Texas Local Wins Collective Bargaining on November Ballot

November 7, 2007 – After some tough campaigning, Pampa, TX Local 3293 fire fighters have the right to bargain collectively with their employer. The final vote in favor of collective bargaining was 516-447.

“Winning this ballot measure has afforded us an incredible opportunity,” says Craig Harkcom, president of Local 3293. “The membership is very enthusiastic about negotiating our first contract.”

Fire fighters anticipate that will happen after the City Commission verifies the votes on November 15.

The Pampa Professional Fire Fighters had initially attempted to get the issue on the ballot in May, but the City Commission was unable to review its paperwork in time.

“The delay in getting this important issue on the ballot turned out to be a good thing,” reflects Harkcom. “The extra time gave me an opportunity to go to the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters conference and talk with other IAFF locals who already won their right to collectively bargain. The information they gave me on how to best organize our campaign was invaluable.”

Local 3293 was also the first IAFF affiliate to receive assistance from the Political Referendum Operations Partnership (PROP) Fund. The new DROP Fund, which was established by resolution at the IAFF 48th Biennial Convention in 2006, helps provide interest-free loans to state associations and local affiliates to finance campaigns related to referendums, ballot initiatives and constitutional or charter amendments.