Grand Forks International Airport firefighters have voted to unionize, a move primarily motivated by anticipated benefits rather than existing issues. Tim Burrows, ARFF operations specialist, stated that the decision was about "the additional benefits" and "has nothing to do with the politics."
The announcement of the vote was made during an Airport Authority Board meeting on May 15. The benefits that influenced their decision include more training opportunities, enhanced health benefits, access to an international peer group, support for firefighter safety research on issues like cancer and PFAS, and participation in charitable events such as the Fill the Boot campaign and Toys for Tots.
Burrows expressed optimism about future collaborations: "We look forward to having a great relationship with all constituents that we work for and work with."