LOCAL 3390
January 12, 2007
Posted On: Jan 16, 2007

January 12, 2007

Happy New Year!

 

I thought that I would take a moment to recap the Local 3390 accomplishments for 2006 and provide some insight as to what might be in store for 2007.

 

In the first half of the year we worked to re-establish regular productive labor-management relations.  This was slow at the beginning, but continues to develop. The Local had an E-Board member at every Commissioners meeting in 2006. Additionally, I started meeting one-on-one with the Fire Commissioners.  These lunch meetings have allowed us to talk directly with the policy makers in a non-threatening arena.  In the past, the Commissioners would not interact with the Local in a direct way, except in negotiations.  Now we are able to regularly talk directly to them about our issues.   I believe that some of the NFPA 1710 objectives outlined in Resolution 2006-17 are a direct result of these productive meetings.  I also believe that the additional 27 firefighter positions that will be created in the next 36 months are also a result of these meetings.

 

The second half of 2006 was no less busy.  We were heavily involved in campaigns.  These campaigns were both partisan and non-partisan.  First and foremost was the campaign to re-authorize the FD#5 fire levy.  With leadership from Pete Kauppila of Local 3390, Troy Heidel of the Gig Harbor Peninsula Firefighters Association, and Tom Sutich a citizen advocate the fire levy was re-authorized by the citizens on September 19, 2006.  On November 7, 2006 all of the candidates that we were supporting for the 26th Legislative District won their races.  Scott Duncan coordinated our work directly with all of these candidate’s campaigns.  For the first time ever, Local 3390 has a strong relationship with Senator Derek Kilmer, Rep. Pat Lantz, and Rep. Larry Seaquest.  These officials will decide the fate of many future firefighter and fire department issues.

 

We signed MOU/MOA’s for Article 23, 27, and 42 in September.  We also signed an MOU for Article 7 in October to resolve the mandatory training grievance.

 

The Negotiations committee began meeting in the Fall and started preparations for the 2007 negotiations.  As part of gathering information for this committee and the E-Board, the Local started using our website to disseminate and gather information.  As our Local continues to grow it will become essential that our website is used to its fullest potential.  Event though we are using the website more, our shift stewards are the first and most important conduit for the leadership of the Local.  Without their diligent work the Local could not function as it does.  We have funded the education of our stewards and principal officers so that we can send them to the very best seminars and training conferences.  Their education and experience are essential in their ability to represent you.

 

We started off 2007 by sending representatives to the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum.  On January 29th we will be sending a contingent to Olympia to talk directly with our legislators about firefighter legislation.  I will keep you updated on legislation as thing develop.

 

Although the Chief has not indicated when he will be retiring, he continues to jest that he could retire anytime.  The Local will be providing the Board of Fire Commissioners with a recommendation as to how we can replace our Fire Chief.  To this end I have asked Scott Duncan to form an ad hoc committee that will be charged with forming the recommendation that will be forwarded to the Board.  If you think that you would like to help with this process please contact Scott Duncan.

 

Probably the largest undertaking by the Local in 2007 will be negotiations. The committee started preparing months ago.  I am sure that this preparation will be the key to another good contract.  In advance I would like to thank Chrmn. Joel Schwarz, Stewards Baker, Davies, P.Miller, and Shoemaker, and VP Booth for their hard work on this committee.

 

Finally, I would like to thank the membership for allowing me to serve as your President.  It has been challenging and equally rewarding.

 

Professionally Yours,

Eric D. Waters, President

Local 3390, IAFF

 

 


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Contact Info
IAFF Local 3390
PO Box 2625
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
 

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