The IAFF unites with the entire labor movement in its battle with General Electric Corporation in opposition to its inflexible “take it or leave it” bargaining stance. Membership is asked to not buy GE products and to contribute $1 each towards the GE Strike Fund to aid the 150,000 strikers at the company’s 280 plants in 33 states.
Nixon Appoints First Fire Commissioners
Public Employee Relations Act
The IAFF helps draft the National Public Employee Relations Act, H.R. 17383, introduced in Congress to ensure collective bargaining for public employees.
Ladies’ Auxiliary Political Agenda
The IAFF Ladies’ Auxiliary sets its political agenda, which includes a fully employed, prosperous economy, national health insurance, clean and modern cities, the abolition of poverty and environmental pollution and unlimited free public education through the college level.
Research Planned on Fire Fighter Injuries
Seven physician trustees of the John P. Redmond Memorial Fund meet on how to obtain more factual information about fire fighters’ injuries and deaths and to make plans for future research in this area.
Death and Injury Survey
The “11th Annual IAFF Death and Injury Survey” shows firefighting as the most hazardous occupation for the first time, eclipsing previous front-runners: mining and quarrying professions.
Most Hazardous Occupation
IAFF Legislative Representative Jack Waller and IAFF Federal Representative Al Davis testify before the House Post Office and Civil Service Subcommittee on Retirements, Insurance and Health Benefits, stating that firefighting is now considered the most hazardous occupation in the world by the U.S. Department of Labor. This finding has implications for federal fire fighters who are required to handle deadly chemicals and radioactive materials, in addition to performing their firefighting duties.
Fire Service Recognition Day
The IAFF, along with the IAFC, requests that U.S. President Richard Nixon issue an official proclamation recognizing May 9 as Fire Service Recognition Day and to sign a bill calling for awarding of a Medal of Honor annually to a fire fighter or police officer who has distinguished himself through an uncommon act of bravery.
30th IAFF Convention
The 30th IAFF Convention is held in Miami Beach, Florida. Delegates pass the “one man, one vote” resolution. William H. McClennan is re-elected president and Albert E. Albertoni is re-elected secretary-treasurer.
Fire Fighter Film Shown at Convention
A new 28-minute movie, “A Fire Fighter’s Story – Prevent, Protect, Preserve,” is premiered at the IAFF 30th Convention. Copies can be purchased by locals for $195 each.
French IAFF Constitution
The entire IAFF constitution is translated into French for the first time in the International union’s history.
Salary Survey Results
According to the IAFF “52nd Annual Fire Department Salaries and Working Conditions Survey,” 67 cities in the U.S and Canada pay their fire fighters a salary of $10,000 or more.
Facial Hair
Facial hair among fire fighters is opposed by the Chief of the Waterbury (Connecticut) Fire Department. The State Board of Mediation and Arbitration finds no evidence that the fire fighter’s beard is a safety hazard, but only after he has shaved it off.
“Fire fighters who are not clean shaven are working under hazardous conditions in that long hair impairs the fire fighter’s helmet and affects breathing under a gas mask and that sparks flying on unshaven faces could cause severe complications. In view of the above, I hereby order all members of our department to have short haircuts and be clean shaven.”Chief Joseph Maloney, Waterbury, Connecticut Fire Department
Per Capita Tax Increase
Delegates to the 30th IAFF Convention vote to increase the per capita tax by 25 cents for a total of $1.25, of which 10 cents will go to financially assist in the resolution of emergency disputes.
IAFF Requests Contract Documents
The IAFF requests that locals send copies of all union contracts and arbitration and fact-finding briefs to the Research and Education Department.
Shoulder Patch Exhibit Planned
The IAFF collects fire fighter shoulder patches to be featured in a display planned for its new office building under construction in Washington, DC.
Adequate Smoke Masks Needed
The IAFF calls for the development of an adequate smoke mask for routine firefighting as current air masks have several disadvantages – too heavy, too bulky and not long lasting.