|
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL PRESIDENT
|
|
|
|
Dear Union Brothers and Sisters, The Executive Board has been hard at work in Santa Fe at the legislative session; committed to our legislative agenda. This year our primary objective is to ensure that Fire Fighter occupational disease legislation, SB 303, is enacted. I have been in attendance since the beginning of the session alongside NMPFFA President, Emily Kane. We have been collectively organizing our members and Fire Fighters from across the state to stand and represent with us to support this worthy cause. All of us as Fire Fighters have the potential of contracting infectious diseases while on the job that will not be covered unless we can identify and document the exposure. Currently, New Mexico has no mechanism to provide coverage for Fire Fighters who cannot pinpoint the exposure. In addition to this bill providing us presumptive coverage for infectious diseases, it also provides us coverage for certain cancers related to the Fire Service. The IAFF has shaped and molded our profession since 1918 and we are proud to be part of this legacy. Over the past two years our Local has made unprecedented gains in pay, staffing, labor rights and membership involvement. These gains would have not been possible without the aggressive political action from our members. With the passage of this bill New Mexico will join 42 other states that have enacted presumptive legislation for Fire Fighters. I encourage all of you to get involved! Fraternally, Diego Arencón, General President IAFF Local 244
|
|
|
