International Association of Fire Fighters

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is a labor union that represents paid full-time firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in the United States and Canada. The organization was founded on February 28, 1918, with the primary goal of improving working conditions, wages, and safety for its members.

History

The formation of the IAFF was preceded by the affiliation of several local fire unions with the American Federation of Labor (AFL), starting as early as 1901 in Washington, D.C. However, it was the Pittsburgh firefighters, who organized as AFL Local 11431, that essentially laid the groundwork for the IAFF by pushing for fire fighters to organize across the country[1][4]. By 1917, the AFL and its president, Samuel Gompers, supported the growing number of fire fighter locals, leading to the formal establishment of the IAFF in 1918[1].

Mission and Objectives

Since its inception, the IAFF has focused on achieving several key objectives:

• Organization: Uniting fire fighters to improve their profession.
• Working Conditions: Enhancing safety and reducing long working hours.
• Compensation: Ensuring fair wages and benefits.
• Safety: Promoting a safer working environment.

Membership and Structure

The IAFF represents over 344,000 members across more than 3,500 affiliate organizations in the U.S. and Canada[5]. It operates as a participatory democracy, with members electing leaders at biennial conventions and contributing to policy decisions affecting the organization[3].

Advocacy and Lobbying

The IAFF is one of the most active lobbying organizations in Washington, D.C., with its Political Action Committee, FIREPAC, being among the top one percent of federally registered PACs[4][5]. The organization supports candidates who advocate for fire fighters' interests, regardless of political affiliations[5].

Charitable and Social Activities

The IAFF is also involved in various charitable activities, notably being the largest national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through its "Fill the Boot" campaign[5]. Additionally, the IAFF Charitable Foundation provides assistance to members affected by disasters and promotes fire safety education[5].

Affiliations

The IAFF is affiliated with the AFL–CIO in the United States and the Canadian Labour Congress in Canada[5].