frontlines ...... 34

Maine fire fighters take fight to Capitol Hill

General President’s Message Special Report ...... 3

On The Cover Goodbye Vincent J. Bollon IAFF affiliates rise to challenge Legendary IAFF leader leaves a powerful legacy ...... 5 the cynical attacks on fire fighter pensions with coast to coast protests and powerful grassroots activity. General Secretary-Treasurer’s Message Anti-Union Attacks Like Never Before ...... 6

Retirees ...... 40

In Memoriam/Last Alarm ...... 46

2 Special Edition 2011 From the General President Special Report

he IAFF has always published a In Florida, lawmakers in the House want to every one of you magazine that covers all aspects of gut unions by curbing their ability to collect reading this will T our operations — from stories about dues through automatic paycheck pay more in health and safety issues to features and deductions, forcing them to get written income taxes than engaging pieces in Local Scene about our permission from each member before that members across two countries. making political contributions and calling multi-national But extraordinary times call for for unions that fall below a certain level of company. extraordinary measures. I don’t have to tell membership to be stripped of collective Corporate any of you that fire fighters and paramedics bargaining rights. Missouri has a variation America is doing are under attack all across North America. of this proposal, suggesting that unions be fine. Working Since the first of the year, the stories have charged an $8 per month per member fee Americans are been splashed across your newspapers and for the privilege of payroll deduction. not, and the Harold A. on the channels of your local broadcast news Our members are facing attacks from coast politically Schaitberger and cable news programs. And even though to coast — there are pension reform motivated attacks we’ve all seen the stories and it seems like proposals in California, attacks on on workers ensure we’ve been living this hell for months, the bargaining in Oklahoma and Nebraska, that any recovery we experience in this battle is far from over. Right to Work battles in Maine and Indiana. country will be limited to the very rich. So I decided that this issue of our No state or community is safe or immune. At our 2011 Legislative Conference last magazine must be focused exclusively on the The end game of these anti-worker month we dedicated a substantial portion of challenges that our members face and the politicians is simple. They want to cripple the agenda to the political and legislative battles we are waging. This is an public employee labor organizations. These threats in the states. It was an overwhelming unprecedented approach to our magazine, are politically motivated attacks. success. Our speakers were both engaging but these politically motivated attacks are Anti-worker lawmakers claim they are and informative. This issue of the magazine unprecedented. acting out of concern for state budgets. But is just as provocative. You need to stay Brothers and sisters, collective bargaining, these fights aren’t about balancing budgets informed. You need to keep up with our dues check-off, wages, pensions, union — this is about shifting the balance of battles through our Fighting Back web site at security, benefits and the right to have a power. Their real goal is to weaken unions www.IAFFFightingBack.com. voice in the political arena all are under and silence us. You need to be an active participant in attack. We all watched the frontal attack by Across the country, the IAFF and other these fights because the threats aren’t going Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin. In unions have stepped up to the plate and are away. Ohio, Governor John Kasich and a working to deal with deficits and the harsh We have worked hard to identify these GOP-controlled legislature followed suit, economic reality. threats and respond to them. We are in the passing a law to eliminate bargaining rights On the federal level, we are battling to fight unlike never before. that have been in place since 1983. In protect our Staffing for Adequate Fire and At a recent rally, I quoted that great Michigan, Governor Rick Snyder’s allies Emergency Response (SAFER) program, revolutionary war hero, Admiral John Paul have introduced dozens of bills attacking which has saved the jobs of thousands of Jones, who said, “I have not yet begun to labor. Now our members and the rest of IAFF members. Please read our special insert fight.” That is the rallying cry of this great labor must wage an expensive referendum in this issue of the magazine for more IAFF, and it must be the rallying cry of campaign to beat back this attack. information on what SAFER has done for every one of our members. Let’s fight back, Just weeks ago, the New Hampshire House our members. and let’s fight hard. n of Representatives voted to eliminate Targeting those of us who work for a living collective bargaining. In Michigan, the is misguided and malicious. At the same anti-worker governor signed a bill into law time, corporations continue to get a free giving emergency financial managers the ride. Nothing makes that more obvious than authority to eliminate collective bargaining the news last month that General Electric, and essentially put local governments under which earned billions of dollars last year, a trusteeship. didn’t pay federal income taxes in 2010. The In Alabama we’ve filed suit to contest a company earned $14.2 billion in profits, but paycheck deception law that the state’s former governor signed into law before he left office. In Tennessee a cabal of Remembering Vinnie anti-worker lawmakers has introduced numerous laws to silence workers. One bill want to extend my thanks to everyone meant a lot to Linda, Vinnie’s wonderful would make it illegal for any labor who traveled to New York to attend the wife. And it meant a lot to me. organization to contribute to a political Iservices and funeral for IAFF General Vinnie will always hold a special place in candidate. Another would prohibit labor Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Vincent J. the hearts of IAFF members. His organizations from using dues for political Bollon April 4. longevity and his body of work are action. Yet another piece of legislation While it was difficult to say goodbye to unparalleled. His friendship and proposes making it illegal for labor such a dear friend, it was heart-warming to dedication were unrivaled. organizations to deduct dues from the see the overwhelming turnout by our Rest in peace, Vinnie. paycheck of a member. members from both countries. I know it

International Fire Fighter 3 INTERNATIONAL

Harold A. Schaitberger General President Harold A. Schaitberger, Editor Thomas H. Miller General Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Zack, Supervising Editor IAFF EXECUTIVE BOARD 10th District James T. Ferguson Jane Blume Bill Glanz 1st District 3029 Buchanan Street Director of Communications, Director of Public Affairs and Kevin Gallagher San Francisco, CA 94123-4201 Managing Editor Media Relations 2004 E. 29th Street (415) 760-8063 (Cell) (415) 474-4121 (Fax) Brooklyn, NY 11229 Kristin Craine, Staff Writer Kristin Davis, Graphic Artist (718) 934-4933 (Office) 11th District (917) 767-9639 (Cell) Sandy McGhee Tim Burn, Staff Writer Mesha Williams, New Media Assistant (718) 332-0001 (Fax) 1283 S. Detroit Avenue Cindy Payne, Administrative Assistant 2nd District Tulsa, OK 74120 Craig Renfro, Advertising Director • (972) 416-9782 • [email protected] Mark Woolbright (918) 599-8176 (Office) (918) 855-8228 (Cell) Postmasters send changes 115 McMennamy Road Periodical postage paid at (918) 599-9176 (Fax) Washington, DC of address to St. Peters, MO 63376 IAFF (314) 393-9755 (Cell) Published bi-monthly. 12th District 1750 New York Avenue NW Subscription price $18 per year. (636) 397-1572 (Office) Larry Osborne Washington, D.C. 20006 (636) 397-3809 (Fax) 8743 Ricardo Lane International Fire Fighter Jacksonville, FL 32216-3536 (ISSN 0020-6733) 3rd District Official publication of and © Copyright A. Michael Mullane (904) 641-5407 (Home) (904) 219-8656 (Cell) 2011 by the 50 North Bayfield Road INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF North Quincy, MA 02171 13th District FIRE FIGHTERS® Printed in USA (617) 328-7202 (Home) Bruce Carpenter (617) 288-2100 (Office) 12 Lockview Crescent Publications Mail Agreement No. 1492438 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: P.O. Box 122 Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E658 St. Catharines, ON L2M 2T3 4th District Email: [email protected] (905) 687-2455 (Cell) William V. Taylor 206 Inlet Drive 14th District INTERNATIONAL STAFF Danny Todd Pasadena, MD 21122 Peter L. Gorman Chief of Staff Kelli Tucker 3740 Northcliffe Drive (410) 317-5546 (Office) Jim Lee Chief of Operations President of Auxiliary to the IAFF (443) 324-2529 (Cell) Memphis, TN 38128 Baldwin Robertson Legal Counsel (512) 587-0413 (410) 317-5548 (Fax) (901) 377-6549 (Home) [email protected] Rich Duffy Assistant to the General www.aiaff.com 5th District 15th District President for Occupational Health Father Thomas Mulcrone Joseph M. Conway Jr. James A. Fennell Safety and Medicine IAFF Chaplain 821 Williamson Street 181 Ellerdale Street Jeff Zack Assistant to the General IAFF Headquarters Office Madison, WI 53703-3547 St. John East, NB E2J 2L8 President for Media, 1750 New York Ave. NW (608) 257-2030 (Office) (506) 693-9710 (Home) Communications and Information (506) 658-2955 (Office/Station) Technology Washington DC 20006 6th District (202) 737-8484 (Office) Scott Marks Assistant to the Lorne West 16th District (202) 737-8418 (Fax) General President for Canadian James B. Johnson IAFF Canadian Office Box 581 Stn. Ft. Langley Operations Langley, BC Canada V1M2R9 3195 Dayton-Xenia Road 350 Sparks St. Suite 403 Suite 900-303 Lori Moore-Merrell Assistant to (604) 574-5785 (Office) Ottawa Ontario Canada K1R7S8 Beavercreek, OH 45434-6390 the General President for Member (604) 868-8730 (Cell) (613) 567-8988 (Office) (202) 360-1318 (Cell) Services, Technical Assistance and (604) 513-9884 (Fax) (613) 567-8986 (Fax) (937) 429-5536 (Fax) Information Resources IAFF Alumni Coordinator 7th District Patrick J. Morrison Assistant to the Dominick Barbera Ricky Walsh TRUSTEES General President for Education (786) 423-1401(Cell) P.O. Box 5604 Mark S. Ouellette Training and Human Relations (954) 434-3850 (Home/Office) West Richland, WA 99353 2681 Sicily Drive Kevin O’Connor Assistant to the IAFF Burn Foundation General President for (509) 627-2872 (Office) New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 (202) 824-8620 (509) 999-3090 (Cell) (603) 422-5081 (Cell) Governmental, Political and Public Affairs (509) 627-3134 (Fax) Alex Forrest Don Copley Assistant to the 8th District 303-83 Garry Street General Secretary-Treasurer for Paul Hufnagel Winnipeg MB R3C-419 Canada Budget and Finance (204) 783-1733 (Office) 2545 Oxford Road Send your address changes to [email protected] Lansing, MI 48911-1036 (204) 791-4980 (Cell) (517) 281-2832 (Cell) (204) 255-0383 (Home) EMERITI OFFICERS Dominick C. DiPaulo (204) 253-0496 (Station) (517) 484-7744 (Home) President Emeritus Robert E. Palmer (204) 772-2531 (Fax) Charles L. Buss 9th District Alfred K. Whitehead Anthony Mejia Gerald O. Holland Randall (Randy) Atkinson Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus 3451 Julian Avenue Michael J. Crouse 7964 South Pennsylvania Drive Long Beach, CA 90808 Frank A. Palumbo Littleton, CO 80122 Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass (562) 989-3667 (Office) Vice President Emeritus (303) 738-9338 (Home) Terry A. Ritchie (562) 212-2055 (Cell) Charley Hall (303) 880-1329 (Cell) Dominick F. Barbera Russell P. Cerami GENERAL COUNSEL Trustee Emeritus James L. Hill Thomas Woodley William McGrane Elliott Hastings Woodley & McGillivary Dennis Lloyd John K. Stephens 4 Special Edition 2011 he IAFF said goodbye April 4 to a true labor legend: former Lieutenant in 1977, he continued his union service to Uniformed New York City fire fighter and fire officer and IAFF Fire Officers Association (UFOA) Local 854 and was first elected to TGeneral-Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Vincent J. Bollon. the Local 854 Executive Board in 1978 and served as the President of Bollon, 77, passed away March 28 at his home in Fairfax County, Local 854 for eight years. He was also first vice chairman of the Virginia. largest fire fighter pension fund in the United States and Canada Hundreds of IAFF leaders and members gathered to pay tribute to from 1980 to 1988. Most recently he was chairman of the NFPA Bollon and the countless contributions he has made to the fire Pension Fund and a trustee on the Fairfax County, Virginia, service and to the labor movement as a procession led by FDNY’s Uniformed Retirement System. Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and FDNY’s Engine 343 escorted “Vinnie Bollon was not only a true legend in the labor movement Bollon and his family to Saints Philip and James Catholic Church in and an icon in the hearts of fire fighters across the United States and St. James, New York. Canada, but as General Secretary-Treasurer he was a true champion In his words of remembrance, IAFF General President Harold and steward of our membership’s assets. His contribution is beyond Schaitberger said that Bollon’s contributions were plentiful and measure,” says IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Thomas H. Miller. profound. “How do you describe the 50 years of service that Vinnie Bollon was instrumental in enacting legislation for fire fighters gave in just a few phrases? How do you define this man in the short throughout the state of New York, protecting their benefits, health time we have this morning?” Schaitberger asked. “You just can’t and safety. In addition, he drafted and helped secure the passage of because of the profound mark he made in so many, many ways far the New York State First Line Supervisors Law, which provides officer exceeds the ability to give fair reflection and appreciation.” training at state expense for newly promoted first line supervisors in Of Bollon’s career as a New York City fire fighter, Schaitberger said all New York State paid fire departments. He also served on the he had a “brave, commanding and yet calming presence fighting boards of directors for the National Fire Protection Association thousands of fires in the South Bronx and Harlem” which “earned (NFPA), New York State Fire Safety Advisory Board, New York City him continued respect and recognition from his peers.” Members of Fire Museum and John Jay College. both his firehouses may not have known Bollon personally, but they “Vinnie Bollon was an honest, forward looking and inspiring leader,” knew his history, reputation and legacy. They honored him by says Al Hagan, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. standing in honor during his wake and they carried him to his final “Even after leaving the presidency of Local 854, Vinnie stayed in contact resting place. Four Bronx fire companies, including Ladder 31 and with our leadership to provide wise advice and counsel. Not only will the Engine 82, stood in salute next to their rigs at the gates of the officers and members of the UFOA miss Vinnie Bollon, the entire FDNY cemetery, surrounding a lone helmet, turnout coat and boots. will miss him and keep him in our prayers.” Bollon joined the FDNY in 1959, fulfilling his ambition to be a New Steve Cassidy, president of Uniformed Firefighters Association York City fire fighter. During his fire fighting career he served in the Local 94 adds, “His time as a line fire fighter and Local 94 officer is busiest firehouse, in the Bronx — “La Casa Grande” — and as a fire legendary here in New York. On behalf of the Local 94 Executive officer in the busiest firehouse in Harlem — “The Fire Factory.” Board and all Local 94 members, our thoughts and prayers go out to For his heroic demonstration of courage without regard for his the family of Vincent J. Bollon.” own life, Bollon was awarded the FDNY’s Thomas F. Crimmins Bollon served as General Secretary-Treasurer of the IAFF from 1988 medal and the Albert S. Johnston medal after saving civilian lives until 2010, making him the second-longest serving principal officer in during two separate fires. In addition, on nine separate occasions, he the 93-year history of the IAFF. He retired in January 2010. was presented meritorious service citations from his department. He leaves his wife, Linda; his children Janice and her husband Ron Bollon was an extraordinary union leader going back to his first Roveto, Suzanne Bollon, Chrysee Bollon, and Kathleen and her election in 1975 as the Financial Recording Secretary for Uniformed husband Walter Scott; and his grandchildren Jennifer, Steven, Firefighters Association (UFA) Local 94. After his promotion to Matthew, Nicholas, Caitlin, and Brianne. n www.iaff.org 5 From the General Secretary-Treasurer

