Going Direct with CAL FIRE Local 2881

A Conversation with CAL FIRE Director, Chief Tyler

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:18:23 -0800

CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler and Local 2881 President Tim Edwards sit down for a candid conversation about partnership, progress, and the future of CAL FIRE.

Conversation with L2881 President and State Rank & File

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:42:27 -0700

Join us for a conversation with L2881 President and State Rank & File as we dive into the contract and recent legislation impacting our members.

Ready Rebound

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Ready Rebound to discuss how they are transforming recovery for first responders who are injured on the job. Ready Rebound is accelerating access to care and improving outcomes for first responders and is an added benefit to all CAL FIRE firefighters.

Union Mentorship

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we explore how union mentorship builds up the next generation of leaders, fosters solidarity, and strengthens our collective voice.

Stronger Together: The Power of Union Engagement

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0700

We're back with two more Local 2881 members, both from District X, who are stepping up in the Advanced Leadership Class. In this episode, we talk more about why active participation is essential in the fight for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Leading with Strength: The Power of Union Leadership

Tue, 20 May 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Step into the world of leadership with two Local 2881 members as they attend the Local 2881 Advanced Leadership Class. This episode dives into the key traits of effective leaders and explores why an engaged membership is the foundation of union strength.

Workers Comp, Part 2

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0700

We continue our conversation with Jason and Kevan about navigating workers comp and resources available to L2881 members. Be sure to go back and listen to part 1!

Workers Comp, Part 1

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0800

Join us for a conversation with Kevan Fox from the L2881 Injured Member Liaison (IML) Committee and attorney Jason Wells as we discuss navigating workers comp.

Episode 19: History of the Union, Part 2

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0800

We continue the conversation about the history of the union with former L2881 President Ray Snodgrass and former L2881 State Rank & File Ken Hale. We pick up the conversation at the first MOU and talk about some of the changes and successes we've seen through the years.

Ep. 18: The History of the Union, Part 1

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Join us for the first episode in our history series! Today we are talking with former L2881 President, Ray Snodgrass, and former State Rank & File, Ken Hale. We talk about the beginning of the union through the first contract.

Retirement and the Union

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Join us for a discussion with two of our Chapter Retiree Directors on the preparing for retirement, retirement life, L2881 retiree benefits, how to become an L2881 retiree member and more!

Open Enrollment and Benefits

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Join us for a discussion on the Open Enrollment - important dates to keep in mind, how to change your health benefits, resources, and more!

What it Means to be an L2881 Union Rep

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Join us for a discussion on what it means to be a union rep! This episode was recorded during one of our rep class trainings this year and features some of our rep class trainers. For more information on the rep class or any of our L2881 trainings, visit the member side of the L2881 website.

Women in CAL FIRE

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Last month we talked with four women in CAL FIRE about the perspective women bring to the fire service and the unique challenges they might face. We hope you enjoy the discussion!

Conversations from the Membership Support Class

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Join VP Pete Munoa, District II VP Nick Garcia, District X VP Patrick Walker and the Honor Guard Commander Chris Bruno as they talk about the Membership Support class how the Union assists its members in times of need.

Episode 12 - Conversation from Advanced Leadership Training

Tue, 09 May 2023 08:00:00 -0700

Guest host Sean Edwards is back, leading a discussion with President Tim Edwards, District I VP Josh Smith, and former District 10 Deputy VP Jeremy Salizzoni.

Episode 11 - Local 2881 Trainings

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0800

In the first episode of 2023, President Edwards sits down with District II VP Nick Garcia and District III VP Brad Niven to talk about the different union trainings offered by Local 2881.

Episode 10 - Podcast Takeover Part2 with Jordan Motta and Sean Edwards

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 09:36:46 -0700

Listen to part 2 of the conversation President Edwards had with Chapter Directors Jordan Motta and Sean Edwards. Note, the bargaining update provided in the episode is still the most current update as of today, 7/27/22.

Episode 9 - Podcast Takeover Part 1 with Jordan Motta and Sean Edwards

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:57:59 -0700

Episode 8 - Convention recap & looking ahead with President Edwards

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0800

In the first episode of 2022, you get a recap on our annual convention and President Edwards gives a vaccine update and gets frank on negotiations and staffing. We also hear from your new State Rank & File Director Peter Boctor.

Episode 7 - Update with Labor Attorney Gary Messing

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:46:56 -0700

President Tim Edwards talks with your labor attorney and Chief Legal Counsel, Gary Messing, about current issues and updates that affect our members.

Episode 6 - Aaron Read & Associates

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:03:06 -0700

Introducing Aaron of Aaron Read & Associates, our longtime legislative advocate who works hard for you at the capitol.

Episode 5 - Common Resolve featuring CAHP

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 11:59:45 -0700

In this episode, we are joined by California Association of Highway Patrolmen President Rick LaBeske and their Chief Executive Officer and Chief Negotiator Carrie Lane as they discuss a variety of topics surrounding bargaining, pay parity, and similarities and differences between our labor organizations.

Quick update with the L2881 Chief Negotiator

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:02:05 -0700

Chief Negotiator and Legal Counsel Gary Messing, is back for a brief discussion with President Tim Edwards on recent events, budgets, and current legislation impacting CAL FIRE Local 2881 members and their families.

Union Activism, Organizing, and Collective Bargaining

Mon, 03 May 2021 16:17:04 -0700

In this episode, President Edwards sits down with IAFF organizer in Strategic Campaigns and Greensboro NC, Local 947 President Dave Coker, and has a candid conversation about his struggles and successes with union activism, organizing, and the importance of keeping labor history alive.

Episode 2 - Current Issues & Actions with the L2881 Attorney

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 16:19:14 -0700

In this episode, CAL FIRE Local 2881 Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Negotiator Gary Messing, talks with President Tim Edwards about the recently filed CalOSHA complaint and what L2881 is doing about the staffing issues. They also touch on the bargaining process and how it works.

Episode 1 - Introduction and Hot Topics

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:14:15 -0800

In our introductory episode, we discuss all things staffing, current political struggles, and our goals for this podcast. President Edwards and VP Pete Munoa give you a raw, unscripted, and factual account of where we are at and where we are going. Listen and you'll have a front-row seat to a discussion where they are "going direct" to our membership.