Former DFEMS chief: formation of Firefighters Union commendable

Former Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services commissioner Dennis Mendiola has praised DFEMS for organizing a union for its firefighters.

In a statement about the recently organized union, Sen. Mendiola (R-Rota), said it is commendable that CNMI firefighters are proactively seeking to be unionized.

“I completely understand that their primary objective is to ensure their own protection. During my tenure as commissioner, my public information officer advocated for this initiative. While I was supportive, I approached it cautiously due to divisions within the fire department and the financial obligation. However, the onset of COVID-19 in the CNMI redirected our focus toward prioritizing the safety of our residents,” he said.

Mendiola, however, said there has to be a balance between the firefighters’ welfare and fiscal responsibility.

“Unions indeed offer advantages such as collective bargaining power, job security, and solidarity. However, they can also introduce challenges like added costs and potential disruptions. During economic constraints, resistance to cost-cutting measures may affect the government entity’s adaptability. So, striking the right balance between firefighter welfare and fiscal responsibility is crucial, underscoring the need for constructive dialogue and negotiation,” he said.

Overall, he said, he is grateful that firefighters persevered in their efforts to become unionized.

“I hope all parties involved fully comprehend the fiscal and personal implications of this movement. While protection is vital, it may impact personal stability, especially in our current economic state. Nonetheless, I am grateful that the firefighters have persevered in their efforts thus far, and may they reap what the sow,” he said.

According to a previous Saipan Tribune article, DFEMS firefighters formed the labor union, called the Northern Marianas Professional Firefighters Union IAFF-Local 5335, under the overall chapter organization, International Association of Fire Fighters. Fire captain Paul B. Sasamoto will serve as the president of the local union. The NMPFU IAFF-Local 5355 is the sole and exclusive representative of all full-time employees who are bargaining unit members employed by DFEMS.

Dennis James Mendiola