International Association of Fire Fighters

Overview

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is a prominent labor union dedicated to representing full-time professional firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in the United States and Canada.

History

The IAFF was founded on February 28, 1918, by thirty-six delegates representing twenty-four local fire fighter unions gathered in Washington, D.C. The organization's establishment aimed to improve wages, working conditions, and safety standards for its members. Before its formation, fire fighters faced harsh working environments with long hours, poor pay, and inadequate safety measures[1][2].

Objectives

The primary goals of the IAFF include organizing the profession, creating reasonable working conditions, promoting a safer working environment, and securing just compensation for its members. Throughout its history, the IAFF has been instrumental in advancing these objectives through collective bargaining and advocacy on national and local levels[3][4].

Membership and Structure

The IAFF has more than 344,440 members across over 3,500 affiliate organizations. It is affiliated with the AFL–CIO in the United States and the Canadian Labour Congress in Canada. The union operates under a participative democracy with elected leaders and district vice presidents from both countries[5].

Activities and Initiatives

• Legislative Efforts: The IAFF actively engages in legislative matters, hosting conferences where members meet with political leaders to advocate for fire fighter interests.
• Health and Safety: The organization develops resources and solutions to improve occupational health, including initiatives on fire fighter fatality investigations and health advocacy.
• Charitable Work: The IAFF supports various charitable causes, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through the "Fill the Boot" campaign[5].

FIREPAC

The IAFF's political action committee, FIREPAC, was established in 1978 and is known for its bipartisan support of candidates who advocate for fire fighters' interests[5].