District Vice President Reports

1 2 VICE PRESIDENTS ’ REPORTS

BILL ROMAKA tax exemptions and tax abatements that are crippling our 1ST DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT municipalities’ ability to pay our pensions and health care. These programs are handed out to those who continue to make political In accordance with Article VI, Section 3 of contributions with no regard to the financial consequences that The International Association of Firefighters’ are put on the middle class to make up for these shortfalls. Of Constitution and By-Laws, I respectfully course, there is that obnoxious and arbitrary 2% cap that submit this report of my activity as the 1st increases the pressure for continued layoffs and freezing of wages, District Vice President to the General even though our own expenses continue to rise, led by energy President, General Secretary-Treasurer, the IAFF Executive Board, costs due to the long, cold winter we have just experienced. and all officers and delegates in It was my desire to address our critics face to face that led me to attendance at this, the 52nd Convention of the IAFF being held set up meetings with EJ McMahon from the Empire Center, which in Cincinnati, Ohio. This report contains a summary of my is a right-wing think tank. The objective was to educate him activities from August, 2012 through June, 2014. about our issues, pay and benefits. Since I have a background in Since the 51st Convention, I have attended all Executive Board accounting, and did personal tax returns for over 30 years, I meetings and have fulfilled all assignments given to me by the brought a unique prospective to these meetings. The first thing we General President. At the discretion of the General President, I agreed on was the need for there to be more dialogue between the have served on the following committees: the Health and municipalities and the labor leaders throughout the state. There Safety/Redmond Foundation (Chairman), the Employee Benefits are areas where we agreed to disagree, but I believe the exchanges and Human Resources Committee, the Budget and Finance have helped to change his thoughts on the constant attack on our Committee, the Pension and Health Care Resource Committee, pensions and health care, or at least give him a different the Government and Political Affairs Committee and the perspective. This relationship will continue to be of help to all Organizing and Field Services Committee (Vice Chairman). I our affiliates. have served on numerous occasions as a member of the IAFF Both of my state organizations continue to work with me and Executive Board Pre-Trial Review Board. are extremely active in fighting the attacks on our pensions and I have attended and represented the IAFF 1st District at health care benefits. New York State Professional Fire Fighters numerous wakes and funerals of our IAFF membership during Association (NYSPFFA) President Michael McManus is a these last two years as a mark of respect. They include, but are not longtime union leader and great friend. Under his and his limited to Boston, Peekskill, Prescott, Houston, Yonkers and many Executive Board’s leadership, our statewide leadership continues others. to participate in state-sponsored health and safety educational I have attended all committee meetings and discharged all duties seminars, labor studies classes and legislative conferences geared required by virtue of these assignments. Since the last IAFF 1st on supporting their efforts at the state offices in Albany. They also District Convention Report, the International has issued charters work closely with the New York State Public Employees to seven new locals in the 1st District. The locals that have joined Conference (PEC), AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento and all the our IAFF family are Local 4907, Fishers Professional Fire Fighters New York police unions in an effort to form a needed coalition to Association (NY); Local 4924, Colonie Professional Fire Fighters fight some of these mean-spirited legislative attempts to attack us. Association (NY); Local 4928 Pleasantville Fire Officers They continue to provide legal advice as needed to locals who Association (NJ); Local 4954, Plainsboro Professional Fire might not have the means to hire their own attorney. President Fighters Association (NJ); Local 4959, Uniformed Fire Alarm McManus’s daily interaction with my office and his vigilance with Dispatchers Benevolent Association (NY); Local 4971, MacArthur his legislators on Capitol Hill allow the NYSPFFA a distinct Airport Fire Rescue (NY); and Industrial 0091, Knoll Atomic advantage when dealing with the problems facing all of our locals. Power Laboratory Professional Fire Fighters (NY). With the In New Jersey, Professional Fire Fighters Association of New assistance of my state field representatives and my state Jersey (PFFANJ) President Dominick Marino continues to be the associations, these locals have been helped during the early stages guiding force behind the PFFANJ and his Executive Board. He as members and our District continues to grow, despite the continues to face coordinated efforts and attacks from his constant battles that continue to plague our profession and the governor on our members’ pension and health care benefits. middle class in the 1st District. However, he has kept the lines of communication open with many There continues to be a climate of attacks on our pensions and of the legislators who try and support our initiatives. The health care benefits. It is for this reason that we need to remain governor is once again attempting to balance the state budget on vigilant in our efforts to be part of the discussion on possible the backs of the working class families, by neglecting to make his solutions to our municipal struggles. It was said before and will be agreed-upon contribution to our members’ pension fund. said again: if you are not part of the solution, you are perceived to President Marino has done an outstanding job of battling this be the problem! It remains important to engage your departments blatantly anti-labor governor by pressing legal action and and local leaders at the earliest possible time. I appreciate the legislation which can address these unacceptable demands on our efforts of our local leaders who have engaged their retiree groups members and their families. He has built coalitions with our other to assist them in these fights as their benefits remain at risk also. labor leaders as one of the best ways to fight against these I have championed the IAFF to take a more active approach to draconian cuts. It is my hope that his leadership will see the letting our affiliates be aware of the proliferation of wisdom and work to get all of our New Jersey firefighters together

1 as one. He has the full support of my office and the IAFF. MARK WOOLBRIGHT My District Field Service Representatives and my State 2ND DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Representatives have been invaluable to me while assisting me in running the District for my first two years. They do a great job in The last two years in the 2nd District have the field and continue to service the needs of our members in been extremely busy and challenging. It has their respective regions, while also actively organizing new locals been a true pleasure to have had so many for the IAFF. They help keep me connected to what is happening opportunities to work with the affiliates and in the field and see to it that our members’ needs are being taken state organizations. I feel the district is care of. They are a valuable part of our IAFF Leadership Team, working very well together to overcome our challenges and I appreciate their efforts. throughout our four states. With a collective effort and a Let us not forget that it is the local leadership that continues to tremendous 2nd District staff we will continue to fight the serve the needs of our members while sacrificing time away from concerns presented to us by the lasting economic downturn their own families. It is often a thankless job, as many of our starting years ago. To date, we have largely been able to avoid members don’t understand what the union can and cannot do for significant proposed cuts and anti-labor legislative challenges that its membership. It gets even more complicated with our new seem to be the radical agenda seen throughout the country. members who are often distracted due to all the new technologies they have. However, remember that without your efforts, all of us IOWA would suffer severely. Not everyone has the ability to step up and lead. Without your leadership, our members’ health, safety, rights At the time of this writing, the Iowa legislature has not yet and futures would not be protected. Many hard decisions have to adjourned for this year, and as far as last year, we really suffered be made, and it is your memberships’ futures that you strive to no loses. It appears we may have escaped any serious harm, in protect and preserve. It is very much appreciated that you particular our pension system. Although some bills were embrace your leadership role and help lead us through the present introduced that would have had an impact on the system, it is and into the future. unlikely they will get through the legislature. Having said that, I would be remiss if I did not take the time to properly thank momentum is building for changes in our system, which is and show my appreciation for our extremely capable IAFF staff. I currently a defined benefit system. have never worked with a more diligent group of individuals who When it comes to our locals, a few of them are battling work with me to timely address our affiliates’ needs and requests. reductions in manpower. Many are fighting contract issues with They do a great job in quickly and efficiently answering any calls the IPFF assisting not only with manpower, but with the use of for assistance. Whether it is a legal question, a Municipal Financial our legal defense fund. This year in particular we have seen an Analysis, a GIS Study, a health and safety question, or a question increase in requests from our locals for money to help fight these about a SAFER Grant, they always answer the bell, and our battles. President Scofiled would like to offer a huge thanks to the membership is better off due to their efforts. Their dedication is 2nd District and the IAFF for all the help and resources they second to none. I look forward to working with them for all our provided in these battles. members’ needs. Lastly, but certainly more important than any issue we are facing, Finally, I would like to thank the IAFF Executive Board which we lost one of our local Presidents this year. President Tom Peart, continues to persevere through these difficult times with a Fort Madison Local 622, died unexpectedly of a heart attack this last commitment and dedication unparalleled. Led by General March. Tom was a strong union leader and will be greatly missed. President Harold A. Schaitberger and General Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Miller, along with our 16 District Vice Presidents, we NEBRASKA have been able to address the variety of issues facing our locals across the United States and Canada. I have learned a lot and will Since the last Convention, Nebraska has continued to see growth continue to learn from these unique labor leaders who come from in the IAFF. Papillion Local 3767 was contracted to take over fire so many backgrounds and have such diverse circumstances to and EMS for an adjoining city, La Vista, Nebraska. This added 12 address. We always remain focused on the memberships we serve. members to Local 3767 and it is expected that the local will see The General President has and continues to do all that I request additional personnel to keep up with the needs of the for the 1st District. Whether it was writing a letter to a governor community. The NPFFA organized our first EMS organization. or showing up in Buffalo to give support for the quest for an Hamilton County EMS Association was organized as IAFF Local overdue contract, he has always answered the call. This leadership 4956. The county board challenged whether the captains should team has also been instrumental in securing funding for the be included in the bargaining unit and Local 4956 prevailed. After SAFER Program which has saved many of our members’ jobs. I a vote of the proposed members, the Nebraska Commission of look forward to working with all these great labor leaders now Industrial Relations certified them as a bargaining unit. With the and in the future. assistance of 2nd District Vice President Mark Woolbright and the To all the delegates and attendees at this the 52nd IAFF IAFF, Bellevue Local 4906 was awarded a much needed SAFER Convention, I hope you have an enjoyable and productive week as grant to increase its personnel. we work together to do what is in the best interest of our The NPFFA is continuing to work on changing the Fire Fighter members and their families. Stay well, and stay safe. First Class Retirement from a defined contribution plan to a defined benefit plan. In 1984, the state changed the retirement plan from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan, essentially promising those covered by the plan the same if not

2 better benefits. After years of experience, it has been proven that A.MICHAEL MULLANE this plan is not performing close to the previous defined benefit 3RD DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT plan, and change is necessary. Other legislation that is being pursued is increased penalties for persons who assault fire and In accordance with the IAFF Constitution EMS personnel while performing their duties, as well as opposing and By-Laws, I respectfully submit a report legislation that decreases workers’ compensation benefits. The of my activities as 3rd District Vice President. Nebraska legislature has 17 open seats as a result of term limits During this term, I attended all Executive this year. The NPFFA is committed to being engaged in these Board and Committee Meetings to which I elections and working to elect candidates endorsed by the NPFFA. have been appointed. These last two years have been extremely challenging and the 3rd District membership has been vigilant in KANSAS meeting these many challenges. We continue to work in fighting against the attacks to reduce our benefits and for a safer During the 2013 legislative session, we saw increased pension workplace for all firefighters. The fight will go on. I thank the benefit for Kansas Police & Fire (KP&F) members from 80% entire 3rd District membership for the support in these maximum to 90% maximum of final average salary. challenging times. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to In 2014, we saw increased pension benefit coverage regarding Patty Damigella in the Local 718 office for her help during my presumptive heart, lung, and respiratory coverage for KP&F members. entire career as 3rd District Vice President. Patty is always there to Although, not to be fooled, 2014 saw teachers lose all due assist me in helping 3rd District members. process rights regarding discipline and termination issues. Kansas teachers will not receive an investigative hearing for termination if CONNECTICUT Governor Brownback signs the bill. Lastly, this year the Kansas fire fighters continued to have held their The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut own regarding continued attacks on workers’ compensation laws. continues to provide a wide range of services to its affiliated locals. The state organization is comprised of three Principal MISSOURI Officers, seven District Vice Presidents, three elected Trustees, a Director of Legislative Affairs, a Director of Information and Missouri saw a change in the leadership in both the House and Research, an Executive Secretary and two Executive Assistants to Senate. This has resulted in not only a large amount of ALEC bills the President. The organization’s office is based at 30 Sherman being filed, but the bills actually moving through the House of Street in West Hartford. The organization also consists of five staff Representatives. “Right to Work,” “Paycheck Protection” and “State representatives, a legal team and lobbying firm, all working in a Pension Plan Reform” are some of the most notable. Labor has taken coordinated level to provide the best service to Connecticut’s a new (and effective) approach to their lobbying effort on these affiliated locals. issues, due in large part to the guidance of District Vice President The state organization meets regularly at quarterly delegates’ Woolbright and MSCFF Legislative Director Mark Habbas. meetings and monthly Executive Board meetings all with the While a significant amount of time has been allocated to the purpose of ensuring an outstanding flow of information and fights and defensive posture, a great success was achieved for all service to all affiliated locals in the state. The state organization MSCFF members in the 2013 session. The “Firefighters’ Political conducts labor management meetings, bringing together local Freedom Bill” was passed and signed into legislation by the presidents and fire chiefs. These meetings have proven to be very governor. This bill guarantees our members the ability to run for successful, and have an established labor-management task force elected office and be politically active without fear of losing their comprised of several local presidents and several fire chiefs to jobs. Many Hatch Act provisions in many jurisdictions previously assist in any problems. This task force has had positive results. limited this ability, and several members were threatened with Also, the state association continues to provide educational termination for simply speaking to an elected official. conferences each year on timely issues to the fire service and labor The 2014 session has been volatile with the anti-labor agenda in movement. Connecticut has made it a high priority to provide the House. “Right to Work” was debated in the House, and the bill education to all of its affiliated locals, which is why the leadership had enough votes for “perfection.” As of this time it still does not and staff continue to meet with local presidents and rank and file have enough votes to be “truly passed.” ”Paycheck Protection” members at local union meetings. A complete PowerPoint passed the House and currently sits in the Senate. Making presentation on the services provided by the state union is shown improvements to and renewing the line-of-duty death benefit are and then an informal question-and-answer period takes place the priority for the session. concerning issues on the local, state and national levels. The state Outside of the legislature, the Missouri Supreme Court handed association not only talks about the services provided by the state down a large decision in favor of public employee collective and the IAFF, but also provides the information to the rank and bargaining. This decision came at the end of 2012. The end result file members on their responsibilities of being a good union has been that a vast number of our affiliates that previously did member. The state association also meets with new recruits along not have the ability to collectively bargain, now do. This has with the Connecticut Career Fire Chiefs at the Connecticut Fire meant that a lot of contracts are being negotiated simultaneously, Academy. some which required court action to bring people to the table. The organization’s state convention was held this past year in The progress has been substantial and continues to move forward. Danbury and hosted by Local 801. In attendance were the Lastly, we unfortunately lost Rolla Local 3905 President Steve Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Huffman due to a vehicle accident. Secretary of the State, Speaker of the House of Representatives

3 and President of the Senate, in addition to many state and local every day,” says state President Peter Carozza. dignitaries. Also attending were Senator Richard Blumenthal, The UPFFA also participated in Fire Service Day at the Capitol, Senator Chris Murphy, and Representatives Larson, Courtney, an annual event showcasing Connecticut’s Fire Service. Members DeLauro, Himes and Esty. General President Harold Schaitberger from affiliated locals not only set up and operated static displays, and General Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Miller also attended. but lobbied legislators on the organization’s legislative agenda. In The UPFFA of Connecticut continues to hold seats on the State addition to these programs, each year during the legislative Fire Prevention and Control Commission, State EMS Council, session the state association holds a legislative conference, a State USAR Team and several other positions appointed by the breakfast and reception, all with full days of education and Governor and legislative leadership. The State President lobbying by the leadership of Connecticut’s IAFF locals. represents the organization as a Vice President of the Connecticut Connecticut affiliated locals were represented at the annual AFL-CIO. Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. delegates not only met This past year Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, with staff, but also attended a legislative breakfast hosted by the Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine fire fighters came together state association. Connecticut’s senators and five representatives for a jointly sponsored MDA Boot Camp at Mohegan Sun which attended this annual breakfast. “We were very pleased that our was very well attended by representatives from locals in all five lobbying efforts continue to assist the IAFF and our brothers and states. Connecticut IAFF locals raised $286,000 in 2012 and sisters across the country,” says President Peter Carozza. The $335,000 in 2013. President Carozza serves each year as the MDA UPFFA continues to schedule follow-up meetings with their Telethon Chairman each Labor Day weekend and hosts state representatives back home and makes a point to have these dignitaries and contributors to the event and works with MDA meetings in fire stations across the state so rank and file members throughout the year. can participate. The state association has been and will continue The state association continues to organize new locals and to be very involved in national, state and local elections continues to do an outstanding job in providing service to its supporting candidates who support fire fighters. affiliated locals under the direction of Secretary Louis DeMici and The UPFFA website, www.upffa.org, continues to be a vital link his staff, who provide quality service to locals in all areas of and avenue of communication with its members. The state collective bargaining, despite the growing fiscal problems and association also has developed its own mobile app, Facebook and huge attacks by towns and cities on issues concerning pensions, Twitter pages. medical benefits, wages and manning. Backed up by strong legal I want to thank President Carozza, the officers, staff and counsel, the state association has proven its commitment to leadership of all the affiliated locals for what they do to protect providing excellent service to its members. The state association’s Connecticut’s fire fighters. servicing staff saves affiliated locals in Connecticut thousands of dollars each year. MAINE The state association also had very successful sessions in the state legislature since our last Convention. Director of Legislative IAFF members have seen a number of changes since our last Affairs Paul Rapanault, with his committee and staff, did an Convention. On the political front, the overall landscape moved outstanding job in the state house tracking hundreds of bills that to a more favorable position for the state. In 2010, Republicans would have had an adverse effect on fire fighters and public gained control of the Maine House, Senate and the Governor’s employees. The state association continues to kill anti-fire fighter office. bills, such as changes to Collective Bargaining and Binding They came after unions with four Right to Work bills, which we Arbitration, with the help of affiliated local leaders and their were able to defeat with our friends from the Maine AFL-CIO. members. Without the daily presence of the state association at However, our Workers’ Compensation statute took a huge hit that the Capitol, all Connecticut locals would face very severe affected the most seriously injured workers. problems. With the strong support and help from the IAFF, the More importantly, the state association was very successful in Professional Fire Fighters of Maine (PFFM) put a significant obtaining and protecting new laws that protect fire fighters in effort into the fall 2012 elections. With boots on the ground and Connecticut such as Ryan White[c1], “Move Over Law,” help from all our locals, the Maine House and Senate returned to additional presumptive protections for cardiac disease, protection the control of the majority of Democrats. This gave us a firewall for retiree health care benefits, and recently adding protection to against Republican Governor Paul LePage, whose anti-union Connecticut fire fighters concerning hepatitis, meningococcal stance and rhetoric is well-known nationally. With the help of our meningitis, tuberculosis, Kahler’s Disease, non-Hodgkin’s friends in the Maine House and Senate, the state was able to push lymphoma and prostrate or testicular cancer. The state association off any legislation proposed by the governor or his allies that has aggressively pursued protection for Connecticut fire fighters would do further harm to our union. by establishing a state-wide medical trust and pension system to In the fall election, Republican Senator Olympia Snowe decided protect its members. not to run for re-election. Senator Snowe was a trusted friend of In addition to the state association’s strong influence in the state our union. Senator Snowe was a co-sponsor of the IAFF’s capital, the program that has changed the thinking of many collective bargaining bill and was instrumental in gaining passage legislators is the Fire Ops 101 program, which is conducted each of the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. She year before the legislative session for state elected officials. The was always there for us and never wavered in her support. She will yearly event is attended by state legislators and members of the be missed. press and broadcast media. “This program has proven to be an With the U.S. Senate seat vacant, the PFFM and IAFF supported excellent way to demonstrate what our members face each and former Independent Governor Angus King. The PFFM met with