Anti-Union Attacks Like Never Before

e are facing challenges in the union To further assist in the Fighting Back campaign, movement like never before. Attacks on we have established a substantial account by Wpensions and our collective bargaining moving money at very favorable exchange rates rights appear to only be the beginning. As this from our Canadian bank accounts to our U.S. Special Edition of International Fire Fighter accounts. The transfer of per capita positions us illustrates, we now face a host of attacks on a financially to assist our affiliates where the attacks number of issues, including the restriction on the are hitting hardest. These expenditures are being collection of union dues. And we have launched tracked through a supplementary budget during Thomas H. Miller an unprecedented Fighting Back campaign on this fight. your behalf. We haven’t had challenges like this in my The first repeal of a dues deduction law was lifetime, but I want to assure you that whether this “We haven’t had passed in Alabama. Act 761, passed in December fight lasts for six months or six years, the General during a special session of the state legislature, Secretary-Treasurer’s office is in tune with what challenges like this makes it illegal to arrange for public employee our affiliates and the membership need to fight in my lifetime, but I payroll deductions for union dues unless the labor back — and we will win it if we stand together organization does not use the dues for “political and fight together. want to assure you activity,” and defines that term so broadly that it includes even talking about candidates for state or R.I.P. Vinnie Bollon that whether this local offices. The Act also forces unions to itemize In closing, I want to pay tribute to General fight lasts for six and disclose all of their financial records to Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Vincent “Vinnie” government employers each year. Bollon. Vinnie was my predecessor in this months or six years, The law threatens criminal penalties to those incredible job. He was a courageous and dedicated the General who violate its restrictive requirements with up to fire fighter and a great labor leader, always ready a year in jail and a $6,000 fine. Legislation similar for the next challenge. He was also a true Secretary-Treasurer’s to Act 761 is appearing in legislative sessions in champion and steward of our members’ assets. As about a dozen other states as well. this great union’s chief financial officer, Vinnie office is in tune with The IAFF has challenged the ban on paying of positioned the IAFF for financial strength for what our affiliates union dues through payroll deductions in years to come. Alabama, arguing that the ban violates the free It would be impossible to measure all that Vinnie and the membership speech guarantees of the First Amendment and has done for our union and its members. I just the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth want to make sure everyone knows we were lucky need to fight back Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. to have had him as our General — and we will win it Our lawsuit contends that the new laws are an Secretary-Treasurer for over two decades. attempt by extremist lawmakers to undermine We all remember the great anthem of the civil if we stand together labor organizations. rights movement: “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.” The lawsuit argues that local fire fighter unions Vinnie lived it. He kept his eyes on the prize of and fight together.” engage in many efforts that could be considered fairness and justice for IAFF members and for a “political activity,” including advocating on strong union for the IAFF for more than 50 years, matters of public safety, and that no legitimate working at every level of leadership. government interest is served by the ban. I would personally like to pass my condolences Currently, we have won a preliminary injunction and prayers to Vinnie’s wonderful wife Linda, his against this law. children Janice and her husband Ron Roveto, But, while we are fighting through the courts, we Suzanne Bollon, Chrysee Bollon and Kathleen and are also developing methods to assist affiliates her husband Walter Scott, and to Vinnie’s with collecting dues. Since we have developed the grandchildren Jennifer, Steven, Matthew, Nicholas, ability to make online per capita payments (see Caitlin and Brianne. page 26) for all affiliates, we can assist you at the Vinnie you will never be forgotten, may you rest local level to do the same through your local credit in peace. union or direct debit so you will have alternatives if faced with this issue. Contact your District Vice President for assistance.

6 Special Edition 2011

he IAFF is fighting back against the Another component of the campaign is to relentless political attacks on fire leverage the IAFF’s social networks Tfighters and paramedics with an (Facebook, Twitter aggressive campaign that includes print, and Frontline Blog) broadcast and social media to deliver the to spread the message message that fire fighters and paramedics are These bumper stickers are available from and help affiliates. the IAFF Online Store. not to blame for the nation’s financial straits. The IAFF continues The fault lies at the feet of Wall Street to expand the reach speculators who crippled the U.S. economy Schaitberger has appeared on MSNBC’s* of the Fighting Back campaign by growing with what amounted to fraudulent “Hardball” and “The Ed Show,” and was a the number of Facebook fans and Twitter investment schemes. featured guest on the nationally syndicated followers. In addition, members can sign up “There’s a vicious crusade against our Ed Show on the radio. Yahoo Finance also through the Fighting Back web site to receive members and other public employees,” says featured President Schaitberger in a story on email updates about the IAFF’s Fighting Back IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. pension reform. Schaitberger also authored efforts. “Politicians characterize it as a budget issue op-eds and letters to the editor for the New The challenges IAFF members face are and a finance issue, but the truth of the York Times and Wall Street Journal, among serious. The widespread assault on labor and matter is that this is a power issue.” other papers. attempts to repeal collective bargaining rights IAFF members are under assault by massive At the local level, the IAFF has run print, under the guise of solving the nation’s and unprecedented anti-union, anti-fire radio and television ads in Wisconsin, Ohio, financial crises is real. This is a comprehensive fighter attacks throughout the United States. Florida, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and approach to protect IAFF members, and a The IAFF campaign will let the nation know Michigan to fight state legislators’ efforts to major push-back effort to respond to the that America’s fire fighters and paramedics strip fire fighters and paramedics and other attacks by politicians and the media. are not the problem and expose those with public employees of worker rights and benefits. “The IAFF will fight these unfair attacks politically motivated agendas and who use the The IAFF will continue to defend its wherever they happen, and however long it economic shortfalls to diminish everything members vigorously, taking the case directly to takes,” says Schaitberger. “The IAFF will not fire fighters have fought for over the decades. the public. “Our entire careers have been stop fighting back against these politically These efforts have included full-page ads in dedicated to protecting our neighbors and our motivated attacks by public officials who want USA Today (below) and Politico, editorials, neighborhoods,” Schaitberger says. “We to blame the recession on fire fighters and videos and media interviews. IAFF President believe our neighbors will stand with us paramedics.” n against these unfair political attacks.” As part of this multi-faceted public relations * Some IAFF members have asked when the and media campaign to respond to attacks on IAFF will appear on other media outlets like pensions, pay, collective bargaining and other Fox News. The IAFF has asked political benefits, the IAFF has developed a new web commentators, including Sean Hannity and site — IAFF Fighting Back Bill O’Reilly and other Fox journalists, to (www.iafffightingback.com). This site interview President Schaitberger to discuss features all campaign materials, including the political attacks on fire fighters, but none prints ads, videos, op-eds, other news and has expressed any interest. If you’d like to see videos related to the effort, fact sheets and the IAFF on these shows, email your favorite information and tools affiliates can use in news programs. their local campaigns and media efforts.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, 8th District Vice President Paul Hufnagel and Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters President Mark Sanders march in Columbus to protest S B5, the law that severely diminishes collective bargaining rights for public employees.

8 Special Edition 2011

to anti-worker legislators’ efforts to end collective bargaining, retrict the use of union dues, roll back benefits and privatize government functions, including education and prison management. Privatization of government services would have the dual effect of reducing unionized jobs while also opening up new avenues for large corporations to profit. “These folks are going after public sector workers because they stand in the way of their agenda,” Walker said. “The real game here is how to increase the corporate profits of their contributors and how can they privatize a lot of the vital public services that we all depend on. These politicians know that unions help keep corporate power in check, which is why ince the elections just a few short shared sacrifice that the current fiscal crisis they want to try to weaken or eliminate us.” months ago, the political landscape has demands,” said Walker. “Instead of working to A number of anti-union hotspots around the Sbeen transformed in an ideological shift create jobs, the politicians are seeking revenge country are moving anti-worker legislation of historic proportions. on their political opponents and paying back quickly into law. New members of the U.S. Congress, along their Wall Street and CEO friends with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has with governors and state legislators who rode a unsustainable and fiscally irresponsible tax introduced legislation (see page 14) to put an wave of public anger into office have ousted cuts. They have been clear about their plans to emergency financial manager in economically many labor-friendly political allies, and now destroy the labor movement by attacking distressed areas who would have the authority they have set their sights on destroying fire workers and their unions.” to wipe out collective bargaining agreements, fighters and other union workers. Walker ticked off the names of several merge agencies and eliminate government “This new political breed has come out of the anti-union, anti-worker foundations and think functions. gate swinging,” says IAFF General President tanks working in concert to combine heavy Idaho state lawmakers recently eliminated Harold Schaitberger, “calling our union, our financing with a political and legislative collective bargaining rights for teachers, and in leadership and members — the entire labor strategy to drive a stake through the heart of New Hampshire, a bill is moving that would movement — the problem and the cause of all labor. Her list includes the Castle Rock gut a card check law that passed a worker the state and local government economic pain.” Foundation, John M. Olin Foundation, Wilson friendly legislature two years ago. Legislators in Elected leaders are using the cruel recession Family Foundation, Sarah Scaife Foundation New Hampshire have also proposed an of the last two years as cover to go after fire and the Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation. amendment to the state collective bargaining fighters and paramedics, other workers and In addition to better-known think tanks like law that would turn all state workers into other unions and to attack from every the Heritage Foundation and the Cato at-will employees after a contract expires (see conceivable angle. Institute, Walker pointed out the increasing page 15). “Politicians have been clear about their plans influence of the Koch Brothers and its group While labor groups will have to work hard to to destroy the labor movement by attacking Americans for Prosperity, which has helped fend off these and other attacks state by state, workers and their unions,” AFL-CIO Director fund and stand up the Tea Party movement. anti-labor groups are expected to launch of State Government Relations Naomi Walker These groups have added money and muscle another salvo later this year and next year in told delegates at the IAFF 2011 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. She spoke during a session addressing state attacks and summed up what’s happening in state legislatures across the country as lawmakers launch anti-worker and anti-union legislation designed to damage public employee jobs and benefits. The session had all the feel of a battle plan briefing on the eve of a major invasion. In nearly all cases, the seemingly countless bills threatening fire fighter jobs and benefits have nothing to do with solving state budget crises and everything to do with political retribution and payback to corporate backers who loathe unions. The three-hour session was somber and serious. There were detailed maps, intricate diagrams and more than a few stark assessments of the size and scope of the state-by-state attacks on fire fighter and other public employee jobs and benefits. “They have been slashing wages and benefits IAFF members in Wisconsin participated in the days-long protests in Madison against for people who have already demonstrated the Governor Scott Walker.

10 Special Edition 2011 “Politicians have been clear about their plans to destroy the labor movement by attacking workers and their unions.” —Naomi Walker, AFL-CIO Director of State Government Relations

the form of multiple state ballot initiatives. These will be designed to force labor groups to spend more time and resources defeating ballot initiatives and taking away essential resources needed to field labor-friendly political candidates. “These attacks are coming at us fast and furious from all across our country,” says In Florida, IAFF members attended “Awake the State” rallies across the Sunshine State to Schaitberger. “But this union isn’t taking it send a message to political leaders to stop budget cuts. lying down. We have faced adversity before, and we are fighting back!” sentiment away from public employees and particularly in the wake of the days-long Among the most aggressive assaults against their benefits, according to Madrid-Davis. protests in Wisconsin against Governor Scott public sector workers are state and local attacks State legislatures have made numerous Walker and his efforts to rollback collective on public sector pensions (see story on page changes to public pensions in the past five bargaining rights (see page 12). 22). These efforts are coordinated and well years, primarily by creating second tiers of “Wisconsin really helped to change the terms funded, and will likely continue well through lowered benefits for new hires. of the debate around these fights,” said Walker. 2011, according to Executive Director of the While public pension foes have in recent “We have sparked a debate on collective National Public Pension Coalition Gerri months seized on public sentiment and bargaining rights that we have not been able to Madrid-Davis. anti-worker legislatures to enact changes, do for quite some time. The public is on our “We all know that some state pension systems Madrid-Davis said the IAFF and other labor side now. The majority of the public — not are in financial trouble, but for the most part organizations should move from defense to just in Wisconsin — but across the country are these attacks represent a wholly manufactured offense in promoting public pensions. standing with workers and their rights to crisis,” she said. “There are those who have “We need to emphasize that public defined bargain collectively.” always opposed public sector pensions, but the benefit plans are not a perk, but rather a model “We must stand together and stay united to attacks have escalated, and this time they are for broader retirement security for all,” make sure that the future of our members will much better financed.” Madrid-Davis told IAFF members at the Alfred be as rewarding as the past,” Schaitberger says. Public pension opponents have done a K. Whitehead Legislative Conference. “This is our moment to make a difference, to masterful job of exploiting general anxiety Amid all of the doom and gloom be heard and to fight back. This is our moment about retirement security following the surrounding the coordinated and well-funded to win again!” n financial crisis of 2008-2009 and then attacks, there is a real sense that the tide is fomenting “pension envy” to turn public beginning to turn in favor of public employees,

ALEC May Be Behind Efforts to Weaken Public Employee Unions he American Legislative Exchange which dismantles collective bargaining rights The group is not aligned with any political (ALEC), a Washington, DC-based for public employees, told the Cleveland Plain party, but two-thirds of ALEC’s members are Tnonprofit for anti-union, anti-worker Dealer that she is unaware of efforts by ALEC Republican. It holds regular conferences for state legislators , is emerging as the possible to pass similar legislation elsewhere. members and promotes the exchange of ideas mastermind behind efforts in Oklahoma, And while ALEC says it is not involved in for legislation. Although most of the group's Ohio and other states to squash the collective legislation proposed in Oklahoma or Ohio, members are legislators, members also bargaining rights of public employees. While rumors of the group’s part in attempts to include executives from Pfizer, AT&T the group says it has nothing to do with any limit collective bargaining rights, cut wages Services, Koch Industries, Peabody Energy, measures to weaken worker rights, it’s no and benefits and bust unions continue. ExxonMobil and Wal-Mart. The Cleveland secret that the organization has written ALEC recently attracted attention after Plain Dealer reports that the corporate model legislation for hundreds of bills University of Wisconsin historian William members collaborate on drafting legislation. designed to do just that. Cronon posted a blog on March 15 accusing ALEC maintains that there is no Oklahoma State Senator David Holt, author ALEC of playing a role in the recent coordinated effort to draft and pass similar of Senate Bill 826 — legislation designed to initiatives in Wisconsin and several other legislation in states across the country. It says restrict binding arbitration — is among states. Two days after Cronon posted the any similarities between bills are because ALEC’s members. Ohio Governor John item, Wisconsin's Republican Party filed a states are running out of money throughout Kasich was also formerly active in ALEC, but widely criticized public records request for the United States and must take steps to Senator Shannon Jones – author of Bill SB 5, Cronon's emails. address these fiscal problems. n

