For Immediate Release:
February 5,2013
Contact: The State Office
518.436.8827
Fire Fighters from across the nation are joining their New York counterparts in opposition to a proposal advanced by Governor Cuomo that erodes the rights of fire fighters and police officers under binding arbitration when contract negotiations reach impasse.
During an intense, two-day lobbying effort, during which members from across New York traveled to lobby legislative leaders at the Capitol, the New York State Professional Fire Fighters (NYSPFFA) announced that the leadership of the politically active and influential International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has written to Governor Cuomo indicating they are opposed to his proposal and repeated attacks on the uniformed services. Individual members’ states are weighing in as well.
To date, fire fighters from Connecticut (see embedded letter below), Idaho, Pennsylvania and Texas have also written to Cuomo expressing their displeasure and asking that he withdraw his proposal.
“Fire Fighters are committed to one another, whether it is at their home station, in a neighboring community, or across state lines,” said Michael McManus, President of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association. “Fire fighters across the country know that Governor Cuomo is seeking to take fundamental rights away from New York’s fire fighters by stripping their rights to negotiate and pursue binding arbitration as a means of resolving contract disputes.”
Peter S. Carozza, President of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut writes:
“We are disappointed that you have taken such a hard turn-away from New York’s progressive labor tradition. And, while we once felt that you possessed qualities that reflected our fundamental core values, and were the type of figure we could all rally behind, sadly we have learned that your actions and record are to the contrary. We question your sincerity, are confused by your ideology and simply are unable to understand your true political compass.”
On Monday, the IAFF purchased a full-page advertisement in the Albany Times Union calling for Governor Cuomo to withdraw his proposal.
The NYSPFFA represents 18,000 men and women working full-time as members of municipal fire departments across the state. It advocates on behalf of members who serve in 104 local unions, 41 counties and in the boroughs of New York City.
2/12 Update: Professional fire fighter associations from Arizona, Arkansas and Maine have also sent letters in opposition to Governor Cuomo's proposal.