4 the three candidates running, and it was clear that King deserved 2012, of all the reported line-of-duty deaths to the IAFF, 56 our support. The PFFM endorsed early in the campaign and was percent are due to cancer. This is unacceptable. It is hoped that the first union (also one of the few) to get behind his bid. King is a this study will show a direct relation between firefighting and the long-time Harley rider and the PFFM Motorcycle Group did a increased rate of cancer among our members. Dr. Shaw has campaign ride up the coast with King at the lead, stopping at IAFF recently applied for a $1.2 million grant from FEMA through the firehouses along the way. In the three-way race as an independent, Fire Prevention and Safety Grant application, and the IAFF has King won the seat with close vote. written a of letter of support. We are hopeful to receive funding, In the upcoming 2014 elections, it is the goal of the PFFM to as this would be the first cancer study approved under this retain control of the Maine House and Senate and to ensure program. Much has happened in the past two years, some good Governor Paul LePage does not return to office. and some bad, but our members have continued to move forward Democratic Congressman Mike Michaud is running against and do their jobs in a safe and professional manner. We honor LePage and the PFFM and IAFF have endorsed his candidacy. those sisters and brothers who we have lost since our last Independent Elliot Cutler is also running, making this another Convention and pray for their families and loved ones. three-way race, which is how LePage won the last time with just over 38% of the vote. The state association will be working hard MASSACHUSETTS to ensure Michaud succeeds and a union friend returns to the Governor’s office in Maine. Also, Senator Susan Collins is running In 2012, the PFFM played a critical role in the campaign to elect for re-election. Senator Collins has been one of this union’s most U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. Throughout the state, PFFM ardent supporters while in office, and she will have the continued members held signs, knocked on doors, and traveled to rallies in backing of the both the PFFM and IAFF. We will do all that we the “Firefighters for Warren” bus to deliver the message that she can to make sure her campaign is successful. was the right candidate for us. She defeated Republican The IAFF came to the assistance of Augusta Local 1650 with the incumbent Scott Brown, who had a poor labor voting record, help of the Guardian Policy. In fact finding with the Maine Labor including being the decisive vote in the Homeland Security Relations Board, a favorable ruling was received around Committee to abolish the SAFER and FIRE Act. Senator Warren Mandatory Bargaining issues in their contract. The city refused to credited the PFFM with making the difference in the campaign honor the rulings and appealed the decision in District Court. and commended the PFFM for the groundwork the organization The IAFF provided legal representation through Douglas Steele, did for the campaign. of Woodley and McGillivary, and the local prevailed at that level. • Elections: In addition to the success of Senator Warren’s The city still refused to honor the decision and appealed to the campaign, the PFFM witnessed victories of endorsed candidates Maine Supreme Court. Mr. Steele presented the case before the throughout the state. Overall, PFFM-endorsed candidates were Supreme Court and Augusta Local 1650 prevailed. This was a victorious in 40 out of the 42 elections across Massachusetts. landmark decision around the area of a contract’s static status Victories during the 2012 election season included Congressmen quo. The decision impacted not only Augusta’s contract rights but John Tierney, William Keating and Joseph Kennedy III. In 2013, a also any bargaining unit in Maine that has a collective bargaining special election took place in Massachusetts to fill the U.S. Senate agreement. seat vacated by Secretary of State John Kerry. The The PFFM and IAFF also saw a new charter put in place for PFFM-endorsed, now Senator Ed Markey went up against Hampden Local 4903. Nine new members were organized within Republican hedge fund manager Gabriel Gomez. Senator Markey the local, and they were assisted with their first contract by the had nearly a 100% labor voting record while in Congress, and has PFFM. been a friend of the PFFM since his time in the Massachusetts PFFM Staff Representative Bob Bourgault retired this past State House. The PFFM was victorious in many municipal January. Bob has served as the labor advisor and contract elections, including the election of Marty Walsh as mayor of negotiator for well over twenty years. His knowledge of Maine Boston. This victory was a win for labor throughout the U.S. 2014 labor law and skill at the negotiating table were true assets to the will be a busy year for the PFFM, as there are contested races for organization and our members. He has made our job safer and most of the constitutional officers and many friends in the ensured we get the benefits we deserve when sitting down at the legislature have or are retiring this year. The PFFM will also have a bargaining table. We wish him well in his retirement. The PFFM is presence at the June Democratic State Convention, as many fortunate to have former PFFM 1st DVP Michael Crouse now take members were chosen as delegates. over the role as Staff Representative. As a former member of Local • Pensions: The Massachusetts Public Employee Retirement F-123, IAFF 16th DVP and Chief of Staff for the General Administration Commission made an attempt to eliminate President, Michael brings a true range of experience to the job. annual sick time and vacation buybacks from being pensionable. The PFFM is a full-service organization, and he will be able to Through the efforts of the PFFM and a coalition of unions in handle the many facets required from grievances to contract Massachusetts, that effort was halted and vacation and sick negotiations. buybacks remain pensionable. The PFFM is also embarking on the prospect of a longitudinal • Residency: The PFFM was successful in passing amendments cancer study on Maine IAFF fire fighters. The state association is to Massachusetts state laws relative to residency requirements for partnering with Dr. Susan Shaw of Blue Hill, Maine, who fire fighters. Prior to this success, Massachusetts General Laws completed a recent pilot cancer study on 12 San Francisco Fire Chapter 31, Section SOA stipulated that, for Civil Service Department IAFF members. The results showed alarming levels of Departments, fire fighters must live 10 miles from the border of flame-retardants and other known carcinogens in the blood and the city or town they work for to their residence. This law had not urine of the fire fighters after working a fire. From 2002 through been strictly enforced until recently and the PFFM made swift

5 efforts to address this issue. The PFFM drafted language to make Austin suffered from cardiac arrest and passed away at the age of the residency requirement subjective to collective bargaining. 37. Brother Austin was a member of Quincy, Local 792. July 22, Through influence in the state legislature, the PFFM was able to 2013-Brother David Brier suffered from cardiac arrest and passed get this language into the 2014 state budget and amend the away at the age of 50. Brother Brier was a member of Middleboro, residency requirements. Local 3653. December 27, 2013- Brother Albert Ordway • Narcan Vote: The PFFM unanimously voted to support succumbed to esophageal cancer and passed away at the age of 59. putting Narcan (Naloxone) on every fire truck in Massachusetts. Brother Ordway was a member of Framingham, Local 1652. Narcan is an opioid antagonist drug that is specifically used to January 21, 2014- Brother Joseph Mullen succumbed to counteract opioid overdoses from drugs such as heroin and pancreatic cancer and passed away at the age of 60. Brother morphine. This important vote came as a result of a recent surge Mullen was a member of Boston, Local 718. January 22, 2014- in heroin overdoses throughout the state. On April 23, the PFFM Brother Francis Flynn succumbed to Lung Cancer and passed hosted a Train the Trainer program in the administration of away at the age of 53. Brother Flynn was a member of Boston, Narcan by our members. Local 718. March 23, 2014- Brother Arthur Moscufo suffered • Tyler Seddon: The PFFM organized a trip from Massachusetts from cardiac arrest and passed away at the age of 64. Brother to Rhode Island to deliver presents to 7-year-old Tyler Seddon Moscufo was a member of Medford, Local 1032. March 26, 2014- who is fighting his second battle with leukemia. Over 80 pieces of Brother Edward Walsh and Brother Michael Kennedy were killed apparatus made the trip to Rhode Island and joined up with fire in the line of duty at a building fire Beacon Street in Boston. apparatus and police vehicles from that state for a drive by for Brothers Walsh and Kennedy bravely went in to battle the blaze on Tyler Seddon. The event got national press coverage and certainly Beacon Street and made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of made the young boy’s birthday. brother and sister firefighters and residents of the Beacon Street • Line-of-Duty Deaths: Since 2012 there have been 22 area. Brother Walsh was 43 years old and Brother Kennedy was 33 line-of-duty deaths in Massachusetts: February 2, 2012- Brother years old when they each passed; both were members of Boston, Maurice Zingarelli suffered a heart attack and passed away at the Local 718. March 31, 2014- Brother George Gobeil succumbed to age of 59. Brother Zingarelli was a member of Worcester, Local lung cancer and passed away at the age of 67. Brother Gobeil was 1009. February 15, 2012- Brother Bradford Coolidge succumbed a member of New Bedford, Local 841. to kidney cancer and passed away at the age of 57. Brother • OPEB Reform: The legislature could vote as early as this Coolidge was a member of Athol, Local 1751. March 8, 2012- spring, sweeping changes to retiree health care. The PFFM Brother Matthew Smith succumbed to skin cancer and passed convened a commission that drafted recommendations presented away at the age of 45. Brother Smith was a member of Danvers, to the legislature to ensure certain provisions for retirees who Local 2038. March 24, 2012- Brother Richard Pierce suffered a have given so much to their communities. Current retirees, and stroke and passed away at the age of 73. Brother Pierce was a those within five years of retirement or who are within 12 months member of North Reading, Local 1857. June 6, 2012- Brother of being vested, or who have completed 20 years of service are Jeffrey Phelps succumbed to stomach cancer and passed away at exempt from the expecting legislation. OPEB reform would not the age of 56. Brother Phelps was a member of Dudley, Local affect current retirees, but would affect future public employee 4271. July 7, 2012- Brother Michael Smith succumbed to cancer retirees. and passed away at the age of 43. Brother Smith was a member of Among PFFM’s recommendations are that retirees shall be Gloucester, Local 762. August 28, 2012- Brother James Roy required to complete twenty (20) years of service and have succumbed to throat cancer and passed away at the age of 62. reached the age of 60 (group 1), 55 (group 2), and 50 (group 4) in Brother Roy was a member of Fitchburg, Local 3128. October 27, order to qualify for retiree health insurance. The commission 2012- Brother Donald Young succumbed to prostate cancer and recommends that the OPEB Reform be implemented as a passed away at the age of 65. Brother Young was a member of comprehensive mandatory package with the Commonwealth Framingham, Local 1652. January 27, 2013- Brother Joseph resolving any concerns that the inclusion of the change to Slattery succumbed to cancer and passed away at the age of 47. survivor benefits would potentially create an unfunded mandate Brother Slattery was a member of Natick, Local 1707. February 9, by agreeing to reimburse municipalities in the event that the cost 2013- Brother Patrick Germain suffered a heart attack and passed of the survivor benefits portion of the OPEB reform offsets 50% away at the age of 60. Brother Germain was a member of or more of the savings. Worcester, Local 1009. February 10, 2013- Brother Paul • Boston Marathon Bombings: On April 15, 2013, three people Chippendale succumbed to pancreatic cancer and passed away at were killed and more than 260 runners and spectators were the age of 37. Brother Chippendale was a member of Fall River, injured after two bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Local 1314. March 26, 2013- Brother Edward Seman succumbed marathon. In the days that followed, a police officer would also to pancreatic cancer and passed away at the age of 57. Brother lose his life related to the attacks and additional law enforcement Seman was a member of Worcester, Local 1009. May 23, 2013- injured. PFFM members played a significant role in the rescue Brother Christopher Haney succumbed to colon cancer and and recovery at the finish line, including Boston fire fighters that passed away at the age of 57. Brother Haney was a member of responded but also several dozen PFFM members that were Woburn, Local 971. June 3, 2013- Brother Charles Crowley marathon volunteers or spectators and jumped into action to help succumbed to a heart condition and passed away at the age of 56. save lives. Brother Crowley was a member of Chelsea, Local 937. June 7, The PFFM joined with Boston Firefighters Local 718 and Boston 2013- Brother Clifton DeCourcy suffered from respiratory arrest law enforcement and EMS unions within 48 hours of the attacks and passed away at the age of 61. Brother DeCourcy was a to establish the Boston First Responders Fund to aid victims of member of Worcester, Local 1009. July 8, 2013- Brother John the marathon bombings and to offer a $50,000 reward to the

6 person(s) who provide information leading to the arrest and before the legislative bodies. However, the state fought back and apprehension of the people responsible for the attacks. The this legislation was twice defeated. In February 2013, New outpouring of support was phenomenal; more than $220,000 was Hampshire state officers were joined by General President raised. Earlier this year funds were given to Spaulding Schaitberger and myself to see the defeat of this legislation, and Rehabilitation Hospital to be used for marathon survivors and meet with members and representatives. The leadership, council their continuing therapy and costs not covered by insurance. and support coupled with the outstanding high quality of IAFF • State Death Benefit: The PFFM worked with the Attorney staff aided the state association in these efforts. The IAFF staff General and Senate President to increase the state death benefit continues to be the backbone of our union and IAFF members in for families of public safety personnel killed in the line of duty New Hampshire. A special thanks is extended to the staff at the from a one-time payment of $100,000 to $150,000. The benefit New Hampshire State Office: Kayla McCarthy, Casey McCabe, and has not been increased since 1994 and passed April 18. Ashley MacKinnon. They are joined by the decades of efforts by Smoking Cessation: This fall a local media outlet conducted an Attorney Richard Molan. For 30 years he has represented the investigative report that caught some fire fighters smoking members with conviction and determination. on-duty. State law prohibits fire fighters and police officers from Still reeling from the damage of the 2011-2012 session, the state smoking on- or off-duty or using any tobacco products. Under has kept its heads down and drew out battle plans to attempt to the law, fire fighters hired prior to 1988 or after 1988 under an repair some of the damage done. First up for the 2013-2014 exam prior to that year, are allowed to use tobacco products on- legislative session was committee assignments. Post-election, it or off-duty. As a result of the media report, the fire fighters was announced that fire fighters would be assigned as an Assistant profiled were fired. The PFFM has argued that fire fighters caught Majority Leader, Chairman of Labor, Chairman of Fish & Game, smoking should be offered mandatory treatment options instead and Vice-Chairman of Transportation. With members in high- of the immediate loss of their jobs. ranking positions, the state association was able to tackle legislation and information with a bit more ease. The state has NEW HAMPSHIRE continued to see its fair share of battles: Right to Work was back both years, and pension-destroying bills were back on tap. On the morning after Election Day 2012, New Hampshire became However, they were able to fend off some legislation while a very different place than it had been in the previous two years. working on passing a few important reforms. They stood proudly The anti-worker Tea Party type that led the New Hampshire at the bill signing ceremony on legislation involving critical House and Senate had been defeated. Democrats took over the incident-stress management and crisis intervention, and again House, which was an enormous win having previously been a 3-1 legislation was passed that will track and report data to help Republican super majority. The Senate, though still understand where, when, and why negotiations break down, and Republican-led, became more even at 13-11, as opposed to a 19-5 how to solve it. The state is on track to pass Senate Bill 204, which Republican majority. A new moderate democratic Governor was expands the list of medical conditions covered by workers’ elected and Governor’s Executive Council became bi-partisan. compensation, and they are also set to pass a bill that gives And most importantly, on November 5, 2012, the Professional veterans preference in public employment. Fire Fighters of New Hampshire helped get elected the most The health of every single member is very important. members to the State House in its history at 16 members. Our Unfortunately, over the last two years we have said goodbye to campaign strategy proved to be a successful one, as endorsed members who have lost their courageous battles with cancer. But candidates from President Obama down the ballot to county races from this devastation, the state began working with the New were elected. A strong and well-funded PAC, determined local Hampshire Fire Academy on a solution. The union worked to leadership, and engaged members made New Hampshire’s develop a cancer awareness curriculum, which 1200 fire fighters election strategy a successful one. have taken. Additionally, it is now part of FFI curriculum for all No matter what the political make up, certain elected leaders will new fire fighters. We are extremely proud to say that the state is always make attempts to destroy or weaken organized labor. Time the only one in the nation where this curriculum is required. We and time again, when attacks happen in the state it is New took this a step further by working on legislation that would make Hampshire’s Union Fire Fighters that stand at the gates and beat certain types of cancers compensable under the workers’ them back. compensation law. This proposition is on track to be studied this President Dave Lang and Secretary-Treasurer William summer, where we hope strong legislation will be developed to McQuillen recognize the Executive Board and Council, local make this a reality for New Hampshire fire fighters. leaders, and members — both active and retired — that stood Much of the previous two years have been spent fighting to see a with them these past two years. Their hard work, refusal to back return of surplus dollars from management controlled risk pools. down to opposition, and willingness to stand up and fight when The work paid off; cities, towns and employees began to see necessary, has been the pillar of New Hampshire’s union’s refund checks. The total of $104 million of risk pool surplus strength. I remain proud and thankful for each of them. funds was returned over three years. This money, which was The 2012 legislative session began with the first office relocation returned to deserving retirees, active members, cities and towns, in nearly 20 years right next to the state Capitol, in order to be helped close a chapter on a 12-year battle. However, the war will closer to the decision makers. Union membership grew by not be over until every single citizen who is owed money is made organizing a new local. These two legislative years have been whole, and the law is changed to ensure that this type of situation productive for unionized firefighters in New Hampshire. can never happen again. With the cost of health insurance always However, the state is still faced with challenges. Both years, Right on the rise, it is commonplace across this country to blame public to Work bills aimed at destroying collective bargaining have come employees and use health insurance as a reason to not hire new