International Fire Fighter 11 Collective Bargaining Battles Get Personal

s governors and state legislators heels but we are going law’s exemption for fire conduct their full frontal assault on to fight back and we will fighters and police Athe middle class and unions, one of prevail.” officers creates their prime targets is collective bargaining Thanks to the hard “unnecessary conflict rights. State leaders are using the down work of many IAFF among the employees economy to take away the collective state and local affiliates, and divisions within and bargaining rights some IAFF fire fighters many of these bad bills among public sector have had for more than 40 years. have been stopped dead labor organizations.” “Their efforts are not budgetary, but in their tracks. But, in “This bill is damaging simply political,” says IAFF General states like Wisconsin, not just to fire fighters, President Harold Schaitberger. “Their only Ohio, Michigan, but to all of Wisconsin’s goal is to completely gut workers’ rights Oklahoma, Nevada and workers,” says PFFW and benefits and weaken the entire union Nebraska, fire fighters President Mahlon movement.” are fighting in the Mitchell. “We are taking Governors and state legislators alike claim legislature and courts to all necessary steps to get that crippling or eliminating collective defeat these measures. this bill stopped.” bargaining rights will be the magic pill they Senator Jon Erpenbach, one of the Meanwhile, Governor need to alleviate their state’s budget Wisconsin Wisconsin 14, talks to delegates at Scott Walker shortfalls. This is the battle that the IAFF Legislative Conference contemplated ignoring Collective bargaining is being challenged started it all. At the about the ongoing battle in Judge Sumi’s ruling, in state legislatures including in Ohio, center of the storm is Wisconsin. sending the bill to Oklahoma and Iowa. “This is about the legislation that attacks Wisconsin’s Legislative right that wants to take us down,” says the middle class by stripping collective Reference Bureau, which published the law, Schaitberger. “They may have us on our bargaining rights from most public workers a step toward its enactment. He has since in the state. backed off and is complying with the order. Both outside and inside the State Capitol The legislation, as it is now, requires state building, throngs of workers demonstrated employees to contribute 5.8 percent of their for days with chants of “kill this bill!” and salaries to cover pension costs and 12.6 “Walker must go!” Even though the percent towards their health care premiums governor attempted to divide and conquer and weakens collective bargaining rights for these workers by not including fire fighters most public employee union members. in the cuts, that old management ploy failed. Though Governor Walker exempted fire Madison, WI Local 311 took the lead in fighters and police from much of his organizing the high-profile marches, with union-busting budget plan, Wisconsin’s Local 311 Vice President Kevin Sherry and fire fighters stood strong with their Secretary-Treasurer Clay Christenson brothers and sisters in other public sector leading the coordination of logistics, shirts, organizations. signs and most other details. And while As the bill was being heard by the Joint they could not prevent the governor’s Finance Committee on February 14, signature, the anti-collective bargaining hundreds of fire fighters joined the throngs legislation will now be duked out through of protestors marching, chanting and the court system. wielding signs demanding the governor, the A Wisconsin District Attorney has alleged Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly stop that anti-union lawmakers violated the the bill that would kill 40 years of collective state’s open meeting law by hastily bargaining. convening a special committee before the “Kill the Bill” remained the constant Senate passed the bill. In response to the chant as union members stood unwavering District Attorney’s arguments, Dane on the State Capitol lawn. County District Court Judge Maryann Inside the Capitol walls, opposing Sumi issued a temporary restraining order legislators made several attempts to amend blocking the new law. the bill, but failed. It passed the committee However, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. by a 12-4 vote. Van Hollen has asked the state appeals Undaunted by the legislation’s progress, court to lift Judge Sumi’s order. He says IAFF General President Schaitberger that the district judge overstepped her addressed the crowd on the Capitol steps in boundaries when she made the ruling. But Madison on February 17. “We are ready to the appeals court has upheld Judge Sumi’s stand in the trenches with you,” ruling. No word yet on whether the state Schaitberger said to a cheering crowd. supreme court will take the case. “We’re ready to fight on the frontlines with The IAFF produced this ad in the In yet another court action, the you. We’re going to bring everything to the Milwaukee Journal to help stop anti-labor Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin game. Like we used to say — money, legislation from passing. (PFFW) has filed a lawsuit arguing that the marbles and chalk — everything it takes to

12 Special Edition 2011 play. And we’re going to prevail.” Ohio Fire fighters and other unions continued “It was clear early on that In Ohio, the showdown continues over to stand outside the Capitol building, the Republicans were going Senate Bill 5, legislation passed in the state never missing a day. Meanwhile, all 14 of legislature and signed by the governor that the State Senate Democrats walked out to take measures to prevent severely limits or prohibits collective February 19 and announced that they bargaining. would stay out of state indefinitely in effective debate. We left “The words ‘collective bargaining’ are still order to keep the Senate from reaching a in the bill’s language, but all of the quorum and vote on the bill. Wisconsin in hopes that limitations imposed by this legislation will One of the 14, Senator Jon Erpenbach, debate would be prevent us from discussing 90 percent of spoke March 14 at the IAFF Legislative our work,” says Ohio Association of Conference in Washington. “It was clear encouraged. That did not Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF) early on that the Republicans were going President Mark Sanders. to take measures to prevent effective happen. We lost the battle, Under the proposal, management can debate,” said Senator Erpenbach. “We left refuse to negotiate a long list of workplace Wisconsin in hopes that debate would be but we did not lose the war.” issues, including safety, deployment and encouraged. That did not happen. We lost —Wisconsin Senator Jon Erpenbach operations. the battle, but we did not lose the war.” The bill also lists subject areas that cannot On March 9, with the Wisconsin 14 still be negotiated under any circumstances, outside the state, Republicans made a anti-labor legislative actions. Governor including health care benefit costs and the controversial move, stripping the bill of all Walker, who was elected in November 2010, number of workers required to be on duty fiscal measures so that it would not need a must be in office for a full year before he or employed in any department of a public quorum for a vote. The measure passed the can be subject to a recall. employer. State Senate 18-1 and the State Assembly “As we did during the protests, In a March 8 rally at a State Capitol IAFF the following day 53-42. Wisconsin’s fire fighters will stand in General President Harold Schaitberger told However, the future of the legislation solidarity with its union brothers and the crowd of 1,500 fire fighters and other remains uncertain. In addition to the court sisters as they fight to remove those who are union members that the war is not over. He action, eight Senate Republicans are now not friendly to labor from office,” says IAFF urged all of Ohio labor to stay together in subject to recall elections as a result of their 5th District Vice President Joe Conway. Continued on Page 14

www.iaff.org 13 Collective Bargaining Battles Get Personal (Continued)

Continued from Page 13 this fight and assured union workers would prevail in the end. “Our time is now. This is history in the making. We will not back down,” said Schaitberger. The IAFF also ran print ads in the Columbus Dispatch, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Cincinnati Enquirer, and a 30-second video was introduced at a press event in March. The IAFF also submitted an op-ed to the Columbus Dispatch accusing Kasich of an ulterior motive in going after unions. Ohio State Senator Bill Seitz (R), who voted against his party, told delegates at the IAFF Legislative Conference in Ohio fire fighters continue to fight SB 5. Union members made it clear to Ohio Washington, DC that he did not believe This ad ran in papers across Ohio. lawmakers that the fight over SB 5 is far enough time was spent discussing the from over. negative effects of the legislation. Seitz departments with neighboring added that the bill would make it an unfair municipalities and change charter language. by Represenative Joe Haveman (R), the bill labor practice to communicate with elected Even more troubling is that the criteria was referred to the House Governmental officials during negotiations, a violation of for qualifying for EFM intervention has Operations Committee for a hearing. the First Amendment, and take away loosened. “As many as half of Michigan’s While MPFFU President Docherty binding arbitration. municipalities now qualify,” says Docherty. testified against the bill, a rally Governor Kasich removed Seitz from the This draconian legislation met with great co-organized by Michigan fire fighters and committee because he was going to vote no, opposition from the state’s unions and police was held outside the Capitol. effectively killing the bill. others, escalating to a large rally on March Following the committee hearing and rally, “This is a recipe for labor unrest, and it 15. However, Michigan Governor Rick HB 4205 has not gathered much support definitely fails the smell test,” said Seitz. Snyder ignored the public outcry and and does not appear near passage. Although Governor Kasich signed the bill signed the legislation into law on March 16. However, a separate reform bill to the into law in March, fire fighters and other “This is a recipe for disaster,” says current binding arbitration law is likely to public workers are already working to Docherty. “This opens the door wide-open be introduced soon. prevent the legislation from becoming to absorb some of our locals into Public permanent law by putting the bill up for Safety Officer (PSO) departments. We Oklahoma public referendum in November. For the could also lose locals if an EFM decides to The Professional Fire Fighters of Oklahoma measure to be included on the ballot, fire combine fire departments.” (PFFO) has been diligently tracking four bills fighters and other public employee groups Meanwhile, the MPFFU is tracking — three in the State House and one in the must generate nearly 250,000 signatures for numerous other anti-union bills, including State Senate — that would hurt the state’s fire a petition to allow the referendum. HB 4205, which proposes to repeal binding fighters’ ability to collectively bargain. Thanks The OAPFF is confident that there will be arbitration for fire and police. Introduced to an effective grassroots lobbying effort, all enough signatures to move the referendum forward and that efforts to convince voters to reject the legislation will begin in force.

Michigan Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU) President Mark Docherty is calling HB 4214 the worst legislation he has ever seen. The bill allows the governor to appoint an emergency financial manager (EFM) to replace duly elected local officials and terminate contractual obligations, including collective bargaining agreements, if a “so-called” financial emergency exists. An EFM also has the sole ability — without approval from other state legislators or the governor — to ban all collective bargaining for a period of five years, eliminate pension boards and take over control of pensions, remove municipal elected leaders from office, combine fire and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has signed a bill giving an unelected emergency financial police departments, consolidate manager (EFM) sole authority to — among other things — ban all collective bargaining.

14 Special Edition 2011 three House bills have been killed. hurting our ability to collectively bargain “What they seem to be really after is to In addition, HB 1576, which would have and by slicing the pensions we receive after chip away at the process of dispute repealed a 1994 act granting binding 30 years of service.” resolution,” says Engler. “They want the arbitration to fire fighters and police, was Three proposed pieces of legislation employer to have all of the cards.” defeated in the state House of Representatives in the State Senate attack collective The NPFFA is combating these bills from with a final vote of 53 to 46. bargaining. Senate Bill 169 would change all fronts, including conducting a survey of “Getting 53 state legislators to vote our the way governments handle public Nebraska voters on collective bargaining way was a tough challenge,” says IAFF 11th employee layoffs and prohibits assigning rights for public employees. Engler says District Vice President Sandy McGhee. “In seniority a greater weight when Nebraska fire fighters are hopeful that defeating HB 1576, not only did Oklahoma determining which workers are laid off. these ill-advised pieces of legislation will members meet that challenge, they Senate Bill 342 would eliminate bargaining not make it to the governor’s desk. exceeded it.” units for supervisors and administrators, “This is a great victory, especially considering and Senate Bill 343 would eliminate New Hampshire the number of votes we had to earn for our binding arbitration from the local The New Hampshire legislature has side,” says PFFO President Rick Beams. “I am government collective bargaining statute, stepped up its war against workers with a proud to say that all of the hard work that but exempts police and fire fighters. proposal to dramatically roll back collective went into defeating this bill paid off.” All three bills have been referred to the bargaining laws and put employees at the PFFO lobbyist and retired member of Senate Committee on Legislative mercy of employers. Shawnee, OK Local 206 Chalk Norton, says, Operations and Elections. The GOP-dominated House Finance “We encouraged our members to develop Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has also Committee approved an amendment to the relationships with their state leaders and stay outlined a proposal that would reduce the state collective bargaining law that would in their ears concerning these collective current pension plan from 75 percent to 35 turn all state workers into at-will employees bargaining bills.” percent after 30 years of service. The new after a contract expires. The measure would After the defeat of HB 1576, the bill’s author, pension plan would be supplemented by a give employers unprecedented power to drive State Representative Scott Martin defined contribution plan similar to a 401(k). down wages and benefits for state workers. (R-Norman), declined to make a motion to The PFFN has set its sights on defeating all “This is yet another example of cynical reconsider. Two other House collective of these anti-labor proposals, aligning with ‘blame-the-worker’ state legislation. It’s bargaining bills — HB 1210 and 1577 — have the Nevadans for Nevada, a coalition of happening all across the country from also been killed. public employee organizations, to develop a Wisconsin to New Jersey and now in New Senate bill SB 826 — containing much of the cohesive campaign and effective message. Hampshire,” IAFF General President same language in the three defeated House “In my 28 years as a fire fighter, the Harold Schaitberger says. “Giving bills — remains a looming threat, adding current anti-union environment is the employers even more power won’t fix New provisions to give preference to using in-state worst I’ve ever seen it,” says McAllister. Hampshire’s fiscal problems. Instead, it will Oklahoma arbitrators and restrict how “Nevada fire fighters have also never force employees to work even harder for comparisons for wages, insurance, retirement backed down from a fight, and we’re not less wages and benefits.” and other benefits can be used during going to start now.” This measure is just the latest in a string of arbitration. outrageous proposals to emerge from the New The IAFF and the Professional Fire Fighters Nebraska Hampshire state legislature to slash workers’ of Oklahoma (PFFO) began airing Numerous bills are proposed in Nebraska rights. Lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a advertisements asking voters to urge attacking collective bargaining rights. The bill that would make it illegal for employers legislators to vote against Senate Bill 826. The legislation is not as much about budgets as and employees to enter contracts that require ad, broadcast across the state, elicited an it is the state’s legislators’ dislike of the nonunion member participation. Lawmakers immediate response from the bill’s author, Commission of Industrial Relations (CIR), also are pushing to dramatically cut pension Senator David Holt (R)-Oklahoma City, who an entity that settles most labor disputes in benefits for fire fighters. demanded the union stop running the the state. Many conservative legislators “It is becoming clear that this legislative commercial in an effort to try to shift the believe that the CIR uses comparables too session has become more about settling debate away from his anti-worker legislation. often to favor the worker. political scores and disenfranchising certain SB 826 has already passed the Senate and has “We’ve got at least eight proposals that groups than working to solve the real been moved to the House General address collective bargaining,” says challenges facing our state,” says President Government Committee for consideration. Nebraska Professional Fire Fighters of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Association (NPFFA) President David Hampshire (PFFNH) David Lang. Nevada Engler. “Five of them pose serious threats.” The PFFNH aired radio spots across the For Nevada, where much of the state’s Some are directed at teachers; others at state to bring people to a March 31 “Rally for revenue depends on tourism, the country’s state workers and fire fighters. New Hampshire.” More than 1,000 protesters financial crisis has taken a particularly big Two proposals — both proposed by State converged on the steps of the State House in blow. “Our state is going to be one of the Senator John Nelson — would eliminate Concord to protest the two-year, $10.2 billion last to recover from the economic crisis,” collective bargaining. LB664 would abolish state budget that will curtail the collective says Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada the CIR and prohibit the state from bargaining rights for public sector workers. (PFFN) President Rusty McAllister. engaging in collective bargaining and It is now up to the New Hampshire State “Unfortunately, this means our state LR29CA asks voters to approve a ban on Senate to inject some sanity and fairness to legislators are trying to compensate by collective bargaining. the legislative process. n

International Fire Fighter 15 Right to Work

everal states are proposing Right to Work laws prohibiting unions from assessing a fee to nonunion Smembers. While these bills are introduced almost every year in most of the 28 states without existing Right to Work laws, new legislation is gaining traction in states that in the past have not faced serious threats.

