Resolution #8

ADD AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) TO THE MPFFU  LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES LIST

WHEREAS, firefighters represented by the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU) are routinely exposed to a wide range of occupational hazards, including toxic combustion byproducts, carcinogens, and other environmental exposures encountered in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, scientific and medical research has increasingly recognized a statistically significant association between fire fighter occupational exposure and elevated risks of neurodegenerative diseases, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); and

WHEREAS, ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of voluntary muscle control and ultimately respiratory failure; and

WHEREAS, multiple states and jurisdictions across the United States have already enacted or amended presumptive disability laws to include ALS as an occupational disease for firefighters, recognizing the emerging body of evidence linking fire service employment to increased incidence of the disease; and

WHEREAS, the inclusion of ALS in presumptive disease frameworks ensures that fire fighters and their families are afforded timely access to workers’ compensation benefits, disability coverage, and critical financial protections without unnecessary litigation; and

WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union to advocate for the health, safety, and welfare of its members and to ensure that occupational diseases are properly recognized and addressed under Michigan law and policy; and

WHEREAS, adding ALS to the MPFFU Legislative Priorities List will strengthen the Union’s ability to advocate for presumptive coverage, improved benefits, and increased awareness of occupational disease risks affecting fire fighters;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, assembled at its Biennial Convention, hereby amends its Legislative Priorities to include Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as a recognized occupational disease warranting presumptive consideration for fire fighters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that MPFFU shall actively support and pursue state legislation and policy initiatives that establish or strengthen presumption laws including to include ALS for fire fighters in Michigan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the MPFFU will work collaboratively with affiliated locals, labor organizations, health researchers, and legislative stakeholders to advance awareness, research, and statutory protections related to ALS and fire fighter occupational exposure; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption at the MPFFU 56th Biennial Convention.
Submitted by: Montgomery Nye, MPFFU Liaison to the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Cost Factor:  None
Committee Assigned to: Resolutions 
Committee Recommendation: Adopt as amended
Convention Action: