The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) officially opened its 57th Biennial Convention at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on August 26, 2024, as reported by IAFF.
Running through August 30, the event is bringing together firefighters, rescue workers, and emergency medical personnel from the U.S. and Canada to discuss and vote on key resolutions shaping the future of the IAFF and the firefighting profession.
General President Edward Kelly emphasized his deep connection to Boston and highlighted the union’s progress in implementing reforms under his leadership. “This is where I grew up,” Kelly said.
He underscored the IAFF’s financial recovery and support for firefighters in crisis.
Kelly also pointed to the union’s governance reforms, noting: “We’ve brought checks and balances back to the IAFF.”
He stressed that the union is ready to continue fighting for firefighters’ rights.
Firefighter safety remains a central issue at the convention.
IAFF President Kelly emphasized the union’s success in securing the passage of Bill C-224 in Canada and taking legal action against the National Fire Protection Association to push for better safety standards in firefighting gear.
The union also secured nearly $2 million in federal funding to train firefighters to handle hazardous materials.
In addition to safety, the IAFF continues to advocate for national collective bargaining rights, a long-standing goal.
Kelly said: “National collective bargaining…remains a top priority.” Despite the challenges, the IAFF continues to press for expanded rights at the local and state levels.
Political leaders reinforced the message of solidarity and political engagement.
Marty Walsh, Executive Director of the NHL Players Association, called on firefighters to stay active in the political process, emphasizing that political decisions directly impact firefighters’ lives.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy praised the IAFF’s dedication to improving working conditions, wages, and safety standards for firefighters, including the fight to remove PFAS chemicals from firefighting gear.
“We believe all of our firefighters should be well-paid, properly equipped, and protected against injury,” Healy said.
The convention also heard from Timothy Driscoll, President of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, who praised the IAFF as a model for workplace safety and solidarity.
Father John Unni, Chief Chaplain of the Boston Fire Department, opened the convention with a message of unity and hope.
He encouraged attendees to come together during these divisive times.
General President Kelly echoed this sentiment in his keynote address, acknowledging the challenges of the current political climate but emphasizing the importance of solidarity among firefighters.
“We live in divisive times, but what unites us is our commitment as firefighters,” Kelly said.
As the convention continues, delegates will debate 65 resolutions that span various issues related to collective bargaining, safety standards, and firefighter welfare.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has launched its 57th Biennial Convention in Boston, uniting firefighters from the U.S. and Canada to discuss critical issues affecting the profession.
The five-day event features speeches from labor and political leaders, including IAFF General President Edward Kelly, who stressed the union’s commitment to reform, firefighter safety, and expanding collective bargaining rights.
The IAFF has made strides in areas such as safety standards for firefighting gear and legislative victories.
The convention, which will run until August 30, 2024, serves as a platform for discussing and voting on resolutions that will shape the future of the IAFF and its members across North America.