7 employees. However, through data gathering and many questions, due May 25, 2014, the state’s brief will be due June 19, 2014, and it was found that sometimes employee rate increases are not they will have one more chance to respond on June 21, 2014. because of “trends,” but because these risk pools are simply On July 1, 2011, the state filed the first part of challenges to HB2. charging too much and holding on to unnecessary surpluses. We The lawsuit sought an injunction due to the increase in employee are proud of our work, but we must continue to keep a close eye retirement rates (fire went from 9.3% of payroll to 11.8 %). In this on these insurance pass-through organizations throughout the case, the Superior Court found that the recently imposed rate whole country. increases were substantial and were not justified by any particular When it came to pension reform issues, the state association public policy requirements. The rate increases were, thus, worked tirelessly with the New Hampshire Retirement Security improper for any employee vested in the Retirement System Coalition (NHRSC), which was established in 2008. The NHRSC under the contract clause of the New Hampshire Constitution. falls under the umbrella of the National Public Pension Coalition The contract clause prohibits the state from breaching its (NPPC), which the IAFF is a strong partner. The NHRSC is made contracts. The judge, however, found that employees do not up of both union and non-union groups that work together on become vested in the Retirement System until they complete ten issues pertaining to the New Hampshire Retirement System and (10) years of service. The Retirement Coalition appealed to the the 76,000 active and retired fire fighters, police officers, teachers, New Hampshire Supreme Court because it believes employees and state and local employees who rely on the system to provide a become vested upon achieving permanent status, not at ten years. reasonable and secure retirement that was promised to them at The State appealed because it claims employees do not ever vest or the time of their employment. The coalition provides up-to-date do not vest until they actually retire. On February 24, 2014, the information to their members regarding what proposals, changes, state association filed a Supreme Court brief, and now awaits a or impacts the New Hampshire legislature votes on that would hearing schedule. The position remains that vesting begins upon affect members’ retirement benefits. The partners of the NHRSC permanent employment status (upon completion of probation) work simultaneously to advocate retirement issues to the and remain positive that all members will win in the end. members of the New Hampshire House and Senate, as well as On February 29, 2012, the state association filed the second part provide the media and public with fact-based information from a of the lawsuit challenging the changes in HB2. These include all of variety of sources. Fruits of the New Hampshire Retirement the remaining changes that affect earnable compensation, average Security Coalition can be viewed atwww.nhretirementfacts.com. final compensation calculation, changes to minimum age, years of Members of the NHRSC worked hard this year to try to pass service, and the change in our multiplier. In this case, the Superior SB364, a bill that would help the newest members of our union. Court found that employees vest in the Retirement System upon Fire fighters hired on or after July 1, 2011, will receive a achieving permanent status. The judge ruled, however, that she significantly lesser benefit due to the changes that were made in could not tell without a trial whether definitional changes made 2011under HB2. In fact, according to the New by the Legislature to factors such as what constitutes “earnable Hampshire Retirement System’s own actuarial projections, after a compensation” are substantial enough to have violated members’ 25-year career, a fire fighter will retire with only $34,000. By rights. Over the state association’s objection, the Hillsborough current New Hampshire standards, this would qualify them for County judge stayed proceedings in this case pending the social services. SB364 would have made one simple change to the outcome of the Supreme Court appeals. As a result, there is no benefit structure for these newly hired members by changing their pending activity in this case. multiplier from 2% to 2.5%. It would have left all other 2011 Through research and lobbying efforts, the state has also worked changes in place, but by making this one simply change it would hard to ensure that members are able to complete the IAFF Fire have allowed fire fighters in 30 years to retire with dignity and a Ground Safety and Survival class, ensuring that our members go livable benefit. Unfortunately, the GOP controlled Senate did not home safe at the end of their shift. To date, 565 of members have believe this to be a worthy legislative change and killed SB364 completed this course. Local unions continue to lead the way in 12-11 down party line. This is still crucial and needs to be raising money for various causes. Locals raised $226,150 to changed to protect all of our members. The state association will benefit MDA, held a successful 4F Golf Tournament to benefit continue to fight for these newest members using the legislative families of the Fallen Fire Fighter’s Family Fund, did tremendous process and believe that the state’s work in the 2014 election cycle fundraising for breast cancer in October, grew mustaches for will prove fruitful for this endeavor. “Movemeber” challenges, and will begin a new program, Coats for The state remains diligent in furthering legal cases through the Kids, this year. court system as a majority partner in the New Hampshire As the state association prepares for the 2014 election, IAFF Retirement Security Coalition Legal Team. Currently there are members remain determined and motivated. An aggressive three ongoing cases. The first dates back to changes made by the election plan has been assembled. The PFFNH stands proudly New Hampshire legislature in 2008, most importantly changes to with those who stand with them. the definition of earnable compensation, the special account that Just as we prepare ourselves in our departments through funds COLAs, and the medical subsidy benefit. In this case, the training, our union has been preparing for this fight for decades. Superior Court found that employees do not have vested rights in The PFFNH built our union to withstand attacks such as these their COLAs and no right to challenge the defunding of special through every law that we passed to every contract article we accounts. The judge also repeated his findings about a 10-year negotiated. President Lang and Secretary-Treasurer McQuillen are vesting period for other aspects of the Retirement System. The extremely proud of the New Hampshire members. It is their state, the Retirement System, and the coalition have all appealed strength, passion and refusal to back down that will win the day. to the Supreme Court. The parties just received the scheduling order for the submission of briefs; the state and NHRS briefs are

8 RHODE ISLAND Both the General Officers and the General Assembly races are benchmark events. The gubernatorial candidate, Angel Tavares, is The legislative agenda forwarded by Legislative Agent, Paul running against General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, the designer Valletta, has resulted in major victories. The Central Coventry Fire of the contested pension. Her changes, as reported, created a huge District through mismanagement and strong anti-union problem for all retired and active fire fighters. If elected, she sentiment has emerged from being totally disbanded to receiving would further complicate the lives of all fire fighters in our state. a five- year timeline to financially right the district, maintain Electing labor-friendly candidates to the General Assembly would union fire fighter jobs, prevent privatization of EMS and continue enhance the state’s ability to maintain issues and possibly correct to serve the citizens of their fire district. This legislative win, pension problems. coupled with favorable results of contract continuation and the The state association has successfully prevented [c2] Central killing of all anti- fire fighter legislation, marks a positive Coventry Fire District from being dissolved and continued to legislative session. fight the 56-hour work week issue in North Kingstown. This The pension systems for fire fighters in the state of Rhode Island could not have been accomplished without the help from the are either run by individual municipalities or the state of Rhode IAFF, which provided funding, legal assistance and total support Island. The municipal plans have historically been under-funded, when requested. These factors and the work done by Vice which was a prime reason for the city of Central Falls to enter into President Andriole, Staff Representative Neill, Legislative Agent bankruptcy. Two plans—one in the city of Pawtucket and another Valletta and Secretary-Treasurer Hanos, has allowed the state in the town of West Warwick—were considered in crucial status. association to meet, resist and prevail against our many enemies. Due to recognition of our members preserving equitable pensions, it appears these plans are now actuarially sound with VERMONT strong contractual language in order to prevent these communities from not living up to their obligation to fund the The past two years have been full of success and change for the pension plans. Further, these negotiated pension plans were the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont. After 15 years as a member catalyst for maintaining core economic benefits for long-term of the PFFV Executive Board and serving seven years as President, collective bargaining agreements. These positive results are a Matt Vinci left the PFFV to become the Director of Education and testimony to Pawtucket President Bob Neill and West Warwick Human Relations at IAFF headquarters in Washington, D.C. He President Bill Leahy and their Executive Boards for their hard will be missed by all in Vermont and will prove to be a great asset work. The results for our members in the state plan were status to all in the IAFF. quo, meaning very poor. The unnegotiated pension reform The PFFVs legislative operation has had some great successes initiated by our General Treasurer remains in effect. The results over the past two years. The state has been able to push legislation are more years, age requirement, non-guaranteed COLA, etc. that will protect members’ benefits, provide for training, make Federal mediation lasting 15 months broke down, resulting in the jobs safer and cover members if they contract an illness due to the positive mediated items becoming null and void. The economic job. effect of this breakdown is a hardship for all fire fighters in the Governor Shumlin signed into law additional presumptions state system. This unfavorable outcome will be the prime focus to under workers’ compensation to protect fire fighters and EMS legislatively change these pensions going forward. personnel. This new law covers the presumptions of lung injury The results of the outstanding work of the state organization’s or illness as well as infectious disease. Vice President Joe Andriole and Staff Representative Bob Neill The state association has worked hard to expand the laws that working with local leadership have resulted in a vast majority of our protect members and the public from the exposure to harmful locals securing collective bargaining agreements. These agreements flame retardants. Governor Shumlin signed into law legislation protect our core economic benefits with reasonable increases while that will ban the use of chlorinated Tris as a flame retardant. This mitigating the rising costs of medical health insurance. is an expansion of previous legislation that banned brominated Over the past two years, the state office has participated in 83 flame retardants in upholstered furniture and electronics. The rights grievances resulting in arbitrations covering the full PFFV also secured a surcharge on specific lines of insurance, spectrum of possible issues. Our record for favorable results is in ensuring a dedicated source of funding for emergency medical the high 70th percentile. Up to this point, interest arbitrations training. Lastly, a lot of work was put into lessening the negative have been focused on one community, North Kingstown, with the impact and ensuring the security of a healthy retirement for our possibility of four interest arbitration cases being heard by members in the state-administered municipal retirement system. different arbitrators in the same time frames. The town of North During the last election cycle, the PFFVs political operation was Kingstown has unilaterally imposed a 56-hour work week. At instrumental in the re-election of fire fighter friendly candidates tremendous cost, the local has been successful in court and at the to office. Governor Peter Shumlin was re-elected with the strong State Labor Relations Board, whose decisions have been appealed support of the PFFV. He currently serves as the Chair of the by the town. This work schedule, with an inability to retain Democratic Governors’ Association. The state association worked personnel, has destroyed morale and created a fatigued workforce. hard to continue to have a Democratic majority in both the As of now, there is no end in sight in resolving the number of Vermont Senate and House. This was all accomplished by hours worked and other contested issues that have been engaging the members and hitting the ground in a grassroots arbitrarily instituted by the town of North Kingstown. campaign supporting our candidates. The state association has been successful in organizing three fire The PFFV has also worked closely with our locals. The PFFV has districts in the town of Burrillville and is in the process of helped on ballot initiatives in Burlington, Montpelier and St. negotiating this local’s first contract. Johnsbury by turning out PFFV members from all over the state

9 in support of their needs. The state association continues to assist intends on filing in the Court of Appeals to cease these with the ongoing pension issues in the city of Burlington and actions. With elections taking place later this year, including a continues to provide full service assistance to all locals during new mayor, Local 36 leadership feels confident they will prevail. collective bargaining and on grievance issues. Maryland fire fighters are working to pass a few bills through Sincere thanks and gratitude is extended to former State state legislature. One would deem fire fighters’ retirement income President Matt Vinci for his dedicated service to the members of as tax-free, and the other would make assaults on fire fighters and Vermont. The PFFV looks forward to the future and building on EMS workers felonies. They are also fighting the passage of two its successes of the past and fighting for IAFF fire fighters all bills. These bills would require all state funding through 508 across Vermont. monies to go strictly to volunteer departments. The Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland are working with the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) to WILLIAM V. TAYLOR establish an appeal procedure for those who are facing suspension 4TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT of certification by a Medical Director. Additionally, IAFF Local 1715 from Cumberland, MD, is fighting to remain as the In accordance with the Constitution and bargaining unit for the city’s fire fighters. They received a notice By-Laws of the International Association of that the city was voiding their contract as of June 30, 2014. Fire Fighters, Article VI, §3, I respectfully The Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association is submit the following report of my activities fighting a “Wisconsin-style” attack on payroll deductions. Various as 4th District Vice President for the period anti-union special interest groups are trying to pass legislation between July 2012 and April 2014. that would stop automatic dues deductions for public sector Since the last Convention in Philadelphia, I have attended all workers. Although the majority of our membership in the state IAFF and 4th District State Conventions, Conferences, Executive would be exempt, there are still a few airport and EMS locals that Board and committee meetings, MDA meetings and have carried would be affected. The legislation in question would also prohibit out all other assignments given to me by General President all public sector unions from collecting PAC donations through Schaitberger. I have also attended various other educational payroll deductions. conferences and seminars for the purpose of furthering my The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters have presented three bills knowledge in specific fields so that I may better serve the to the State legislature, all dealing with the creation of a Line of membership. Duty Health Benefits Fund and increased funding. So far, the bills Presently, I serve on the following Executive Board have been held over until 2015. Perhaps with the recent election Committees: Emergency Disputes (Chairman), Employee Benefits of the new governor, we will be more successful in the future. and Human Resources and Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial. I am a Alexandria Local 2141 is fighting cuts to fire department trustee on the IAFF Employee and the Staff Pension Funds, and I resources under the city’s proposed budget. Reductions would also serve as a Director of the IAFF Financial Corporation and the include the relocation of one engine company, elimination of 10 IAFF Charitable Foundation. vacant positions, and the elimination of one peak-time medic Our efforts over the past two years have not changed focus much unit. The local does have a Facebook page titled “Save Engine from the issues we always face. Again, healthcare and the 204,” if anyone would like to show support. economy have been dominant and have greatly affected us. The And in West Virginia, one of our brothers, Dave Palmer, a problems we see are numerous, including staffing cuts, furloughs, member of our Wheeling local, is running for a seat in the WV pension cuts/reductions, brownouts, station closures, and House of Delegates. We wish him luck and stand by to assist his pending layoffs. But know that your leadership, from the local to campaign. the international level, has continued to move forward to find I would also like to thank my State Presidents Mike Campbell, solutions to help curb detrimental consequences. We have also Art Martynuska, Mike Mohler, and Brian Jones for all of their been facing numerous issues arising from IAFF members tireless efforts on behalf of this great union. Also John Niemiec volunteering in jurisdictions that also employ IAFF members. (DFSR) and all the countless others from District 4 who help to There is a movement in Delaware to create a state association. make my job easier. However, this has not yet occurred. I would like to thank General President Schaitberger, General In the District of Columbia, an arbitration decision was reached, Secretary-Treasurer Miller, Assistants to the General President and ruling that putting D.C. fire fighters on a schedule consisting of General Secretary-Treasurer and every single IAFF employee for (3) 12-hour days, followed by 1 day off, then (3) 12-hour nights their assistance and guidance. Thanks also go out to all members followed by 3 days off would not produce any significant of the 4th District for your continued support. Being your Vice monetary savings for the City and also posed potential health President is a great honor which I do not take lightly. Collectively, concerns for firefighters. However, the D.C. Public Employee we can remain effective and successful and I look forward to Relations Board has now ruled that the administration can continuing my service to you in the years to come. implement the new work schedule. Local 36 President, Ed Smith,

10 THOMAS THORNBERG committee, Communications, Media / Public Affairs committee, and 5TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Employee Benefits & Human Resources committee. I have also attended all IAFF conferences in the past two years and unfortunately In accordance with the International too many Line of Duty Death memorials honoring our lost brothers Association of Fire Fighters Constitution and and sisters. By-Laws, Article VI, Section 3, I respectfully In the district, I have traveled to all four states representing locals on submit my report as 5th District Vice President a variety of issues as well as offering counsel and advice to many to General President Schaitberger, General more. I have attended several state, district, caucus and local meetings Secretary Treasurer Miller, the IAFF Executive Board and all officers and State Conventions. and delegates to this 52 nd Convention being held in Cincinnati, Ohio. As the economy continues to improve, locals are beginning to see This report contains a summary of activities in the 5th District from modest improvements to wages and benefits. Staffing levels are August 2012 through April 2014. beginning to slowly improve as well. Many locals are taking advantage In 2012 at the IAFF 51st Convention held in Philadelphia, PA, I was of the many services available to them from the IAFF’s Technical honored to be elected to the office of 5th District Vice President of the Assistance & Information Resources department, such as Municipal IAFF in a very close election. Shortly after the convention and Financial Analyses, Geographical Information System studies and election, my opponent, former 5th District Vice President Joseph contract comparables to assist them in negotiations. Pension Conway Jr., filed an “appeal and complaint” with the General Resources, also part of this department, has been a tremendous help as President regarding the election, citing alleged violations of election we continue the battle to maintain our pensions. procedures with regards to the election of delegates and delegate proxy Locals in the 5th District have used virtually every department carriers. Additionally, a complaint was made regarding the position of available to them from the IAFF. The legal department has assisted observers witnessing the tabulation of votes. After an exhaustive and with FLSA issues, wrongful termination and disciplinary cases, first thorough examination of all laws, policies, records and documents amendment rights’ violations and many others. The Education, pertaining to IAFF elections, the General President determined that he Training & Human Relations department has provided us with top did not have the authority to consider and decide the “appeal and quality instructors from the Partnership in Education Program at complaint” filed by Mr. Conway as it would usurp the “supreme State Assn. sponsored events. Governmental, Political & Public Affairs authority” of the International’s Convention-who are the delegates, department continues to work with our state and local affiliates to according to the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws. help get the right people elected to public office which are often our Subsequently, Mr. Conway filed a complaint and election challenge own members. We have two members running for the State House in with the United States Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL Minnesota and North Dakota for the first time and several others launched an extensive investigation into the election procedures used seeking re-election for public office. We had two members from the by 5th District affiliates to elect delegates or delegate proxy carriers. 5th District attend the Political Training Academy and one member The result of the investigation proved there were technical violations attend the new Collective Bargaining Training Academy in Memphis. of election procedures used by some affiliates. Because of these Many of our locals are getting HAZMAT/WMD training from IAFF violations and the closeness of the election, the DOL recommended to Master Instructors made available from the IAFF through grants. the IAFF that a new election be held for the office of IAFF 5th District They are also getting assistance applying for grants such as SAFER and Vice President. After careful consideration of all the findings, facts and FIRE from this department. The Health, Safety & Medicine arguments, the IAFF entered into a “Compliance Agreement” with the department has provided volumes of information and resources to DOL and ordered a new election be held and supervised by the DOL. 5th District affiliates regarding, PSOB claims, presumptions, LODD, The results of the closely supervised election were tabulated at the medical opinions, CPAT, fire codes and so much more. The Media, DOL offices in Milwaukee, WI on July 30, 2013, and I was again Communications & IT department has assisted many locals with elected to the position of IAFF 5th District Vice President, this time by media development including video, radio, social and print media. a larger margin. I was, and still am, honored by and thankful to the Two of our locals have already taken advantage of the new E-18 members of the 5th District for allowing me to serve in this position. Media studio with messages developed by this department for political This was a contentious, exhausting and expensive ordeal for the elections. I will continue to educate and make aware the affiliates of IAFF, the members of the 5th District and me, but many valuable the 5th District the many resources available to them through the lessons were learned by the entire organization throughout this IAFF. process. This has led to positive changes in credentialing and election Organizing in the 5th District is going very well. We have added six procedures for the future. The wounds of this experience are healing, new locals and four existing locals have added additional bargaining and the 5th District is moving in a positive direction in true union units to their locals since our last convention in Philadelphia. I am fashion. currently working with three more groups that will likely affiliate with Since being elected (twice), I have had the privilege of representing us this year. the IAFF members in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and I would like to take this opportunity to thank 5th District Field Wisconsin. I serve at their will to the best of my ability and always Service Representatives Jerry Biggart and Mike “Woody” Woodzicka with their best interests in mind. I have attended all IAFF Executive for the extraordinary work they do in the district. Their expertise Board meetings and completed all tasks and assignments given to me saves locals a lot of money in attorneys’ fees. I would also like to by the General President. My specific Executive Board committee recognize 5th District Service Representatives Jose Carbajal, Mike assignments from the General President include: Chairman of the Eliason, Jamie Garvey, Tom Johnson, Derek Matykowski, Greg Sikora, L/EAP committee, Chairman of the Legal Services committee, Vice Lance Tryggestad and Scott Vadnais for their work and willingness to Chairman of the EMS committee. I am a member of the: Pension & assist locals in the 5th District. We have a great team available to help Health Resources committee, Information & Technology Systems locals with all of their issues.

