IAFF Frontline Blog

Supporting War Veterans and Fire Fighters

IAFF members are doing their part in creating support networks for military veterans to make their transition easier in the fire service.

Dwayne Harris, a member of Montgomery County, MD Local 1664 knows firsthand what a good support system can do.

A veteran of the Iraq war, Harris needed a place to discuss how challenging it was to transition back...

Dealing with Difficult Behavior in the Work Place

Fire fighters are known for their close camaraderie on the job. But on any given day, personality conflicts can occur in the firehouse that can affect staff morale. IAFF members discussed how to deal with difficult people and behavior in the work place at the IAFF Human Relations Conference this week.

A federal mediator led the discussion that...

Homophobia in the fire house

Fire fighters are known to be a tough group who won't shy away from any situation.

But when confronting the topic of homophobia and transphobia in the fire service many wonder what is appropriate when issues arise in the firehouse.

At the IAFF Human Relations Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida this week, fire fighters discussed issues that...

US Labor Secretary delivers keynote address at Human Relations Conference

US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis says a strong American economy depends on a strong middle class.

She spoke in favor of protecting collective bargaining and union rights at the 20th Ernest A. buddy Mass Human Relations Conference Monday.

"Workers deserve respect and a seat at the bargaining table," she says.

Solis said America is slowly...

Opening Session at the 20th Human Relations Conference

IAFF Members from across the United States and Canada are attending the 2012 Ernest A. "Buddy" Mass Human Relations Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

The 20th annual conference is designed to build solidarity among brother and sister fire fighters as they explore the differences that divide and unite them in the firehouse.

Fire...

Tips for Developing a Human Relations Committee

There are no new problems in the fire department – they may be new to your local, but somewhere there is a department that has experienced the same thing.
This is one of the reasons for the IAFF Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference, which kicked off today in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Nearly 300 IAFF members are...

Protecting Public Employee Pensions

As more governors try to force 401 (k) style pension plans on public employees, a group of pension experts say they aren’t the solution for workers who want a secure retirement.

“The real issue is why defined benefit plans make sense,” said Dean Baker, a co-director, of the Center for Economic and Policy Research.
“The crisis...

Where do they stand?

All eyes are on Indiana as Right-to-Work legislation continues to be debated.
Opponents of the legislation are pushing for a referendum in November for voters to decide whether to enact the measure that would prevent private employee unions from seeking contracts that mandate all workers pay union fees regardless of whether they are members.
Indiana...

Turning over a new leaf?

Florida’s Governor Rick Scott is trying to soften his image these days.

The divisive governor has had a series of profiles published about how he has learned lessons after a tough first year in office and wants a fresh start.

Scott’s political agenda was so disliked until he was ranked as one of the most unpopular governors in America.

Pol...