The Obama administration will honor picket lines planned by Providence, RI Local 799 for the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Annual Meeting being held June 12-16 in Providence, where our affiliate has been in a long-running dispute with that city's anti-union mayor, David Cicilline.

For more information:

IAFF Press Release: IAFF Thanks Obama Administration for Supporting Providence Fire Fighters

Associated Press: Obama team skipping mayors' event over picket line 

Providence Journal: Pickets prompt Biden, others to cancel their visit

I spoke directly with Vice President Joe Biden about the situation in Providence. And when the vice president offered to attempt to resolve the dispute amicably -- to see if we could avoid the picket lines -- and after discussions with Local 799 President Paul Doughty, we agreed to the proposed resolution.  However, Mayor Cicilline refused any fair-minded discussions outright and insisted on continuing the dispute.

Based on that reaction, the vice president, Attorney General Eric Holder, senior Obama Adviser Valerie Jarrett, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and other administration officials informed the National Conference of Mayors that they will not cross our picket lines, cancelling the attendance of a number of administration officials.

We appreciate the Obama administration's support of fire fighters and our union. Just as important, please let your mayor know that the picket lines will be up, that President Obama and Vice President Biden have stated their refusal to cross our lines, and that they have a choice to make, as well.


Fraternally,




Harold Schaitberger
General President