1959-1968

IAFF leadership expresses relief at failure of Social Security Amendments of 1964, eliminating at least temporarily the threat to fire fighter retirement systems.

President Lyndon B. Johnson sends appreciation letter to IAFF President William D. Buck for support during presidential campaign.

The IAFF contests the policy of the U.S. Air Force that a union seeking exclusive recognition must be designated by a majority of all employees. An impartial arbitrator rules that civilian fire fighters at an Air Force installation constitute an appropriate bargaining unit for purposes of exclusive recognition under Executive Order 10988.

The IAFF decries 47 states’ efforts to increase sales tax in order to obtain revenue, as this hits the low- to middle-income groups the hardest.

The IAFF supports passage of H.R. 8986, which calls for salary increases ranging from 2 to 25 percent for some 1.7 million federal employees, including all federal fire fighters.

The IAFF creates a new Public Relations Handbook for fire fighters.

Congress debates bill H.R. 9966, which would allow a federal income tax deduction for the cost of fire fighters’ meals eaten while on duty.

A proposed revision to the Canadian pension plan, if enacted, would be compulsory and require a contribution from both the employee and employer. Locals are urged to assess and prepare for the impact on their existing pension plans.

The IAFF holds the first of six traveling educational seminars on collective bargaining, public relations and parliamentary procedures. Fire fighters from a 10-state area convene at the University of Massachusetts. The second, which attracts fire fighters from nine states, is held in Leander, Texas.

The Civil Service Commission places new restrictions on trade union activities of federal employee unions, including banning unions from using government time to instruct shop stewards on negotiated agreements and from attending union conventions as delegates.

The 27th IAFF Convention is held in San Diego, California. Albert E. Albertoni of Oakland, California, is elected IAFF Secretary-Treasurer, defeating incumbent John C. Kabachus . William D. Buck is elected to a fourth full term of office.

List of All IAFF Conventions →

Dr. M. Howard Skolnick, who has served as medical advisor to the IAFF in an honorary capacity since 1939, is named medical advisor for the John P. Redmond Memorial Fund. Dr. Skolnick publishes an article connecting fire fighters’ work conditions and their health .

Salaries, hours and fringe benefits dominate fire fighter bargaining sessions, according to the IAFF’s “1963 Salary and Working Conditions Report.” Canadian locals make impressive gains in shorter workweeks, while organized departments in the U.S. continue to show substantially higher salaries.

All Canadian provinces, except Prince Edward Island, levy a tax on fire insurance programs. However, no province earmarks this revenue for firefighting, pension or distribution to municipal governments. The IAFF resolves to conduct a study to further understand the implications.

The IAFF meets with NFPA and the IAFC to combat consolidation of police and fire departments, as well as disparities in salary.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs H.R. 11049, which gives federal fire fighters a 5 percent pay increase. IAFF President William D. Buck receives the pen used in the bill signing.

Twenty-second television spots – part of the IAFF public relations program – are shown in 70 television stations across the nation. The IAFF makes the complete set available for $25 to local unions.

The IAFF publishes chart on state taxes on fire insurance premiums and reveals that there is no uniformity across the nation.

The IAFF discontinues mailing the International Fire Fighter to fire stations in cities in which members are receiving home delivery of the magazine. To date, 161 locals have not yet furnished the IAFF with members’ home addresses.

Mrs. Louise Speer of Gadsden, Alabama, is elected the new president of the International Ladies Auxiliary.

An IAFF report indicates that death and injury rates among fire fighters reach new highs.

The IAFF creates a new retiree’s lapel pin, made of 10 carat gold and selling for $6.50 each through local union secretaries.

The IAFF moves its headquarters to the Moreschi Building at 905 16th Street, NW in Washington, DC, gaining 50 percent more office space.