The story of Local 947 from its original 1947 charter through decades of advocacy and growth.
Fire fighters of the Greensboro Fire Department first organized and applied to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in October 1947.
Representing nearly 100% of the fire fighters in the mid-1950s, Local 947 worked diligently with the department administration and city officials to implement the 72-hour work week—an action that truly boosted firefighter morale across the department.
Early IAFF Local 947 documentation
Greensboro Local 947 and others across the state were disbanded in 1959 due to a North Carolina General Statute outlawing public safety employees from organizing and belonging to a union.
After ten long years, the statute was ruled unconstitutional in 1969, allowing North Carolina firefighters to once again form employee associations and receive union representation. Though the decisions at that time prohibited local unions from forming contracts directly with municipalities and state government (a ruling still in place today), Greensboro firefighters moved quickly. In March 1969, Local 947 was reinstated into the IAFF with over 200 charter members representing 90% of the department.
In November 1981, Local 947 was dissolved and its charter forfeited for non-payment of per capita taxes. Greensboro’s charter and seal were returned to the IAFF, and the union temporarily ceased to exist.
Interest in organizing a new association grew, and Greensboro firefighters organized once again to rejoin the IAFF in June 1988 under the designation Local 3157. The officers and members soon requested that the historical number 947 be restored, and in October 1988 the IAFF officially approved the request, restoring Greensboro to its original Local 947.
Continuing to grow through the years and renaming itself the Professional Fire Fighters of Greensboro (PFFG) in 1999, Local 947 has become a vital part of the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina as well as the IAFF’s 12th District.
Local 947 now represents over 560 current and retired firefighters. Admired by IAFF leadership, Local 947 has created its own charitable organization and maintains strong working relationships with city council members and administration while continuously working for the betterment of its members and firefighter families.