11 Since our last convention, we have lost far too many of our brothers meetings, the Provincial Executive Board meetings, provincial regional and sisters, many of whom were great union leaders. One that stands meetings and both national and provincial legislative conferences, out for me is 9 th District Vice President Randy Atkinson. I did not when schedules permitted. I have also attended the Redmond have the chance to serve with him for long on the Executive Board, but Symposium, Human Relations Conference, EMS Conference, Affiliate I knew him well as we both served as State Presidents. He was a good Leadership Training Summits, Labour Management Initiative and the man and a great union leader. He will be sorely missed by many. Fallen Fire Fighters Memorials and have represented the 6th District at As a freshman District Vice President, it has been a truly enlightening far too many members’ funeral services this term. and energizing experience to be part of this Executive Board. I would At the last convention, I reported that all of the provinces and like to thank General President Schaitberger, General territories in the 6th District had succeeded in establishing or Secretary-Treasurer Miller and all of the District Vice Presidents for improving fire fighter cancer presumptions or adding additional their counsel, advice and guidance during these first two years of cancers. Since that time, we continue to make gains in additional serving on this truly incredible board. I would also like to thank the presumptions and gain occupational health and safety regulations that unbelievably talented staff at the IAFF for their support. Their improve fire fighters’ physical, mental and emotional health care. I knowledge and expertise is unparalleled. Last but not least, I would continue to work with all regions to assist them in advancing further like to thank my wife Cathy, my sons Kyle & Cody (who are both Fire gains, develop stronger lobby, political action and community Fighter/Paramedics and IAFF members) for their steadfast patience relations efforts, to share and communicate research information and and understanding, and for allowing me to spend the time needed to success to all. All provinces and territories in the 6th District have do this work. conservative governments, making their successes all the more This report is a summary of the last two years in the 5th District. significant. Across the District, affiliates have embraced the IAFF The local leadership is the backbone of this organization. The work non-partisan political action strategy and contributions to the they do at the local level every day is where the rubber meets the road. Canadian IAFF FIREPAC continue to set record highs for the 6th The members of the IAFF make it financially possible for us to deliver District, with Saskatchewan and Alberta having a 100% dues check-off the services and resources available to them to make sure their jobs are for affiliates. In addition the majority of the 52 affiliates in British safe and secure, and for that I am grateful. Columbia also contribute in a dues check-off to FIREPAC. Bargaining I wish all gathered in Cincinnati a productive, successful and continues to be an uphill battle throughout the region, only made enjoyable convention. worse by the dramatic shift to the right by politicians who, not only targeting public sector workers in general but in some cases, specifically targeting fire fighters, hard-bargained for collective LORNE WEST agreements. Our IAFF affiliate and provincial leadership have proven 6TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT up to the challenge and continue to prepare for the next employers’ collective assault on our wages and working conditions. In accordance with the provisions of Article V1, As in other Districts, our affiliates find themselves defending service Section 3, of the International Association of levels, health care benefits and pensions. Yet despite these and other Fire Fighters Constitution and By-Laws, I ongoing and persistent challenges, I am convinced the IAFF leadership respectfully submit this report of my activity as throughout the 6th District is ready and prepared to meet all the 6th District Vice President to General challenges. In spite of facing greater challenges than ever before, from President Harold Schaitberger, General Secretary-Treasurer Thomas employer groups that are more coordinated in the past, the resolve H. Miller, the IAFF Executive Board and all officers and delegates in and strength of leadership and the tenacity of our affiliates in the 6th attendance at the 52nd Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. This report District have never been stronger. These challenges have brought out contains a summary of my activities from September 2012 through to the best in our leaders. April 2014. I have attended all Executive Board meetings and carried The economies of Canada’s western provinces, which make up the 6th out all assignments given me by General President Schaitberger. District, continue to be strong and should provide a great opportunity During this reporting period I have also been appointed by the for our locals to grow, strengthen their collective agreements and General President to serve on the following committees: Human provide improvements to the safety and wellness of our fire fighters, Relations (Chair), Canadian Affairs (Vice Chair), Legal Services, Fallen despite the attacks from the right. However, there remain regional Fire Fighter Memorial, Information and Technology and Policy and pockets where the economic decline hit very hard. Although these areas Operational Procedures. In addition, at the direction of General are stable, our affiliates in those regions will continue to have greater President Schaitberger, I have served as a trustee on the IAFF challenges than the rest of the 6th District. Some of the struggles, Foundation. I have attended all committee meetings and fulfilled all successes, good work and extraordinary accomplishments throughout duties required of me by virtue of these assignments. I have had the the 6th District are briefly detailed below. opportunity to travel to each of the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as the Northwest and Yukon BRITISH COLUMBIA territories working in support of our 79 affiliates within the 6th District on numerous occasions. I have also successfully reached out to The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association those not affiliated in an effort to organize the unorganized fire (BCPFFA) continues to maintain 100% affiliation from our 53 fighters within the District. affiliates within British Columbia and the Yukon (Whitehorse, Local I have responded to every inquiry and service request by a local 2217). At the last convention, British Columbia reported adding affiliate or member in the 6th District in a timely manner to the best esophageal cancer as a WCB presumption. They have now restored the of my ability. I have also attended all of the provincial conventions heart presumption in its original form. This has been a significant since my election, as well as all of the Canadian Provincial Presidents challenge and a high priority for the BCPFFA since the heart

12 presumption was repealed June 5, 2000. Despite the right-wing their affiliates have the leadership necessary to face the coming years conservative direction of the liberal government, BCPFFA President and handle the challenges ahead. Mike Hurley and our B.C. affiliates have successfully built a relationship with Premier Christy Clark and the majority of her ALBERTA caucus, while also maintaining the support of the opposition party, the labor-supportive NDP. This has proven to be very critical in The Alberta Fire Fighters’ Association (AFFA) began holding an representing our members in British Columbia, when Christy Clark annual Legislative Conference before last Convention, which has defied all polls and swept to a third majority for the liberals. All polls ramped up their presence in provincial government circles. They have had been predicting a labor (NDP) victory, which was not to be, very quickly built successful relationships with many of the despite corporate B.C. leaving the liberals in droves. The BCPFFA government staff and have increased their number of friendly M.L.A.s managed to build even stronger support in government as a result of in government. At the last Convention, we reported that Premier Ed their very successful strategy during the election. Stelmach had been struggling and was replaced by Allison Redford, There continues to be a strong employer lobby for legislative changes who was facing an election that expected to end the 41-year reign of that will tip the arbitration process more to the favour of the employer the Progressive Conservative party in government. To everyone’s than it already is. To date, the BCPFFA’s relationship with surprise, the upstart Wildrose Party’s support collapsed, and Redford Government has been able to hold off any such revisions, however, cruised to a majority 12th consecutive Progressive Conservative they must remain vigilant. Despite a continued lobby by employer government. Two years later, she is struggling, as much or more, than groups to reduce pension, the BCPFFA has managed a very effective Ed Stelmach and has resigned. The AFFA played a role in Redford’s province-wide strategy to achieve pension improvements. The rise to leadership and is again, positioning to be a strategic player in employer’s collaborative strategy to put pressure on our affiliates at the the leadership race. Unfortunately, the Redford government has begun bargaining table has been the cause of great frustration for our B.C. attacking labor, including fire fighters, in a desperate bid to steal away affiliates, with six affiliates still without an agreement since 2009 and support from the Wildrose Party — an upstart anti-union reform the remaining since 2011, with one exception. Nonetheless BCPFFA’s political group — out of fear of losing government. The AFFA is response has been equally as strong and coordinated and is beginning making good headway in building relationships with potential to produce results. Their patience and coordinated bargaining efforts Progressive Conservative leadership candidates, but it is too early to have produced better agreements than Interest Boards where the say how much success they will have. The leadership race is looking agreements have been achieved and recently one agreement through somewhat muddied at this point, with no early strong leadership 2019 that moves firefighter’s base rate to where there should be, given contenders. the cost of living in B.C. The longer range agreements will bring B.C. The new leader, Premier by default, will face dealing with the turmoil firefighters wages and benefits into the higher range nationally. Premier Redford left behind. Most important of those issues is an BCPFFA’s success at bargaining has shown vision and long-term attack on public sector pensions. The Redford regime tabled strategic thinking in coordinating their wage parity approach, not to legislation to dramatically reduce public sector pensions. The AFFA mention extraordinary patience from our members. We continue to assembled a very experienced team of IAFF affiliate leadership and assist the BCPFFA with bargaining and other work as requested. outside expert consultants to respond to the challenge. Prior to the Organizing in British Columbia has taken a backseat to the bargaining leadership change, they began gaining some traction and continue to and pension challenges over the past few years. The BCPFFA is at the work with senior staff in government to carve our fire fighters into a early stages of the national EMS strategy, and gaining ground in the stand-alone pension plan. The AFFA has also participated with the public debate over the provincial ambulance service. As a result of a Alberta Federation of Labour’s efforts and remains in solidarity with strategic effort in building out from IAFF-friendly municipal councils, labor. The leadership race has not slowed changes to the pension. The the BCPFFA appears to be winning the public relations campaign over AFFA is the only public sector union that has been given access to the B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) for the first time in government’s senior staff to meet over pension regulations. It is still decades. unclear where the pension plan will end in the final analysis, but the The BCPFFA Burn Fund continues to work on their research and early drafts expose the public sector plans for the possibility of a education facility directed by Dr. Aziz Ghary, an acknowledged transition to a defined contribution or target benefit plan, at the whim world-leader in the treatment of burns and wounds. The BCPFFA of government. Government has attempted to rationalize the changes Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory at Vancouver General within the legislation speaking to a manufactured underfunding that Hospital is nearing its sod-turning date with funding for the $13.5 is now being reported by actuaries as soon to be eliminated, despite million building nearly complete. The BCPFFA hopes to begin the the over-inflated math. We are all hopeful that may assist the AFFA in construction before the end of the year. The BCPFFA Burn Fund is a their continued lobby efforts to protect their defined benefit plan. North American leader in support of fire fighters, burn survivors, and The past two years has not been all bad. The AFFA was successful in prevention. The B.C. Fire Fighters’ Memorial was unveiled on the achieving legislative changes to permit 24-hour shifts. Four locals have grounds of the legislature in February 2013. The memorial is another now achieved the 24-hour shift in their collective agreements. This product of the BCPFFA’s successful non-partisan political action became a significant issue with the organizing of new Local 4778, strategy. Airdrie who were already working 24-hour shifts. Bargaining their first Congratulations to President Mike Hurley and his Board for the agreement led them to arbitration and exposed the hours of work as success they have had on many fronts, building strong relationships on requiring a special permit. The local was successful in defending the both sides of the Legislature and growing the service to their now 53 hours of work before in interest arbitration. The AFFA was also affiliates. The BCPFFA continues to be a significant player on all successful in achieving a presumptive WCB recognition for PTSD and fronts in the province, and mentoring a dozen new affiliates to the AFFA has worked closely with professionals in the field to develop represent their members well. I am confident that the BCPFFA and functional application of the benefit.

13 Alberta continues to be a challenge in organizing new IAFF affiliates, $92,303 annually. Other affiliates have moved the 2014 rate to almost with the Labour Board supporting part-time fire fighters. The Board $95,000. Calgary Local 255, our District’s largest local at over 1,300 requires where there are part-time workers, they must also be included members, continues to work at improving labor relations and has just in the IAFF local. This has proven challenging at times and as a result received an arbitration award which narrowed the disparity with organizing new IAFF locals in Alberta has slowed considerably. The police to within 1%, from a long history of 3%. This was their challenges have been many and have been the cause of delays in eighth consecutive arbitration. Edmonton Local 209 is also waiting for achieving first agreements; in some cases, taking four years or more, and an award, despite having been able to achieve voluntary settlements requiring lengthy and costly mediation and arbitration. Although we for as long as recent memory serves. The Alberta wage gains have were able to add the first of six new affiliates in late 2009, we still remain begun to have influence across provincial borders as larger cities in with one of the six, without a first agreement, Okotoks Local 4829. We British Columbia and Saskatchewan have been able to look to Locals have had to defend two of these first agreements against Judicial Review 209 and 255 as legitimate comparables. and in one affiliate, Rocky View County Local 4794, two Guardian cases, The employer’s bargaining around Alberta has been coordinated and multiple Labour Board, WCB and Employment Standards better than ever and has employer’s working hard together for the first complaints all of which, our affiliates have prevailed. time. Their efforts have been driven to suppress firefighter’s wage The Local 4794, Rocky View County file has been an extreme case of gains, since our affiliates began having some success. The Alberta an employer taking on the IAFF and targeting our affiliate economy is on fire, and our 15 of our 17 affiliates have now moved membership vengefully for their audacity to unionize. Three into the highest wages nationally. Although we began to see the wage consecutive Local 4794 Presidents have been terminated or laid-off disparity between most AFFA affiliates has narrowed to within since certification. With the assistance of the IAFF guardian policy, we approximately $1,500; it is has recently began growing again, with the have recently struck an agreement at the Labour Board that will employer’s efforts having some success. Fort McMurray Local 2494 essentially have the employer on probation until August 31. Two Local continues to stand alone in the unique situation of being able to rely 4794 Presidents have returned to work and the third has moved on, on the oil industry driven economy of the tar sands to get their wage but was compensated for the grief the employer had caused him. As rate much higher than the rest. As we head into convention they have part of the LRB agreement, we also have their first agreement in place achieved a three year agreement to 2016 which will bring first class through to the end of 2015. Local 4794 is permitted to serve notice to rates to far and away the highest nationally. Outside of Local 2494, end the LRB agreement for any reason up to August 31. There remain our new Leduc affiliate Local 4739 set the high bar with their first seven members in lay-off we are hopeful will be recalled during that agreement in 2013 and since then two other affiliates were able to time frame. Local 4794’s troubles are far from over, but it appears, we move the 2014 rate slightly higher, before the employer’s coordinated may have some stability there for the first time with the hiring of a efforts began having some effect. Calgary, Local 255 our District’s new Fire Chief, Deputy Chief and District Chief that come with IAFF largest Local at over 1300 members continues to work at improving experience. At the time of the LRB hearings, there were 757 labour relations and has just received an arbitration award that outstanding grievances, which have also been resolved if the narrowed the disparity with police to within 1%, from a long history agreement remains beyond the employer probation period. of 3%. This was their 8th consecutive arbitration. The Alberta wage The reported transfer of the ambulance authority and responsibility gains have begun to have influence across provincial borders as larger to the regional health authorities has been very challenging for our cities in British Columbia and Saskatchewan have been able to look to Alberta affiliates. However, we are beginning to see a degree of stability Alberta wage trends to support their own bargaining argument. that may sustain itself for a few years now. A few of the integrated Canmore Local 4705 was organized as the first new local in Alberta affiliates have lost ambulance services, but the remaining integrated since 1982 prior to last Convention. As a result of the pressures to affiliates have recently been able to maintain ambulance services with divest of their ambulance services, the town reduced our full-time renewed longer term contracts that include renewal clauses with the membership down to three. Over the past year we have been able to Health Authority. We are also beginning to see those that lost restore staffing to 11 and achieve their second collective agreement. ambulance service looking to move back into providing ambulances The other new locals in Alberta have also struggled to achieve a first or at least increase the role of their fire fighters in pre-hospital care. agreement. With 100% affiliation, the new locals and significant The move to regionalize dispatch service that followed close on the growth throughout our affiliates, AFFA membership is now over heels of the creation of a provincial paramedic service has temporarily 3,800, up another 100 members since last Convention’s gain of 300. been put on hold, and we are hopeful IAFF affiliates will be able to Congratulations to President Craig Macdonald and his Board for the maintain their dispatch centres. success they have had on many fronts, despite facing many significant The AFFA bargaining around Alberta has been coordinated better challenges simultaneously. I am confident that the AFFA and their than ever, with Alberta affiliates now having the highest wages affiliates have the leadership necessary to face the coming years, handle nationally and the first local to exceed $100,000 as the annual wage for the challenges facing them and assist with mentoring the new locals to a first-class fire fighter (Fort McMurray Local 2494). In addition, the the same success as our veteran affiliates. wage disparity between most AFFA affiliates has narrowed to within SASKATCHEWAN approximately $1,500 — the narrowest disparity in recent memory. Fort McMurray Local 2494 continues to stand alone in the unique Although the Saskatchewan Professional Fire Fighters’ Association situation of being able to rely on the oil industry-driven economy of (SPFFA) had begun to build a relationship with the new far right the tar sands to get their wage rate much higher than the rest. As we thinking, Sask Party government, it appears the mood to go after head into Convention, they are poised to achieve a three-year Labour has now swept over Saskatchewan as it has throughout the agreement to 2016 which will bring first-class rates to $112,000 or IAFF. The SPFFA now find themselves defending their right to more annually. Outside of Local 2494, our new Leduc affiliate Local arbitration and standing with the Federation of Labour against a 4739 set the bar high with their first agreement in 2013 for a rate of number of attacks on worker’s rights. The sad irony is the strongest

14 civic lobby to remove the right to arbitration has come from the The SPFFA continues to maintain an increased EDF per capita to smallest communities where firefighters are among the lowest paid, provide the smaller Locals in Saskatchewan the opportunity to fund nationally. These affiliates have, all but, never utilized the arbitration interest arbitrations to achieve renewed collective agreements, if we are process in their history. Bill 85 in its initial draft set out to deny able to get them before an Interest Board. We continue to working firefighters in communities with less than 20,000 residents, the right to closely with the SPFFA and our affiliates to narrow the wage disparity arbitration and merge all employments standards including the Fire in the province. Congratulations to SPFFA President Kirby Benning Department specific legislation. The communities have been clear; and his provincial executive, for their success since last convention. they believe our members are not essential public safety workers. This Despite the Sask Party political paradigm and SPFFA concerns over is nothing more than an attempt deliver the service with volunteers. Bill 85, President Benning has managed to continue to build a Despite the Saskatchewan Party facing some scandal since winning relationship with select senior Ministers and staff of the Legislature. I their first election, they continue to poll as the most popular am confident that the SPFFA and their affiliate leadership are up to the government in Canada. The booming resource sector has assisted in challenges they face in the coming years. providing the lowest unemployment in Canada despite having among the highest in-migration. The province of Saskatchewan continues THE TERRITORIES with the economic boom that began prior to last convention, despite some resource specific sectors collapsing, such as potash mining. The The Yukon and Northwest Territories continue to evolve from a slow turn around in the world’s economy since 2010 has been frontier to more sophisticate provincial government environment. anything but slow in Saskatchewan. The prairie’s rich bounty of With only one affiliate in each of the Yukon and North West resources with new discovery’s each year, appears to insulate the Territories, and as remote as they are, our affiliate leadership has never province well today. Despite this economic strength, population been stronger and better connected. The level of dues funding that growth and low unemployment, most of our affiliates struggle to members provide their Locals has permitted the two northern Locals achieve collective agreements. to be fully engaged. Yellowknife Local 2890 continues to improve their The disparity between, “the haves and the have nots”, is alarming. Of lot since the multiple LOD deaths of members Cyril Fyfe and Kevin our nine affiliates, only two have been able to achieve voluntary Olson in 2005. Although this progress had been hindered by the renewed collective agreements. Regina Local 181 has achieved a revolving door in the Chief’s office, recent stability in both the Chief’s voluntary agreement through 2015 that provided the highest wage office and senior city staff has assisted their recent progress. In the last rate nationally, until it was surpassed by Alberta affiliates. The irony is round the Local won a significant decision from the Labour Board that it is the first voluntary agreement in Regina since 1998. Saskatoon ordering the employer to the bargaining table when they refused to Local 80 followed soon after with an agreement through 2016 moving bargain. This may have had some influence over the result as they the rate slightly higher, while our EMS Local 3270, Saskatoon have achieved in their third voluntary collective agreement in a row Ambulance, without the right to arbitration was faced with taking a and have landed their wage rates within the leading rates of Western strike vote in order to pressure their employer into an agreement. Our Canadian for 2015. other six affiliates have not been able to achieve an agreement since Whitehorse, Local 2217 our only Yukon affiliate has developed very 2012, despite the fact that they remain significantly lower paid and in strong leadership and is beginning to see significant gains as a result. some cases among the lowest paid in the nation. Weyburn Local 2989 Just short of facing their fifth arbitration in recent years, they managed was required to achieve a three year agreement from an Interest to achieve their first voluntary agreement in twenty years. The Arbitration Board. Despite being a significant award of over 18%, agreement was through 2013 and incrementally moved them within they remain a full 42% behind the other known rates in the wage range of other Western Canada affiliates. Back at the table, Saskatchewan. The remaining five other Locals are facing a challenge just ahead of convention they have managed to again achieve a to get their employers to an arbitration Board. Two of the employers voluntary agreement to take them the rest of the way there and have taken our affiliates first to court and when not successful, to the beyond. With signing an eight year agreement through 2021, Labour Board to prevent them from accessing arbitration process in Whitehorse has now set very good lead wage rates nationally. Only a place. These actions are merely a very transparent attempt to delay few short years they were faced with a station closure, and among the proceedings long enough to see Bill 85 given Royal Assent and which lowest wages in the country. We continue to work with the Local in may then preclude the affiliates from accessing arbitration all together. attempting to establish a defined benefit pension plan for Local 2217; Saskatchewan affiliates became the first provincial association in the only significant piece that remains yet to gain. Local 2217 Canada to enact 100% dues check-off for IAFF FirePAC Canada in leadership is very strong and the membership has a strong solidarity. 2006, led by Saskatoon Local 80 the first Local to do so in 2005, which Our past-President Brian Fedoriak is recovering well and back at they continue to maintain to this day. Not long after the election that work, from being the first firefighter to benefit for from the recently changed government, the Sask Party announced an Emergency enacted WCB Cancer Presumptions. Medical Services Review. Not much to date has come of this review In closing I would like to thank all of the affiliates for the support but it hangs over our Districts lone paramedic Local, 3270, Saskatoon during the start of my third term, it is truly a humbling experience Ambulance, and continues to be a concern. As a private EMS provider and an honour to serve you as your Vice President. I look forward to Local 3270’s employer is dependent on provincial government your continued support. I would like to thank the IAFF staff for the funding. With the fiscal right direction of the Sask party any real help, assistance and their amazing work ethic. It truly amazes me how increases in funding have proven very hard to come by. Nonetheless productive this dedicated group of people are every day. Finally I Local 3270, continues to be very tenacious and political astute in their would like to thank General President Schaitberger for his leadership efforts at lobbying government in support of their service delivery and General Secretary-Treasurer Miller for his. I wish all the delegates model and wage and benefit concern. They continue to also work at a productive convention and thank the host, Local 48, Cincinnati, increasing their pension benefit options as well. Ohio, for their hospitality at the 52nd biennial IAFF Convention.

