OPFFA Locals are required to apply for the IAFF's Emergency Disputes Fund Prior to applying for OPFFA Emergency Disputes Funds.

The IAFF's EDF application is below:
IAFF EDF Policy and Application
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    OPFFA Emergency Disputes Fund Policy

    Policy 06-01:  Fighting Back and Emergency Disputes Fund Policy

    Policy Statement: The OPFFA will have and maintain a policy and fund to aid and assist Locals in disputes and when fighting back service level cuts, following the specific criteria as laid out herein. This policy replaces the Fighting Back Campaign Fund Policy, v. 1.

    Preamble: Whereas the EDF is created as a resource to Locals under unexpected situations, these funds are also available for matters approved under the Fighting Back section of this policy.

    PROCEDURES:
    General:
    1. The Emergency Disputes Fund (EDF) is established to aid and assist Locals who have experienced significant or unexpected situations.
    2. EDF assistance may be in the form of a loan or grant as approved by the OPFFA Executive Committee, with loans requiring a majority vote to approve and grants requiring unanimous approval.
    3. EDF loans or grants can only be considered provided the Local’s union dues meet or exceed the minimum requirement per the OPFFA Constitution.
    4. A Local will be required to apply to the IAFF prior to seeking financial assistance from the OPFFA.  Acceptance from the IAFF is not a requirement however documentation on the approval or rejection of a Local’s application will be required along with any request.
    5. Further it is expected that the Local has explored Local solutions to cover their financial situation (i.e. member assessment, increase in dues structure etc.).  Any documentation supporting these initiatives will be required by the Local at the time of application.
    6. Upon satisfying the other conditions set forth in this policy, a Local shall be eligible to receive up to $40,000 in EDF loans or grants for any single request, absent  showing of extraordinary circumstances and unanimous approval of the Executive Committee.
     
    Emergency Disputes Committee:
    1. The President will appoint an EDF Committee made up of Executive Committee members to review all applications for financial assistance.
    2. For financial assistance any Local affiliated with this Association must apply through their District Vice-President.
    3. It shall be the responsibility of the District Vice-President involved to gather all pertinent information (as detailed below) regarding the Local's need for emergency assistance, as well as the Local's structure and financial resources. The District Vice-President will then make all information known to the EDF Committee who will consider same.
    4. An application for financial assistance should be submitted to the OPFFA President at least thirty (30) days prior to the next scheduled Executive Committee meeting, except in cases of an emergency and where the Executive Committee waives such requirement.
    5. The EDF Committee shall review the application for financial assistance and shall make a written recommendation to the Executive Committee and provide supporting rationale.
    6. The Executive Committee shall consider the recommendation and either accept, reject or amend the recommendation.
    7. If a Local is not satisfied with the decision of the Executive Committee, it may appeal through resolution to the delegates assembled at a Convention of this Association.
     
    Criteria – Loans and Grants:
    1. Prior to applying to the OPFFA’s EDF the Local must apply to the IAFF and supply the OPFFA with all documentation related to the acceptance or rejection of their application.
    2. (a) Interest free loans may be arranged by the Executive Committee from the EDF and shall have a maximum re-payment schedule of five (5) years unless the Executive Committee determines otherwise in extenuating circumstances.
    (b) An “Acceptance of a Loan” form is to be signed by the OPFFA President and the Local President, following ratification of the Local (where locally required), which details the payment schedule prior to receiving the cheque for the loan.
    1. A Grant from this EDF may be arranged by a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee.
    2. All financial assistance, whether in the form of a loan or grant, must fall within the criteria laid out within the applicable IAFF funding program and shall only be applied to legal expenses and/or expert witness and/or evidence cost.
    3. The OPFFA may consider matters that fall outside of the IAFF’s criteria but in all cases (either a loan or grant) a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee is required.
     
    Locals:
    1. The OPFFA strongly encourages all Locals to set up a Local EDF in some form in an effort to amass the necessary monies to respond to emergency or significant situations as they arise.
    2. Any Local involved in a matter which may result in the need to apply for EDF should notify the OPFFA as soon as possible.
    3. Representatives from the applying Local may be present and make representation to the EDF Committee and/or OPFFA Executive Committee meeting considering their application.
    4. Should the Local recover legal cost through any associated hearing or court action, any EDF money granted to the Local shall be repaid to the OPFFA (up to the amount recovered) and returned to the EDF.
    5. The following documents shall be required to be filed by the Local when applying for EDF assistance from the OPFFA:
                  a. A request, in writing, citing the amount and reason for the expenses incurred.
                  b. The application(s) and all relevant documents related to the associated IAFF program where financial assistance is being sought.
                  c. If an invoice has not been paid, a copy of the original invoice as submitted by the person or organization for services rendered.  If an
                      invoice has been paid, a copy of proof of payment will be required.
                  d. A current audit or current IAFF financial review of the Local for the last fiscal year showing income and disbursements.
                  e. Statement of monthly dues structure of the Local and whether or not assessments were sought or increases provided for the
                      anticipated expenditure.
    1. Normal operating expenses will not be considered as a basis for financial aid.


    Emergency Disputes Fund Application Form.

    BEFORE FILLING OUT THIS APPLICATION
    Your local is reminded of the following important regulations:
    • A Local will be required to apply to the IAFF prior to seeking financial assistance from the OPFFA.  Acceptance from the IAFF is not a requirement, HOWEVER - documentation on the approval or rejection of a Local’s application will be required along with any request.
    • It is expected that the Local has explored Local solutions to cover their financial situation (i.e. member assessment, increase in dues structure etc.).  Any documentation supporting these initiatives will be required by the Local at the time of application.
    • Upon satisfying the other conditions set forth in this policy, a Local shall be eligible to receive up to $40,000 in EDF loans or grants for any single request, absent  showing of extraordinary circumstances and unanimous approval of the Executive Committee.
    EDF assistance may be in the form of a loan or grant as approved by the OPFFA Executive Committee, with loans requiring a majority vote to
    approve     and grants requiring unanimous approval.
    If you are Applying for an EDF LOAN:
    By checking the box below, you understand that any funds issued to your local from the OPFFA's EDF Fund will be considered an interest free loan and will have a maximum re-payment schedule of five (5) years from the date of issue.
    If you are Applying for an EDF GRANT:
    If you are applying for a non-repayable EDF Grant, please check the box below stating that you understand a unanimous vote of the OPFFA Board is required for it's approval.
    Please upload your application and all relevant documents related to the IAFF EDF fund where financial assistance is also being sought:
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB
    If an invoice has not been paid, a copy of the original invoice as submitted by the person or organization for services rendered.  If an invoice has been paid, a copy of proof of payment will be required. Please upload either the original invoice or a copy of proof of payment below:
    Max file size: 20MB
    Please upload your local's current audit OR your local's current IAFF financial review for the last fiscal year showing income and disbursements below:
    Max file size: 20MB
    Please include a statement of your locals monthly dues structure below:
    All financial assistance, whether in the form of a loan or grant, must fall within the criteria laid out within the applicable IAFF funding program and shall only be applied to legal expenses and/or expert witness and/or evidence cost.
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