Today in Labor History: Wildfire kills 78 firefighters
It is believed to be the largest fire in U.S. history and the deadliest until the September 11 attacks in 2001
Firefighters battle cancer as well as flames in toxic homes
Firefighters can smell smoke on their hair and skin for days after a fire; chemicals get into skin through the pores.
Today in eco-history: Deadly Texas City disaster
On April 16, 1947, a fire broke out aboard a freighter igniting approximately 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate (a compound used to make dynamite) in the ship's hold. Texas City exploded.
Oct. 8 in Labor History: The Great Chicago Fire
In addition to 300 dead there were 100,000 left homeless. When the fire destroyed the waterworks, the city's water supply was cut off and the firefighters were forced to give up.
Fire fighters organizing memorial for Arizona victims
The Fire Fighters and their Arizona affiliate are organizing a memorial observance and soliciting donations for families of the 19 fire fighters from an elite squad who perished June 30.
Second heavily-Republican union backs Obama
In yet another move by a plurality Republican group, delegates to the IAFF convention formally endorsed President Obama and Vice President Biden for re-election.
Cities’ budget cuts target firefighters, slowing responses
From coast to coast, mayors and city councils are hacking away at firefighters' ranks in desperate attempts to cut budgets and save cash by cutting workers.
Labor leaders hail Obama speech, call for more action on jobs
Labor leaders, while endorsing the president's budget deficit speech, say job creation will need to be addressed if the long-term fiscal health of the nation is to be restored.
Union leaders to Obama aide: ‘This is a defining moment’
AFL-CIO leaders have told a top aide to President Obama that the current fight in states over workers' rights must be used to discuss the future of the country and of workers.