New Hampshire SB 1 was debated in the Senate as union State Department of Labor building One of the most extreme examples of supporters watched from the gallery. illustrating the state’s labor history be Right to Work legislation — HB 474 — is Republicans have the majority, but are split removed. Instead of paying homage to the being pushed in New Hampshire. This bill on the issue. After three hours of debate, it worker, he wants another one that gives refers only to public sector workers, was clear that the legislation was at an special attention to the business leader. prohibits collective bargaining agreements impasse. The Senate shelved the bill LePage has also ordered that the that require employees to join unions and without a vote. It is unclear if the bill will conference rooms in the Labor Department stipulates that no public employee union is be brought back up, but its survival is building be renamed. Currently, one of required to represent employees who elect doubtful. House Speaker Steven Tilly (R) them is named for the first female U.S. not to join or pay dues. and Governor Jay Nixon have already Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, and “This bill has many troubling potential expressed opposition to the bill. another for Cesar Chavez, the legendary ramifications,” says Professional Fighters of Meanwhile, SB 202 has, thus far, not been organizer. New Hampshire (PFFNH) President David scheduled for further action. The PFFM is working with the Maine Lang. “The way HB 474 is written, workers AFL-CIO and all of the state’s unions to would have the ability to quit the union Maine combat Right to Work legislation and any and negotiate their own, separate deals with Four Right to Work bills in Maine are other anti-labor actions taken by the their local governments.” This means being consolidated into two bills. One bill is governor or the legislature. different wage scales, work rules and benefit pointed toward the public sector and the packages. other at the private sector. Both are House Minnesota Right to Work has been proposed 12 bills, but have not come before committee In Minnesota, a bill for a constitutional times in New Hampshire, but has never yet. amendment prohibiting unions from passed. “With this last election, we have an “Many of us in Maine are wondering why requiring prospective employees to join or influx of new anti-union state legislators,” such legislation is being brought up now pay dues and making Minnesota a Right to says Lang. “Anti-worker legislation like this because the proposals are so different than Work state has stalled in the state House of is now very popular and that’s why it is what has been brought up in past years,” Representatives. gaining ground.” says Professional Fire Fighters of Maine The bill includes provisions to reduce the HB 474 has already passed the House and (PFFM) President John Martell. “One state workforce by 15 percent over the next is moving into the Senate, however, reason could be that Maine went from few years through layoffs and early Governor John Lynch has publically stated having a Democratic executive branch, retirement options. It also freezes public he will veto the bill. house and senate to having a Republican employee salaries. executive branch, house and senate.” “We have been lobbying our friends in the Missouri Governor Paul LePage is also a mystery. state legislature,” says Minnesota In Missouri, two bills have Right to Work “We interviewed him while he was still a Professional Fire Fighters (MPFF) President provisions — Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill gubernatorial candidate,” says Martell. Tom Thornberg. “While some have 202. SB 1 would stop unions from assessing “During the interview, he said that he expressed their undying support, others are a fee to nonunion members they serve and worked well with unions. So, many are more cautious.” protect. SB 202 is a paycheck deception bill surprised that the governor has publically Thornberg says he does not expect any that also includes Right to Work language. come out saying his administration not only anti-labor legislation to reach the “As of right now, neither bill is earning supports the legislation, but is pushing it.” governor’s desk, but fire fighters in enough support for passage,” says Missouri Additionally, Governor LePage is making Minnesota are keeping a watchful eye. State Council of Fire Fighters President some non-legislative changes that seem to The bill was referred to the state Tony Kelley. “In fact, SB 1 has been shelved, call further into question his true opinion Government Finance Committee, but a but we will be watching to see if it of labor. He has ordered that the hearing has not been scheduled. resurfaces.” 36-foot-wide mural in the lobby of the

16 Special Edition 2011 Other States Another Right to Work bill has been Right to Work legislation was also In Indiana, a Right to Work bill was one proposed in Alaska, but has no co-sponsors introduced in Washington that would have of the first pieces of legislation put forth by and is, therefore, unlikely to gain enough weakened binding arbitration, but it did not the state House of Representatives (see traction to pose any real threat. have enough votes to get out of committee. box). However, strong opposition from the In Hawaii, Right to Work legislation — SB In Montana, a Right to Work bill is still in Indiana’s labor unions and House 278 — was proposed and referred to the the drafting phase that would allow a fine Democrats prevented the bill from moving State Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. of up to $1,000 for violations of the bill’s forward. The bill did not make it out of committee. provisions. n

Right to Work Stopped in Indiana

hen it comes to political Still, House Republicans maintained Republicans in the House of theater, the Indiana state their interest in pushing the bill forward. Representatives hold a 60-40 majority. WHouse of Representatives On February 21, a special hearing on the But they cannot pass a bill without a ranks high on the list of union-busting legislation began in the House quorum of two-thirds, or 67 shenanigans. Indiana state Republicans Employment, Labor and Pensions representatives. By leaving, Democrats — who dominate the General Assembly Committee. The hearing did not go deprived them of the quorum. — proposed legislation to restrict unnoticed by organized labor. Realizing they were backed into a collective bargaining rights and make it a Members of every union in Indiana corner, House Republicans agreed to misdemeanor to require any employee to showed up outside the hearing in table the bill in favor of sending it to a pay union dues. opposition to Right to Work. Each day, summer committee for further study. But due to opposition from the between 500 and 1,000 union members PFFUI President Hanify says, “With Indiana’s labor unions and State House lined the halls of the Indiana House of this issue going to a summer study Democrats, Republican House Speaker Representatives. committee, proper debate and Brian Bosma announced that he and his “I haven’t seen organized labor discussion on the matter can be had.” colleagues are dropping their efforts to galvanized on an issue at the statehouse Meanwhile, the Democrats are pass Right to Work this legislative like this since 1995,” says Professional expected to return before the session. Fire Fighters Union of Indiana (PFFUI) mid-session break to vote on bills ready The Right to Work bill was one of the President Tom Hanify. “It was amazing for final vote. first pieces of legislation to be put forth to see the unity of the various unions at “These are difficult times and we have by House Republicans this session. work at the statehouse every day.” to stay vigilant and people have to Governor Mitch Daniels came out At the close of the hearing, the House communicate with everybody,” says immediately saying the bill should not Committee voted the bill out of Hanify. “I believe that with all my heart. be considered this session. Additionally, committee 8-3 for consideration in the As soon as you shut the door you do a he said the state had more pressing House. House Democrats sided with labor disservice to members.” n problems and issues. and walked out of the legislative session.

IAFF members in Indiana joined hundreds of union workers to help stop a Right to Work bill introduced in the state House of Representatives.

www.iaff.org 17 coordinated political attack is to end unions’ ability to even collect dues political activity. This “paycheck deception” is spreading through U.S. state through payroll deductions. This is designed aimed solely at unions — corporations could Alegislatures like wildfire in efforts to to bankrupt unions and reduce their still contribute as they deem appropriate. boot fire fighters out of the political and resources. “It’s total hypocrisy,” says IAFF General legislative arena. Paycheck deception laws are In other states, attempts are being made to President Harold Schaitberger. emerging as a way to silence fire fighters and stifle unions’ political voice through Lawmakers who introduce paycheck seize the political power of unions. paycheck/employer “protection,” which deception legislation say it will give workers In sum, state legislatures are simply trying prohibits dues from being used for any more choice and freedom to select political candidates by limiting payroll deductions. But this legislation is nothing more than a Anti-Labor Forces at Work in Tennessee smokescreen. The truth is that these laws are designed to cripple unions and put the he Tennessee House of Representatives average worker at a disadvantage to the rich is debating a series of bills that would and powerful. Tlimit the political speech and activity Paycheck deductions are important in of fire fighters across the state. order for fire fighters to have a voice in the The Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters political process and prevent big, Association (TPFFA) is working to crush profit-greedy businesses from dominating four bills, including two that would limit state and local governments. payroll deduction. Another set of bills Business groups and ultra-conservative would bar unions from contributing to foundations like the U.S. Chamber of political campaigns. Commerce, Americas for Tax Reform The proposed legislation would prohibit Tennessee. (founded by Grover Norquist), the American public employees from deducting dues In Tennessee, fire fighters are one of two Crossroads and Crossroads GPS (an from their paychecks if they remain groups that have a state law governing organization advised by Karl Rove), the politically active. In addition, it would be payroll deductions. Other public employee National Right to Work Committee and the considered a Class C misdemeanor to unions have dues deduction through labor National Right to Work Legal Defense are contribute any union funds to a political management and or collective bargaining just some key backers on the national level candidate. In Tennessee, corporations agreements, explains IAFF 14th District spending millions of dollars to move their currently are not allowed to give direct Vice President Danny Todd. agenda against labor unions forward. contributions to a political candidate. “Not only are the ultra-conservative But workers can’t be forced to fund a However, two bills are pending that would politicians not allowing us to collectively union’s political and legislative activities and allow corporations to not only give to bargain, but they are trying to take away our unions can’t tell workers how to vote. political candidates but allow for-profits to political speech too,” Todd says. “The Several states are facing paycheck deception increase their contributions annually question becomes how can corporations and legislation that would hurt fire fighters and through a CPI. insurance companies be allowed deductions other public employees. “It’s ironic that some of these anti-labor and not be limited in their speech? But fire forces are trying to limit the voice of the fighters and other public employees can?” Arizona working people in Tennessee and move One of the side effects of the legislation The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and them out of the political process while would be a reduction in the amount fire Industry is supporting state Senate efforts trying to pass laws that will increase the fighters give to charities in their to stop public employee unions from contributions of corporations,” says communities. IAFF members in Tennessee collecting dues for political activities. In TPFFA President Eddie Mitchell. support more than 200 charities in the addition, Americans for Prosperity, a In late January, Glen Casada, a veteran state, including the Muscular Dystrophy Washington, DC-based political advocacy legislator representing the 63rd district, Association (MDA), Special Olympics, group, has testified in support of the bill. introduced HB0159, a bill intended to Make a Wish Foundation, Burn Centers In fact, seven anti-union bills have been only affect public employee unions in and the Salvation Army. n introduced in this legislative session, but

18 Special Edition 2011 Florida 11-9. Next it goes to the Rules Committee. One Florida lawmaker is on a mission to The Florida Professional Firefighters crush public employee unions in the (FPF) has produced an ad for the Sunshine State. Tallahassee market asking voters to oppose State Senator John Thrasher, former Speaker SB 830. of the House, has introduced SB 830, a bill FPF President Gary Rainey says all efforts that would stop payroll deduction for union are being made to stop the bill in the dues and prohibit dues from being used for Senate. “This bill raises serious political activity without written consent. constitutional questions,” he says. “It The bill passed the Florida House of would affect every public employee union Representatives by a vote of 73 to 40. The in the state and make dues deduction a the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona bill’s sponsor in the House — cumbersome process.” (PFFA) has fought back and stopped some Representative Chris Dorworth (R-Lake The payroll deduction bill, along with a from moving forward. Mary) — says the action is intended to plan to change the pension system and The current crop of bills awaiting empower labor unions. Union membership efforts to squash collective bargaining, has consideration include prohibiting the is voluntary under Florida’s law, and payroll galvanized state public employees to hold collection of union dues for political deductions should not be an issue. The bill rallies across Florida while the state purposes, eliminating a unions’ right to was pulled from the Senate Government legislature is in session. negotiate and forbidding public Oversight Committee and referred to the IAFF 12th District Vice President Larry employees’ right to protest. Budget Committee where it was voted out Osborne says the payroll deduction bill PFFA President Tim Hill says the bills creates symbolic and philosophical problems. create a constitutional problem for public “This is a sad thing for both the governor employee unions in Arizona. “These bills and the people pushing this bill,” he says. take away our ability to participate on an Intended to hurt unions, the legislation equal playing field,” he says. “If enacted, could have broader consequences for then the only thing we could do is watch.” groups across the state, including private PFFA fire fighters are working with other sector employees and other non-profit public employee groups to rally public agencies, which would also be stopped from support to oppose the legislation. using dues deductions for their members. Continued on Page 20

International Fire Fighter 19 Continued from Page 19 should be thinking about the broader where sweeping legislation marginalizing consequences. public employees has passed. “This is a giant chess game, and lawmakers “I hope that this also raises the have made a move they hope will hinder the awareness of MPFF members — power and influence of fire fighters in particularly those who vote conservatively Kansas,” says Wing. “As far as I am — when it comes time to change the concerned, they can go and have a good day legislature,” he says. “I hope they vote with because this is not going to stop us one iota.” their union.”

Minnesota In Minnesota, newly elected conservative leaders, including Representative Steve Kansas Drazkowski, have introduced a dozen In February, the Kansas state House of anti-worker bills, including a bill stating Representatives passed a bill that would unions cannot deduct dues from members outlaw payroll deductions for union dues for political activities, unless they are and political action committees. The bill contacted directly. Minnesota Professional was sponsored by House committee and Fire Fighters (MPFF) President Tom approved by a vote of 75 to 46. The bill has Thornberg hopes Minnesota voters will yet to be assigned to a Senate committee. take lessons from Ohio and Wisconsin “Someone is proposing these ideas in Missouri Kansas, but they don’t have enough guts to The Missouri Senate has approved SB put their name on it,” says President of the 202, which prohibits public employee labor Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters Bob unions from payroll deduction of union Wing. He testified against the bill in House dues. While passing in the Senate, the hearings. “Clearly, when it has no sponsor legislation has several obstacles to and comes out of committee, there’s an overcome before becoming law. The element of deceit. It is our hope that this Missouri House of Representatives must won’t see the light of day in the Senate.” still approve the bill, followed by voter He says those pushing the legislation approval in August of 2012. The dues deduction bill would also Kane says, “People seem to understand that combine legislation requiring workers to we speak with one voice, and that we are sign an agreement to authorize dues for together when it comes to paycheck political activities. protection and other laws that threaten “This type of legislation is very damaging employee rights.” to our members, and could be very harmful Kane says fire fighters and other labor to our locals,” says Missouri State Council unions in New Mexico have been effective of Fire Fighters (MSCFF) President Tony because they are unified. Kelley. “We are doing everything we can to Right to Work legislation was proposed get it stopped.” that included language to bar payroll MSCFF Legislative Director Mark Habbas deductions of employees and other charges has worked tirelessly to defeat this bill and paid to labor organizations unless written continues the fight along with all of the authorization is given by the worker. The Texas members of the MSCFF. bill was tabled in the House Labor and A paycheck protection bill was introduced The restrictions would apply to all Human Relations Committee. in the Texas state legislature in March. public-sector unions. Kane is grateful that the bill was pushed Texas State Association of Fire Fighters In 2007, public sector unions in Missouri back, but is on guard for other issues that (TSAFF) President Guy Turner says fire were granted collective bargaining rights will make it hard for unions to organize fighters have worked hard over the years to after the state supreme court ruled public and keep their rights and benefits. build good relationships with legislators on employees have a constitutional right to both sides of the aisle. He hopes those engage in collective bargaining with bonds will help defeat the bill. government employers. “We’ve been able to show them that we aren’t the ogres they think we are,” says New Mexico Turner. Payroll deduction legislation has become The Texas state legislature is unique a perennial issue in New Mexico, thanks to because it meets every odd-numbered year, District 58 Representative Candy Spence holding a regular session to 140 calendar Ezell (R). days. This structure provides some New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters protection for fire fighters from Association (NMPFFA) President Emily never-ending political attacks. n IAFF Affiliates in Grassroots Brawl to Save Pensions

iven all the national media focus with amendment and debate. Anti-labor The good news — such as it is — is that this winter on collective bargaining legislators in other states are quietly Democrats still control both houses of the G— and the massive union protests drafting language, lining up allies and New Jersey state legislature, and they are in Wisconsin and Ohio, to name a few — focus-testing their messaging with the goal getting more involved in the debate over one might be lulled into thinking the of launching their proposals at just the pensions. threats to public employee pensions, right time. Marino says the PFANJ “has a seat at the including those for fire fighters, have In those states with no pending legislation table” in the crafting of a Democratic moved to a back burner. to erode pensions and little attention to alternative to Christie’s draconian Not a chance. The map depicting U.S. pension funding in the local media, rest proposals. His proposal would raise the fire states where pensions are under political assured there are anti-labor lawmakers fighter retirement age to 55. Currently, fire and legislative threat looks a lot like an champing at the bit to rip up public fighters can retire at any age. Christie’s plan election eve landslide. It is clear that employees’ hard-earned retirement plans. would reduce pension percentages when anti-labor groups and their allies in It’s hard to pinpoint on a U.S. map where fire fighters retire after 25 years from 65 governors’ mansions and state legislatures ground zero might be in the coast-to-coast percent to 60 percent, and after 30 years hope they can run the table on pensions assault on pensions. While governors in many from 70 percent to 65 percent. during the next legislative cycle. states are trying to cut labor off at the knees Marino notes that the Democratic bill sets They seek to enact laws jacking up by gutting collective bargaining, New Jersey out to separate the various government employee contributions, delaying the age of Governor Chris Christie appears to have the pension systems in New Jersey, which retirement, creating a weaker second tier greatest momentum in his bid to rewrite the would likely illuminate the fact that the system for new hires, and in some cases rules for public employee pensions. police and fire fighter pension system is in pushing fire fighters and other public “The biggest problem we have right now much better fiscal shape than the others. employees out of defined benefit plans and is that the actuaries monitoring the various Despite all of Christie’s media bluster and into defined contribution plans — and the public pensions in the state of New Jersey his swelling popularity both in New Jersey whims of Wall Street. are saying the systems are underfunded, the and outside the state, Marino remains In some states, proposals attacking public sky is falling and something needs to be confident state lawmakers will in the end sector pensions are already moving through done,” says President of the Professional craft legislation that all sides can accept. legislatures, with IAFF affiliates engaged in Firefighters Association of New Jersey One key challenge is that all of New the grueling game of softening and delaying (PFANJ) Dominick Marino. Jersey’s state legislators are up for

