International Association of Fire Fighters

Overview

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is a nonprofit labor union representing paid full-time firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in the United States and Canada. Established in 1918, the IAFF is affiliated with the AFL–CIO in the United States and the Canadian Labour Congress in Canada.

History

The IAFF was formed on February 28, 1918, in Washington, D.C., when 36 delegates from 24 local fire fighter unions gathered to adopt the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws. The organization was created primarily to improve the working conditions, wages, and safety standards for fire fighters. Prior to its establishment, individual fire unions had affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which supported the formation of a separate union for fire fighters[1][2][3].

Mission

The IAFF focuses on achieving better wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members. It also emphasizes improved safety and health standards, political action, and community service. The IAFF is known for its strong lobbying efforts and its Political Action Committee, FIREPAC, which is one of the most active federal PACs in the United States[4][5].

Activities and Achievements

• Health and Safety Initiatives: The IAFF has been instrumental in developing safety technologies and programs, including personal protective equipment and wellness programs[3].
• Charitable Efforts: The IAFF supports various charitable causes, including being the largest national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association[5].
• Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health: Launched in 2017, this center provides treatment and recovery support for fire fighters dealing with post-traumatic stress and substance abuse[5].
• Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial: The IAFF honors its fallen members at an annual memorial ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado[5].

Leadership

The IAFF is led by a General President and a General Secretary-Treasurer, both of whom are elected at the organization's biennial convention. As of 2021, Edward Kelly serves as the General President, and Frank V. Lima serves as the General Secretary-Treasurer[5].

Membership

Today, the IAFF has more than 344,440 members across over 3,500 affiliates, making it one of the largest and most influential labor unions in North America[5].