Services

A Local Union Solution

Moorhead Fire Fighters, Local 1323 ("Local) is a local chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters ("International" or "I.A.F.F.".) The I.A.F.F. is organized with local union control and accountability in mind. The majority of member dues goes to the local and they are solely responsible for its use. The I.A.F.F. supports and encourages local officer, elected by their members, to represent their members in as many of the functions the union provides as possible. Assistance from the International is always only a phone call away, and International staff will work on-site with the locals as needed.

The Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters ("State" or "M.P.F.F.") is also a member of the I.A.F.F., but serves in much the same capacity as a middle man. Often, our questions and issues can be solved at a State rather than International level. Our State officers are much more in tune with the issues and history of our Minnesota locals and help the International manage the work load.

Since almost all of our union business is performed by Local officers, we are very accountable to our members, and they are very informed and involved in our activities. This is a significant advantage over unions who's business is almost exclusively conducted by others from a remote location.

Our union members' dues do not go to political candidates and are not used for any kind of political contributions or to support the campaign or political activities of any particular candidate. All such activities are done through separate Political Action Committee funds that are raised through separate functions and member contributions and participation are absolutely voluntary. Our local members hold diverse political, social, economic, and religious views. As a union body where our members represent our own interests, we hold each member's views to be important and soverign; independent of their job and union protections.

Contract Negotiation

Our members negotiate "terms and conditions of employment" with the City of Moorhead as a single unit. For us, that means we are speaking with one 29-member strong voice. This helps to ensure fairness in negotiations and encourages us to work together for common solutions that both sides can live with.

The City still has a great deal of authority and flexibility when deciding how services are going to be delivered to the public. Certain basic elements of and employees benefits and rights are ensured, however, through our labor contract.

This contract can be defined for a period of time up to three years. Prior to it's expiration, both sides are supposed to meet and agree to terms of a new contract. Usually, most of the contract stays the same, but things like our wages that change with inflation and based upon what other cities pay their Fire Fighters will be adjusted. For public safety reasons, MOORHEAD FIRE FIGHTERS CAN NOT STRIKE. Under state law, if we and the City cannot agree to a new contract before the old one expires, we continue to operate under the previous contract until we reach a solution. If we ultimately can not agree on a new contract, both sides must plead their case to a State Arbitrator, and he or she will choose which side is being the most reasonable and award their request in whole.

In Minnesota NO ONE IS FORCED TO JOIN A UNION. Union membership is absolutely voluntary. A non-union Fire Fighter may not receive a different (higher or lower) wage structure or other benefits that those outlined in the contract. Similarly, the City may not force a non-union Fire Fighter to work more hours for the same pay, or require additional duties than those outlines in the contract. A non-union Fire Fighter may be required to pay a "fair-share fee" (less than the normal union dues) for the negotiation services the union provides for all Fire Fighters so the City may not use "divide and conquer" techniques of "union busting."

Grievance Processing

Our contract outlines a process of how a person is to receive discipline while working for the City. The labor contract also spells out how the City will compensate each employee as well as other terms such as how much vacation an employee receives, and how they may choose vacation time.

If one of our members feels the City has disciplined them unfairly or not followed the contract, our union will try to resolve the dispute with the City for and with that member. Our knowledge of applicable law and similar dispute cases is better than that of our members. We will also draw upon the knowledge of our State and International Officers.

If after several attempts we are still unable to resolve our dispute, both sides must plead their case to a State Arbitrator, and he or she will settle the matter. Moorhead Fire Fighters has a very low rate of grievance cases. Most of the issues we do address are settled quickly by working with the City to define the true nature of the problem and find a solution both sides can live with.

Member Assistance

If any of our members needs any kind of assistance, we and our union body are there. Be it financial problems, family problems, or simply needing help with a project at home we help each other and try to tend to one another's needs.

Tuition Assistance

Being a union member qualifies the member and their family for a host of scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Financial Services

The I.A.F.F. and other companies offer lower cost consumer, residential, and other loans with job loss protections for their members. Investments with lower costs, higher rates of return, and corporate profits that help to provide services that keep their jobs and union strong are and added benefit.

"The Brotherhood"

I.A.F.F. union members are considered brothers and sisters with all other I.A.F.F. members. We are recognized as paid-professional Fire Fighters one and all. If we are ever in need anywhere there is a Union Fire House, we are treated as one of their own, often better.

When a union brother or sister comes to Moorhead to deliver a class or seminar, attend a meeting, or is simply on vacation with their family we strive to take care of their hospitality needs, make someone available to show them around, put them up for the night if needed or help with any problems they might be experiencing.

This bond of brotherhood amongst all our union brothers and sisters may be the biggest asset our members get from union affiliation in the I.A.F.F. and is a great source of pride.

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