22 Special Edition 2011 re-election in November 2011, with many Maine fire fighters and other public where Democrats, who are in the majority, of them likely skittish about going against workers face a frighteningly similar threat refused to take up the measure. the tide of public sentiment as voters head in their own backyard as Maine Governor So for now, pension reform is off the to the ballot boxes. Paul LePage runs Wisconsin Governor table. But President of Kentucky “The fact is that we have too many Scott Walker’s anti-labor playbook. Professional Fire Fighters (KPFF) Bruce Democrats in New Jersey who are acting Facing a $4.3 billion state fiscal deficit, Roberts says anything can happen. In fact, like Republicans,” says Marino. “If the LePage’s budget proposal includes $203 Williams is running for governor to replace Democrats had stuck together all along we million in tax breaks over the next two years Democrat Steve Beshear in 2012; if he wins, would not be in the mess we are in right designed to help businesses. But by claiming expect the heavens to open up again. now working hard to defend our benefits.” that Maine’s state pension system is in Roberts notes that Williams has a running If Christie succeeds in rolling back public jeopardy, his plan would force an increase in mate with particular vote-getting appeal in employee pensions in New Jersey, he will employee payment into the pension, Kentucky. Richie Farmer, a.k.a. Mr. no doubt provide inspiration and dramatically reduce cost-of-living Basketball, is running alongside Williams as momentum for anti-labor efforts adjustments and increase the retirement age. a candidate for lieutenant governor. Farmer percolating in other states. As far as pension reform goes in the state was a shooting guard for the University of Florida fire fighters have the facts and the of Kentucky, fire fighters are in the eye of a Kentucky Wildcats from 1988 to 1992, improving economy on their side as they really bad storm. averaging 7.6 points a game. continue to argue against GOP efforts to The “Darth Vader” of pension rollbacks in Roberts says that the KPFF will continue gut public worker pensions. Kentucky most certainly is Senate President its strong support for Beshear, who is Unfortunately, fire fighters there no David Williams, who introduced a bill running for a second term. Beshear has said longer have the politics or the numbers on earlier this year to completely do away with publicly that public employees have already their side to convince the Florida state defined benefit plans for all new public given up enough of their pension benefits, legislature to back off pension reform. employees and replace them with having changed to a two-tier system of 25 Florida Governor Rick Scott is proposing 401(k)-style plans. That bill passed in the and out for new hires in 2008. that public employees begin contributing 5 State Senate and then went on to the House Budget and public pension battles are percent to their pensions, while they currently make no contribution. Further, Florida Fire Fighters and Families Stand Up for Pensions Scott and other reform advocates hope to eliminate defined benefits for all future lorida fire fighters are not taking public employees and switch them to Governor Rick Scott’s attacks on 401(k)-style plans. In addition, proposals their pensions lying down. are afoot to raise the retirement age, F Orlando Local 1365, its public sector eliminate all overtime as a means for allies and loyal family members took to determining pensions and ending Deferred the streets of Orlando in February to Retirement Option Plans (DROPs). protest the new governor’s plan to gut The push to reform Florida pensions has public pensions. picked up steam even though Florida’s The rally was timed to catch the pension is considered one of the most attention of Orlando drivers on their late solvent in the nation. What’s more, recent afternoon commutes and to draw studies have shown that switching public attention away from a state Tea Party rally workers to 401(k)-style plans would cost the a few miles up to road. Scott was state more money every year for the next 30 headlining the Tea Party rally, tossing red years. meat to the activist voters who put him in But the facts aren’t getting in the way of office by unveiling his budget plan for the pension opponents who are confident they state. The key features of that plan are have the votes to win. severe cuts to public employee pensions President of the Florida Professional and government programs, and tax cuts Firefighters (FPF) Gary Rainey says for corporations and property owners. Republicans now control all levels of “It was a great event, we had coverage Florida state government with Scott, an all from all of Orlando’s major television Fire fighters, public workers and their Republican cabinet and GOP super networks,” says Local 1365 President friends and families turned out in force majorities in both legislative houses. to rally to protect public pensions in Steve Clelland, adding that representatives Because of those super majorities, Florida. from Orlando police and each of the Democrats hoping to delay or halt pension major public sector unions showed up to reform would be wasting their time if they Tea Party and political momentum from hold signs and shout. pulled a page from Wisconsin Democrats the close election victory over Democrat Like many IAFF affiliates, Local 1365 is and fled to Georgia. Alex Sink in November, the new fighting back against a coast-to-coast The FPF is working with legislative governor’s pension attacks are short on assault on public sector pension plans. committees to change the legislation. fact. While some state pensions are Anti-union groups have teamed with other Maine’s public employees staged underfunded at the moment, Florida’s conservative think tanks to convince the numerous rallies in March to show public pension system is well funded and public that public sector pensions are to solidarity with their brothers and sisters in considered by most objective analysts to blame for the fiscal woes facing the states. Wisconsin who have lost their collective be among the most sound pension While Scott enjoys the support of the bargaining rights at the hands of a radically programs in the nation. n conservative governor.

International Fire Fighter 23 nothing new to California fire fighters. with Governor Jerry Brown are trying to “We feel confident that there is not an When it comes to the looming Golden State condition their support for his budget on interest in California to impose these war over public employee pensions, fire his support for their rollbacks of public draconian measures our opponents will fighters are tanned and ready, if not so employee benefits. propose,” notes Paulson. “The Democrats much rested. They burned a good bit of A number of unions, including fire have a significant advantage in the candle power making sure former CEO fighters, have agreed to a lower pension for legislature, and Governor Brown was the Meg Whitman would never get the big new hires. Those issues were negotiated one who signed the state’s collective office in the statehouse. through collective bargaining with bargaining law.” “We have been in the thick of a fight to then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. At the same time, Governor Brown has protect our pensions for the better part of a Now those concessions are being used as signaled that a second tier pension might decade,” says President of the California the benchmark for imposing lower be inevitable. Paulson expects the pension Professional Firefighters (CPF) Lou Paulson. retirement tiers on police and fire fighters. issue in California will end up in a bruising “Whether from local management or the The notion of a second retirement tier for ballot initiative fight. hardcore anti-worker ideology at the state first responders has become their mantra. Speaking of public employee pension level, our pensions are under attack nonstop.” CPF has been in this fight for years and reform, Kansas could be called the California is facing a possible ballot knows what it’s doing. CPF is a founding “Wait-and-See State.” initiative in spring or fall of 2012 that sponsor of Californians for Health Care and There are currently no bills pending in the would impose a two-tiered retirement Retirement Security, the labor umbrella Kansas state legislature that would alter system on all public employees, scale back pushing back against the attacks on benefits. state government pensions, according to defined benefit plans and switch new hires “We have launched an increasingly aggressive President of the Kansas State Council of to 401(k)-style plans. ”So far nothing has media pushback,” explains Paulson. Fire Fighters (KSCFF) Bob Wing. been drafted, but our opponents are focus “There is a significant effort afoot to But Wing expects that to change. “Right testing the issue and raising money as we educate state lawmakers in Sacramento on now we have a lot more kooks in Topeka speak,” says Paulson. what public pensions mean,” he says. “The after the mid-terms when we lost about 30 The initiative will likely be inspired by a core point is that retirement security is not of our friends in the legislature,” he says. “I study by The Little Hoover Commission, a a perk; it is something that everyone should have heard Governor Sam Brownback government watchdog heavily weighted with be entitled to. There is so much making rumblings that public employee conservatives, which calls for increasing the misinformation, and we have needed to pensions would need to be reformed and retirement age and raising new employee refocus our attention on this issue since our likely shifted to defined contribution plans.” contributions to pensions and health. massive effort in the mid-terms to put Jerry Wing believes that conservative The Republicans in budget negotiations Brown back in the governor’s mansion.” lawmakers would love to go after pensions,

24 Special Edition 2011 but are taking a wait-and-see approach to find out how things play out in Wisconsin Harmful Pension Legislation Voted Down in Virginia with the collective bargaining battle there. “We have had a couple of pretty strong onths of aggressive lobbying coalition with other employee groups, rallies on the steps of the State Capitol, and and coalition-building has paid including teachers, police and Virginia we expect to have another bigger one in the Moff for the Virginia Professional governmental employees. The coalition near future,” says Wing, noting that KSCFF Fire Fighters (VPFF). On February 2, the shared ideas and planned a coordinated members were active participants. “After Virginia Senate Finance Committee campaign to protect public employees seeing what’s been happening in Wisconsin, I killed four bills that would have from this attack on their pensions. think some of the lawmakers are starting to mandated or created a defined President Mohler says, “This will be a wonder if this is a fight they want to get into.” contribution plan for state and local long battle. Employers have seized on the The Professional Fire Fighters of New employees in Virginia. economic times to attack public Hampshire (PFFNH) is trying to put the VPFF Legislative Director Art employees who work long hours in brakes on state legislation recently Lipscomb testified February 1 that dangerous jobs and, in many cases, for approved in both the House and the Senate defined contribution plans do not low pay.” that would cut pension benefits for fire provide any benefits other than what the Many VPFF locals sent members to fighters and other public employee in order employee contributes, plus whatever Richmond numerous times during this to deal with the system’s nearly $5 billion discretionary amount the employer legislative session. “The hard work of our shortfall. wants to contribute. If a public safety members, the employee group coalition But PFFNH President David Lang has officer in Virginia were to be and our legislative staff are the reasons warned that many fire fighters will retire en permanently disabled or killed in the line for our success,” says Mohler. masse if draconian pension reforms of duty, the 401(k) model offers no He notes that the VPFF must remain become law in order to lock in and protect protection for family members. vigilant because the GOP-controlled their benefits accrued over a career, a costly The Senate Finance Committee, led by House may attempt to attack pensions run on the system. state Senator Charles Colgan, a and other benefits through legislation in New Hampshire Senate Majority Leader Democrat, sided with employees, and that chamber. “Today, we celebrate. Jeb Bradley is the lead sponsor of a bill that laid the bills to rest. Tomorrow, it’s back to walking the halls would, among other things, cut pension As part of the efforts to stop the bills and fighting the fight.” n benefits for police and fire fighters with 10 from passing, VPFF President Mike years or less on the job. Lang is fighting this Mohler was able to build a strong provision saying that it breaches the state’s

www.iaff.org 25 contract agreement with its employees. retirement age for new hires from 45 to 50 rise from 9.3 percent to 11 percent. “Our belief is that the benefits are vested with 25 years of service, instead of the But the bill as currently written would once you start,” says Lang. current 20 years. Second tier employees hike benefit costs not just for new hires but The PFFNH does support increasing the would also see their pension contributions for anyone with under 10 years on the job. City Leaders Target Pensions hile many of the attacks on fire hires into either defined contribution plans fighter pensions are occurring at or Social Security. Wthe state level, some large city The Atlanta City Council is considering a mayors facing budget shortfalls are also plan by Reed to completely overhaul the trying to make changes to public sector pension system by offering two options for all pensions that could cost fire fighters a public employees. The first option is to move bundle. into an already existing defined contribution In Baltimore, Mayor Stephanie Baltimore, MD Local 734 joined forces with the plan where employees contribute 6 percent of Rawlings-Blake has enacted a budget plan police union to get this message to the public. salary. that cuts fire fighter and police pensions as The second option gives all employees part of an effort to reduce the City’s three-tiered system of calculating earning less than about $40,000 a year the estimated $120 million deficit. While the cost-of-living increases for retirees. choice of entering the Social Security system. Baltimore City Council has agreed to her Baltimore City Local 734 has filed suit The City would match up to 8 percent of plan to cut pension benefits for both fire against the City in federal court claiming City employee contributions for those who opt in fighters and police, a federal court may have a leaders have violated the contract provision to Social Security. different opinion. of the U.S. Constitution. Local 734 President “I have not seen more extreme pension The mayor’s plan would increase the time Bob Sledgeski says it appears that, for now, legislation being considered anywhere,” says of service before claiming retirement to 25 the court is leaning in favor of fire fighters Jim Daws, president of Atlanta Local 134. years from 20 years for everyone with less and police, though it is unclear how long the He says Local 134 is fighting the measure in than 15 years of service. It would change the case will proceed. the Atlanta City Council but Mayor Reed has way final pension sizes are determined — Fire fighter pensions are also under attack threatened layoffs if his plan is not from a calculation on the average of the in Atlanta, where Mayor Kasim Reed has implemented. Daws says the matter is likely proposed a hard freeze on pension funds, final 18 months of pay to the final three headed for the courts. n years of pay. And, it would create a forcing existing plan participants and new

26 Special Edition 2011 The bill also would change the way Fighters of Nevada (PFFN) is that vveryery last minute to win,” says McAllister, benefits are calculated, so employees could Democrats still control both the State adding that there is a distinct possibility no longer use overtime or unused vacation Senate and the Assembly, and recent polling that the state battle over benefits could drag ppayay to increase retirement pay. It would has indicated that Nevadans are opposed to the legislature into an extended session. transfer $89 million earmarked for certain breaking the state’s pension promises with The only thing currently on the table in employee benefits into the general public employees. Louisiana for 2011 is a proposal to increase retirement fund and curtail the practice of The challenge, according to PFFN employee contributions to public pensions employees retiring and then taking President Rusty McAllister, is that the to 10 percent from the current 8 percent. full-time state jobs. Most of these changes governor and GOP minority in the state There have been other ideas discussed but wwouldould affect new hires and employees who legislature are motivated and aggressive in President of the Professional Fire Fighters have worked less than 10 years, but some their campaign to strike a body blow against Association of Louisiana (PFFAL) Chad would affect current workers. labor in the state. GOP leadership in the Major says the political will is not there in The bill would also reduce compensation state has said they will not approve any new Louisiana given the looming election year. and benefits for many senior fire fighters, budget for the state unless their list of PFFAL members agreed through their despite having paid into the system over the demands are met — demands that include convention process to pay an additional 1 years, and that prospect may prompt many major cuts to public employee benefits and percent into their pensions to bring the of them to retire under the current rules. changes to collective bargaining. total to 9 percent. Major says this is a Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval is yet The PFFN is not taking these threats goodwill gesture intended to let the cities another governor seeking to solve his state’s lightly, and has teamed with other public know that fire fighters understand the massive budget problems on the backs of sector unions in the state to form a financial challenges they are facing. public employees. Though neither he nor well-organized and well-funded coalition At the same time, Major says the PFFAL his allies in the Nevada State Senate and called Nevadans for Nevada. This group has and its members would stand tall against Assembly have penned a proposal, local already begun dispatching members to any further efforts to attack their pensions. media has reported that the newly elected canvass the neighborhoods of their “Although some that hold elected office may governor wants to create a two-tiered opponents in the legislature to make the have a plantation mentality, the PFFAL and its pension system whereby new hires would point that these actions have nothing to do members are not slaves,” Major says. “We will get a hybrid — comprised of a much less with budget balancing and everything to do not surrender to the Louisiana Conference of lucrative defined benefit plan coupled with with anti-worker politics. Mayors, the Louisiana Municipal Association, a defined contribution matched by the “We have a 120-day legislative session, and nor anyone else that tries to take away or employer at 2 percent. we fully expect that this will become a game diminish those basic rights that we have spent The good news for the Professional Fire of chicken as both sides fight up until the decades fighting for.” n

    
 
