3rd District Conference

Responding to Energy Storage Systems (2 hours)
The installation of dedicated Energy Storage Systems utilizing lithium-ion battery technology is increasing and fire fighters are responding to battery units that have failed and transition to thermal runaway. This session will provide an overview of multiple research projects conducted by UL Fire Safety Research Institute, in conjunction with the IAFF, and review the Fire Fighter Tactical Considerations developed as a product of these projects.

PSOB and OSHA Updates (2 hours)
PSOB
The Public Safety Officers Benefits (PSOB) are death and disability benefits for fire fighters and law enforcement officers that die or are totally disabled in the line-of-duty. Learn about the various components of the legislation, who can receive these benefits, and the process to secure these for our fallen brothers and sisters.

OSHA: The New Rule and How it Impacts the Fire Service
In 2025 OSHA released a new proposed rule that would expand the current Fire Brigade rule to cover public supported response agencies. Since the release of the proposed rule, there has been a great deal of speculation and concern, much of it based on inaccurate reporting and misunderstandings of applications. This workshop will outline the proposed OSHA rule and the impact on the fire service.

Improving Residential Size-Up, Fire Dynamics, and Building Construction (2 hours)
This class is the in-person version of a new online program created and offered by the International Association of Fire Fighters. This class provides a framework for fire fighters to use during the size-up of a residential structure fire, and provides tangible takeaways and tactical considerations based on the fire dynamics and the building’s era, materials, and occupancy. This class is intended for fire service personnel of all ranks and experience levels.

Negotiating Strategies for Tough Economic Times (2 hours)
We are a union regardless of the status of the economy. Therefore, when we are in tough economic times, we may adjust our mission but not change our vision to continually advance. These challenges may be in the form of decreased tax revenues, cuts in state aid to local government, or cuts in other sources of revenue. The reductions in revenue that result in municipal budget cuts have affected IAFF locals by influencing wages, benefits, or operational resources. This workshop will provide an understanding of how fiscal crises impact the negotiation process, as well as providing insight on how to address wages, benefits, working conditions, and staffing issues in tough times. The workshop will specifically address the above outlined issues for locals with collective bargaining agreements or a formal negotiation process.

Municipal Financial Analysis (2 hours)
This workshop is designed to educate affiliate leaders about municipal financial analysis (FMA). In order to ensure proper staffing and reasonable wage and benefit increases, a local must know the basic financial condition of its government, as well as what monies are available to fund its needs. Municipal financial analysis is a service provided by the IAFF that examines a jurisdiction’s financial records and determines its financial condition. The value of the analysis is dependent on affiliate leaders effectively understanding the key indicators of a government’s financial condition and knowing how to use the information appropriately.

Preparing for Negotiations: Collective Bargaining (2 hours)
The collective bargaining process allows you to negotiate for wages, benefits and other conditions of employment. To be successful at the bargaining table, you must thoroughly research and develop your strategy. In this workshop, you will learn how to set realistic goals for your membership and collect the data needed to support your case.

Conducting Negotiations: Collective Bargaining (2 hours)
Actively negotiating a contract is one of the most important functions IAFF affiliate leadership can perform for members and is the key ingredient in fire fighter–employer relations. In this workshop, you will learn how to create ground rules that benefit unions, participate in mock negotiation sessions and learn how to apply bargaining techniques.

Frontline Union Representative Basics (2 hours)
This workshop addresses the knowledge and skills involved in effectively enforcing contract provisions and representing workers’ rights with your fire service management and jurisdiction. It will introduce and explore the issues and best practices involved in handling grievances, enforcing contract language, and handling discipline issues. Additionally, this workshop reviews ways that key union personnel can inform membership on the benefits of union membership and active involvement.

Local Union Administration (2 hours)
Designed to help affiliate leaders achieve goals for their locals, this course teaches the skills necessary to be effective in any role as a union officer. Information is provided on the duties of each local union officer, as well as the responsibilities of the executive board and other committees in the local. It will also acquaint participants with the various services and assistance available from the IAFF.

How to Run a Meeting (2 hours)
The manner in which you run your union meetings will affect member attendance and how you are perceived as a leader. A well-run meeting with meaningful and timely agenda items will draw more attendees and help you earn the respect of your membership. In this workshop, you will learn IAFF meeting protocol and etiquette; how to plan for and conduct an efficient and productive meeting; and methods for handling conflict. This workshop is ideal for local union officers with limited experience running union meetings.

Introduction to Grievances (2 hours)
The manner in which you process grievances will determine how quickly they are resolved and how your members will perceive you. A good understanding of the grievance process will better enable you to enforce the collective bargaining agreement and avoid costly arbitration hearings. In this workshop, you will learn how to evaluate and file a grievance, reduce your chances of receiving a DFR claim, and develop effective grievance strategies. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who have limited experience with grievances.