As reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), leaders from across the Southern U.S. gathered in Atlanta this week to highlight recent collective bargaining victories.
The event, marking the 30th annual Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters conference, brought together delegates to discuss ongoing efforts to secure collective bargaining rights for firefighters in the region.
IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly delivered the opening address, urging continued dedication to the fight for collective bargaining.
He stated: “The battle for collective bargaining is going to be won state by state, and we’re seeing successes across the board that’s being driven by local leadership, with support from the IAFF.”
Since a resolution in 1994 made collective bargaining the union’s top legislative priority, the IAFF has shifted its focus to securing these rights through state-level efforts.
With ongoing federal gridlock, the union began advocating for state, city, and town laws to protect firefighters’ rights to negotiate contracts.
The Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters, formed in 1995, has played a key role in these efforts.
Southern Federation President Ed Jaros emphasized the growing success of these initiatives, noting: “The IAFF has made the investments to give state associations and locals the tools they need to increase collective bargaining rights for their fire fighters.”
The conference spotlighted several key victories, particularly in states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, where firefighters have successfully secured collective bargaining rights.
A notable example is the Atlanta Professional Firefighters Local 134, which recently won a representation election with overwhelming support.
The local now plans to negotiate the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s first-ever collective bargaining agreement under the Georgia Firefighters Mediation Act.
Jaros highlighted the importance of the IAFF’s resources, which have helped local unions navigate state laws and place ballot initiatives to secure these rights.
Despite these victories, challenges remain for firefighters seeking collective bargaining rights.
Nearly half of U.S. states do not guarantee collective bargaining with binding arbitration for firefighters.
North Carolina is the only state that completely prohibits collective bargaining for firefighters, while others complicate the process through legal barriers.
Kelly reiterated the importance of local leadership in advancing the fight for collective bargaining, stating: “People are being persecuted for standing up for their rights, but that’s the price of speaking truth to power.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) leaders gathered in Atlanta for the 30th annual Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters conference.
The event highlighted recent collective bargaining successes across Southern states, driven by a state-by-state strategy.
IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly and Southern Federation President Ed Jaros underscored the importance of local leadership and the IAFF’s support in these victories.
Notable progress has been made in states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, but challenges remain as nearly half of U.S. states do not guarantee collective bargaining rights for firefighters.
