Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Fire Fighters Join UPFFA of Connecticut

March 6, 2009 –  Fire fighters endured Connecticut’s latest winter storm to cast their ballots in an election to determine if they would become the first and only Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Government unionized employees. More than 20 ballots were cast, with 17 counted and five challenged by the employer. The 17 counted ballots were unanimous in favor of unionizing and being represented by the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut (UPFFA).

The additional five ballots were challenged because the employer maintains these employees are in supervisory positions and are ineligible to be part of the union. The union status of these employees is subject to an upcoming hearing for a decision.

Although the UPFFA of Connecticut organizes several new affiliates each year, the Mashantucket Pequot group is an unusual new affiliate because Mashantucket Pequots are a recognized sovereign tribal nation and have their own legal system and laws. The Mashantucket Pequot labor relations law that permitted the group to become organized is different than and independent of any state or federal laws. In addition, unlike employees of Foxwoods, the Tribe’s gaming and resort enterprise, Tribal public safety employees are not covered under the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board.

The process of organizing the fire fighters was a mutually respectful and cooperative one between the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut and the Mashantucket Employments Rights Office. The fire fighters and their new union look forward to further developing a long-term and harmonious relationship with their employer, beginning with their upcoming contract negotiations.