MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT
What are the categories of IAFF membership?
The IAFF Constitution & By-Laws provides (in Article III, Section 1) for three categories of International members:
- Active
- Retired-Active
- Honorary
In order to be a retired-active member of the IAFF, the governing laws of the individual's union must expressly provide for active-retired status (at the same time, locals are not required to have an active-retired membership category).
Individuals who have performed meritorious service to the IAFF or distinguished public service may be elected to Honorary membership by a majority vote of the IAFF Executive Board, a subordinate IAFF union or convention delegates. In addition, locals may establish categories of union membership in addition to the three International categories, e.g., Life Members).
What are the types of IAFF affiliates?
- State Associations (A)
- Provincial Associations (C)
- Federal Locals (F)
- Industrial Locals (I)
- Municipal Locals (L)
- State Locals (S)
How do I make sure my name is included in the retiree list in the International Fire Fighter magazine?
All inquiries related to the retiree list in the magazine should be directed to the Membership Department at membership@iaff.org. You may also call us at (202) 824-1521.
How do I change my address?
Address changes can be made in several ways:
- Local officers or members can log onto the IAFF web site and enter an address change by clicking on: Programs & Services\Membership Department\Member Updates and Address changes.
- Email the address change to the Membership Department at membership@iaff.org.
- Call the Membership Department with the change at (202) 824-1521.
How do I change my mailing address for the International Fire Fighter?
Send the change to the Membership Department at membership@iaff.org.
Can a local officer obtain a printed list of the members in his/her local?
Yes, you can receive a list of members. We refer to the list as a roster. Here's how to get your roster:
- Print one from the IAFF web site by clicking on Programs & Services\Membership Department\My Local Roster.
- Email your request to the Membership Department at membership@iaff.org.
Can a local obtain a replacement union charter or union seal from the IAFF?
Yes. You can obtain these items from the Budget & Finance Department using the Supply Order Form. You can find this form in the GST Library.
An order for a replacement union charter or union seal must be sent with a letter, signed by two local officers, listing the reason you need a replacement.
Can a local officer obtain mailing labels containing the names/addresses of IAFF members in other IAFF locals?
Yes, with conditions. Such labels are requested primarily for fundraising purposes (e.g., to assist a member who has contracted a serious illness or disease).
- If the labels are for the names/addresses of members in other locals within your District, then your District Vice President must approve the request.
- If the labels are for members in a local(s) outside your District, then the entire IAFF Executive Board is polled by the General Secretary-Treasurer for approval.
Send requests for mailing labels to the General Secretary-Treasurer's office.
Does an IAFF member have to pay union dues if he/she has been laid off or while he/she is on active military duty?
No. The IAFF Constitution & By-Laws provides (in Article III, Section 5) that a member who is laid off may continue to be carried as an active member while he is on a preferred rehire list. He continues to enjoy all the rights of active membership (except the right to vote on collective bargaining agreements). Payment of the member's per capita is waived.
Similarly, a member who goes on active military duty may continue to be carried as an active member with all dues and other union charges waived until the member is relieved from active duty.
When are new IAFF membership cards issued and how can a member obtain a replacement membership card?
The IAFF sends new membership cards to all members every four years. The current card is valid through December 2012.
Members can obtain a replacement card by contacting the Membership Department at membership@iaff.org.
Can withdrawal cards be issued to members who separate from the fire service?
Yes. The IAFF Constitution & By-Laws provides (in Article III, Section 5 and Article XIII, Section 5) that withdrawal cards may be issued to members who leave the fire service in good standing or who are legally precluded from maintaining union membership due to their fire department position.
Locals can obtain blank withdrawal cards by submitting an order to the Budget & Finance Department using the IAFF Supply Order Form.
IAFF ALUMNI
The IAFF Alumni is an organization that provides an opportunity for former members who have retired or left their union to continue their relationship with the IAFF.
What programs and benefits are available to Alumni members?
Alumni have access to the IAFF website, IAFF Alumni web site, IAFF Financial Corporation, IAFF Online Store, Union Sportsmen's Alliance, the International Fire Fighter magazine and IAFF email communications.
Who are eligible for the Alumni program?
All Active-Retired IAFF members are automatically eligible to participate. Most former IAFF members with an Inactive-Retired membership status are eligible to participate provided that they retired or left their union in good standing.
Who are ineligible for the Alumni program?
Retired IAFF members who choose not to participate in their local's Active-Retired membership program and retired IAFF members who are listed as "withdrawn," "terminated," "suspended," "laid off," or "leave of absence" are ineligible to participate. However, the final Alumni eligibility decision is typically at the discretion of the current president of their former local.
Is there a fee to be a member of the IAFF Alumni?
None. The IAFF Alumni program is largely funded through IAFF Active-Retired per capita dues.
How are retiring members solicited for an Alumni membership?
Current IAFF members who are approaching retirement and are eligible for the Alumni program will automatically be sent an Alumni welcome package that contains information about the Alumni program and directions on how to activate their new membership. This solicitation process typically starts when the IAFF processes the monthly retirement roster from each local.
Is there an Alumni web site?
Yes. Please visit the IAFF Alumni web site at www.iaffalumni.org.
How do I login to the Alumni web site?
Visit the Alumni web site and locate the login area in the upper left hand section. Enter the same username and password you use for the IAFF web site, then click the login button.
How do I obtain IAFF and IAFF Alumni merchandise?
You may purchase IAFF and IAFF Alumni merchandise from the IAFF Online Store. You must first login to the IAFF or IAFF Alumni web site in order to proceed to the online store.
PAYING PER CAPITA ONLINE
What will I need to pay online?
Your local's checking account information.
What if I forget the password?
Contact the IAFF Membership Department to reset it.
Will the system know my membership total?
Yes, it calculates directly with the membership counts on file for the local at the time statements are generated.
Can I schedule a payment?
Yes, once in the account profile, you can select a date for your payment.
Can I change the amount I wish to pay?
Yes, once in the account profile, you can edit the payment amount.
Can I pay for the entire year?
Yes, once in the account profile, you can edit the payment amount – which will be applied to the local's record as a pre-pay and applied each month; however, if the membership totals change you will need to adjust the payment.
What happens when we change officers?
Contact the Membership Department at membership@iaff.org to update the profile.
Will I receive a receipt for my payment?
Yes, every transaction allows you to print a receipt.
BLANKET BOND COVERAGE
What is the amount of the bond?
$5,000. The $5,000 bond is paid for by the IAFF.
Is there a guideline regarding the level of coverage we should maintain?
It is a good practice to maintain a bond of at least 10 per cent of your assets.
What is the term for the bond coverage?
The policies are written for a three-year term. The term is from April 1, 2011 to April 1, 2014.
What do I do if I want to increase the bond amount?
You can contact our insurance broker at IAFFbond@schoenfeldins.com or write to:
Schoenfeld Insurance Associates, Inc.
6225 Smith Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21209-3644
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Can I purchase insurance through the IAFF?
Yes, The IAFF Financial Corporation has relationships with licensed insurance brokers. Products available include:
- Health care plans for IAFF retirees
- Term Life
- Individual Term Life
- Universal Life
- Long-Term Care
- Indemnity Dental Plans
- Business Health Plans
Call toll free at 1 (866) 423-3757 to speak to a customer service representative who can give you rates and answer your questions.
