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Earlier this year we twice reported that local government workers who are union members won the convenience and simple respect of having union dues voluntarily deducted from their paychecks, first in Charlotte and in Greensboro soon afterwards. For firefighters and other city workers, these were important victories that will strengthen their unions’ ability to organize and be effective advocates for their members and the communities in which they live.

Now, Republican state legislators have introduced a bill to undo those hard-won victories, an act in keeping with House Speaker Thom Tillis’ promise at the start of the 2013 legislative session to keep North Carolina the least unionized state in the nation – by any means necessary.

Republicans brought up the dues bill, House Bill 677, for a vote in committee this week with zero public notice, just because they had the votes to pass it.

Typically, bills are put on the calendar so other lawmakers, the press, and the public can what bills will be up for a vote and when. That didn’t happen this time, and now HB 677 will be voted on by the full House on Monday night! 

Call BEFORE 6PM, MONDAY to save dues checkoff!

Look up the name of your state representative in the General Assembly, and call him or her as soon as possible. Leave a message if you have to, and call back Monday if you can. House lawmakers need to hear from you before they go into session at 6 o’clock Monday evening.

Tell your state representative:

Cities and counties should make their own decisions about dues deduction, just like most municipalities already allow payroll deductions for other organizations like United Way. Since they do it for other organizations, it is not that costly, and in some cases, the union has agreed to pay a setup fee.

Furthermore, dues deductions are completely voluntary. Only employees who sign an authorization form have the dues deducted.

Get your PFFG Local 947 Challenge Coin TODAY! Only $10! Proceeds from the coin go to Local 947's Political Action Committee (PAC) Fund, Fire Fighters for Responsible Government.  Contact FF Fred Erwin to get yours.

Dear Greensboro Resident,

Since 1884, when Steam Fire Engine Co. Number 1 was placed in service, Greensboro’s fire fighters have saved countless lives, protected millions of dollars in property, and provided the citizens of this great City with first class service.  We have come a long way since those early days of horse-drawn fire pumps but our commitment to duty and our mission has never wavered.  That mission is to protect life and property in the City of Greensboro.

During these tight budget times we want to take the opportunity to remind the residents of Greensboro of the key role that your fire fighters play in public safety.  In addition to responding on all structure fires, your fire fighters also:

• Provide hazardous material mitigation.
• Provide emergency medical care at the EMT-B level.
• Protect the tank farm with a specialized foam task force.
• Provide public education programs for citizens of all ages.
• Perform specialized patient extrication in serious motor vehicle accidents.
• Provide a technical rescue team that specializes in all urban search as rescue disciplines.
• Provide a specialized bike team that responds to emergencies on Greensboro’s trail system.

During these troubling economic times your fire department has tightened its belt and continued to provide the residents of Greensboro with the service they deserve.  As  we continue, as a city,  to navigate very tough budget times it is our hope that engaged residents will continue to convey to elected officials that they:

1. Want, need and highly value the professional services of of the Greensboro Fire Department.
2. Are opposed to ANY reduction in fire department staffing as staffing cuts will jeopardize citizen and fire fighter safety.
3. Are opposed to the elimination of ANY fire companies throughout the city because this will also jeopardize citizen and fire fighter safety.
4. Are willing to pay their taxes to maintain the level of fire and rescue services that citizens currently enjoy.
 

In conclusion we want to thank you, the residents of Greensboro, for allowing us the privilege to serve you as your fire and rescue professionals.  We hope when the time comes you will convey to your elected members of Council that you wish to maintain the high level of service that we provide to you on a daily basis.

Your Friends,
The Professional Fire Fighters of Greensboro-Local 947
You can contact your member of Council here:
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/citygovernment/council/