CONFIRE Dispatchers Win First Teamster Contract
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In late February, workers at CONFIRE Communications, which provides dispatch services to 13 fire agencies in San Bernardino County, ratified their first contract as members of Teamsters Local 1932.
The workers, an essential part of our emergency response infrastructure, were motivated to organize because they wanted to build worker power to sustain and create higher standards.
“Workers here service the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By coming together, we have the improve conditions so that residents can continue to count on effective service,” says member Alishia Johnson.
Workers from CONFIRE contacted Teamsters Local 1932 in January 2023, stressing that they were united and ready to use this unity to win better wages, benefits, and working conditions in a legally binding first contract. Their union was recognized by the employer later that summer. With negotiations over and their first contract ratified— with meaningful increases in compensation and job protections — workers see a vision for continued success.
“We’re so proud to be Teamsters,” says member Nick Lystra. “With this first contract, we know we’re building a foundation to improve this job for myself and generations to come.”
These essential Teamsters join the more than 14,000 working people that comprise Local 1932 throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. In 2020, Auxiliary Services workers from the San Bernardino County Fire Department organized a union with Teamsters Local 1932. CONFIRE’s first contract serves as another set of fire emergency support workers coming together at Local 1932 to raise standards for residents and workers.
Teamsters Local 1932 is a part of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org, as well as Teamsters1932.org for more information.. Follow us everywhere on social media at @1932Teamsters.
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