15 THE TERRITORIES the best of my ability. I have attended all Executive Board meetings and completed all tasks assigned to me by the General President. My The Yukon and Northwest territories continue to evolve from a actions and votes during board meetings were made with the needs frontier to a more sophisticated provincial government environment. and the concerns of the 7th District members in mind, but also with With only one affiliate in each of the Yukon and North West great regard for the interests of all IAFF members on the front lines territories, and as remote as they are, our affiliate leadership has never every day and those in retirement. My specific duties as a member of been stronger and better connected. The level of dues funding that the IAFF Executive Board include serving on a number of committees members provide their locals has permitted the two northern locals to including the IAFF Financial Corporation, Education & Training, be fully engaged. Yellowknife Local 2890 continues to improve their lot Emergency Medical Services, Organizing & Field Services, since the multiple line-of-duty deaths of members Cyril Fyfe and Information and Technology, Wildland Task Force, Legal Services and Kevin Olson in 2005. Although this progress had been hindered by the Human Relations. I also continue to work towards the development revolving door in the Chief’s office, recent stability in both the Chief’s of the IAFF Motorcycle Club and serve as Chairman of the IAFF-MG office and senior city staff has assisted their progress. In the last round committee. It has been my honor to attend and participate in all the local won a significant decision from the Labour Board ordering IAFF functions since the Philadelphia Convention including far too the employer to the bargaining table when they refused to bargain. many Line-of-Duty Death memorials honoring our fallen brothers This may have had some influence over the result, as they have and sisters. achieved their third voluntary collective agreement in a row and have The office of the 7th District actively creates new programs to benefit landed their wage rates within the leading rates of Western Canadian, affiliate locals while continuing existing programs with constant at near $95,000 for 2015. review and improvement. With the assistance of District Field Service Whitehorse Local 2217, our only Yukon affiliate, has developed very Representatives (DFSR) Brian Hurley (Tumwater Local 2409) and strong leadership and is beginning to see significant gains as a Greg Womack (Boise Local 149), my program known as result. Just short of facing their fifth arbitration in recent years, they “mini-education seminar series” has been enhanced and continues to managed to achieve their first voluntary agreement in 20 years. This educate members with workshops offered at the local, grassroots level. agreement was through 2013 and incrementally moved them within During the last two years, over 300 members have taken advantage of the wage ranges of Western Canada as well. They are back at the table the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills through at this time, attempting to achieve another voluntary agreement to participation in 15 “mini-education days” at various locations take them the rest of the way there. We continue to work with the local throughout the district. The venues included firehouse training in attempting to establish a defined benefit pension plan for Local rooms, hotel meeting rooms and college campuses. Training topics 2217. Local 2217 leadership is very strong and the membership has a were primarily workshops previously offered at ALTS, but they also strong solidarity. Our President Brian Fedoriak, who was the first fire included specially designed courses specific to either the location in fighter to benefit from the recently enacted WCB Cancer which the training was delivered or the “hot issues” of the day. The Presumption, is recovering well and is back at work. customized courses were developed by either the DFSRs or me. I In closing I would like to thank all of the affiliates for the support thank AGP Jim Ridley and Director Matt Vinci for their continued during the start of my third term, it is truly a humbling experience support and assistance to me in this endeavor. and an honor to serve you as your Vice President. I look forward to The 7th District website continues to deliver information to all IAFF your continued support. I would like to thank the IAFF staff for the members with an interest in the activities of the IAFF 7th District 24 help, assistance and their amazing work ethic. It truly amazes me how hours a day, seven days a week. Links to all state associations in the 7th productive this dedicated group of people is every day. Finally, I would District are accessible from this site, as are the 7th District Vice like to thank General President Schaitberger for his leadership and President editorials, announcements, photos and other important General Secretary-Treasurer Miller for his. I wish all the delegates a documents. In addition, the website contains a 7th District Library productive convention and thank the host, Local 48, Cincinnati, Ohio, that houses labor publications for checkout to any member registered for their hospitality at the 52nd IAFF Convention. to the site. The website is available at www.iaff7thdistrict.org . I have also created a 7th District Vice President Facebook page, as well as a 7th District Facebook page. Both our Twitter and Facebook accounts RICKY WALSH are now utilized to disseminate information to the district and 7TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT beyond. I will continue to consider various avenues of message delivery to assure timely uptake of news and other information by The following report of the 7th District Vice IAFF members. President is respectfully submitted to General On another front, the 7th District Caucus has been an overwhelming President Harold Schaitberger, General success thanks to the commitment of the State Association Executive Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Miller, the IAFF Boards and the 7th District IAFF State Representatives. Montana Executive Board and all officers and delegates hosted the caucus in 2012 and Washington in 2013 with support from at this 52nd Convention held in Cincinnati in Bozeman Local 613, Vancouver Local 452 and 7th District accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 3 of the headquarters as the primary sponsors. The 2012 caucus featured 7th International Association of Fire Fighters Constitution and By-Laws. District, IAFF affiliate, friend and life coach Donna Forgy as well as The report contains a summary of activities within the 7th District mandatory team-building exercises for all attendees. In 2013, the from August 2012 through April 2014. caucus featured “How to Talk Union” with John Kretzschmar and a Since the date you honored me with the privilege of representing the team-building exercise enjoyed by all attendees. We invite you to visit members of Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, I continue to and view on the 7th District website. The 7th District Caucus is also faithfully serve the members of the district and this International to sponsored by DiMartino Associates, MDA and Alaska Airlines. The

16 7th District State Leadership Team functions together as one in an resources of a charitable fund. In addition to assisting members or effort to give all members of the 7th District every opportunity to affiliate communities in their times of need, six annual college grow and be successful. scholarships are awarded to children of 7th District members The Magnificent 7th District and the associated state organizations beginning their first post-high school educational experience. Special continue to invest in education. Annually, each state association acknowledgement goes out to Brother Bill Dodd (Local 710) for his presents a joint education conference in partnership with the 7th expertise in the initial set up and his continued support as the official District Office. The subject matter varies from general classes to topics 7th District Benevolent Fund accountant. specific to the state in which the conference is held. Instructor The 7th District perseveres in its support of FIREPAC, continuing to backgrounds vary from local union members with expertise to state surpass the previous years’ totals in 2012 and 2013. I want to agency representatives. The 7th District Office also partnered with the recognize and give thanks to all IAFF state and local officers for their WSCFF, PFFI, MSCOPFF and the HAMMER training facility to efforts and attention to FIREPAC, their state association PACs, as well conduct an annual Fire Ops 101 event in Richland, Washington. their local affiliate PACs. AGP Kevin O’Connor, David Billy and the Invitations for the event are sent to all 7th District locals encouraging entire staff of the IAFF Governmental Affairs Division are to be them to bring their local decision makers for ‘a day in the life of a commended for assisting me and the members of the Magnificent 7th firefighter.’ During the event, policy makers from the Northwest in achieving more dues check off locals than any other district. They interact with the simulations and experience a small part of what fire are truly there for us when we need them! fighters go through on a daily basis. Tri-City Locals 1052, 1296, 1433 The Magnificent 7th District not only gives dollars to political and I-24 deserve acknowledgement for the success of this program, as activity, but also time and effort. All State Associations were heavily well as my younger sibling Battalion Chief Curtis Walsh who I count involved in politics. In Alaska, the AKPFFA made great strides in on heavily to make this program happen. Fire Ops 101 has been so electing friendly politicians to their state House to assist their pursuit successful in the 7th District, we have branched out to have an event in of collective bargaining and a defined benefit pension plans for their Juneau and an annual event in Boise. To date, the 7th District team members hired since 2006. Additionally, AKPFFA beat back proposed has graduated over 400 policy makers from the Fire Ops 101 Right to Work legislation again, but we expect to be in the same battle program. I wish to thank the many dedicated union leaders and fire in coming years. This year, they have been on the stump to preserve service professionals who work to make these events a success. Special U.S. Senator Mark Begich in a top-tier race considered. thanks to Assistant to the General President Lori Moore-Merrell who In Washington, the WSCFF was actively engaged in the governor’s is paramount to the success of these highly anticipated and sold-out race supporting long-time friend and former U.S. Congressman Jay events. Inslee, taking him from a 20-point deficit to the governor’s mansion. Looking towards the future, a new and exciting educational program The WSCFF has been forced to work very hard to hold onto their was born out of the 7th District office this year titled “The Young current collective bargaining law and pension funding due to the Member Conference.” The program is designed to be a part of formation of a bipartisan Senate majority caucus. succession planning for every local and state office, as well as this office The PFFI continues to try to gain a presumptive law. This session, as we educate and mentor new leaders. The Young Member they were double-crossed by one member, a ranking committee chair, Conference was limited to those local affiliate members born in or even though the bill had great bipartisan support. The PFFI also after 1980, and it is considered to be a shining star on the horizon for fought against an anti-collective bargaining bill in two consecutive consideration for union leadership positions. This is a new concept as sessions. The MSCOPFF successfully defended U.S. Senator Jon Tester opposed to the concept that “It’s your turn in the barrel,” which and elected Steve Bullock (D) as governor. They will be fiercely is practiced by too many of our affiliates. In its inaugural year, 192 fighting to defend U.S. Senator John Walsh, who was appointed to young members participated in a two-and-a-half-day seminar where replace Max Baucus, in another top-tier race. Finally, 13 members of they learned about IAFF history, labor history, politics, state the 7th District graduated from the IAFF Political Action Training association history, real world views and research resources. This (PAT) Academy over the past two years, and many past 7th District conference will be an annual event in the 7th District. PAT graduates continue to work at the IAFF’s pleasure when called. This office continues to service the locals of the Magnificent 7th with The 7th District continues to grow, both in the number of locals and the assistance of the IAFF headquarters and the State Executive in membership. New locals have been chartered in every state in the Boards. The work of the IAFF State Representatives, appointed by district during the last two years, with many potential efforts yet to be General President Schaitberger after consulting with me, cannot be explored. Our growth in these uncertain economic times is a overstated. The work of contract assistance, jurisdictional issues and testament to the hard work of the members of the Magnificent 7th local business model formulation are just some of their assignments. District, as we continue to grow even in these uncertain economic This office could not achieve the success it has without the dedication times. of these brothers and sisters. On a personal note, I retired from the Richland Fire Department on The Magnificent 7th District office continues to oversee the 7th October 1, 2013. During the previous nine years, I juggled District Benevolent Fund, primarily to assist 7th District members department work schedules and the responsibilities and duties of the when they hit bumps in the “road of life.” This has been a highly District Vice President, admittedly with some stress. I would like to successful endeavor that has truly hit its target of existence. The thank my home Local 1052 for the support that only a small local money for the fund is generated by the members themselves through could give, particularly absent any management support. It surely is annual events such as the Shad Fishing Derby, the Rum and Diet golf appreciated. I look forward to having just one full-time job going tournament, the Salmon Derby and the sales of Magnificent 7th forward from here. District clothing. The bi-annual 7th District Gala, held at the IAFF I would be remiss if I did not mention and whole-heartedly thank Convention, is the largest fundraiser for the program. The fund is also the following State President and Secretary-Treasurer teams for their available to 7th District locals who have community needs but lack the overwhelming support: (WSCFF) Kelly Fox and Greg Markley,

17 (MSCOFF) Joel Fassbinder and Dave Van Son, (AKPFFA) Tom Wescott providing personal support as needed, assistance using IAFF programs and Brian Partch, and (PFFI) Tom Lovell and Curtis Smith. In and staff, and assigning district field service representatives and state addition, a whole-hearted thank you and farewell to my close friend service representatives to work directly with affiliates. Ron Davies, former PFFI President who served with a vision that has Following is a brief description of some of the services and resources changed the PFFI forever. Also, thank you to the State Executive Board delivered throughout the district during the past two years. members, DFSRs and all of the IAFF Service Representatives of the 7th District. Without their sacrifice and support, working for you would be IAFF TECHNICAL AND FIELD SERVICES IN DISTRICT 8 immensely difficult. Additionally, I thank all of the staff at IAFF headquarters for their talent and dedication to assisting the DVPs, the Over the past two years, we have provided hundreds of Municipal state associations and the locals of this great International. It is difficult Financial Analyses (MFA), dozens of Geographical Information to express the proper gratitude to General President Schaitberger and System (GIS) studies, and numerous contract database comparable General Secretary-Treasurer Miller for their guidance and assistance to reports for affiliates in the district. This data supported state and local the 7th District and myself. I can only say thank you, and I enjoy the unions in their efforts to improve wages, benefits, and working journey that we share. Last but not least, thank you to my family and conditions for IAFF members. my close friends for their sacrifices and understanding as I carry out my Working with IAFF staff, DFSRs and Service Representatives, we commitment to the members of the 7th District and the IAFF. provided many locals with assistance in collective bargaining, public In closing, the above represents a mere summary of the highlights of relations, media collaboration, health and safety, political action, legal the last two years in the Magnificent 7th District. It could not entirely issues, and EMS along with all of the other resources readily available reflect the continued dedication, hard work and sacrifices of the local to local leadership from the IAFF. and state leadership or its members on behalf of this great International District field service representatives and state service representatives Association of Fire Fighters. It is an honor and truly a privilege to serve delivered more than 200 days of service in the district organizing new all of you. I urge you to support the resolutions presented to you by the locals, bargaining first contracts, and on special assignments assisting Executive Board, as they address issues that will benefit the members of local affiliates on a wide range of issues. this great International Union. This week demands your attention, but is also a time of growth. Cultivate new relationships and solidify old EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS friendships, as they are valuable beyond words, never to be taken for granted. Above all, enjoy your experience at Convention. Stay safe! Education and training for local union officers and representatives are important functions of the IAFF and are critical to the success of affiliates. We have developed more than a hundred education and PAUL HUFNAGEL training programs in multiple areas: Collective bargaining — 8TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Grievance and Arbitration — Pension Systems — Health and Safety — Fire Ground Survival. Working in conjunction with state In accordance with the International Association associations in the district, we provided our membership access to of Fire Fighters Constitution and By-Laws, many of these programs with jointly sponsored IAFF/State Association Article VI, Section 3, I respectfully submit this seminars. report of my activities as 8th District Vice In the fall of 2012, we initiated a district training program for local President to the General President, General unions offering a two-day 8th District PEP seminar for union officers Secretary Treasurer, Executive Board, and the and representatives. Over the two years since the inception of this delegates at the 52 nd biennial Convention of the program, we have provided additional training to more than 300 IAFF in Cincinnati, Ohio. This report summarizes my activities on union leaders representing approximately 100 locals in the 8th behalf of the members in the IAFF 8th District from March 2012 District. through April 2014. In addition, we continue to sponsor an annual training program for I was assigned by the General President to serve on the following 8th District DFSRs and state service reps. This program provides the Executive Board committees: Budget and Finance — opportunity for service reps to improve their skills and abilities in Communications, Media and Public Affairs — Emergency Medical providing expert assistance to locals on an extensive number of critical Services — Grants Administration/HazMat/WMD - Health & issues locals face every day. Safety/Redmond Foundation — Information and Technology — Organizing and Field Services — Rival Organizations — Ad Hoc ORGANIZING NEW LOCALS Resolutions. I attended scheduled executive board and committee meetings along We continue to increase IAFF membership in the district. Over the with completing assignments delegated to me by the General past two years, we have organized approximately 17 locals — both fire President. and EMS — representing more than 190 new members in the 8th The economies of state and local governments in the 8th District are District. slowly recovering from the devastating impact of the Great Recession. After numerous years of facing concessionary bargaining, many SAFER GRANT PROGRAM regions in the district are experiencing stable staffing numbers and modest improvements in wages and benefits. Although the economy is The federal SAFER Grant program continues to support locals that slowly improving, we need to remain vigilant in protecting our defined are still recovering from the economic disaster caused by the Great benefit pension plans and preventing attempts to privatize our work. Recession. More than one hundred local governments across the 8th During the past two years I have worked with local and state affiliates District received $187 million in assistance through SAFER since 2010.

