Marty Walsh, the Executive Director of the NHL Players Association, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy, and Timothy Driscoll, President of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, delivered powerful messages on the importance of political advocacy and union solidarity at the 57th Convention.
Walsh, the former U.S. Secretary of Labor, mayor of Boston, and an honorary member of Local 718, highlighted the vital role of political engagement in shaping policies that affect fire fighters daily.
“Eddie doesn’t sit back and wait; he goes out there and fights for what he believes is right for his members,” Walsh said, referring to IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “You need to be involved in the political process because what happens in state houses, Congress, and city halls impacts you every single day.”
Walsh reiterated his support for fire fighters, saying, “To America – this is one former mayor, one former labor secretary, one former elected official that will say these words every single day — I love the fire fighters. I will always stand with the fire fighters.”
You need to be involved in the political process because what happens in state houses, Congress, and city halls impacts you every single day.
Marty walsh, Executive Director of the NHL Players Association
Driscoll praised the IAFF’s commitment to workplace safety and solidarity, highlighting their support for Local I-66 members in Renton, Washington, during a recent lockout.
“Workplace safety is one of the paramount goals for all unions, and your union’s commitment to health and safety is second to none,” Driscoll said. “Your resolve in supporting your brothers and sisters in times of need is an inspiration to every other union in North America.”
Healy lauded the IAFF’s achievements and highlighted the importance of better wages and protection for fire fighters. “We believe all of our fire fighters should be well-paid, properly equipped, and protected against injury,” Healy said. “In Massachusetts, we stand with you.”
Healy also commended the IAFF’s efforts to remove harmful PFAS chemicals from firefighting gear. “Your fight against powerful corporate interests to remove PFAS from your gear is an all-hands-on-deck mission. I am proud to stand with you,” she said.
In a call for national unity, Healy praised the IAFF’s commitment to service and community despite differences.
“We may feel divided as a nation, at times we may not agree on everything, but today I want to underscore the importance of fostering national unity, and the fire fighter’s commitment to service, community, and country is a powerful example and it’s something we can all unite around,” she said.
