PFFM, Union Solidarity Helps Get Fair Contract For Franklin Fire Fighters

Last night, Franklin Town Council voted 8-1 to fund a new collective bargaining agreement for Franklin Fire Fighters, Local 2637, IAFF. Attorney Leah Barrault is attorney for Local 2637 and persuaded a three-member arbitration panel to unanimously award a new contract that the panel unanimously found the Town could afford. Barrault and Attorney Patrick Bryant coordinated a legal campaign to ensure that the Town complied with its obligations to support the award.

Wednesday's Council vote occurred after the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) activated its membership to support Local 2637 by calling the Town of Franklin, and rallying at the Town Hall prior to the scheduled Town Council meeting. The rally was attended by fire fighters throughout Massachusetts, Franklin residents, PFFM leaders (including Secretary-Treasurer Jay Colbert), Pyle Rome Attorneys Barrault and Bryant, community members, and Massachusetts Coalition of Police Area Vice President Michael Kehoe.

The hearing room for the Council meeting was standing room only.

After a darling performance by a local teen vocal troop, the Council considered the request to fund the award. The Town Administrator started with a request to fund the decision. In so doing, he commended fire fighters for showing up, doing their job, and being professional.

Then, Chuck Allen, a Franklin resident, Franklin Fire Fighter, and Local 2637 leader, spoke eloquently in favor of the Award. The Council quickly voted 8-1 in favor of the Award. The result was a welcome surprise.

The Award and vote could not have occurred without Attorney Barrault's advocacy, the intelligence and commitment of Local 2637, PFFM leadership, and the support of working union members throughout Massachusetts.