Bal Harbour, Fla.
Vice President Edward L. Fire was a dedicated trade unionist whose leadership and devotion to improving the lives of the members of his union inspired his service to the IUE-CWA for 45 years. His fierce determination in hard-fought collective bargaining battles to maintain health care benefits, improve pensions and protect jobs in the face of management demands for givebacks earned him the respect and admiration of his members. Recognized for his commitment to strengthening the union, he mobilized his members in campaigns for the right to organize and job security in negotiations with General Electric.
Ed Fire had served as IUE secretary-treasurer for 14 years before being elected president of IUE in 1996. His service as a full time IUE officer began in 1965 and included union representative, local union president, district committeeperson, president and secretary-treasurer of IUE District Council 7 and international secretary-treasurer.
Fire’s vision for strengthening the IUE led to his seeking a merger with CWA, which occurred on October 1, 2000. His commitment to insuring that his union was involved in political activities continued throughout his career.
Fire was elected an AFL-CIO Vice President in December 1996 and contributed to the Executive Council as a member of the committees on appeals, international affairs, manufacturing and industrial, public policy, political education and strategic approaches. He also has served on the board of Union Privilege.
On behalf of the men and women of the unions of the AFL-CIO, the Executive Council expresses its gratitude and appreciation to Edward L. Fire for his service and devotion to the members of his union and to the labor movement.