18 The IAFF provided assistance on the application process for more appointed me to serve on the following committees: Emergency than $102 million of these awards. Through the work of the IAFF Medical Services (Chair), Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial (Vice Chair), political team in Washington and the lobbying efforts of our members Scholarship Funds (Trustee), Canadian Affairs, Government and Public throughout the country, IAFF members have remained on the job. Affairs and Legal Services. The SAFER program will continue in 2014 to provide assistance to I have had the opportunity and honor to travel to each of the local governments, ensure that adequate fire fighter staffing is in place five states within the 9th District on numerous occasions during this to protect the public, and keep our members safe on the job. reporting period. The 9th District held an informational meeting in In concluding my report for the 2014 Convention, I would like to January 2013 for the 9th District state leadership at the ALTS take this opportunity to thank General President Schaitberger and conference in Phoenix. Another 9th District Leadership Forum was General Secretary-Treasurer Miller, along with their staffs, for all of held in June of 2013 with an excellent turnout from many locals their efforts on behalf of the IAFF and its members. throughout the 9th District in Las Vegas. I attended two superb I also want to recognize the state associations in the 8th District for Educational Seminars in Oregon sponsored by the Oregon State the vital role they fill by representing IAFF members on collective Council of Fire Fighters in 2013 and 2014. Both these seminars had bargaining and pensions issues at their state capitals, partnering with excellent participation from the members of Oregon. The delegates and the IAFF in providing training and education programs, and working guests were treated to outstanding speakers and incredibly educational in conjunction with the IAFF to deliver resources and services to locals PEP classes. The professional staff of the IAFF with Education Training in their respective states. With their cooperation and efforts, we are and Human Relations customized a human relations class for Local able to work more effectively and efficiently ensuring that local leaders 4196. The class was presented by two highly trained Human Relations have necessary resources to fulfill their responsibilities. Committee members and I was extremely impressed with the results of And finally, I want to thank our members who provide the financial this customized HR session. The IAFF also prepared customized PEP support that allows the IAFF to develop and deliver essential services classes for Wyoming and Colorado regarding needs of each state and and resources to assist affiliates in their day-to-day operations. presented by exceptionally skilled IAFF PEP instructors. Both PEP I look forward to a productive and successful IAFF 52 nd Convention sessions received high accolades from all those who attended. Nevada here in Cincinnati. also held leadership forums and I had the privilege to attend these classes as well as the Nevada state conventions in 2013. Las Vegas was also the site of the IAFF IDC conference where DSFRs, state RAY R. RAHNE representatives, HazMats instructors, PEP instructors and DVPs met to 9TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT discuss issues such as the Affordable Care Act, Active Shooter and Fire-Based Community Healthcare Provider Programs. I took an Pursuant to Article 6, Section 3 of the organizing and informational trip to locals throughout Wyoming and Constitution and By-Laws of the International was able to speak before the Wyoming State AFL-CIO meeting. The Association of Fire Fighters, I respectfully submit organizing part of this trip was also successful as we were able to the following report of my activities as Vice organize a new local, Mills Professional Fire Fighters Local 4961. This President of the 9th District, to General President trip was well received by the Wyoming locals and I hope to do the same Harold Schaitberger, General Secretary-Treasurer in Nevada, Oregon and Utah during 2014 and 2015. As being assigned Thomas Miller, the IAFF Executive Board and all officers and delegates to the Canadian Affairs committee, I had the honor to travel to Nova in attendance at this, the 52nd Convention of the International Scotia, Canada to attend the Canadian Policy Conference. I want to Association of Fire Fighters assembled in Cincinnati, OH. Because of thank the Canadian brothers and sisters for their invitation, hospitality the time needed to prepare and produce Convention documents, this and impressive informational conference. Denver was the site for the report is written and submitted in April of 2014. Consequently, events 2013 IAFF Redmond/EMS Conference. Redmond/EMS is a first-class occurring after April 1, 2014 are not included. conference dedicated to health and safety as well as EMS issues I was honored to be elected IAFF 9th District Vice President in throughout the IAFF. I appreciate the committed union members and December 2012 to fill the vacancy left by the untimely and way too fire service professionals, who worked the event, to make this early passing of our former 9th District Vice President and my best conference a huge success. Special thanks to Assistants to the General friend Randall E. Atkinson. Randy was a phenomenal leader for the President Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell and Pat Morrison who were members of the 9th District and to all of the brothers and sisters in the paramount to the success of this highly regarded event. The Denver IAFF. Randy represented the 9th District with honor, integrity, pride Metro locals did an outstanding job in helping the IAFF make this and dignity. Atkinson was a true unionist and will never be forgotten conference an enjoyable event. I also would be remiss if I didn’t thank by the 9th District and the IAFF Executive Board he served with. At the North Metro Fire and Local 2203 for their expertise in running the Fire 2013 Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial in beautiful Colorado Springs, the Ops 101 during this conference. I also had the opportunity to attend IAFF paid tribute to two union legends on the memorial wall, Randy the IAFF First Collective Bargaining seminar in Memphis, TN. This Atkinson and Brother Jim Judd from Utah. Brother Judd also served seminar was modeled after the very successful Political Training Utah and the IAFF with honor, integrity, pride and dignity. I know the Academy. IAFF members were able to gain knowledge on how to be 9th District and the entire IAFF will miss both these distinguished successful in managing collective bargaining referendums or ballot union leaders. measures. Memphis Local 1784 and 14th District Vice President Todd The General President has called several meetings of the IAFF made all attendees truly understand southern hospitality. Executive Board during this reporting period. I have attended each The 9th District had great success in getting jobs back for three of our session of these meetings representing, to the best of my ability, the members in Nevada. The first was William Snyder of North Lyons interests, needs and concerns of the members of the five states that County Local 4547. Bill was terminated because of vague accusations comprise the 9th District and all IAFF members. The General President with no merit. Snyder was awarded his job back with retroactive pay

19 and benefits. Pahrump Local 4068 had two members, Delucchi and and the Utah One labor Coalition provided a united front. The PFFU Hollis, both discharged for trumped-up and unlawful reasons. The also supported seven bills that passed during this session. Wyoming local won an arbitration award to put both these members back to Federated Fire Fighters were able to stop an attack on their collective work, but the town of Pahrump refused to abide by the arbitration bargaining law. In this short legislative session of 20 days, a bill was ruling. Local 4068 took the town to Court to uphold the arbitration introduced to eliminate binding arbitration, which would have ruling. Delucchi and Hollis are now back at work and being made effectively done away with collective bargaining for the Wyoming fire whole by the town. All three of these wins could not have been fighters. This bill was defeated by the quick action of the Wyoming accomplished without the IAFF Executive Board, the IAFF Legal Federated Fire Fighters, the IAFF and political friends of the Wyoming Department and the IAFF staff for their expert work. Colorado has a Fire Fighters. The continued success of the 9th District is due in large Guardian Case for the firing of President Aragon of Stratmoor Hills part, to the outstanding cooperation and networking among locals, Local 4955. Aragon was fired because he was the President of this newly state associations and our great International Union! organized local. IAFF Attorney Woodley and President Aragon are The 9th District Field Service Representative (DFSR), Jeff Hamilton, both encouraged with recent communications from the attorney of the was extremely busy during this reporting period, doing work district that will soon culminate with Aragon getting his job back and throughout the 9th District. Jeff has dealt with everything from being made whole by the district. arbitration to organizing. I know the extensive time Jeff spent this year These last two years, as you all know, have continued to be a struggle, with Sheridan Local 276 helped them come through another tough with attacks on collective bargaining, pensions, jobs and continuing to negotiation that went to arbitration. Sheridan Local 276 is in the final make locals go to court to uphold favorable arbitration awards. In some process of receiving a phenomenal arbitration award. Those of you states we are starting to see a small turn around, but there are still many who had the pleasure of working with Jeff know he does exceptional locals that have not seen a raise in over three years. This is not because work and is a true professional. of lack of leadership but rather bad politicians trying to take advantage I want to express my thanks to each local union office for their of extraordinarily difficult times in our nation. There is one positive dedication, time and work they have given the members of their locals. that I have seen from these tough times and that is the development of A special thanks to President Mike Rogers, Colorado Professional Fire leadership in the 9th District. I have seen new and old leaders being put Fighters; President Rusty McAllister, Professional Fire Fighters of into a dreadful situation and have seen these leaders emerge as even Nevada; President Kelly Bach, Oregon State Fire Fighters Council; stronger leaders. I believe that the toughest job in this great President Jack Tidrow, Professional Fire Fighters of Utah and President International Union is being a Local President. I’m extremely proud of Joe Fender, Federated Fire Fighters of Wyoming. I value the friendship, the local leadership in the 9th District, and I know we will all continue support and advice they have given me these past years. In giving their the fight to help our members concerning wages, benefits and working time and talent they have made the International Association of Fire conditions. Fighters stronger for all IAFF members. I would also like to Legislatively, all the 9th District states had success during this congratulate President Rusty McAllister of Nevada for his strong work reporting period. Colorado was able to accomplish the unbelievable and graduating from the prestigious Harvard Trade Union Program when the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters (CPFF) passed a this year. collective bargaining bill, SB 25, for all professional fire fighters in the There will be numerous important resolutions before the delegates at state. This was a very complex bill that was passed during the the IAFF 2014 Convention this year and I urge careful consideration of extraordinarily bad political climate of 2013. SB 25 was passed with a each resolution. The action that takes place at this Convention collaborative effort by the IAFF, the CPFF leadership team and represents your future and the future of this great International and legislative friends. Nevada had a successful legislative session in 2013 by your local. Both “pay check protection” and Right to Work legislation beating back attacks on pensions and collective bargaining. Nevada remain popular with members of the far right anti-worker element. developed a very effective statewide public relations program that has Both measures would destroy the ability of the IAFF, and that of all drastically increased the image of fire fighters throughout the unions, to represent the working men and women at the state. Oregon was enormously successful in the 2014 legislative session bargaining table. As union leaders, it is our responsibility to by passing three great bills and stopping a proposed statewide educate our members regarding these issues so they can make referendum initiative for Right to Work in the upcoming November more informed decisions when faced with these issues at the ballot election. The first bill, SB 1518, is a bill which narrowed the definition box. These are union issues and they will impact your family’s of a supervisory employee for fire fighters’ collective bargaining. This future. bill will decrease the ability of employers to remove existing fire fighters A special thanks to General President Schaitberger, General from the bargaining unit based on supervisory duties and in some Secretary-Treasurer Miller and all the IAFF departments and their cases give mid-level managers the ability to vote to join a union. The staff for supporting the 9th District with our numerous requests second bill, SB 4055, closes a loophole in the funding of Oregon’s throughout this reporting period. 911 call centers, providing a mechanism to collect the 75 cents a month The 9th District has received $36,673,428 in SAFER awards for fee to pre-paid cell phones. The third bill, HB 4104, allows one to be the FY 2010 — FY 2013 reporting period and over $85,000 in EDF treated for an on the job injury in a timely manner and states that who grants and loans. will pay, will be worked out later. The Utah 2014 legislative session was successful because there were zero attempts by the legislature to New locals this reporting period were: attack fire fighters and /or labor in this general session. The zero attacks • Local 4925 Philomath Professional Fire Fighters OR were attributed to numerous reasons, including the fact that during the • Local 4951 Colorado River Fire Fighters CO last two sessions in Utah the Professional Fire Fighters of Utah (PFFU) • Local 4955 Stratmoor Hills Fire Fighters CO killed all 10 anti-labor bills that were brought before the Utah • Local 4961 Mills Professional Fire Fighters WY legislators; the PFFU maintained a daily presence at the state capital

20 JAMES FERGUSON PENSION BENEFITS FOR WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES: 10TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT • 41% have NO pension benefits (except Social Security). Pursuant to the IAFF Constitution & • 26% have defined contribution pension plans. By-Laws, Article VI, Duties of International • 25% have defined benefit pension plans, (mostly public Officers, Section 3, Officers’ Report to employees, only 4% of private sector still have defined Convention, I hereby submit my officer’s benefit pensions). report for the IAFF 10th District, AZ, CA, HI, • 6% have some other type of pension plan. NM for the 52nd Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio during July, • 2% don’t know if they have any plan. 2014. As fast as things are changing in the fire service, much of this report will be stale information (Report due 4/10/2014) by Remember the words of General President Schaitberger: “Every the time we get to the Convention in July. Since our Convention decision that is made that effects the wages, hours, or working in Philadelphia two years ago, much has happened in the fire conditions of fire fighters is made by somebody elected or service; the media attacks have been very brutal, especially the someone appointed by someone elected.” Stay strong; we have legislative attempts to end the defined benefit pensions of fire a lot of work to do. fighters and other public employees. “As the stampede towards ‘Reinventing Government’ continues, only a concerted, The following table lists the successes in the 10th District of the coordinated strategy on the part of public sector labor unions will IAFF SAFER Grant Awards program. guard against the urge on the part of frustrated voters to throw the baby out with the bath water. Our membership must be able to count on the maximum level of political access and support as any other interest group competing for the attention of elected officials.” You might think that was something I wrote IAFFSAFERAwardsFY10ͲFY13 in the last month or so, it was actually Department IAFFDistrict State IAFF#AmountYear *IndicateslocalreceivedassistancefromIAFFGrantsDepartment from a piece I wrote in August 1994. SanJoseFireDepartment 10th CA L0230 $14,922,759 2010 The attacks on public employee ContraCostaCountyFireProtectionDistrict 10th CA L1230 $9,571,500 2013 pensions are going on in almost every SanJoseFireDepartment 10th CA L0230 $8,623,206 2011 CityofPhoenixFireDepartment 10th AZ L0493 * $8,019,900 2013 state; at my last count 46 states have EastContraCostaFireProtectionDistrict 10th CA L1230 $7,809,480 2011 taken a shot at changing the benefit OaklandFireDepartment 10th CA L0055 $7,782,240 2012 structure. They have used the legislative KernCountyFireDepartment 10th CA L1301 $7,028,700 2011 process, the initiative process, the CityofPhoenixFireDepartment 10th AZ L0493 * $6,830,426 2010 ContraCostaCountyFireProtectionDistrict 10th CA L1230 $6,525,929 2010 bankruptcy process, with them going SacramentoMetropolitanFireDistrict 10th CA L0522 $5,632,152 2012 after the already retired public employees CityofSacramento 10th CA L0522 $5,606,864 2010 in Detroit. The city of Detroit has filed SacramentoMetropolitanFireDistrict 10th CA L0522 $5,470,823 2010 the largest and most complex municipal CityofPhoenixFireDepartment 10th AZ L0493 * $5,301,912 2012 CityofChicoFireandRescue 10th CA L2734 $5,289,450 2013 bankruptcy in the history of such filings. WestCovinaFireDepartment 10th CA L3226 * $4,661,329 2013 In Detroit, the emergency financial AlamedaCountyFireDepartment 10th CA L0055 * $4,165,488 2013 manager filed a plan to bring the city out CitrusCo.BoardofCountyCommissioners 10th CA L4562 $3,855,654 2010 of bankruptcy. It’s a combination of CityofSanBernardinoFireDepartment 10th CA L0891 $3,363,972 2011 CityofSanBernardinoFireDepartment 10th CA L0891 $3,055,989 2012 pension cuts of 10% for fire and police CityofOxnard 10th CA L1684 * $2,970,108 2011 retirees, 30% cuts for miscellaneous CityofSalinasFireDepartment 10th CA L1270 *$2,905,4192013 retirees, with proposal to only provide Salinas 10th CA L1270 $2,891,267 2010 CityofFresnoͲFireDepartment 10th CA L0753 $2,587,200 2013 about 20 cents on the dollar for bond SantaRosaFireDepartment 10th CA L1401 * $2,560,068 2012 holders. Remember this is a state with a CityofFresnoͲFireDepartment 10th CA L0753 $2,533,608 2011 state constitutional amendment that says, CityofVenturaFireDepartment 10th CA L3431 *$2,430,0562013 “Pensions shall be a contractual CityofOxnard 10th CA L1684 * $2,227,581 2012 Roseville 10th CA L1592 $2,222,304 2011 obligation thereof which shall not be HollisterFireDepartment 10th CA L3395 $2,199,420 2013 diminished or impaired thereby.” Since CityofHesperiaFireProtectionDistrict 10th CA L4162 $2,012,583 2012 the above proposal was submitted, it has GlendaleFireDepartment 10th AZ L0493 * $1,938,120 2013 been amended to make it less favorable DowneyFireDepartment 10th CA L3473 $1,886,958 2012 AlamedaFireDepartment 10th CA L0689 * $1,763,754 2011 to retirees. In my opinion, the appeals CountyofLosAngelesFireDepartment 10th CA L1014 $1,694,700 2011 will last for another couple of year with LathropMantecaFireDistrict 10th CA L4317 $1,666,170 2011 the whole issue going before the U.S. NorthTahoeFireProtectionDistrict 10th CA L3729 $1,614,627 2013 Supreme Court sometime in the future. NorthwestFireDistrict 10th AZ L3572 $1,521,996 2013 ReddingFireDepartment 10th CA L1934 $1,405,401 2012 But you can see how easy it is for the BarstowFireDistrict 10th CA L2325 $1,392,882 2013 media to create envy or jealousy by PlacerCountyFireDepartment 10th CA L4410 $1,197,134 2012 looking at the following break-out on FiveCitiesFireAuthority 10th CA L4403 $1,182,693 2011 MenloParkFireProtectionDistrict 10th CA L2400 $1,154,802 2011 pensions. They label public employees as DesertHillsFireDistrict 10th AZ L2974 * $1,037,352 2012 “selfish” and “greedy.” CeresDepartmentofPublicSafetyͲFireDivision 10th CA L3636 * $1,029,972 2011