  International Fire Fighter  27 A NEW THREAT TO PUBLIC PENSI NS EMERGES

ttacks on public employee “Fire fighters aren’t asking sabotage the pensions are making news all construction of new A across the country. Politicians for a hand-out. They are hospitals, bridges, including Wisconsin Governor Scott only asking for the roads and Walker and New York City Mayor schools, just Michael Bloomberg are blaming retirement benefits that so they can strike public pensions for their budget a blow against public sector deficits even while Wall Street’s they have earned through unions.” recklessness was the real culprit. years of putting their But these attacks aren’t only Painting a False Picture happening in state capitols and city lives on the line. They The clear purpose of PEPTA is to halls. Anti-labor members of undermine public pension plans by Congress are also looking to want to throw us to painting a very deceptive picture of their dismantle public pensions. the wolves of Wall Street financial health. Specifically, PEPTA Representative Devin Nunes (R-CA) requires plans to assume that their and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and have us fend for long-term rate of growth rate would drop have introduced a dangerous assault from the traditionally accepted rate of 8 on fire fighter retirement security — ourselves. Well, I’ve got percent to about 4 percent. As a result, the Public Employee Pension news for these politicians. unfunded liabilities will appear Transparency Act (PEPTA). The bill’s drastically larger — as much as $3 trillion authors claim that H.R. 567 and S.347 We will fight back, and we — because total assets compound at a are needed to shed light onto the will fight back hard.” much lower interest rate. financial health of public pensions. The problem here is that the Okay. But, like a crafty magician, — General President Harold Schaitberger assumptions required by PEPTA are PEPTA’s talk of transparency is completely divorced from reality. Public merely a distraction while it pensions currently make prudent underhandedly tries to take away your projections based on long-term economic pension. public pension funds. forecasts and changes in workforce PEPTA would upend these longtime demographics. Using these realistic A New Attack Beyond the Pale accounting practices, and force states and assumptions, plans have averaged a rate At the heart of this new federal attack is local governments to calculate pension of return of 9.25 percent over the past 25 the way plans must calculate pension fund liabilities in a way that makes plans years, a period with three recessions, liabilities. A pension liability is the total appear insolvent. For the first time ever, including the worst since the Great amount of money needed to pay this legislation would require misleading Depression. Therefore, the standard retirement benefits. Because every figures be reported to a new bureaucracy accounting method of using an 8 percent employee doesn’t retire on the same day, at the U.S. Treasury Department. growth rate is right on target. pension liabilities typically are calculated If a state or local government refuses to Unfortunately, PEPTA’s supporters don’t based on a window of up to 30 years. The file this false information, they lose their want to talk about the real world. The value of a plan’s assets is then projected ability to issue tax-exempt bonds to build primary goal of PEPTA is to add fuel to the over this same time period using a critical infrastructure projects. And, the media frenzy portraying government standardized rate of growth to determine if mere threat of PEPTA holding state and pension plans as significantly the plan can pay its liabilities. If it can’t, the municipal bonds hostage with its new underfunded. The truth is that most shortfall is called an unfunded liability. federal mandates could drive up interest pension plans are on sound financial Plans typically use a projected rate of rates and wreak havoc on the bond footing, even after the recent severe growth of about 8 percent, a number market. recession. Some plans are struggling, but based on actual rates of return over 25 “This new federal attack against public that’s mostly because of employers’ refusal years to account for the ups and downs of sector unions is beyond the pale,” says to make their annual contributions. the market. It also corresponds with the IAFF General President Harold Now that the recession is behind us, strict standards set by the Government Schaitberger. “Supporters of PEPTA are pension fund asset values are growing Accounting Standards Board (GASB), so fanatical that they would hold the and, overall, public pension balances are which oversees accounting practices for municipal bond market hostage and recovering, according to the independent

28 Special Edition 2011 government watchdog group, the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Those few plans that are unfunded have been moving aggressively to alter their contributions and benefits to get back on track. But if PEPTA becomes law, the public will be seeing a very different and very false picture.

Ending Defined Benefit Plans Misleading the public is exactly what the bill’s authors want. Their goal isn’t to provide the public with more transparency; their goal is to scare the public and state lawmakers into rushing through unnecessary or unwise reforms that weaken public pensions or — worse — eliminate pensions altogether in favor of 401(k)-style defined contribution plans. Representative Nunes admitted as much when he told a group of California government officials, “So what this will only set up…what the folks in the private Members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine took to Capitol Hill during the IAFF sector have figured out a long time ago… Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. is that you have to get away from the defined benefit plan and somehow get to a defined contribution.” that defined contribution plans cannot. The goal isn’t to provide the Make no mistake: 401(k)-style defined “Fire fighters aren’t asking for a contribution plans are a bad deal for fire hand-out,” says Schaitberger. “They are public with more fighters. In order to save enough for only asking for the retirement benefits retirement, employees must make regular that they have earned through years of transparency; their goal is contributions over the span of three or putting their lives on the line. But now to scare the public and state four decades. Even then, it may some in Washington want to sell us not be enough. Many out by eliminating defined benefit lawmakers into rushing experts predict a plans through this Public looming retirement Employee Pension through unnecessary or security crisis as a Transparency Act. They unwise reforms that weaken result of the want to throw us to the staggering losses in wolves of Wall Street public pensions or — worse 401(k) assets of 2007. and have us fend for Those retiring in the ourselves. Well, I’ve got — eliminate pensions next few years simply news for these politicians. altogether in favor of won’t have enough time We will fight back, and to recoup the massive losses we will fight back hard.” 401(k)-style defined they suffered in their investment contribution plans. portfolios. Fighting Back Aside from these concerns, the simple Just prior to the IAFF Legislative fact is that defined contribution plans Conference in March, seven senators and fight. Other unions representing public alone cannot provide retirement security 46 representatives had co-sponsored sector workers, as well groups for professional fire fighters. IAFF PEPTA, and the legislation was quickly representing pension plan administrators, affiliates have worked to create unique building momentum. The army of fire have all made defeat of PEPTA a top pension systems that account for early fighter lobbyists that descended on priority. retirement ages and high rates of Capitol Hill in March began to turn the “The message we’re giving Congress is disability. Moreover, most fire fighters are tide, but the IAFF must continue simple,” says Schaitberger. “Reject PEPTA not covered by Social Security, and many educating members of Congress about or risk a fight that you’ll regret.” are covered by mandatory retirement age the importance of protecting pensions in Stay tuned for more updates from the requirements. Defined benefit plans the months ahead. IAFF on the status of PEPTA and other provide for retirement security in ways Fortunately, the IAFF is not alone in this important legislative issues. n

International Fire Fighter 29 hen Alabama’s anti-union the legislation as a violation of free included assistance and coordination forces signaled one of the first speech, due process and equal with the leadership of IAFF affiliates. In Wattacks on unions and fire protection provisions of the federal Ohio, the Ohio Association of fighters nationwide in November, the constitution. Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF) IAFF directed its legal resources In Alabama, Act 761 has the curious President Mark Sanders and other immediately to respond and fight back. feature of applying to any “membership union leaders are considering legal The IAFF General Counsel’s office organization” and, therefore, requires challenges to anti-union legislation joined a legal team that included counsel scrutiny of any group — not just unions making its way through the state for the AFL-CIO, police, teachers and — that meet that definition, including legislature. The IAFF’s legal team has other public employees in the state, and local farmers’ organizations, charitable provided support and assistance began developing a strategy to file legal groups and so forth. wherever needed. challenges to Act 761, a bill that restricts While courts in some states are often the collection of union dues. “This unfair law was an unlikely place to champion the “This Alabama law is part of a rights of unions and fire fighters, suits nationwide assault on our union, and aimed solely at breaking challenging these anti-union attacks other public employee unions. The unions by making it can highlight the injustice of the attacks IAFF and its affiliates are determined to in the public’s eye and “push the fight back,” says IAFF General virtually impossible for envelope” on the constitutional and President Harold Schaitberger. our members to pay their other rights of public employees and In one of the more troublesome aspects union members. of the all-out offensive against public dues and make voluntary The main obstacle has been increasingly sector unions and their members, Act 761 political contributions anti-union and anti-employee case law makes it illegal to arrange for public established by the U.S. Supreme employee payroll deductions for union through the Court. The Court’s 2009 decision in the dues unless the labor organization does teachers’ case of Ysursa v. Pocatello not use the dues for “political activity” — long-accepted procedure Education Association held that an Idaho and defines that term so broadly that it of payroll deductions.” statute prohibiting government includes even talking about candidates for employees from deducting money from state and local offices. The Act also forces —IAFF 14th District Vice President their paychecks for union political unions to itemize and disclose all of their Danny Todd activities did not violate free speech expenditures to government employers protections under the First each year. The law threatens criminal Evidently, anti-union forces in Amendment. Such setbacks to public penalties to those who violate it. Alabama underestimated the civic employee rights pose a major impediment “Fire fighters and paramedics are engagement of public employees in to a court-based challenge to the laws members of almost 50 IAFF locals in Alabama. Counsel began directing being proposed around the country. Alabama,” says IAFF 14th District Vice affiliates to submit formal Open However, inch by inch, the IAFF can — President Danny Todd. “This unfair law Records Act requests to determine and must — fight back on all fronts. was aimed solely at breaking unions by whether municipalities were enforcing On March 18, Alabama unions won a making it virtually impossible for our Act 761 selectively against unions. temporary reprieve from Act 761: the members to pay their dues and make The IAFF Guardian Policy and Amicus U.S. District Court for the Northern voluntary political contributions Brief policies have been a vital District of Alabama entered a through the long-accepted procedure of component in responding to anti-union preliminary injunction against the payroll deductions.” threats across the country. The IAFF has Act. The Court decided that the Legislation similar to Act 761 is now made Guardian Policy assistance vagueness and over breadth of its appearing in legislative sessions in available to Tennessee in a manner provisions chilled the constitutional Tennessee, Oklahoma and Mississippi, similar to Alabama if the anti-union rights of employees and membership and is expected to be proposed in 15 legislation proposed there is adopted. organizations by imposing essentially other states. Last year, the IAFF General Counsel’s standardless and limitless restrictions. Working with counsel for the office filed an amicus curiae — known The Court noted that the state’s American Federation of Teachers as “friend of the court” — brief for a comptroller had concluded that the law (AFT), American Federation of State, suit filed by the City of Minneapolis, even applied to insurance companies that County, and Municipal Employees which is proposing to cut retirement received remitted deductions from retiree (AFSCME), the Service Employees benefits for active and retired City fire benefit payments. While the injunction is International Union (SEIU), National fighters and police officers. The IAFF, only temporary, it represents a major Education Association (NEA), the along with other groups, are setback to the efforts of anti-union forces Laborers, Teamsters and other groups, challenging the City’s move on the in Alabama to interfere with the IAFF IAFF General Counsel Tom grounds that it violates the due process and other unions in the state. n Woodley began developing a suit under rights of beneficiaries. the IAFF Guardian Policy to challenge In some cases, the response has

30 Special Edition 2011 Visit www.IAFFFightingBack.com Become a Facebook fan This Fighting Back campaign web site provides the Join this growing community of latest news, videos, campaign ads, fact sheets, tools IAFF members and families and other resources, including an interactive map for and friends on Facebook. Go to tracking anti-union attacks state by state. www.facebook.com/iaffonline to participate.

Follow the IAFF on Twitter www.twitter.com/iaffnewsdesk Read the IAFF Frontline Blog Keep current on news and issues from the IAFF, Visit http://blog.iaff.org/ its affiliates and others engaged in the fight. for commentary and debate.

Sign up for email updates Go to www.iafffightingback.com to receive IAFF email Get mobile updates communications. Visit www.iafffightingback.com to register for instant mobile updates and breaking news. Add the Fighting Back campaign web site to your local’s web site Go to www.facebook.com/IAFFnewsApp to download the widget.

www.iaff.org 31 hile Canada’s professional fire IAFF affiliates should another sign of the ongoing shift to the fighters have so far escaped the establish political action right in Canadian politics. Wkinds of devastating attacks on At the municipal level, wage freezes aimed jobs, worker rights and pensions that have committees, request at public sector employees in some been maliciously directed at so many IAFF provinces have been interpreted as an affiliates and other public sector workers in FIREPAC Canada funds excuse to attempt wage freezes at the the United States, the message to Canadian from the IAFF to cover municipal level. The ensuing discussions affiliates has to be clear: prepare now — inevitably portray collective agreements as they could be coming north of the border. political action expenses, obstacles, workers as entitled and the Canadians know that with the economies educate politicians and arbitration system as unrealistic and of our two nations so closely linked, an stacked in favour of workers. ongoing shift to the right in all levels of the public about the The signs are there — it may be coming. Canadian politics and a history of services fire fighters The question is — what can the IAFF and its Canadian politicians adopting crass Canadian affiliates do about it? The answer is political tactics borne in the United States, provide how they affect to be proactive and to prepare in advance, by it may only be a matter of time before public safety and about using this union’s tried-and-true brand of Canada’s IAFF members find themselves political action. the target of similar attacks. why fire fighters deserve In the past, the IAFF’s focus in lobbying at Already, the signs are there. At the federal fair wages, fair benefits all levels of government in Canada has mainly level, Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty been to advance the issues, to build on what has said he favours a shift toward defined and a fair pension. its already achieved to move the yardsticks contribution pension plans for workers. downfield more and more each time. But as Unlike the defined benefit pension plans that to “fix Ontario’s broken arbitration the crisis affecting U.S. affiliates deepens, most Canadian fire fighters have, defined system,” and “ensure public sector Canadian IAFF members know that may be contribution pension plans don’t guarantee a contracts reflect Ontario families’ ability to about to change. Canadian affiliates may soon specific level of benefit and there’s no pay.” By this, he means he would tip the be lobbying just to hang on to what they have. requirement for them to be funded to any playing field in favour of municipalities at The IAFF cannot simply wait for it to specific level. Defined contribution plans the expense of fire fighters, who rely on a happen and just accept that there could be generally provide a lesser benefit and are fair and effective arbitration system in layoffs and station closures, or attacks on more susceptible to negative impacts from order to achieve fair contracts when pensions, or hard-fought rights as market forces. negotiations fail. workers. The work needs to be Canada’s Conservative minority In Alberta, the ultra-right Wildrose done now to build those government, which depended on opposition Alliance Party — a new and fast-growing inroads and relationships with parties’ support during the previous session political force — has not surprisingly said it politicians at all of Parliament, was essentially neutral on will change the Alberta Labour Code to the labour issues. But there are fears that if the detriment of workers, for example by Conservatives are handed a majority in the allowing workers to decide whether to May 2 election, the social conservative rump belong to a union. The party also of the party will be allowed to rise up and supports cuts to health care and the unleash anti-union attacks. Combined with privatization of more schools, the existing pro-corporation agenda and has expressed views supported by the economic conservative against the interests of sector of the party, the results could be harsh teachers and construction for workers and working families. and trades workers. At the provincial level, there are growing In early March, amid examples of politicians sharpening their growing rumblings of attacks knives and setting their sights on fire on workers, Alberta union fighters and other workers. In members were forced to Saskatchewan, the right-wing Saskatchewan warn Conservative and Party government elected in 2007 wasted Wildrose Alliance politicians little time in attacking unions, introducing not to attempt several pieces of draconian legislation and Wisconsin-style attacks in replacing the existing list of seasoned that province, “or you’ll have labour arbitrators with a list of a big fight on your hands.” hand-picked party supporters. In New Brunswick, a Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Liberal government was Tim Hudak has said that if he’s elected in recently replaced by a October, he will work with municipalities Conservative government,

32 Special Edition 2011 levels, and to keep those lines of when it’s needed. If history repeats itself, has won pension reform, Criminal Code communication open so when confronted the number of fires increases when the amendments that protect fire fighters and with an attack, affiliates can hit the ground economy falters. The public should be funding for haz-mat and CBRN response running using existing channels — to mount educated too. The number-one priority is training. Fire fighters have won a strong and well-organized defence. to be at the table when decisions affecting presumptive cancer and heart legislation in A major benefit of being politically active jobs are made, and to be part of the almost every Canadian province and and being recognized as a stakeholder is solution, not the problem. territory. What a shame it would be to lose that it can get IAFF members a seat at the It may be necessary to work with the fire these things and more at the hands of an table when policies are being shaped and chief to make sure the fire department gets a unfriendly government. discussed. This can be a key ingredient in fair shake in tough times. It may be a tough pill Affiliate leaders need to make sure their preventing undesirable outcomes. It’s easier to swallow, but it’s essential to reach out to members are aware which politicians and to help make up someone’s mind than it is anyone who will speak in the same voice about which political parties are friends of fire to change it. And it’s much easier to fight a public safety and conditions in the firehall. fighters and friends of organized labour, law before it’s passed than after. It’s great to lobby at any level of and urge members to make sure they’re not When municipal budgets shrink, every government when times are good, and to voting against their own self-interest as fire city department will be in there fighting for move ahead on issues. But when times are fighters and public sector employees. its share of the pie. Fire departments are tough, and some may be in a position of IAFF affiliates should establish political among the first to come under the fighting to hold on to what they have, it’s action committees, request FIREPAC microscope when budget talks get rough. critical for fire fighters to be politically Canada funds from the IAFF to cover It’s important to remind politicians that fire active. And the sooner, the better. political action expenses, educate protection is a key element of public safety, The IAFF knows that many Canadian politicians and the public about the services and cutting it has real consequences on the affiliates are already politically active. For fire fighters provide and how they affect lives of citizens. IAFF affiliates must remind those that are not yet involved, don’t wait for public safety and why fire fighters deserve politicians and the public that fire fighters’ a crisis to erupt. By then, it may be too late. fair wages, fair benefits and a fair pension. pensions are deferred wages negotiated and IAFF leaders are urged to educate their The key to dealing with attacks on fire earned in good faith, and they deserve to members about the importance of political fighters is to be prepared. And the time to retire with dignity after a career spent in action, and also its effectiveness as evidenced do that is now. As we’ve seen in the U.S., harm’s way on behalf of their fellow citizens. by the gains this union has made through even the best-prepared affiliates can still be Politicians must be educated about the political action at all levels of government. attacked by those in power, and the fact that fire protection has to be there At the federal level in Canada, the IAFF consequences can be damaging. n

International Fire Fighter 33 FIGHTING BACK ON THE FRONTLINES

1. IAFF members participated in “Awake the State” rallies 1 throughout Florida to stop lawmakers from making cuts to public safety and other essential services.

