Resolving a Human Relations Complaint

The IAFF firmly believes that a charge of discrimination or harassment should be settled in the shortest time possible. When an IAFF member has a human relations complaint, Article XIII, Section 22 of the Constitution and By-Laws and the IAFF Executive Board Policy of the IAFF provide the following system for resolution of the issue:

• Inform the local president of the issue.
• If the local has a human relations committee, the local president may refer the issue to the committee.
• If the issue is not resolved at the local level, the local president may seek the assistance of the district vice president.
• The district vice president may then ask the assistance of the IAFF General President.
• The IAFF General President may offer assistance to the local union.
• The IAFF General President may utilize the IAFF Human Relations Committee to assist the local union.

When a member has pursued a human relations complaint through the local union and its officers and has not received a resolution that is deemed appropriate, then the member has a number of avenues available that can be followed. The member can correspond directly with the district vice president and the IAFF General President.

The IAFF’s Human Relations Committee provides technical assistance to affiliates on discrimination issues and other human relations related topics. The committee counsels and advises locals through meetings with IAFF members and/or local committees and management. The committee can also provide educational programs for locals who wish to take proactive steps in human relations.

Additionally, IAFF Human Relations Committee Technical Assistance extends into offering education and training. The programs below offer guidance in getting started in human relations and are taught to locals throughout the United States and Canada. For information on bringing these workshops to your local, contact Patrick Morrison, Assistant the General President at pmorrison@iaff.org.

Local Human Relations Committee: Getting Started
The IAFF recommends that every local affiliate establish a human relations committee. Establishing a committee is a proven way to help locals sort through the opportunities and challenges that diversity presents. It can assist locals in resolving conflict and developing a proactive strategy for change. In this workshop, local affiliate leaders will learn about the benefits of having a local human relations committee and strategies for developing their own committee.

Local Human Relations Committees: Next Steps
Once you have developed your committee, you are ready for action. In this workshop, you will learn how to assess membership needs, develop and carry out long-term strategic plans, report progress to key stakeholders, and devise strategies to fund your committee’s activities. In addition, you will explore strategies for forming a cohesive team among committee members and learn how to keep them productive and energized.