Arizona Local Gains Meet and Confer Rights

February 26, 2010 – Northwest Fire District Local 3572 is the latest in a string of Arizona locals to gain the right to meet and confer. The District board voted unanimously to upgrade Local 3572’s right to collectively bargain on January 26, 2010.

Local 3572 first gained the right to meet and discuss in 2000. Since then, fire fighters have been working toward a more formal process. “The management has consistently been willing to sit down and talk with us; however, the follow-through on promises has not always been consistent,” says Local 3572 President Kyle Canty.

Last year, Local 3572 fire fighters contacted Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona Executive Vice President Bryan Jeffries, who has helped several Arizona locals gain the right to meet and confer.

Jeffries helped local members draft proposal language and present it to the board. The Northwest Fire District Board voted unanimously in favor of meet and confer, benefiting more than 180 fire fighters.

A date has not been set to begin negotiating for a memorandum of understanding.