There are numerous reasons why you should be a member.

WHY BOTHER?

A question that is repeatedly asked is "What can the Union do for me?"
The Union has already done it -- it is now up to you to unite
with the members of your profession to protect what you have.

Politicians at every level of government are trying to take away many of the benefits
most employees take for granted.

Every benefit that working people enjoy today (that did not exist in the sweat shops at
the turn of the century) can be traced to the efforts of labor unions--

FLSA overtime, health insurance, worker's compensation, paid vacations,
OSHA protection, retirement pay, Social Security, and the list continues.

Companies and governments whose employees were never organized offer these
benefits (won by labor unions) to compete in the work force.

The International Association of Fire Fighters has been a leader in this fight
since 66 fire fighter locals chartered our Union in February, 1918.
The heritage of fire fighting has always been one of bravery, loyalty and devotion
to public service. Success in this proud profession is only possible when there is unity of purpose.

These qualities are what shaped the IAFF into a Bold Union of over 2,400 Locals and 225,000 members.
Over 90% of the professional fire fighters in the U. S. and Canada are IAFF members.
This pamphlet offers a glimpse into why our members
are proud of their association with the IAFF.

NETWORKING-

Your Local's leaders have an updated directory to enable them to contact over 2,300
locals in the United States and Canada.
There will be almost no project or problem your local can face
that someone else has not already found a solution.

ADVOCACY-

The IAFF and Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina
have legislation introduced to protect fire fighters' interests. In addition to legislation,
your interests are also represented before federal, state and local agencies. At all levels of government,
they fight for you if your profession is under major fire.

DISCOUNTS-

Your association can offer a variety of benefits to members including life and cancer
insurance, eye care plan, travel discounts and more.

UNITY-

The only way fire fighters can gain political respect is to speak with a united voice.
Management will no longer make a decision affecting operations or pay without wondering where the UNION stands on the issues.

RESOURCE-

When you or your profession has a problem, there is one place the Local looks to for possible solutions.
The IAFF can gather, analyze and disseminate information to assist in preparation and conduct of referenda and community relations activities.

They have the expertise to provide research and technical assistance concerning major problems
effecting fire fighters such as staffing, privatization and consolidation.

NEWSLETTERS-

The IAFF, PFFPNC and many of our locals have expert publications relating to your profession,
research, legislation affecting you and commentary that you will not find elsewhere.

LEADERSHIP-

The IAFF, PFFPNC and our Locals have leaders who can mobilize members and get action going when it is needed.

BENEFITS-

The IAFF, PFFPNC and our locals care that you and your family have the benefits you deserve and are dedicated to help you survive and prosper.

SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS-

The IAFF and PFFPNC offer numerous seminars and workshops to train your association's leadership.

RESEARCH-

The IAFF has been the unquestionable national leader in research at almost
no cost to its members. Through grants from the federal government and private foundations,
the IAFF is responsible for initiating the needed research which has set the
standard in fire fighter protective clothing and SCBA, etc.

The Local officers have access to the IAFF's Health and Safety Department and its trained staff of researchers.

TRAINING-

Down through the years, the IAFF has been the nation's leaders in promoting
and developing various training programs such as EMT's, Firefighter I, II and III
certification through the U. S. Department of Labor and lately has developed eight hazardous material
training programs which have been used throughout the State of North Carolina. North Carolina Locals have always
had instant access to all of these upon their completion.

TECHINICIAL ASSISTANCE-

The IAFF stands ready to assist your local with inadequate department staffing, fire
and EMS consolidation, fighting off privatization and most other challenges your members or departments could face.
The IAFF Computer Geographical Information System is a one-of-a-kind program to assist
with various response time presentations.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE-

Your local is able to offer legal guidance and assistance. The IAFF and PFFPNC have
quick access to the top law firms in the nation and state to take on issues affecting N. C. locals.

POLITICAL ACTIVITY-

In attempting to increase political power of fire fighters, the IAFF encourages political
involvement at all levels. By becoming a political force, fire fighters can make themselves a
solid block in local political activities--not to be ignored.

The IAFF and PFFPNC provides information, ideas and assistance so that members can become
politically involved. This assistance comes in the form of education, in active campaigning and
establishment of PAC funds.