Anti-Union Attacks Like Never Before

We are facing challenges in the union movement like never before. Attacks on pensions and our collective bargaining rights appear to only be the beginning. As this Special Edition of International Fire Fighter illustrates, we now face a host of attacks on a number of issues, including the restriction on the collection of union dues. And we have launched an unprecedented Fighting Back campaign on your behalf.

The first repeal of a dues deduction law was passed in Alabama. Act 761, passed in December during a special session of the state legislature, makes it illegal to arrange for public employee payroll deductions for union dues unless the labor organization does not use the dues for “political activity,” and defines that term so broadly that it includes even talking about candidates for state or local offices. The Act also forces unions to itemize and disclose all of their financial records to government employers each year.

The law threatens criminal penalties to those who violate its restrictive requirements with up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine. Legislation similar to Act 761 is appearing in legislative sessions in about a dozen other states as well.

The IAFF has challenged the ban on paying of union dues through payroll deductions in Alabama, arguing that the ban violates the free speech guarantees of the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Our lawsuit contends that the new laws are an attempt by extremist lawmakers to undermine labor organizations.

The lawsuit argues that local fire fighter unions engage in many efforts that could be considered “political activity,” including advocating on matters of public safety, and that no legitimate government interest is served by the ban. Currently, we have won a preliminary injunction against this law.

But, while we are fighting through the courts, we are also developing methods to assist affiliates with collecting dues. Since we have developed the ability to make online per capita payments (see page 26) for all affiliates, we can assist you at the local level to do the same through your local credit union or direct debit so you will have alternatives if faced with this issue. Contact your District Vice President for assistance.

To further assist in the Fighting Back campaign, we have established a substantial account by moving money at very favorable exchange rates from our Canadian bank accounts to our U.S. accounts. The transfer of per capita positions us financially to assist our affiliates where the attacks are hitting hardest. These expenditures are being tracked through a supplementary budget during this fight.

We haven’t had challenges like this in my lifetime, but I want to assure you that whether this fight lasts for six months or six years, the General Secretary-Treasurer’s office is in tune with what our affiliates and the membership need to fight back — and we will win it if we stand together and fight together.

R.I.P. Vinnie Bollon

In closing, I want to pay tribute to General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Vincent “Vinnie” Bollon. Vinnie was my predecessor in this incredible job. He was a courageous and dedicated fire fighter and a great labor leader, always ready for the next challenge. He was also a true champion and steward of our members’ assets. As this great union’s chief financial officer, Vinnie positioned the IAFF for financial strength for years to come.

It would be impossible to measure all that Vinnie has done for our union and its members. I just want to make sure everyone knows we were lucky to have had him as our General Secretary-Treasurer for over two decades.

We all remember the great anthem of the civil rights movement: “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.” Vinnie lived it. He kept his eyes on the prize of fairness and justice for IAFF members and for a strong union for the IAFF for more than 50 years, working at every level of leadership.

I would personally like to pass my condolences and prayers to Vinnie’s wonderful wife Linda, his children Janice and her husband Ron Roveto, Suzanne Bollon, Chrysee Bollon and Kathleen and her husband Walter Scott, and to Vinnie’s grandchildren Jennifer, Steven, Matthew, Nicholas, Caitlin and Brianne.

Vinnie you will never be forgotten, may you rest in peace.

Click here to read other messages from IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Miller.