SAFER2010Ͳ2013IAFFAwards Page211 SANDY MCGHEE retained my appointment to the IAFF Financial Corporation’s 11TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT Board of Directors. For 2014, I have been appointed to the Executive Board Ad Hoc Resolutions Committee. In accordance with the International During this reporting period, I have attended all IAFF Executive Association of Firefighters Constitution and Board meetings, committee meetings, conferences, and seminars By-Laws Article VI, Section 3, I am as expected and required. However, I was excused from the respectfully submitting to the officers and September 2013 and June 2013 Executive Board meetings due to delegates assembled at the 52nd bienniel the tragic line-of-duty deaths in Bryan, TX and Houston, TX, IAFF Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio this report of my activities respectively. I have also attended as many Texas State Association as the District 11 Vice President. My report covers the period of Firefighters and Professional Firefighters of Oklahoma from September 2012 through April 2014. Executive Board meetings as possible. In addition, I have also These District 11 fire fighters lost their lives through line-of-duty attended the Southern Federation of Professional Firefighters deaths. They will forever be in our hearts. Their families will Conferences and the National Conference on Public Employee continually be in our thoughts and prayers. Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Public Safety Conferences in 2013 and 2014. Lieutenant David E. Smith L-975 Austin, TX 3-4-2014 The 11th District continues to grow. During this reporting District Chief James A. Gardner L-4405 Midland, TX 1-9-2014 period the District has seen the addition of several new locals. I Engineer Juan Pablo Casanova L-970 Brownsville, TX 8-10-2013 frequently field inquiries from potential new affiliates, and the Engineer Robert R. Beebe L-341 Houston, TX 5-31-2013 organizing efforts are continuous as we pursue our goal of Firefighter Robert H. Garner L-341 Houston, TX 5-31-2013 representing every paid fire department in the 11th District. Since Captain Matthew R. Renaud L-341 Houston, TX 5-31-2013 the 51st Convention, the following new locals have been added to Firefighter Ann Sullivan L-341 Houston, TX 5-31-2013 the 11th District: Captain Walter J. Werhun L-2359 Edmond, OK 4-27-2013 Captain Kenneth L. Harris L-58 Dallas, TX 4-17-2013 Local Name Members Charter date Firefighter Marcos J. Aranda L-872 Laredo, TX 3-22-2013 3237 Sulphur Springs Prof. Fire Fighters Assoc., TX 15 8/15/2013 Captain Robert Lee Wise L-4405 Midland, TX 2-23-2013 3933 Cleveland Fire Department, OK 4 6/1/2013 Lieutenant Gregory Pickard L-1204 Bryan, TX 2-16-2013 4914 Ce-Bar Professional Fire Fighters Assoc., TX 10 11/9/2012 Lieutenant Eric Wallace L-1204 Bryan, TX 2-16-2013 4929 DFW Airport Fire Fighters Assoc., TX 3 2/1/2013 Firefighter Keith Schoenberg L-341 Houston, TX 11-12-2012 4930 Richland Hills Fire Fighters Assoc., TX 13 2/5/2013 Fire Investigator Joe H. Delgadillo L-341 Houston, TX 9-30-2012 4934 North Lake Travis Fire Fighters Association, TX 8 3/18/2013 4935 Spring Branch Prof. Fire Fighters Assoc., TX 13 3/18/2013 District 11 continues to lead the way in the IAFF’s Fill-the-Boot 4937 Travis County Prof. Fire Fighters Assoc. Dist. 12, TX 3 3/11/2013 campaign for muscular dystrophy. The Mighty 11th has held the 4949 Pantego Fire Fighters Association, TX 8 5/7/2013 top spot in collections for several years. In 2012, District 11 fire 4958 Smith County Professional Fire Fighters ESD #2, TX 3 9/1/2013 fighters collected $4,204,322. In 2012, Texas led the nation in 4964 Pearland Prof. Fire Fighters, TX 27 10/1/2013 collections by state with $3,491,755. In 2012, Oklahoma fire 4970 District 7 Fire Rescue, TX 16 10/16/2013 fighters collected $712,564. In 2013, District 11 collected 4975 Howe Prof. Fire Fighters Association, TX 4 12/1/2013 $4,587,529 for MDA. Texas was again first in total collections by 4978 District 2 Fire Fighters Association/ Bexar County, TX 3 3/18/2014 state and Oklahoma was ninth with $762,511. Of the top ten 4983 Bulverde Prof. Fire Fighters Association, TX 8 1/7/2014 affiliates in collections for Fill-the-Boot in 2012, Houston L-341 4989 Somervell County Professional Fire Fighters Association, TX 6 3/18/2014 was second in the nation with $502,261, Dallas L-58 was fourth with $425,738, Oklahoma City L-157 was seventh with $229,221, and San Antonio L-623 was eighth with $216,551. In Our mission of outfitting local affiliate leaders with the tools they 2013 of the top ten affiliates for collection in the Fill-the-Boot need to be successful is ongoing. I believe education and training program, Houston L-341 was second with $510,564, Dallas L-58 are critical to the long-term success not only of the 11th District, was fourth with $421,507, Oklahoma City was sixth with but also our union. One of the best resources for accomplishing $323,818, and San Antonio L-624 was ninth with $208,710. I the challenge of educating local union leaders is the material want to personally thank every affiliate that works so hard to provided by the International’s Department of Training and collect for MDA. The IAFF is the largest single contributor to Education. With the assistance of DFSR’s Rick Beams and Joe MDA and the fire fighters in District 11 are a large part of our Tellez, we continue to provide educational opportunities around union’s success. the District where we deliver IAFF educational material to union General President Schaitberger has re-assigned me as a leaders. In October of 2013, we piloted a regional Affiliate committee member to the Executive Board Education and Leadership Training Summit type of event for District 11. Our Training Committee, the Emergency Disputes Fund Committee, District Partnership Education Program (PEP) event was held in the Emergency Medical Services Committee, and the Fallen Fire Irving, TX, which is centrally located in the district. Fighter Memorial Committee. I have been appointed by the Our event was formatted in tracks, consisting of topic-specific General President as Co-Chair of the Budget and workshops to develop a comprehensive cross section of Finance Committee and Chair of the Government and Political workshops to provide focused instruction. The following tracks Affairs Committee. I have also been assigned as a member of the and workshops offered were tailored to meet the needs and issues Legal Services Committee. During the reporting period I have facing a majority of the affiliates in District 11:

22 Union Leadership affiliates in District 11. To the other members of the IAFF Understanding Union Leadership Executive Board, thank you for your continued assistance. Local Union Administration There are not adequate words to express my sincere appreciation Introduction to Grievances to all of the staff at the IAFF. Thank you for your outstanding Affordable Care Act (ACA) Overview and Updates work. I appreciate your assistance, and all that you do for this How to Run a Meeting International and the members of District 11. I would be remiss if I did not thank the leadership of the two Local Planning and Politics outstanding state associations in the 11th District for all of the Overview of Member Services support and great work that is done on behalf of IAFF members Fighting Service/Performance Level Threats in Texas and Oklahoma. President Guy Turner and Media Strategy and Messaging Secretary-Treasurer J.R. Sullivan lead a great organization in Texas Planning a Fire Ops 101 Event which provides outstanding service in all the areas that affect Organizing and Implementing a Community Outreach Program professional fire fighters. In Oklahoma, President Rick Beams and Secretary-Treasurer Jim Long lead an Executive Board of nine Advanced Negotiations and Contract Language Vice Presidents that are always on the frontlines for Oklahoma fire Advanced Skills for Negotiators fighters. To both organizations, keep up the good fight. Writing Contract Language District Field Service Representatives Joe Tellez and Rick Beams are outstanding union leaders and great assets to all of the Union Officer Responsibilities affiliates in District 11. I thank them for their loyalty and Introduction to Political Action commend their efforts and commitment to advance the agenda of Recruiting and Endorsing Candidates professional fire fighters. Without the support and hard work of Understanding Municipal Budgets these two exceptional leaders in the district who have shown an Achieving Goals: Non-Collective Bargaining Environments unwavering commitment to improving the overall well-being of Preparing for Negotiations professional fire fighters, I would not be able to do my job or deliver the service that is deserved by the members of the 11th Our event had 135 paid attendees representing 48 local affiliates. District. Overall, the feedback was positive and the course material was With the blessing and support of my wife Tina, my family, and well received. my home local Tulsa fire fighters Local 176, I remain humbled by We continue to make the “Establishing a PAC Fund” the experience and truly honored to serve as the IAFF District 11 presentation in both Texas and Oklahoma as we work to build the Vice President. Thank you! local political operations of our affiliates. As a result, we have seen a significant increase in the number of affiliates who have established local PAC funds. This increase in the number of PACs LARRY OSBORNE across the district will have an enormous impact on our ability to 12TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT advance the political agenda of fire fighters. Because of the sharp uptick in the number of affiliates with PAC funds, we have begun As I begin this report, I remember the many a PAC co-op program. Our co-op is simply a way to maximize members and friends who we have lost to the PAC dollars of our local affiliates with the single goal of career-related illnesses, off-duty electing fire fighter–friendly candidates wherever possible. We accidents and other causes, as well as family continue to make the presentation, “Winning Referendum members who we have lost. Some, such as Elections,” around the district as we work to educate affiliates on 48-year-old Brother Iran D. Rivers, who was the nuts and bolts of running referendum elections. We found deceased in his bunk following a shift in Hillsborough recommended DFSR Joe Tellez and Conroe, TX L-2731 President County, FL, make me wonder at those politicians, chiefs and John Riddle for appointment to the first ever IAFF Political administrators who continue to deny the effects of our profession Training Academy for Referendum Elections held in Memphis, on the health of our members. TN. We plan to utilize these members to train affiliates and This is without even going into the details of the scores of affiliate leaders who are considering referendum elections to injuries, many of them debilitating, disabling and even accomplish their goals. career-ending. In all of the states in our district, the battles to During this reporting period, I continued to consult with the maintain safe and adequate staffing, long-standing pension affiliate leaders in District 11 daily. I worked as the Interest benefits, health insurance and even the basic right to Arbitrator, consulted on grievance and disciplinary issues, and organize have become so extreme and severe that issues of worked on negotiation issues for numerous locals in the district. I workers’ compensation and presumptive disease and illnesses have worked with countless local affiliate leaders and assisted them as had to take something of a back seat. they faced the challenges of leading a local union. I consulted with Since my last Convention report, two losses in particular remain and assisted directly with the locals that pursued, worked and ran in my mind and heart, serving as reminders that we can find referendum elections. ourselves needing the services and care of our own members and I want to thank General President Schaitberger for his leadership, communities. On Aug. 9, 2013, Shane Anders, the son of his guidance and advice he has given me over the years. It has Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina proven to be invaluable, and I am thankful for it. I want to thank President David Anders, was killed in an automobile accident General Secretary-Treasurer Miller for his work and assistance to while on his way to work. Shane was a gentle, spiritual man. In

23 2007 he published a book titled “Poems of Praise and Worship,” take social and political positions which are so adverse to their selections from which were read at his memorial service. This gave own well-being, and the concerns which they themselves often some insight into the fine young man that Shane was, and what expressed to us. General President Schaitberger often points out his passing meant to his family and friends. Anybody who has that “elections have consequences,” and that “elections matter.” Of suffered a deep loss of their own knows that David and Kathy course, he is correct. Anybody who has found themselves on the Anders are among the first and strongest friends to come to our wrong side of a court decision, as we often do in our district, aid and assist in any way that they can. I know that Shane’s loss begins to ask themselves, “How did that judge get on the continues to cause moments of deep pain for them, and I know bench? Who appointed him/her? Who will appoint the next that their faith and the continued prayers of friends are a comfort judges, be they federal or state?” Politicians and political parties to them. run on platforms and issues, and they are there for everybody and On Feb. 2, 2014, while riding bicycles with his wife, High Point, anybody to see, if they will. North Carolina Local 673 President Todd Martinez was struck Nowhere in our district have the courts come into our efforts for and killed by a hit-and-run driver, who was subsequently caught. more time than in North Carolina. In addition to their legislative His loss as a friend was felt by the many people, including former agenda, PFFPNC President David Anders has worked to keep the co-workers who traveled from as far away as California to IAFF involved in fighting for the basic rights of union personally express their respects. His loss as a union officer and organization and activities of his members. At this time, we have leader is immeasurable. He was persistent in his efforts on behalf several guardian cases in process which, due to their active status, of High Point fire fighters, and I am sure that the effect of those I will defer discussion of them to any extent. Suffice it to say that efforts spread far outside of High Point. His Chief expressed to me in all of the cases, it was unilateral, unreasonable actions of cities, his respect for Todd and for his effectiveness in pursuing issues. counties, and chiefs, usually in response to the reasonable and Todd was among the very best of our local leaders with regard to legal activities of our leaders and members. The PFFPNC has a using IAFF resources, technical services, research and cadre of young and aggressive leaders on their Executive information, as well as other sources such as the NFPA, to make Board who have expressed a desire to be more aggressive in his points professionally and capably. He was among the very first organizing new locals, especially those in which we eventually to see the importance of the NIST studies, and he quickly began stand to make substantial membership and activity gains. to use them. During my term of office, I had seen Todd address Salisbury is one of the most recent and worthy examples. his members’ exposure to Haz-Mat, station conditions and However, as is so often the case in organizing new locals in North hazards as well as staffing. Nearly two months before his passing, Carolina, the almost immediate reaction is to dismiss or discipline he was working diligently on compliance issues regarding turnout the new local leaders. Such was the case in Salisbury. PFFPNC and gear, once again using the best information for the best effect. IAFF legal counsel are working on correcting that situation. North Many of his own experienced leadership team expressed their Carolina does have a number of locals, though, such as Charlotte, concerns as to how they could ever replace Todd. It certainly won’t Raleigh, Asheville, High Point and Greensboro, where their be easy for a long time. effective and capable use of professionalism and political and Reading over the past several convention reports for our district, community involvement has enabled them to achieve some I fear that they begin to sound like the old broken records notable successes to varying extents. Donald Ragavage is one of that play the same thing over and over. For many of us in our several former local presidents returning to office has been in district, the signs of economic recovery seem pretty clear, except Wilmington, and he reports increasing success on staffing and when it comes to public employees, including fire fighters. The station issues. Similar to the late Todd Martinez mentioned above, attacks on defined-benefit pensions continue, even if the pension Donald has long made good use of IAFF resources and research. is well-funded and/or already below average in benefits. It South Carolina remains perhaps the most anti-union state, not is clearer than ever that we are dealing with philosophy far more just politically but socio-culturally too. The governor has almost than issues of money. Over the past few years though, it has dictatorially declared the state to be “anti-union.” It is virtually become easier to see who our adversaries are and how “union-hostile” by official edict. South Carolina Professional Fire well-funded they are. Groups like ALEC work with the League of Fighters President Mike Parrotta has long been on the front lines Cities and League of Municipalities to push forth “cookie cutter” of the fight for organized labor in South Carolina. He and legislation in many states, most of which are contrary to our best Secretary-Treasurer Leroy Marcotte have been active for years interests and are often even contrary to the operational integrity with the South Carolina AFL-CIO, with all of them maintaining a and effectiveness of our departments. The Koch brothers appear good labor presence in the state. They have used every possible to fund large parts of such efforts as well, while The Pew Research alliance and relationship in their tough situation, including a very Center and the John and Laura Arnold Foundation active and effective involvement with their Joint Council. One distribute questionable studies attacking many aspects of public aspect of South Carolina labor law on which President Parrotta employment. In one form or another, their efforts have has unfortunately had to become something of an expert is South created difficulties for our members throughout our district and Carolina’s “at will” employment law, which was re-codified and most of the IAFF. The bit of good news, though, is that these strengthened in 2008. I have heard of other “at will” laws — often individuals and groups are being called out into the light of more accurately labeled “right to work” laws — but none as transparency by journalists, politicians and even civic leaders who extreme as South Carolina’s. Some of the young SCPFF leadership see the dangers in such a limited group having so much control has stepped up with Mike to track and remain involved and influence over government. in legislative efforts and a presence at the Capitol in I will not belabor the point, but many of us have increasingly Columbia. Once again, though, there are successes and lessons. In speculated as to how much longer so many of our members can Florence, a very Southern and very typical big city in South

24 Carolina, the political action and efforts — particularly those by years, to restore workers’ compensation and presumptive laws. Local President Joe Vanadia — have enabled that local to The FPF Executive Board as well as leaders and members from maintain a presence with their chief and with city officials. In locals throughout the state responded to Tallahassee whenever the Charleston, former Local 61 President Bill Haigler returned to “all hands” was called. Among those consistently on the front line office and now reports that relationships with the chief staff and was the “old lion” Gilbert Marsh, long-time Secretary-Treasurer of the mayor are improving. Columbia also manages to maintain a the FPF. “Wise men still seek his counsel.” Last year, Miami Local respectable presence in the city and has often been effective on 587 President Robert Suarez resigned as FPF Vice President due to staffing and other issues, representing members as much family necessities. Robert is a most capable and effective leader, as possible. and all who know him have considerable respect for Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia (PFFGA) President Jim him. Fortunately, Rocco Salvatori from Suncoast Local 2546 was Daws has been aggressively organizing new locals. In particular, he elected to replace Robert. Rocco brings an agile, intellectual and has been working to bring former locals, several of which are energetic approach to the office, as well as a literate approach to quite large, back into the IAFF. Many of them were often lost, as how we do business. Even with all of the other wonderful locals in within the two Carolinas, by the absence of dues check-off. Most Florida, I cannot imagine successfully surviving the last three of us know that when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated legislative sessions without the very effective FPF. in Memphis, TN, he had been fighting for dues check-off for the Regarding the attack on pensions, I must ask for a point of unionized sanitation workers. It amazes me that after all these personal privilege. I would invite you to go to years, any southern state — especially Georgia — still relies on the www.jacksonville.com , which is website for the Florida anti-union tactic of denying dues-check off to those who want it. Times-Union . Go to their search site on the top right of the Georgia has a permissible collective bargaining law, and though page and enter “police and fire pension,” or any words to that Savannah has the only real contract, Jim and Atlanta Local 134 effect. Get in a comfortable chair, put on your good glasses, and have long represented the majority of Atlanta fire fighters at City get set for some long reading. If you want to know what ground Hall, with Jim being a genuine veteran of one of the toughest zero in the pension fight looks like, as with Miami, and pension battles in the district. The PFFGA Convention in April Hollywood, that is it. Local 122 President Randy Wyse and Mark was well attended and unique. They took some time to get back in Treglio have gone head-to-head with the city on the pension touch with their history, with Ed Bayley receiving a lifetime battle, including a lawsuit filed by Randy about one of six pending achievement award for his years of service and for maintaining lawsuits. The most egregious are the personal attacks which you and presenting a fine history of the PFFGA. This PFFGA might note regarding John J. Keane. John is a former vice Convention was particularly memorable, because Georgia president and business agent for Local 122 and the District Vice Governor Nathan Deal (R) accepted an invitation to attend. President-Emeritus of the FPF. I have seen only a few other times Senator Jason Carter (D), grandson of former President Jimmy when the media have gone after one man in such a personal way. Carter and Deal’s gubernatorial opponent in the upcoming As they often have, Jacksonville’s fire fighters anxiously await the election, also attended, as well as Senator Curt coming elections with a rapidly expanding PAC fund and a Thopmson. Without going into too much detail, suffice it to say capable sign shop. that most members present were clearly able to discern the very In closing, I again salute 12th District Vice Presidents-Emeritus real differences in each person’s political philosophies. At no Charlie Hall and Dominick Barbera, and thank them for their time was this more evident than when a delegate asked Governor years of advice, knowledge and experience which they shared. Deal about the prospects for full, mandatory collective Thanks as well to DFSRs Walt Dix and Manly Bolin for their bargaining. Governor Deal responded that the fact that Georgia is consistently fine, capable work and for their friendship. Thanks to a Right to Work state makes that difficult. It was quite clear that PEP instructors Will Newton, Gary Rainey, John Klinefelter and the Governor did not have a real idea of the effect or lack thereof David Coker. While you serve under the direction of the General of Right to Work on collective bargaining rights. He was equally President and senior IAFF staff, you represent our district well. as uninspiring when responding to questions regarding As many of you know, PEP Instructor and Service presumptive heart and lung protections for fire fighters. Representative Mark Treglio has moved up to IAFF headquarters Last year, IAFF Legal Counsel Baldwin Robertson made a as the Director of Strategic Communications and Media. Mark passing remark to me that it appeared that Florida and some of was exceptional as the Vice President and Media and Public the other collective bargaining states were quickly “falling” to the Relations Director of Local 122, and a similar position with the level of labor relations of some of the non-collective bargaining FPF. He is already demonstrating those abilities at a level more states. The strongest deterrent to that, in addition to a large commensurate with his talents. We are proud of our friend, but number of old, experienced locals, has been the Florida we miss him at home. Professional Fire Fighters under the capable leadership of On behalf of the entire 12th District, we extend our appreciation President Jim Tolley. Once again, the leadership of the Florida to General President Harold Schaitberger and General legislature mounted an attack on both the Florida Retirement Secretary-Treasurer Tom Miller, and to their staffs for their System (FRS) and the municipal pensions, called “Chapter Plans.” unfailing support and assistance. As I said two years ago, they have It was clear that they were very serious in these attacks. Once been successfully leading us through the greatest challenges since again, though, the FPF maintained their relationship with a the Great Depression and World War II. We have been doing our distinguished group of Republican senators led by Senator Jack work in historic times, and they have been up to the task. Latvalla, who essentially protected much of the pension plans Thank you all for the privilege of representing the IAFF 12th along with Democrats in the legislature. Nonetheless, as with the District and serving in your good name. states mentioned above, much work will remain over the next

