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U.S. Department of Labor honors IAFF and other unions for 100 years of service

September 19, 2024

Department of Labor recognizes unions’ contributions to workers’ rights

As reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the U.S. Department of Labor has inducted the IAFF and eight other unions into the Century of Service Honor Roll of American Labor Organizations.

This recognition highlights their work over the last century to protect workers’ rights, wages, and benefits.

U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su emphasized the unions’ importance: “These unions have led monumental shifts, not just within the last few years, but throughout our nation’s history from securing collective bargaining rights to landmark legislation like the Fair Labor Standards Act to fighting for safe working conditions, fair wages and benefits.”

IAFF commended for its role in the labor movement

The IAFF, founded in 1918, was specifically praised for its efforts in advocating for the rights and safety of its members.

Su acknowledged General President Edward Kelly and the IAFF Executive Board for their leadership.

She said: “Thank you for leading the fight for our nation’s heroes.”

Kelly responded to the recognition, stating: “It is a true honor to be part of a union that has never stopped fighting for its members since its formation in 1918.”

He highlighted that IAFF members have worked to improve safety for both communities and fire fighters across the U.S. and Canada.

Additional unions recognized for labor contributions

Along with the IAFF, eight other unions were also honored.

These include the American Train Dispatchers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees, National Federation of Federal Employees, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, Service Employees International Union, and United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.

Together, these unions join over 50 other organizations that have been inducted into the Honor Roll, which is part of an exhibit in the U.S.

Department of Labor’s Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C.

Legacy of labor unions in the United States

The Century of Service Honor Roll aims to highlight unions that have played a major role in shaping labor rights in the U.S. over the last century.

The IAFF and the other honored unions have contributed to landmark labor laws, workplace safety improvements, and the establishment of fair wages and benefits.

According to Su: “The work that today’s honorees have done doesn’t just write a chapter in the story of labor; it is the spine of the book of the story of the American middle class.”

U.S. Department of Labor honors IAFF and other unions for 100 years of service: Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor recently honored nine unions, including the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), by inducting them into the Century of Service Honor Roll of American Labor Organizations.

This honor recognizes their contributions to workers’ rights, wages, and benefits.

Acting Secretary Julie Su praised the unions for their longstanding influence, noting their role in landmark labor legislation and worker protections.

General President Edward Kelly expressed gratitude for the IAFF’s inclusion, emphasizing the union’s commitment to fire fighter safety since its founding in 1918.

Eight other unions were also honored during the ceremony, further solidifying their place in the U.S. labor movement.

The Honor Roll exhibit is housed at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C.

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