On Wednesday, August 25 the City of Uniontown notified the 13 members of Local 955 that they would be laid off in 31 days! This flagrant disregard for public safety has reverberated throughout the entire IAFF. President Martynuska, who was at the 50th convention of the IAFF, immediately called for assistance from IAFF General President Schaitberger and IAFF 4th District Vice President Bill Taylor. The IAFF engaged all staff members that could be mustered to stop this travesty before it could happen. President Martynuska introduced a late emergency resolution condeming the actions by Uniontown Mayor Edward Fike and members of Uniontown City Council who support the layoffs. The delegates assembled at the convention voted to a amend the resolution to reflect that it was submitted by the entire delegate body.
The resolution passed unanimously. Several affiliate locals, both from withinand without Pennsylvania have offered direct and indirect assistance to the brothers from Local 955.
The PPFFA has also engaged the labor community to assist. The Allegheny County Labor Council, with the assistance of Pittsburgh, IAFF Local 1, drafted and sent a strongly worded letter of outrage to Mayor Fike. The letter was copied to all Labor Council Vice Presidents and Delegates.
The actions in Uniontown will be met with all of the opposition that the IAFF and PPFFA can bring to bear, stated President Martynuska. The Mayor's disregard for collective bargaining will not go unnoticed or unanswered.
The PPFFA has been close contact with Local 955 President Mark Lovey and Legal Counsel for the Local Josh Bloom.
The IAFF has already started preparing a public relations blitz addressing the matter.
All PPFFA Local Presidents and all 4th District State Presidents will be kept informed for future actions and updates.
Art Martynuska
President
Pennsylvania Professional
Fire Fighters Association
2048 Derry Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104
717-221-8800 ext 203
717-221-8484 fax
814-525-0536 mobile
Delaware Valley Professional Firefighters Meeting 