25 FRED LEBLANC This term has witnessed a challenging time for all of our locals 13TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT with an exuberant focus put on our wages, benefits, pensions, and hours of work (24-hour shift). The employers have constructed In accordance with the provisions of Article an organized effort to paint our members as elitists within the V1, Section 3, of the International working class who are attempting to create a disconnect between Association of Fire Fighters Constitution and the public we serve and us as professional fire fighters. For many, By-Laws, I respectfully submit this report of this is the first time in their career they have felt such public my activity as the 13th District Vice President scrutiny and political scorn. to General President Harold Schaitberger, Yet despite the best efforts of some, our affiliates for the most General Secretary-Treasurer Thomas H. Miller, the IAFF part have held their ground. We have experienced some setbacks Executive Board and all officers and delegates in attendance at the at the municipal council level, but to date, the relationships with 52nd Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America. the current provincial governments in both provinces This report contains a summary of my activities from August remain strong. 2012 through to April 2014. I have attended all Executive Board Government officials are not the only ones launching into our meetings and carried out all assignments given me by General profession. With the exception of a few areas, paramedics are in a President Schaitberger. separate union and view the fire service as a threat. On this issue I was sworn in at the conclusion of the 51st IAFF Convention on they work in concert with their respective Chiefs and make a July 26, 2012. I attended an orientation session at the IAFF office formidable force when dealing with the fire service’s role in EMS in Washington the following month and assumed my duties as responses. Our Fire Chiefs have not been a strong voice in this IAFF District Vice President. I want to acknowledge Brother regard and as a result, we are witnessing the reduction of the fire Bruce Carpenter, who held this position for the previous 14 years. service’s involvement in EMS across the District. At the IAFF’s Brother Carpenter was recognized at the 51st Convention by 2013 Canadian Policy Conference the delegates made a strong being granted District Vice President-Emeritus status. Bruce effort to support the role of the fire service in EMS delivery. As a offered his assistance to me and in the early days, I utilized Bruce’s result, the Provincial Presidents, Canadian IAFF DVPs and IAFF experience to help guide me through some of the issues. Canadian staff – supported by the IAFF’s EMS division – have During this reporting period, I have also been appointed by the embarked on an effort to establish a lobby campaign where General President to serve on the following committees: Canadian needed, both provincially and locally, complete with legislative Affairs (Chair), Budget and Finance, Emergency Medical Services, language and public relations materials. Our Winnipeg Local 867 Emergency Disputes Fund, Communications/Media and Public has for many years created a fire/medic model that appears to be a Affairs (Vice Chair), Government and Political Affairs, Grants logical fit for our services in this District, with the exception of Administration and HazMat/WMD Training, and Ad Hoc the areas who currently provide both services, and has proven to Resolutions (Vice Chair). As well I serve as one of the IAFF DVPs provide great service to the public. Despite their success, and on the Joint Task Force on Servicing with representatives from the having it recognized by their provincial government, the Federation of State Provincial Professional Fire Fighters. paramedics are continually attacking this system. The local has I have had the opportunity to travel in each province within my conducted an aggressive and effective campaign to inform the District, which includes Manitoba and Ontario, working in public about their services as fire/medics with the assistance of the support of the 88 affiliates that make up the 13th District on IAFF. numerous occasions. More specifically, here is a brief description to the issues in the I have also successfully organized three new locals under the respective provinces. IAFF within our District. The Locals of East Gwillimbury (Local 4985) and Blue Mountains (Local 4986) were chartered on MANITOBA January 13, 2014 and Clarence-Rockland (Local 4987) was chartered on March 3, 2014. We are experiencing mixed results across this area of the I have responded to a wide variety of requests for assistance and District. Our largest local in the province, Winnipeg, continues to servicing. Depending upon the request, the local received the successfully negotiate collective agreements with annual 3% necessary guidance and/or on-site servicing from me directly or a increases and they have addressed threats to brown-out vehicles representative of the IAFF through our DFSR, Service due to overtime and continue to be a glowing example of how the Representatives, Committee members, and staff at both our fire service can play a very effective role within the delivery of Canadian and Washington offices. In addition to facilitating the EMS. above noted services, I have attended numerous educational Elsewhere in the province, it becomes more challenging, with seminars and conferences sponsored by the Ontario Professional service reductions regarding EMS responses including MVCs Fire Fighters Association, where I have always been afforded the despite the advocacy of the paramedics to keep fire’s involvement. opportunity to address the delegates, as well as appoint other Some of our smaller Locals here are facing ongoing attacks representatives to make presentations regarding IAFF programs through both grievance and interest arbitrations which is putting and initiatives. I have attended various hearings for Locals in incredible financial strain on our locals. Manitoba and will address their provincial biennial Convention Notwithstanding, these locals remain defiant and their solidarity on May 27 and 28, 2014. Along with attending these events, I is strengthening during these difficult times. have attended the IAFF ALTS/Human Relations conferences, the This fall, we will have municipal elections in which we hope to Redmond/EMS Symposium, Canadian Legislative Conference, stem this tide of anti-professional fire fighter attitudes at the Canadian Policy Conference, and Provincial Presidents meetings. municipal council level.

26 ONTARIO everything we can, we will experience a similar political reality. I hope our members have taken heed to the lessons learned from Conversely, in this province our largest local, Toronto, our brothers and sisters to the south. As a comfort, I believe the experienced its biggest setback in memory. Council cut four IAFF is more prepared than ever to respond to these situations at trucks and 84 operation positions in this year’s budget. Despite a a provincial or local level. valiant fighting back effort supported by the IAFF, council In closing, I would like to thank all of the affiliates for the overwhelming support these cuts. These followed previous support during my initial two years on the Executive Board. reductions in their EMS responses. Although my learning curve with the IAFF combined with my In an all too familiar tale, locals were reporting threats of cuts vision loss has been challenging, it is truly an honour to serve as from reduction in EMS responses to staff, typically through your Vice President. I would like to thank the staff in Ottawa and attrition. I joined Ontario PFFA President Mark McKinnon on a Washington for their help, assistance and amazing work few tours of the province, which is home to 83 of our 88 locals. ethic. Finally, I would like to thank General President We heard where municipal council after council was moving Schaitberger and General Secretary-Treasurer Miller for their forward with EMS response reductions, to staffing reductions, to leadership and ongoing support of our District. all-out elimination and moving to a volunteer response. I wish all the delegates a productive convention and thank the This common theme is taken from the municipalities’ provincial host, Local 48 Cincinnati, for their hospitality at the 52nd IAFF organization known as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Convention. Their efforts are very coordinated by repeating the same message that the cost of the fire service is unsustainable, mainly due to our wages and benefits that are being awarded under an arbitration DANNY TODD system they claim is broken. The facts dispute their claims, but they 14TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT are persistent with the message, now saying any increases from any arbitration award will result in service cuts. The most recent cases Welcome from the 14th District to the are in Woodstock, where they reduced both EMS response and staff delegates and guests assembled for the 2014 and in Windsor, where an ongoing battle between the local and the IAFF Convention. This report is submitted in mayor ensues as the mayor is attempting to reduce staff by accordance with the IAFF Constitution & eliminating a truck from service and redeploying others. By-Laws and includes activities through Despite the municipalities’ accusations that the arbitration March 2014. system is flawed, they are forcing the overwhelming majority of In representing the 14th District (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, our Locals to arbitration in an effort to continue to point to it and Mississippi, Tennessee) I have attended all Executive Board its results as a broken system that needs a political fix. meetings, Legislative Conferences, Redmond/EMS Symposiums, The IAFF is being widely sought out for its services to assist in Human Relations Conferences, Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial these various fighting back campaigns that are no doubt going to services and Affiliate Leadership Training Summits since the last continue in the foreseeable future. The provincial affiliate took Convention. the lead in the creation of a joint fighting back document with the It is an honor to represent this District and the entire IAFF IAFF. It is a great assessment tool that will guide the local to membership on the IAFF Executive Board serving on the identify their real threat and allow the IAFF and provincial to following committees: Budget & Finance, Canadian Affairs, better understand what is required from a service perspective. Human Relations, Governmental & Political Affairs, Policy & Unlike Manitoba, which currently enjoys a friendly majority Operational Procedures and a board member of IAFF Financial provincial government, in Ontario, we are dealing with a fragile Corporation. minority government which makes lobbying more a game of I have been assisted in servicing the affiliates by the 14th District keeping what you have. Despite this reality, the Ontario PFFA is Field Services Representatives Thomas Malone and Pete Reagan. on the cusp of expanding its presumptive coverage to include six Brothers Malone and Reagan have been involved in training more cancers (lung, testicular, breast, multiple-myeloma, prostate, seminars as well as organizing and assisting the locals with and skin). problems. They have also served as grant reviewers for the FIRE The current opposition party in Ontario is acting very much like Act and SAFER grants. They continue to provide a valuable a Tea Party and will follow the lead of many state legislatures in service to the District and the IAFF. Thanks to them for continued regressive labor laws and attacks on public sector wages, pensions service and dedication to our members. and benefits. A provincial election is expected to be called by the The 14th District continues to add new locals, and as of April 1, end of May and by the time we reach Convention, we may be 2014, had 16,187 members in 183 locals. Every state in the District dealing with an entirely new level of political attacks. is Right to Work, and with the anti-union attitude of many of the Another issue that appears to be moving forward under the political leaders at the state and local level, organizing and guise of an economic stimulus is six-story wood construction. maintaining locals becomes more difficult. Currently a matter on the west coast and nationally, it is also Thanks to General President Schaitberger, General moving forward in Ontario where we will see larger buildings Secretary-Treasurer Miller and the IAFF staff for their continued made from wood, creating potentially very large hazards within support as we continue to assist affiliate leadership in their many our communities. battles. The staff continues to provide a very valuable and timely A few years ago we watched from the comfort of our living response to requests for service and information. On behalf of the rooms what was happening to labor, in particular the public 14th District, I want to thank all of you for the service you provide. sector across the U.S. Now it appears as though unless we do We have used the IAFF Guardian Policy in a number of cases,

27 including a recent settlement in the case of St. Tammany Fire Conference, Redmond Symposium, Affiliate Leadership Training District 12 President Jamie Truett, who was fired twice and Summits, Human Relations Conference, Atlantic Provinces demoted over a four-year period. We have another case pending Professional Fire Fighters Association (APPFFA) Convention and in St. Landry Parish. There is also a case still active concerning an LODD services honoring our fallen fire fighters. Alabama law covering deduction for union dues. In late 2010 the I have endeavored to provide the affiliate locals of the 15th legislature of Alabama changed the payroll deduction law by district with the representation, support and assistance that our putting restrictions on locals involving political activity if a local members deserve. This has been accomplished through Local had payroll deductions. This resulted in a federal lawsuit and the visits, telephone conversations and email correspondence. federal district judge granted our request for a temporary All requests from Locals and the APPFFA have been promptly injunction. The state appealed to the 11th Circuit Court of addressed. Request for services have been addressed by myself, or Appeals and they narrowed the injunction and submitted two District Field Services Representative Larry Cook and District questions to the Alabama Supreme Court, one defining “political Services Representative Paul Boyle, through the resources of the activity” as it was written in the law. The Alabama Supreme Court International and to the best of our abilities. agreed with our position that the definition used in the law was My service to Locals throughout the District included assistance overly broad. The Federal Court of Appeals, to our surprise, ruled with collective bargaining and attendance at collective bargaining against us and now the case is pending a review by the full panel sessions when requested and providing assistance and of judges in the 11th District Court of Appeals. information to aid Locals who are dealing with pension plan This anti-union legislation was introduced in Tennessee and issues. I have also provided assistance and participated in both some other states outside the District. Anti-union legislators also interest and grievance arbitrations. Further, I have provided introduced other legislation in states to limit the ability of public information and direction with respect to fire fighter Wellness employee unions to make political contributions, limit payroll and Fitness, Duty to Accommodate and Disability Management deductions and limit informational picketing. Programs, as well as advice and opinions related to Local Pension reform has also been an issue in states and local administrative issues and concerns. jurisdictions. Currently, the city of Memphis is attempting to Over the past two years, this District has experienced difficulties change from a defined benefit system to a defined contribution in our attempt to maintain and to improve upon benefits for our system with no provisions for line-of-duty disability or death. members. Not unlike our brothers and sisters throughout the The IAFF pension department has been a valuable resource for entire IAFF, we have had to deal with threats to our pension plans, our locals and states involved in these pension battles. The New cutbacks, layoffs and downsizing. In essence, our members are Orleans pension system won a lawsuit seeking the legally being forced to do more with less. Our much deserved pension mandated $17.5 million owed to the pension system, but has yet plans are under attack as employers attempt to reorganize our to receive the funds. plans such that our members shoulder the greatest share of the Public safety and our members’ safety continues to be unfunded liabilities. Many of our Local leaders find themselves in a compromised by staffing cuts, companies placed out of service position of trying to preserve pension benefits and at the same and rolling company brownouts. Our locals are using the IAFF time justify their pension plans with the general public. GIS studies to show these cuts are affecting response times and Maintaining adequate numbers of fire fighters to safely provide fire compromising the safety of the fire fighters. The IAFF Public and emergency services has also been a challenge. The constant Relations Department has been a valuable resource in developing infringement upon our members’ wage and benefits and the fight our message on these issues. to protect what we have accomplished over the years has been It is not easy being a union member in the Fighting 14th difficult for many of our Local Leaders. I commend all of them for District, but our locals, state associations and members continue their hard work and dedication in fighting for, and assuring that to fight back against the attacks on their benefits from elected our members and their families get the benefits they deserve. leaders in both parties. I am proud to have the privilege to Despite this, we have been able to secure wage increases through represent the members of the District and all members of the collective bargaining and interest arbitrations. We have IAFF. Stay safe and stand tall! maintained, and in some cases improved, our benefits. We were also able to hold the line on two tier benefits when those challenges arose. DAVID BURRY I would like to thank the staff of the Canadian Office for their 15TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT continual hard work and dedication and their assistance to both myself and the District Locals. As a member of the IAFF Canadian In accordance with the provisions of the Affairs committee, I have had the opportunity to work on Constitution and By-Laws of the improvements to federal legislation and programs which affect our International Association of Fire Fighters, I fire fighters on a national level. I have also had the opportunity to respectively submit my report as 15th work with the Canadian Provincial Presidents to propose District Vice President for the period of programs and initiatives that will strengthen the fire service and September 1, 2012 to April 15th, 2014. protect our hard-earned benefits. Two of these initiatives focus on During my term in office, I have attended all IAFF Executive increase fire services role in EMS delivery and defending against Board meetings and have served on various Executive Board attacks on our pension plans. Committees at the request of the General President. I have also My term in office has been both rewarding and encouraging, and attended many other events which include, but are not limited to it could not have been done without the hard work, dedication and the Canadian Legislative Conference, Canadian Policy the cooperation of the many fire fighters throughout the District. I

28 especially would like to thank the Local union officers, Local union United Defense Workers Coalition and the Federal Workers leadership and the Executive Board of the APPFFA for their Alliance providing valuable input regarding federal employee continued support and cooperation. issues and policy. Thank you to General President Harold Schaitberger, General In 2013, as federal fire fighters were threatened with potential Secretary Treasurer Tom Miller and the excellent staff of the IAFF staffing reductions due to furloughs, information was provided to for their leadership, assistance and support over the past two years. the locals regarding staffing grievances for locals that needed to Many important resolutions will be presented to the delegates at take action. The District remains prepared to assist with this convention. I look forward to the interaction and the debate arbitration matters related to these grievances. Although many that comes with planning for our future. I trust that you will be federal agencies want to assume risk and reduce safe practices on fully engaged in providing this direction. the backs of our members, this District will remain steadfast in I thank you for affording me the opportunity to represent you as our position of maintaining safe staffing and response criteria. your District Vice President. Enjoy this Convention experience While it is obvious that our District is constantly confronted and best wishes to you and your families. with perilous attacks from many political fronts, it is clear that the IAFF and the 16th District I proudly represent remain ready and willing to protect the interests of the federal fire fighters. Since JAMES B. JOHNSON the last convention, we have successfully defeated several 16TH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT scurrilous attempts to repeal the contracting prohibition that protects the jobs of federal fire fighters working for the In accordance with the provisions of Article Department of Defense and we will continue to do all we can to VI, Section 3 of the International Association continue to protect the jobs of IAFF members. Additionally, in the of Fire Fighters’ Constitution and By-Laws, I last two years, the District has been involved in several successful respectfully submit this report to the arbitrations assisting locals with their issues. Several membership. precedence-setting issues were funded through the IAFF’s As the Vice President of the 16th District, I Guardian Policy, and those cases have resulted in favorable have attended Executive Board meetings, Conferences, and other decisions regarding staffing and FLSA policy coverage for issues IAFF functions as required. I am presently serving on the regarding membership pay that resulted in direct monetary following IAFF Executive Board Committees: Chairman of the benefits to some of our affected members. Information and Technology Committee and as a member of the Also, through my office, the District has presented many issues Legal Services, Government and Political Affairs, Education and before the Federal Labor Relations Authority such as Negotiability Training, Policy and Operations and Communications, Media and Appeals, Unit Clarification Petitions and issues before the Federal Public Affairs Committees. I also serve as the Chairman of the Service Impasse Panel. In several Unit Clarification issues we IAFF Standing Committee on Wildland Fire Fighting. were successful in including previously excluded employees into I have focused on improving our communication, educating our the IAFF’s bargaining units. leadership, lobbying for the IAFF’s legislative agenda and Overall, the past two years have brought many changes and providing advice and technical assistance to our federal affiliates. produced successes and setbacks. Having served for many years The last two years have presented many challenges for the 16th on the job as a federal fire fighter, I know that every tangible District. Nonetheless, we have accepted the challenges and as a benefit or “win” received is the result of a hard-fought battle. team we continue to move the district in a positive direction with Because of the District members’ support, the IAFF and the 16th purpose and conviction. District have become a respected voice in the federal employment Our District Field Service Representatives and our Service arena. Much of the credit for this and other successes we have Representatives within the District will continue to provide achieved should also be given to the many leaders in the District on-site assistance and training for our local affiliate leaders, as we that eagerly sacrifice their time and effort for the members of continue to move toward the goal of empowering leaders with the their locals and the entire District. In addition, the support we tools they need to represent their members. At the 2014 Affiliate have received from General President Schaitberger and General Leadership Training Summit, we conducted an all-day training Secretary-Treasurer Miller and the IAFF staff has been session on federal sector bargaining and labor relations, and the tremendous. feedback from this training from those that attended was It has been an honor for me to be your representative and to excellent. serve on the Executive Board of this great International as your The IAFF and the District continue work on the Hill with 16th District Vice President. The experience is rewarding and congressional staff. Obviously, there continue to be a number of educational and I look forward to continuing to serve the District. attacks on federal employees coming out of Congress. There are efforts to reduce or eliminate official time used for representational purposes and continuing efforts to increase retirement contributions, just to name a few. The IAFF is actively involved in opposing these attacks that not only impact all federal employees, but IAFF federal members directly. Concurrently, we will continue to educate Congress on the importance of passing the federal presumptive issue and federal trade time equality. The District also continues to participate in several federal employees’ forums, such as the Federal Postal Coalition, the

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