A house subcommittee heard arguments on the IAFF's Collective Bargaining Bill (HR 413). This bill would give fire fighters the right to collectively bargain. The National Right To Work Committee testified against it claiming it was a burden on fire fighters that would force them to be in unions. The failed to mention that without unions fire fighters are paid lower wages and have much lower benefits. The clearly want to eliminate a fire fighters voice in their safety. Republicans are split and Democrats fully support the measure.

Unfortunately the inhalation of hydrogen sulfide has become a more popular means of suicide that fire fighters may have to deal with. Fire fighters are cautioned to be very careful when approaching potential victicms in vehicles or even in their homes. Be on the lookout for notes indicating that they may have used this potentially deadly means of ending their own lives. More importantly these deadly chemicals may be used by terrorists in attacks in our country.

Governor Ritter called for the help of the Denver Fire Department this week when he took a spill on his bicycle. Unlike Governor Ritters response when fire fighters asked for his help, the members of Engine 8 gave Ritter a helping hand. In 2009 Ritter went back on his word to give fire fighters the right to bargain. This was a campaign promise he made to fire fighters and spurred the CPFF to demand more accountability from endorsed candidates. We hope the Governor heals quickly buyt has time to reflect on his poor decision and takes a note from fire fighters to up hold his promises, like the fire fighters that responded to him upheld their oath of service.

On February 22, the Colorado Supreme Court issued its decision in the Amendment 54 case.   The Court held that the amendment violated the First Amendment rights of unions and their members and was totally invalid.  The Court specifically refused to uphold any portion of the amendment.  For locals with collective bargaining agreements, you no longer have to worry about reporting that you are a sole source contractor or worry about whether you can support a candidate or issue in your jurisdiction.  You are back to working under Article XXVIII of the Colorado Constitution that limits campaign activity, but allows home rule cities to have different rules.  Thanks to Aurora Local 1290 and President Randy Rester for agreeing to be a plaintiffs in the case so that the particular facts about fire fighters were put before the court.  CLICK HERE TO READ TO COURT DECISION.

President Obama's 2011 budget reconizes the importance and the deficiencies in America's fire service. He has proposed;

• $305 million for SAFER (Congress expected to add an additional $500 million to save fire fighter jobs)
• $305 million FIRE Act
• $28 million USAR
• $2 billion to state and local governments to improve emergency response capabilities

The budget will go before congess where the IAFF and affiliates willall have to work hard to get even more money to ensure fire fighters can operate safely and effectively.

This critical funding demonstrates the need to stay politically active.

The Executive Board has elected Thomas Miller to replace long time Secretary Treasurer Vinny Bollon. Vinny recently retired and Miller will serve in the position for the remainder of the term. Miller is well respected and should do a great job for fire fighters. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TOMMY MILLER.

January 13th marks the opening day for the Sixty-Seventh General Assembly for the State of Colorado.  This is also Brothers Clapham and Eulberg first session  as the lobbyists for the CPFF. There are several issues that impact fire fighters this session. CLICK HEADLINE TO READ THE BILLS.

 

The Whitehouse reached an agreement with labor to avoid the proposed excise tax on health care. The deal would exclude  not apply to policies covering workers in collective bargaining agreements, state and local workers and members of voluntary employee benefit associations through Dec. 31, 2017.The excise tax is still part of the reform package but it could allinate middle class voters and will be a big threat to fire fighters in the future. The IAFF stands firmly against the excise tax as a means to pay for the much needed reforms. The IAFF has been the lone union to stand against leaving the excise tax as part of the package. If we are going to reform healthcare it should be done carefully and should not pander to individual interests.