MPFFU Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 22 - Get ready for the 2024 MPFFU Convention Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode. we welcome back President Matt Sahr and Secretary-Treasurer Terry Chesney. Matt and Terry are here to discuss the 2024 MPFFU Convention which is set to take place from April 29 through May 1, 2024, at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City. Members interested in attending should contact their local executive board for more details.

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Episode 21 - 2023 Review & 2024 Outlook Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, key leaders of the MPFFU break down the MPFFU’s 2023 accomplishments, as well as what MPFFU members can look forward to in 2024. This episode is packed with insights that break down the MPFFU’s achievements in 2023 and what members can look forward to in 2024. This episode features the following topics and MPFFU representatives:
02:43 - General address: Matt Sahr our President
20:07 - Union Education Committee: Mickey Wiewiura the co-chair and the Eastern Trustee
22:02 - Recruitment and Retention Committee: Scott Korycki committee chair
28:20 - Political Education Committee: Scott Bala committee chair and 6th District VP
33:57 - Safety and Health Committee: Larry Gambotto co-chair
36:02 - Behavioral Health Committee: Mike Matterncommittee chair
46:49 - EMS Committee: Monty Nyecommittee chair
49:32 - Muscular Dystrophy Association: Stacey Breitlow

Episode 20 - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! Sep 18, 2023

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MPFFU Podcast - Episode 20 – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

In this episode, we welcome Ken Barnes and Sara Cottington-Heath. Ken is a Captain with the Delta Twp FD - Local 2846. In addition, Ken is the MPFFU Western Trustee, as well as the co-chair of the MPFFU Education Committee. Sara is a Lieutenant with the City of Saginaw – Local 102, as well as a member of the MPFFU Education Committee. In addition, Sara is a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan with over ten years of experience. Ken and Sara are here to talk about employee rights. Specifically, our guests are here to describe the value of knowing your employee rights when being questioned by your FD administration or employer. During this episode, Ken and Sara will help us all to better understand Weingarten and Garrity Rights.

Episode 19 - The importance of adequate staffing Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome Jeff Lentz and Adam Ferrell. Jeff Lentz is a Battalion Chief with Dearborn FD Local 412, as well as their local president. Adam Ferrell is a lieutenant with the Dearborn FD, the Secretary for Local 412, as well as a member of the MPFFU Political Education Committee.
Jeff and Adam are here to discuss the importance of adequate fire department staffing. Specifically, our guests will help us understand the value of adequately staffed fire departments for Michigan communities. Then, we’ll discuss the laws and standards that dictate fire department staffing in Michigan. Finally, we’ll dive into House Bill 4688 which, if passed, will amend the Public Employee Relations Act, to make staffing a mandatory topic of collective bargaining.
MPFFU Rally in Lansing on September 14, 2023. Join the MPFFU for a Rally at the Capitol on September 14th as we fight to improve our bargaining rights and increase our ability to train more paramedics, we need your help! Use the link for more information and registration: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yIk3kHAfjQv5Xcv-NMicQmHDPOT5MG-3/view?usp=drive_link

Episode 18 - A sit down with Ed Kelly - IAFF General President Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome Ed Kelly, the General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Ed “Edzo” Kelly has been a Boston Firefighter, or Jake, for over 25 years. As the General President, Ed and his team play a crucial role in shaping the future of the fire service, advocating for the well-being of firefighters, and leading one of the most influential labor unions in North America and beyond.
During this, President Kelly weighs in on many issues currently faced by the fire service, including staffing, recruitment and retention, PFAS, and the future of bunker gear. Ed also describes why MPFFU members should show up for the rally in Lansing on September 14, 2023.
MPFFU Rally in Lansing on September 14, 2023. Join the MPFFU for a Rally at the Capitol on September 14th as we fight to improve our bargaining rights and increase our ability to train more paramedics, we need your help! Use the link for more information and registration: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yIk3kHAfjQv5Xcv-NMicQmHDPOT5MG-3/view?usp=drive_link

