Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Atlanta Firefighters Sign First Union Contract

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

In a milestone for the Southern labor movement, the Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters—Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 134—have signed their first-ever collective bargaining agreement.

The deal contains important provisions governing wages, working conditions and equipment. Local 134 members won a new, more frequent pay system and an increase in their uniform allowance.

“This shows you what can happen if you stay persistent, keep advocating, and never lose sight of your goal,” said Local 134 President Alvin Rashad. “We appreciate everything the IAFF, the 12th District, Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia President Nate Bailey, and our members have done to get us to this moment.”

“This agreement gives Atlanta fire fighters a stronger voice on the job and helps improve safety for the communities they serve across the city,” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said. “Collective bargaining makes everyone stronger, and Local 134’s achievement is important not just for them, but for fire fighters across Georgia.”