2. From left: Bangor, ME Local 772 member John York, Professional Fire Fighters of Maine representative Tom Bull and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Local F-123 President Mike Melhorn wave their IAFF Legislative Conference delegate bags during a protest at a Washington, DC fundraiser held for Republican members of the Wisconsin state legislature.

3. Nebraska fire fighters rally at the State Capitol following a press conference by labor leaders and just before several hours of Business and Labor 2 Committee hearings over eight bills changing or eliminating the Commission of Industrial Relations and collective bargaining rights in the state.

4. Members of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU) swarm the State Capitol in Lansing to protest Governor Rick Snyder’s proposal to establish combined police and fire departments under a single Public Safety Office (PSO).

5. Connecticut fire fighters rally in support of their brothers and sisters in Wisconsin and to protect collective bargaining rights for all public employees.

6. Fire fighters in Michigan call Governor Rick Snyder a 3 dictator for appointing an unelected emergency financial manager (EFM) to replace all elected local officials wherever a “financial emergency” exists and who can unilaterally terminate collective bargaining agreements.

7. Fire fighters and other public union workers fill the State Capitol building in Lansing, Michigan in a fight against the draconian legislation proposed in numerous anti-union bills, including a proposal to repeal binding arbitration. PHOTOGRAPHY BY OMAHA LOCAL 385 MEMBER DAVE UHLING DAVE MEMBER 385 LOCAL OMAHA BY PHOTOGRAPHY

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www.iaff.org 35 FIGHTING BACK ON THE FRONTLINES

8. IAFF members in Iowa rally to show solidarity with public workers in Wisconsin. 8

9. In Trenton, New Jersey, IAFF members demand a stop to cuts to public safety, calling Governor Chris Christie a union buster.

10. Members of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire (PFFNH) storm the State Capitol in Concord where lawmakers propose to gut collective bargaining laws with an amendment to make all state workers at-will employees as soon as a contract expires.

11. Fire fighters fill the state legislature in Concord as lawmakers pass a bill making it illegal to allow contracts that require nonunion member participation. 9 12. Protesters outside the State Capitol accuse the New Hampshire state legislature of stripping workers’ rights to settle political scores instead of solving the state’s real problems.

13. Miami Township, OH Local 2951 fire fighters were among the dozens of IAFF locals in Columbus to protest the attack on collective bargaining rights.

14. Thousands of Ohio fire fighters and other public employees rally in Columbus against SB 5, the bill championed by Governor John Kasich that significantly reduces collective bargaining rights. 10 15. Members of Providence, RI Local 799 stood with teachers from across the state of Rhode Island in their fight to protect jobs, benefits and worker rights.

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International Fire Fighter 37 FIGHTING BACK ON THE FRONTLINES

16. Oklahoma fire fighters rallied successfully to kill three 16 bills working their way through the state legislature that would harm fire fighters’ collective bargaining rights. A fourth bill remains a threat to binding arbitration. In this photo, Oklahoma District 77 Representative Eric Proctor addresses the crowd while wearing a Tulsa, OK Local 176 union shirt.

17. The Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association is battling several bills that would prevent unions from contributing to political campaigns while other bills making their way through the state legislature would allow for-profit corporations to increase contributions.

18. Virginia Professional Fire Fighters’ rallies and lobbying 17 helped stop harmful pension legislation that would have mandated or created a defined contribution plan for state and local employees in Virginia.

19. Despite the protests, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed SB 5 into law, forcing the IAFF and other unions to begin a campaign to repeal the legislation through a ballot referendum in November 2011.

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38 Special Edition 2011 Dear Sisters and Brothers: But we can’t do it alone. FIREPAC has been engaged in these fights since day one. We have made the decision to use our s you have read throughout this Special Edition of the FIREPAC resources to fight back against politicians who want to International Fire Fighter, our union and our members are destroy our union and take away our members’ benefits. But we Acoming under attack in state after state on a variety of issues. need your help. Since the elections last November, numerous newly elected I ask every one of you to help us in this battle and to make a governors and state legislators have set their sights on destroying personal voluntary contribution to FIREPAC today. worker rights and the unions that represent them. Whether it’s You can make an immediate contribution to FIREPAC today by attacking pensions and health care benefits, stripping away our using the coupon below or visiting the IAFF web site at member’s collective bargaining rights, passing Right to Work laws www.iaff.org/politics/FIREPAC/contribute.html to make either a or eliminating dues deductions, these lawmakers want to one-time donation or sign up as a monthly recurring contributor. eradicate our union. Thank you and stay safe. Make no mistake about it — these attacks aren’t going away. We have been fighting back since the first salvo was fired in Wisconsin. We have been on television and radio, in the newspapers and on the streets spreading our message to the citizens and the politicians. And we will continue to do so to Harold A. Schaitberger protect our members’ rights and benefits. General President

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www.iaff.org 39 Dennis Mitchell, Gary Slicker, Larry Thomas, L3354 Huntington Beach—Keith Bateman, William Ogden, L3440 Arcadia—Michael MacGregor, L3523 San Luis Obispo City Fire Fighters—John Madden, L3556 El Dorado County—David Mitchell, Kenneth Parker, Teri Simmons, L3604 El Dorado Hills—Steve Maranville, L3631 Orange County Professional Fire Fighters Association—James Carey, Matt Drever, Daniel Gazley, Neil Graf, Mike Hall, Roger Keller, Robert Mapstead, Bernie Nap, Andrew Olivas, Henry Raymond, Gregory Speth, Gary Stenberg, L3688 Rialto—Nash Briones, Michael Cosentino, Lawrence Gonzales, Robert Nelson, Timothy Strathmann, ALABAMA L0454 Gadsden—C. L. Radcliffe, San Diego—Jerry Bowers, Matthew Burns, Richard George Tucker, L3725 Morro Bay Fire Fighters Harold Stephens, L1288 Homewood—Kevin Hicks, Erickson, Daniel Faddis, James Giannestras, Richard Association—Ariane Leiter, L3729 North Tahoe L1833 Huntsville—Richard Aldenderfer, Calvin Haro, Ralph Haynes, Steven Klemetson, Michael Lyle, P.F.F.A.—Steven Casella, L3734 Newport Behr, Jerry Bice, Randall Buford, Lary Christian, Joan Robbins, Kirk Roberts, John Rout, J. T. Beach—Robert Masonis, L3821 Montebello Fire Malcome Davis, Gary Fincher, Nancy Fowler, Wayne Taormina, Phillip Valoff, Peter Wright, L0456 Fighters Association—Jim Stocking, L4349 Rancho Hastings, Floyd Seay, Carl Seay, Jennifer Strong Stockton—Allen Barnes, Richard Hurtado, John Santa Fe Professional Fire Fighters ALBERTA L0209 Edmonton Fire Fighters Kluve, James Wold, L0522 Sacramento—Phillip Association—Philip Pieper, L4427 South Lake Tahoe Union—Rick Brady, Dan Dolynchuk, Len Fasek, Tim Abba, John Bodolay, Craig Braswell, Bruce Capagli, Firemen’s Association Inc.—Ed Roe, L4488 Guterson, Les Holzman, Larry Kozachuk, Rodney Duane Doglietto, James English, Wallace Enos, Lakeside Fire Fighters Association—Steven Streck, Kutney, Travis Merrier, Gerrit Meulenkamp, Rick Steven Gedstad, Merlin Glass, Steve Graham, Lars Steven Thompson, L4630 Eureka Fire Officers Mykituk, Pat O’Neill, Keith Plamondon, L0255 Knutsen, Jeffrey Lewis, Richard Littleton, Louis Local—Michael Marriott Calgary—Bryan Aloisio, Perry Andersen, Earl Motto, Ronald Rojo, Douglas Ross, Edward Santillan, COLORADO L0858 Denver—Gregory Champlin, Bourne, Nicola Colabella, Lorne Dvorkin, Jay Fuller, Scott Santos, Mark Schairer, Edward Small, Peter Mark Herlocker, John Mees, L1945 Poudre Fire Ian Gibson, Brian Hill, Russel Humphreys, Robert Spatafore, Gregory Villegas, Ron Wolfley, Bruce Authority—Richard Cape, L2086 Littleton—John Hunter, John Jackart, Tim Keener, Ross Lawson, Yparraguirre, L0525 Santa Barbara City—Tony Schefcik, L3027 Cunningham—Scott Christensen, Laurie Leslie, Gregg Lewis, John Meilleur, Murray Blanco, Robert Gardner, Thomas Haines, Michael L4138 Vail Fire & Emerency Services—James Spell, Meisner, Douglas Nickerson, Wally Nieradka, Schuit, L0689 Alameda—Stephen Lucero, L0776 L4222 Federal Heights—Clayton Sword Michael O’Reilly, Timothy Pullar, Frederick Glendale—Mike Carroll, John Deneen, Steven CONNECTICUT L0773 Bristol—John Colapietro, Sponheimer, L. M. Taksas, Werner Tennert, Brian Egbert, Gary McCarter, L0778 Burbank—Robert Arthur Klepps, L0830 Norwalk—Kenneth Hall, Wagner, P. Wenzlawe, John Wood, L1190 Red Trowbridge, L0935 San Bernardino County—Kevin William Stenger, L1042 Greenwich—Steven Mango, Deer—Ken Denson, Harold Hedlund, Randall Jones, Greg Sears, Steven Sipes, L1165 Santa Clara L1198 West Haven—William Canning, L1326 Judson, Laurence Prowse, Albert Robichaud, Steve County—Anthony Balsa, Robert Seitz, Steven Wallingford—Stephen Hogan, L1426 Tinordi, Kelly Wilson Stockman, L1186 Fire Fighters—Al Love, L1218 Fairfield—Michael Moens, L1567 ARIZONA L0479 Tucson—Roger Anspach, Darren Seaside—Alvin Edwards, L1227 Berkeley—John Torrington—Jeffrey French, Dan Kibbe, Edwin Cummings, John Lowe, Raymond Sayre, David Frankel, Jon Gillespie, Gorman Lau, John O’Reilly, Pollock, L1579 Manchester—James Brown, S0015 Shipley, John Springer, Ronald Summers, L0493 Robert Perez, Kevin Revilla, L1230 Contra Costa Connecticut Police and Fire Union—Frank Phoenix—Byron Ely, David Fisher, Timothy Gift, County—Ryan Hamre, Louis Paulson, L1301 Kern Magisano Daniel McLouth, Garry Pfaff, Ernest Pinson, Michael County—John Diffenbaugh, Michael Fagan, James DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA L0036 Reay, Matthew Rich, Charles Young, L1234 Glaser, Javier Hernandez, George Mudryk, Richard Washington—Roger Anderson, Wayne Benson, John Yuma—Paul Dixon, L2974 Lake Havasu—Thomas Naus, Rodney Pyle, Randy Turnage, L1319 Palo Curry, John DeSautels, Chester Eubanks, John Hutter, L4462 West Valley Fire Fighters Alto—Ron Bonfiglio, Richard Wallace, L1364 Graves, Gregory Hurda, Alfred Jeffery, Richard Association—David Lesneski Ventura County—Sandy Bastian, Gary Smith, L1465 Kowalczyk, Larry Leland, Joseph Rainwater, Michael ARKANSAS L0033 Fort Smith—Rande McTyre, Costa Mesa Fire Fighters Association Inc—Randall Reilley, Tawanna Robinson, Robert Stevens, Derrick L0034 Little Rock—John Hoffman, Gary Jones, Croll, Michael Dyer, Steve Feather, Stewart Godshall, Waller, Franco Welch Robert Montgomery, L0502 Texarkana—Robert Rand Gregory, Michael Hastert, Randall Hicks, Chris FLORIDA L0587 Miami Association Of Fire Dudley, L0879 Hot Springs—Ken Rowe, L2030 Holmes, Jeff Janzen, Eric Johnson, Tracy Jones, Bruce Fighters—D. A. Bethencourt, Alfredo Franco, Jacksonville—Cordell Casey, William Nolen, L3718 McGregor, Fred Merrill, Herbert Ohde, Thomas Leonard Poole, Kenneth Sowma, L0754 Jonesboro—Kenny James, L4544 Cabot Fire Fighters Stewart, Jon Whitcomb, Marc Yuhasz, L1592 Tampa—Renaldo Austin, Edwin Clayton, John Association—James Barron Roseville Fire Fighters—Tracy Chimenti, Kevin James, Frank Settecasi, Steven Stokoe, L0765 Fort BRITISH COLUMBIA L0018 Vancouver—Mark Finney, Kent Freeman, Denise Keller, Daniel Marus, Lauderdale—Kenneth See, L1102 Hialeah Burton, Gregory Crane, Alan Crump, John Jackson, Osvaldo Picchi, Daryl Van Druff, Ray West, Kenneth Association Of Fire Fighters—Douglas Chard, Laurie Martin, Mark McDonald, Glen McGregor, Young, L1775 Marin Professional Fire Clifford Charlock, John Gonell, Robert Johnson, Michael Mullin, Charles Scott, Clifford Smith, C. E. Fighters—Glyn Jones, Jim Rey, L1829 Paradise Fire Kevin Kavanaugh, Jeffrey Lane, Ruben Lizaso, Robert Thomson, L0730 Victoria—Bruce Rees, L0905 Fighters—Tom Drake, L1934 Redding—Daryl Lowe, Jamie Mercado, Daniel Nevins, Jose Perez, Nanaimo—Norman Maybin, Steen Petersen, L0953 Freeman, L2020 Santa Maria City Fire John Phillips, Glenn Serrano, John Shearer, Luis Kelowna—Harold Heyming, L1271 Fighters—Douglas Dickson, L2046 Santa Barbara Simon, Huberto Vinas, L1158 Clearwater Fire Surrey—Norman Arneson, Ron Henze, L1286 County—Mark Beeson, Darrell Delgado, Ryan Hill, Fighters Association—Thomas Allegretti, Jerry Richmond—Ray Barkley, Paul Nickell, Peter Van Gerald Kuras, L2180 Chula Vista Fire Fighters—Bill Howell, L1162 Daytona Beach Eunen, L1668 Campbell River—Vanessa Dent, Ross Bolduc, L2216 Compton—Terry Bryant, Mike Fire/Rescue—Rebecca McCulley, Russell McGhee, Squire, L1763 Delta Firefighters—Brian MacKenzie, Shipman, L2274 Rancho Cucamonga—Paul Lenze, Jack Ransom, Gary Thomas, Tracey Worroll, L1210 L2874 Squamish Fire Fighters Union—Tony Worth L2400 San Mateo County—Todd McClure, Geroge Coral Gables Professional Fire Fighters CALIFORNIA F0305 Camp Parks Professional Fire Miller, George Piscitello, L2415 Monrovia—Kenneth Association—Wayne Sibley, L1365 Orlando Fighters—Richard Martorano, L0112 Los Angeles Struckus, L2734 Chico—John Staveley, L2881 CDF Professional Fire Fighters—George Gallagher, City—Gerald Brown, William Carter, Derek Chew, Fire Fighters—James DellaMonica, Michael Lee, Jacqueline Goldenberg, Fredrick Poke, Ronnie Smith, Ronald Dorn, Paul Hernandez, Richard Hunter, Michael Mickelson, Robin Peretto, Dave Rollins, L1403 Metropolitan Dade County Association Of Stephen Johnson, James Morrow, Randolph Perez, Tony Sonday, Joseph Waggershauser, Joseph Fire Fighters—Elizabeth Beck, Victor Beguiristain, Robert Raya, Robert Rebbe, Clinton Shelton, L0145 Waterman, L3226 West Covina—Ken Gambill, Michael Berger, J. Lynn Cole, Daniel Cuoco, Kenneth

