Dear IAFF Local 244 Members,

The City Administration has once again created a dispute claiming the union business performed during the IAFF Local 244 President’s workweek is unlawful. As fire and rescue personnel we take an oath to serve and protect life and property. As fire union officers we are elected to represent job integrity and keep personnel safe so that our oath can be fulfilled. The IAFF Local 244 Executive Board is committed to serving and protecting you and your family. These values we hold core to our mission are now under assault.

We have several unprecedented lawsuits with the City Administration which are waste of time and valuable resources. Let’s not forget the hefty price tag that comes with these disputes; such as the President’s workweek where District Court has ruled against the city proving that we are not “illegal” representatives of hard working firefighters and paramedics. This is a blatant disregard for what has been established by former leadership and for the hard earned tax money that has been spent to advance their unwarranted attacks on us. Albuquerque's citizens also pay for private negotiators that do not benefit from mutual agreements but profit from impasse and disagreement between labor and management. Many of our current elected civic leaders have gone too far by pushing a generic anti-union agenda rather than honoring long established labor/management practices.  Who we are, and what we do is being ignored in favor of polling and wedge issue politics.

Great leadership is what made the Albuquerque Fire Department what it is today, one of the best departments in the country. For decades IAFF Local 244 representatives have served at legislative sessions and in policy meetings/committees with Legislators, Fire Administration, City Council, County Commission, Mayor’s Office and Governor's Office on many subjects to include: firefighter safety, staffing parameters, pension solvency, training, membership counseling, laws that effect fire and rescue personnel and most importantly public safety. The city, county and state do not waste time balancing the budget as it is required by law. So, it is imperative that we have a voice and a presence in government to lend our perspective and insight to achieve amicable solutions that preserve our member’s best interest and keep the public as safe as possible.

The letters from the current Public Safety Director and the Chief Administrative Officer exemplify the deep rooted animosity this administration has for labor organizations (see below). Take note on the dates these letters were issued and keep in mind where we are in negotiations. The long standing policy and practice of schedules that allow union representatives to work on paid status is a privilege that has been negotiated in good faith, not only with the IAFF Local 244, but all other unions in the City of Albuquerque. The Merit System Ordinance Administrative Instruction 7-24 (see below) shows that these labor/management policies have earned their place in city governance and have proven to be beneficial to all of us taxpayers and citizens alike.

Despite our efforts in offering concession after concession since last year, the end results of negotiations are uncertain with only the city's private negotiator benefiting from months of negotiation sessions. Our negotiating team is standing strong and is committed to protecting the integrity of our profession, never forgetting the sacrifices that our forefathers made for us. Even though this administration does not value the significance of our essential service we must continue to serve with the level of professionalism the citizens of Albuquerque deserve.

It is important to remember that these attacks on us are meant to discourage us from organizing, create apathy and dissent. The continued attacks leave us with only two choices, respond in force, or sit back and watch as our values are eroded.  We must withstand these attacks with firm resolve and respond with a well organized campaign to educate the public on the truth. Our voice is powerful and it is time that it be heard!

I would like to acknowledge the AFD Retiree Association and President Sam Trujillo for their unwavering support and guidance during these difficult times.

Fraternally,

Diego Arencón, President

IAFF Local 244