The IAFF entered the 1950s with a membership of 72,000 and a rising awareness among fire fighters that pay increases did not match the rates of inflation. The union turned its focus to strengthening the collective bargaining process by advocating for compulsory arbitration laws. The union also began a decades-long and largely successful effort to keep fire fighters’ pensions from being absorbed into the Social Security system.
Membership continues to climb with the increased interest in unionism among federal employees in the United States and Canada.
At the 20th IAFF Convention, IAFF leaders mandate the establishment of an annual salary of $5,000 per year and urge members to persist in their efforts to secure the necessary legislation to have the salary mandate established into law in their communities. A goal is set to establish a 40-hour work week and to allow retirement at half pay after 20 years of service. In addition, the IAFF calls for three-quarters pay for fire fighters disabled in the line of duty and a minimum benefit for widows of $1,200 per year.
In the last 25 years, salaries of policemen and firemen employed in United States cities have increased more than 80 percent.
The IRS rules that if firemen are required to wear distinctive types of uniforms while at work, and if such uniforms are not suitable for ordinary wear, then they may deduct the cost of their maintenance as a necessary business expense.
The IAFF leads a movement against congressional bill HR 6000, which permits all public employees of state and local governments to be included under Social Security, arguing to exclude all public employees in positions covered by retirement systems.
At the 20th IAFF Convention, 250 women meet to form the Ladies’ Auxiliary focused on the welfare of fire fighters and their families. A potential membership of 500,000 women is envisioned — all wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of active, retired and deceased union firemen.
“During the last two years, through the action of the International Labor Organization, all the progressive nations of the earth have secured the right to organize and bargain collectively. This, at last, has been accepted as a universal right by all the nations of the earth. The gateway to universal peace and prosperity is slowly opening the way for all mankind to enjoy.”John P. Redmond, IAFF President (1946-1957)
The U.S. Department of Treasury informs the IAFF that new locals are exempt from federal income tax.
The IAFF educates members on training in the use of three types of masks: the self-generating, the demand and the oxygen re-breathing types.
The IAFF stresses the importance of first-aid training for fire department employees.
Sanborn Maps, primarily intended for use by insurance companies, offers value to fire fighters as well in their efforts to battle blazes.
The IAFF warns members that the rapidly increasing use of television antennas poses an emerging fire risk.
The IAFF lauds Congress’ passage of a retroactive pay increase for the District of Columbia and Canal Zone fire fighters, and an increase in widows’ pensions.
Samuel A. Fink (1919-1919)Samuel A. Fink took office in May 1919 and served through September of that year. He spent his entire fire service career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and with Pittsburgh Local 1. When the IAFF was organized in 1918, Fink was elected 1st Vice President. One year later, as president, Fink focused on growing the membership, organizing 96 new locals. Fink resigned during the latter part of 1919 due to family obligations.
William D. Buck (1957-1968)William D. Buck was first elected secretary-treasurer by delegates at the 23rd IAFF Convention in Montreal, Canada. Less than a year later, he was elected by the IAFF Executive Board to serve as acting president after the untimely death of President John P. Redmond. As president, he set increasing membership as a priority, successfully growing the ranks by 50 percent to 115,370. He retired from his position as president in 1968 after celebrating the IAFF’s 50th anniversary.
Buck began his career as a fire fighter with the St. Louis Fire Department in 1930 and soon became an active member of Local 73. He served as a vice president for the local and was also a member of several committees.
Buck was elected 2nd District Vice President in 1940. During his tenure, he was credited with forming three state affiliates, including the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters, the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada and the Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters.
William D. Buck (1956-1957)William D. Buck was first elected secretary-treasurer by delegates at the 23rd IAFF Convention in Montreal, Canada.
Buck began his career as a fire fighter with the St. Louis Fire Department in 1930 and soon became an active member of Local 73. He served as a vice president for the local and was also a member of several committees.
Buck was elected 2nd District Vice President in 1940. During his tenure, he was credited with forming three state affiliates, including the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters, the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada and the Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters.
All members from the youngest age to the oldest are taken regardless of occupation, nationality or locality, without a medical examination. New members under 50 years of age will be automatically added upon notice without a medical examination after the original group closes March 15, 1921. No member over 50 will then be accepted for insurance.