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Pigg, Emerson, Joseph Laurence, John Mantz, L0452 Hill—Terry Haviland, William Mavor, L4382 James Stubberfield, Jeffrey Wilkerson, George Vancouver—Michael Berg, James Flaherty, Dennis Pearson Airport—Lester Barrett, Ray Bower, David Wilkerson, L0820 Chattanooga—Jesse Ashley, Johnson, Francis Schwartz, Tim Williams, Warren Girard, Mike Maher William Knox, Lisa Roberson, L1346 Oak Wyant, L0468 Olympia—Richard Boyd, Ralph OREGON L0043 Portland—Timothy Johnson, Ridge—Larry Noe, L1784 Memphis—Louis Dunbar, L0876 Spokane Valley—Thomas Foster, Darrel Knott, Robert Maurer, L0890 Klamath Distretti, Richard Frye, Ronald Moore, Mark Larry McGuire, Terry Odom, George Sly, Don Yasen, Falls—Gary Mulvey, L1159 Clackamas Woolfolk, L1791 Johnson City—Michael Hughes, L1296 Kennewick—Steven Bailie, Ryan Gladstone, County—Mace Childs, Tony Clasen, L1431 Phillip Oler, L1850 Jackson—Charles Northcross, L2776 Raymond—Scott McDougall, L2819 Kitsap Medford—Charles Haines, Fred Labrasseur, Larry L2270 Kingsport—Joseph Rogers, L3748 Cleveland County—Jerry Cooper, L2829 Redmond—Jack Sills, L2091 Douglas County Professional Fire Professional Fire Fighters—Kenny Hyde, David Lee, Olson, L2898 Seattle Fire Chiefs—Lawrence Wick Fighters—Mike Lopera, L2163 Lebanon—Robert L3758 Franklin Fire Fighters—Terry Hood, Michael WEST VIRGINIA L0091 Parkersburg—Donald Elliott, L2296 Pendleton—John Simonson, L2596 Jones, Bill Witt, L3836 Morristown Professional Fire Auch, David Daugherty, Jeffrey Smith, L0317 Jackson County Fire District 5—Raymond Barnes, Fighters—Billy Helton Charleston—Timothy Belcher, Patricia Callender, Eric Campbell TEXAS L0051 El Paso—Russell Hall, Mike McKay, Adrian Gillespie, Timothy McKown, Cameron PENNSYLVANIA L0022 Philadelphia—John John Nutt, L0058 Dallas—Gerald Brown, Jerry Monroe, Randolph Stanley, Charles Winter Cameron, Robert Clarke, John Colfer, Henry Green, Morris, Arthur Sullivan, Bryant Tillery, L0341 WISCONSIN L0141 Green Bay—Joseph Dubois, Raymond Heine, Fred Jarvis, Larry Jones, George Houston—Michael Allen, Timothy Bennett, Gary Michael Lepak, Phil Pfeffer, Edward Piontek, L0215 Kilcullen, William Kohler, Edward McGettigan, Bowers, John Burleson, John Castillo, Thomas Creps, Milwaukee—Gregory Amos, Michael Hoeft, L0257 Ralph Moore, Joseph Murphy, Mark Pierce, Willie Johnny Elizondo, Gary Ellison, David Fletcher, Appleton—Daniel Jahr, L0311 Madison—Richard Richardson, Frank Rose, Allen Schwartzer, William Robert Fults, Charles Gaitz, Larry Gonzales, Freddie Polenska, L0321 Racine—Kenneth Bodi, James Staudt, L0104 Wilkes Barre—Charles Waznakowski, Green, Jeffrey Harvey, Christopher Hawkins, Ernest Roeder, John Spranger, L0400 Fond Du Lac—James L0114 Butler—Billy Edmiston, L0299 Heinrich, Stephen Hutchens, Randy Johnson, Dale Patt, L0414 Kenosha Professional Fire Altoona—Gary Keller, L0302 Allentown—Shaun Kruse, Arturo Leon, Michael Loggins, Steven Malone, Fighters—Dennis Ruhle, Peter Silva, L0415 Lindenmuth, Scott Troxell, L0428 David McDonald, Alfred Michka, Terry Morris, Wausau—Paula Maas, Gordon Mortensen, L1440 Harrisburg—Daniel Hartman, Robert Sullivan, Richard Nowak, Nathan Peschke, Roland Salazar, North Shore—Gary Hoelzel, Jeff Javens, L1633 South Andrew Weaver, L0463 Johnstown—Daniel Rosko, Perry Schindewolf, Rick Scott, William Severance, Milwaukee—Robert Lindner, Gary Nebel, L1848 Gregory Sprincz, L0655 Bradford—James Coder, David Taylor, Edmund Trevino, Gregory Wooten, Oak Creek—David Zabler, L1923 George Corignani, Merle Silvis, Lawrence Visbisky, L0440 Fort Worth—Laura Bryan, Daniel Burke, Fate Wauwatosa—Michael Karrels, L1963 L0713 Easton—Wayne Unangst, L0735 Jones, Jay Peacock, William Pearson, N. R. Wier, Greenfield—Phillip Zurowski Bethlehem—David Keim, L1038 Allegheny L0542 Amarillo—Ed Selman, Charles Straus, County—Richard Darby, Robert Fialkovich, L1400 Gregory Wardwell, L0624 San Antonio—Juan Chester—James Griggs, L1803 Reading—Bruce Covarrubias, Jack Davis, Ernest Estrada, Henry Keil, Briner, Bonnie Civitarese, Paul Lerch, Michael Long, Ralph Medina, Eugene Mireles, Thomas Moryl, Mark Richard Miller, Jerry Miller, Michael Moyer, Robert Pocock, Robert Rakowitz, Guy Smith, Paul Villarreal, Pawlewicz, John Sands, William Shunk, Theodor Gary Wallis, L0872 Laredo—Edwin Atwell, Ricardo

44 Special Edition 2011

In memorIAm

Local Name ...... Local Name ...... State L0632 C. Schultz...... New Orleans ...... LA L0002 Michael Berg ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Joseph Arsenault...... Boston...... MA L0002 John Bray...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Paul Blake ...... Boston...... MA L0002 James Coglianese...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Vincent Bolger ...... Boston...... MA L0002 Cedric Cotton...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Mack Brown...... Boston...... MA L0002 Ronald Hawkins...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Robert Corbo ...... Boston...... MA L0002 Robert Jauch ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 John Downey...... Boston...... MA L0002 James Lind ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Thomas Hill ...... Boston...... MA L0002 John Lontka ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Alex Lindsay ...... Boston...... MA L0002 John Martin ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Charles McCarthy ...... Boston...... MA L0002 John Murphy ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 James McMahon...... Boston...... MA L0002 Andrew Neswick ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Thomas Quinn...... Boston...... MA L0002 James Smith ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 James Reilly ...... Boston...... MA L0002 William Sweeney...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 James Sheehan ...... Boston...... MA L0002 Donald Wagner ...... Chicago ...... IL L0718 Fred Smith ...... Boston...... MA L0022 George Blanda ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 Samuel Barnes ...... Baltimore...... MD L0022 George Blood ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 William Crispens ...... Baltimore...... MD L0022 Roy Howie ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 Rich Ely ...... Baltimore...... MD L0022 Luke McDermott ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 Earl Ely...... Baltimore...... MD L0022 Leo McDermott ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 Paul Fitzgerald...... Baltimore...... MD L0022 John McLaughlin ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 Allen Gosnell ...... Baltimore...... MD L0022 George Riggs...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 John Handy ...... Baltimore...... MD L0022 Henry Stack ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 Sean King ...... Baltimore...... MD L0022 Joseph Toland ...... Philadelphia ...... PA L0734 Elmer Labarre ...... Baltimore...... MD L0036 Charles Byram...... Washington ...... DC L0734 George Ving...... Baltimore...... MD L0036 Marc Dancy ...... Washington ...... DC L0734 Roger Willis ...... Baltimore...... MD L0036 Alan Dutton ...... Washington ...... DC L0765 Raymond Coons ...... Fort Lauderdale ...... FL L0036 Richard Fogle ...... Washington ...... DC L0765 Donald Morton...... Fort Lauderdale ...... FL L0036 Calvert Magruder...... Washington ...... DC L0793 Bobby Davis...... Columbia ...... SC L0036 Myles Timko...... Washington ...... DC L0809 Robert Hansen ...... Pasadena ...... CA L0042 Michael Bowen ...... Kansas City ...... MO L0840 Vito Paulauskas...... Luzerne County ...... PA L0042 Richard Collins...... Kansas City ...... MO L0858 Edward Maddock...... Denver...... CO L0042 Darrel Hughes ...... Kansas City ...... MO L0858 Walter Salazar ...... Denver...... CO L0042 Gerald Kline ...... Kansas City ...... MO L0921 Francis Dohnalek...... Johnson City ...... NY L0042 John Sheil ...... Kansas City ...... MO L0964 James Bandelin...... BFOA ...... MD L0073 Allan Brandmeyer ...... St. Louis ...... MO L0964 Francis Butz...... BFOA ...... MD L0073 Robert Hill ...... St. Louis ...... MO L0964 Thomas Hren...... BFOA ...... MD L0073 Oledrich Janicek ...... St. Louis ...... MO L0964 Alexander Marshall ...... BFOA ...... MD L0073 Alton Lowry ...... St. Louis ...... MO L1132 Bobbie Slayton ...... Roanoke...... VA L0073 Robert Pappageorge...... St. Louis ...... MO L1158 Glenn Witko ...... Clearwater ...... FL L0073 Albert Pollard ...... St. Louis ...... MO L1206 Michael Bettley ...... Redford Township ...... MI L0073 Robert Witmer ...... St. Louis ...... MO L1215 William Reischel ...... Richfield ...... MN L0094 Fitzroy Haines ...... UFA Of New York ...... NY L1311 William Falkenhan...... Baltimore County ...... MD L0094 Gary Valentino ...... UFA Of New York ...... NY L1311 Brian Rutter ...... Baltimore County ...... MD L0104 John Kelley ...... Wilkes Barre ...... PA L1311 Donald Warren...... Baltimore County ...... MD L0124 Joseph Doak ...... Fort Wayne ...... IN L1349 William Loewen ...... Mobile...... AL L0124 Charles Smith ...... Fort Wayne ...... IN L1349 Ralph Troutman...... Mobile...... AL L0140 Harry Graham ...... Nashville ...... TN L1400 Julius Evans...... Chester...... PA L0140 Hobson Hall ...... Nashville ...... TN L1408 Byron Creviston...... Richmond ...... IN L0140 Vernon Hullett ...... Nashville ...... TN L1426 John Luby ...... Fairfield ...... CT L0140 Ernest Pfeiffer ...... Nashville ...... TN L1426 James Parry...... Fairfield ...... CT L0140 Bobby Teal ...... Nashville ...... TN L1463 Melvin Ah Ching...... Hawaiian Islands ...... HI L0140 Donald Wilson ...... Nashville ...... TN L1580 Paul Hagan ...... Canton...... MA L0144 Louis Vanderstreet...... Brockton ...... MA L1619 Jay Coleman ...... Prince George’s County...... MD L0157 Ronald Busbee ...... Oklahoma City ...... OK L1651 William Gadrow ...... North Kingstown ...... RI L0157 James Griffin ...... Oklahoma City ...... OK L1651 Joseph Madison ...... North Kingstown ...... RI L0215 John Bruno ...... Milwaukee ...... WI L1694 Mike Hendrix ...... Ouachita Parish ...... LA L0249 John Snodgrass...... Canton...... OH L1784 Charles Belk ...... Memphis ...... TN L0255 Rob Glaser...... Calgary ...... AB L1784 John Harris...... Memphis ...... TN L0288 David Begley ...... Hamilton ...... ON L1784 Charles Rodgers ...... Memphis ...... TN L0299 Ralph Orr ...... Altoona...... PA L1784 Max Turner...... Memphis ...... TN L0302 Samuel Swartley ...... Allentown ...... PA L1967 Mark Franks...... Brawley ...... CA L0317 William Truman ...... Charleston ...... WV L2068 James Beatty...... Fairfax County ...... VA L0317 Stephen Unger ...... Charleston ...... WV L2260 Tim Rawe...... Mesa ...... AZ L0317 Paul Whitlock...... Charleston ...... WV L2546 Earl Conrad ...... Suncoast ...... FL L0345 John Beck ...... Louisville ...... KY L2586 Gerald Pomerleau ...... Dracut ...... MA L0345 Andrew Belt ...... Louisville ...... KY L2598 Timothy Lake ...... Prince William ...... VA L0345 Billy Huddleston...... Louisville ...... KY L2602 Fernando Gonzalez...... McAllen ...... TX L0345 Larry Needy ...... Louisville ...... KY L2665 Glen Visnovske ...... Eastern Missouri ...... MO L0345 Gerald Oliver ...... Louisville ...... KY L2786 Dave Rodgers ...... Howland ...... OH L0359 Robert Szafranski ...... Gary...... IN L3233 Robert Gerlach ...... Frenchtown Township ...... MI L0455 Jim Berthiaume ...... Windsor ...... ON L3241 Bobby Parrott...... Mayfield ...... KY L0493 Antonio Ohton ...... Phoenix ...... AZ L3253 Ron Dunkley ...... Langley City...... BC L0493 Christopher Renderman ...... Phoenix ...... AZ L3262 David Herring...... Stow ...... MA L0522 John Smith...... Sacramento...... CA L3393 David Carpenter ...... Concord...... NC L0529 Marvin Herbert...... Sault Ste. Marie ...... ON L3451 Scott Arnold ...... Middlesex County ...... NJ L0632 Lawrence Houpy ...... New Orleans ...... LA L3460 Ronnie Dowell ...... Hendersonville...... TN L0632 Ralph Mascaro ...... New Orleans ...... LA L3583 Kenneth Mote ...... Bartlett ...... TN L0632 Alfred Rodrigue ...... New Orleans ...... LA L4544 Lambert Uredeveld ...... Cabot...... AR

46 Special Edition 2011 NOTE: Children of IAFF members killed in the line of duty are eligible to receive the W. H. "Howie" McClennan scholarship which provides financial assistance to attend a university accredited college or other institution of higher learning. For more information contact the IAFF Department of Education at (202) 824-1533

International Fire Fighter 47 INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL EDITION 2011

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