Letter hand delivered to all City Councilors on February 2, 2010:

"On behalf of the IAFF Local 244, we would like to thank you for responding to the needs of the Fire Department as well as the safety of our Members. The passage of R-10-30 secures our Fire Fighters with necessary equipment to deliver optimal emergency resources to the citizens of Albuquerque. This resolution significantly enhances the working conditions, safety and the general well being of our Fire Fighters. We appreciate your continued support of Fire Fighters and our commitment to public safety.  Your partnership is invaluable and has provided the necessary foundation to meet the growing public safety priorities.

 We take great pride in the relationships we have established with the City Council and remain dedicated to your efforts to improve services for and to protect the public." 

Respectfully,

Diego Arencón, General President

IAFF Local 244

Ahren Griego, City Vice-President

IAFF Local 244

On January 27, 2010, District Court Judge Theresa Baca ruled that the fire Union President conducting union business during his 40 hour work week is not a violation of  the "anti-donation clause" which stipulates that the city cannot gift or pay individuals without receiving due "consideration." The anti-donation argument was the basis for reassigning IAFF Local 244 President Diego Arencón in mid-January and prohibiting him from working on union business during his 40hr work week. The Judge's ruling was reached after testimony was heard from Paul Broome (who previously represented the City in contract negotiations with the IAFF Local 244), former Fire Chief Robert Ortega, former Chief Administrative Officer Bruce Perlman, Fire Chief John Garcia as well as President Diego Arencón himself. All testimony confirmed the benefits of having a strong collaborative relationship between the City and the IAFF Local 244.  

 The MOU regarding the Union President's salary is being contested by the City. The Judge gave 10 days for findings of fact in order to make her decision on upholding the MOU. The crucial issue is whether negotiated agreements between the Union and the City are upheld: the additional pay is important in this context alone. The Alarm Room MOU is also being contested by the City. Our dispatchers should have been receiving their incentive since January 1, 2010. We have a commitment from Fire Administration that they are pushing for it. If it is not honored soon we are prepared to file on this issue as well. Protecting our collective bargaining rights is very important to us and our families!

Hello Everyone,

There has been an influx of people wanting information on how to sign up for the web page, when our meetings are, and what's going on.  So here's a brief tour.

Unless you have signed in on this webpage before, you don't have an account.  No accounts were automaticly created for you.  ON the right corner of this page is the "LOGIN" area.  There is a sentence that says " Not Registered Yet, Click here to sign up".   This will take you to a LOGIN REGISTRATION page.  Fill out the form and usually within 48 hours we can have your account activated.  YOU MUST HAVE YOUR IAFF MEMBER NUMBER TO CREATE A LOG IN. If you don't have your member number contact the General Secretary, Brian Kadle @ 288-2292 or contact our Administrative Assistant, Kelly Silvis @ 288-2313.

Once your account is active, look around. 

The Calendar has dates and times of General meetings and Eboard meetings, sponsorship periods, and other information. 

The Contract section has each chapters contract and the active MOUs are to be posted soon.

The Union Store is coming along.  You can see what products we are trying to keep on hand at the hall.  All purchases must be done at the hall with cash or check.  We are not taking online orders at this time.

Phone numbers and information for your Executive Board is on the left hand column

If you have questions use the contact us area or call Kelly or Brian at the numbers given above.