Episode 17 - Grievances 101 Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we introduce you to Kevin Caldwell. Kevin is a firefighter paramedic with the Westland FD - Local 1279, as well as a member of the MPFFU Education Committee. Kevin is here to talk about contract grievances. For context, a grievance is 'an allegation or complaint by a member or members of a Union that there has been a violation, misinterpretation or improper application of the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreements (CBA), aka the contract. During this episode, Kevin will describe what a grievance is. Then, we’ll discuss the grievance process. Finally, Kevin and I will discuss duty of fair representation, or DFR, which is the legal assurance that every member is represented fairly and equally.
MPFFU Member Orientation Class: September 19, 2023, from 10AM to 12PM. Lunch to follow.
Location: Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.
MPFFU Member Orientation Class Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPgvYpH3stcksg215ZjoWJqPKEIR9CljiAufuWcOdTuIqWew/viewform?usp=sharing

Episode 16 - Contracts 101 Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome back Mickey Wiewiura and introduce you to Matt Czarnecki. Mickey retired as a captain from the Dearborn Heights FD Local 1355 and is currently the MPFFU Eastern Trustee, as well as the Union Education Committee Chair. Matt Czarnecki is a sergeant with the Harrison Twp. FD Local 1737 and is currently a member of the MPFFU Union Education Committee. During this episode, Mikey and Matt will help MPFFU members and locals appreciate the value of understanding your contract. In addition, our guests will list and describe key points to be consider prior to contract negotiations. This episode covers the basics by providing a clear, concise, and high-level overview of labor contracts.
MPFFU Member Orientation Class: September 19, 2023, from 10AM to 12PM. Lunch to follow. Location: Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.
MPFFU Member Orientation Class Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPgvYpH3stcksg215ZjoWJqPKEIR9CljiAufuWcOdTuIqWew/viewform?usp=sharing
MPFFU contract worksheet: In future episodes, we’ll dive into the MPFFU contract worksheet, which breaks down all aspects of your contract to consider, prior to negotiations. Although we don’t cover the worksheet in this episode, we’ve made it available for download by scanning this QR code or clicking the link in the episode description.
MPFFU contract worksheet link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u3wjVLMmfIlH8v56w7WgJ2sdB29L7iz9/view?usp=drive_link

Episode 15 – Political Action Panel Discussion Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

This episode was recorded live at the MPFFU Education Seminar that took place at the Suburban Showplace in Novi, Michigan on May 15, 2023. During the seminar, Geoff Lassers took part in emceeing the Political Action Panel discussion. The panel included Matt Sahr, the MPFFU President, Scott Bala, the MPFFU Political Action Committee Chair, and Melissa McKinley, who is the MPFFU’s lobbyist. During the discussion, the panel members talked about various political issues and how they may impact the MPFFU and its members. This was a fantastic episode that provides a clear and concise description of the current political landscape that will shape the future of Michigan’s professional firefighters.

Episode 14 - The Value of Unions May 16, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome Adam Bennet and Matt Layer. Adam Bennet is a firefighter with the Oshtemo fire department, as well as the president of local 5240. Matt Layer is a firefighter/paramedic for the City of Eastpointe Fire Department local 1561, as well as their Treasurer. Matt is a member of the MPFFU Recruitment and Retention Committee.
The Oshtemo fire department local is relatively new and joined the MPFFU in 2019. Adam is here to tells us why, and how the Oshtemo Fire Department unionized and joined the IAFF and MPFFU. In addition, he’ll describe why his department chose to join the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union over other union organizations. Finally, Adam will describe how joining the MPFFU has benefited the entire Oshtemo community, including the citizens, the township, and their fire department members.

Episode 13 - Social Media 101 for MPFFU Locals Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome back Matt Sahr and Amanda West to provide a clear and concise overview of the “do’s and don’ts” for MPFFU Locals to consider when using social media. Matt Sahr is the president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Association (MPFFU), and a firefighter paramedic with the city of Eastpointe Local 1561. Amanda West is the MPFFU Instagram coordinator and a member of the Recruitment & Retention Committee, as well as a firefighter paramedic with Delta Twp. Fire Department Local 2846.
Like many things in life, social media can be used to help, but it can create potential problems. During this episode, Matt and Amanda will discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential threats related to MPFFU Locals utilizing social media. Most importantly, our guests describe how MPFFU Locals can use social media to show the value of the union and the direct positive impact they provide to their community.

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