Fire fighters at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Maryland have achieved a significant milestone in their labor representation.
The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) has granted them the right to vote on which labor union they prefer, marking a notable decision in the ongoing discussion about their representation.
Previously, the Warfield fire fighters were classified as Maryland state employees and were members of IAFF Local 5044.
However, a reclassification in January 2023 moved them to Title 5 federal employees under the U.S. Department of Defense.
This change resulted in a dispute over union representation, as the Association of Civilian Technicians (ACT) claimed exclusive rights to represent all federal Civilian Technicians at Warfield since 1999.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) disagreed with ACT’s claim and filed a petition with the FLRA.
They argued that the reclassification went against historical precedent and that fire fighters should be allowed to choose their representation separately from other Civilian Technicians.
Despite the IAFF’s arguments, FLRA Regional Director Jessica Bartlett initially dismissed the petition, stating that fire-protection personnel should fall under ACT’s authority.
The IAFF then applied for a review of this decision, and last week, the FLRA vacated Bartlett’s decision.
The review acknowledged the IAFF’s points and found errors in the regional director’s application of law and precedent.
Local F-319 President Daniel Blake, who has been at the forefront of this effort, expressed his satisfaction with the FLRA’s decision.
Blake said: “From the beginning, my ultimate goal was to allow the members of F-319 to have their choice of representation.
Dedication, hard work, and persistence has finally paid off.”
The FLRA’s ruling now allows the fire fighters at Warfield to vote on joining the IAFF.
If they choose to do so, the next steps will involve negotiating contracts under the new representation.
