Open communication sparks good relations among Robins firefighters Published Sept. 24, 2010 By Wayne Crenshaw 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Even people who have been working at Robins for years may not be aware there are actually two labor unions on base. Most everyone is familiar the larger of the two, the American Federation of Government Employees Local 987. The other is the International Association of Firefighters Local F-107, which represents 60 Robins firefighters. The president of IAF Local F-107 is Rusty Adams, a captain in the base fire department. He also serves on the Connectors, a group of labor and management representatives who strive to improve working relationships involving the two sides. Along with AFGE Local 987 President Tom Scott and Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Commander Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, Adams approves all of the Foster Leadership in People awards here, which go to those who make efforts to improve labor and management relationships. Adams has also been recognized with a FLIP winner award. Asked about the state of labor and management relationships within the fire department, Adams comes with facts rather than opinion. "We have no grievances, congressionals, or complaints of any kind pending," he said. "I try my best not to let anything get to that level." He also gives credit to excellent communications, noting Fire Chief Forrest Johnson distributes a weekly newsletter to let firefighters know about anything going within the department, which helps quash the rumor mill. Adams and Johnson also meet weekly to discuss issues, and they have lunch off base every other Friday to talk about issues on a "very informal basis." "We try to work out things not as the fire chief and union president, but as just two guys talking," he said.