People ask us all the time "why do we support those people in politics"? Well the simple answer is we support those who support us. Your 1014 board is elected by you, our membership, to protect your wages, hours and working conditions. How is that done? Politics. Our voice in politics is very important. Every day we are involved in something that revolves around some type of politics. If we did not have a voice just think of what we wouldn't have (or better yet, not have) as firefighters....

We will be talking about this issue in great detail over the next few months. We will be sending emails out regularly, visiting stations and sending information to your home because of the attack that is coming on the ballot here in California in November 2012.

Here is just one reason we are involved in politics....

IAFF Scores Major Victory on Broadband Spectrum

February 21, 2012– A national communications network dedicated to public safety took a giant step forward today as President Obama signed a bill that transfers 10 megahertz of broadband spectrum – or D Block – to be used solely by first responders in emergencies.

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks exposed problems with radios and emphasized the critical need to improve interoperable communications. So the IAFF worked with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to pass the legislation while also preserving components of the bill that will help affiliates throughout the transition.

“Once again, we are proud that even in this highly charged partisan environment that our union continues to work with our friends in both parties to score victories for professional fire fighters,” says General President Harold Schaitberger.

Vice President Joseph R. Biden says passage of the bill fulfilled an important pledge to fire fighters....read more

Another reason political action is important for firefighters and our voice. Imagine if this was to be taken away from us?

Wyoming Fire Fighters Stop Anti-Collective Bargaining Bill

February 17, 2012– The quick action of the Federated Fire Fighters of Wyoming (FFFWY) stopped an anti-collective bargaining bill – State HB 58 – before it moved through the legislature. The State House voted 42-18 to refuse to introduce the bill, which would have made collective bargaining illegal in Wyoming.

In the state, fire fighters are the only workers who have collective bargaining rights by state statute. Others have gained bargaining rights by passing City ordinances.

“We had to move quickly to prevent this harmful and unnecessary law from gaining any ground,” says FFFWY President Joe Fender. “In the end, it was worth it because the rights of all employees with collective bargaining....read more

Keep involved and check here often for information. In the meantime if you have any questions call the hall at (310) 639-1014 or email us at info@local1014.org