Leadership Profile: IAEP Local R7-52 President Cindy Yatchak
As president of IAEP Local R7-52, Cindy Yatchak, along with the Local’s Executive Board, has worked diligently to ensure fair treatment and equity for her fellow EMS & Fire professionals with the Germantown, Wisconsin Fire Department.
“Keeping checks and balances in place and making sure that everyone is treated fairly and equally are the two most important aspects of my role as a local leader,” said Cindy.
Cindy began her EMS career in 2002, and became Local 52’s first president shortly after the group voted to join the IAEP in early 2007. Since becoming president, Cindy has worked diligently to promote the best interest of all of her members as well as the other Fire Department employees. As president of Local 52 Cindy faces additional difficulties since the Germantown Fire Department’s staff is separated by shifts into two separate bargaining units.
“It has been a challenge to have two separate units within the same group of people,” said Cindy. “Sometimes personal agenda’s get in the way, but we strive to focus on improving the workplace for everyone.”
Local 52 is comprised of all paid-on-call EMS & Fire professionals, a first for the union.
“I am hopeful that our group will act as a strong example of how a union can benefit groups of paid-on-call employees,” Cindy said. “We are hopeful that groups similar to our local will follow our lead and organize with the IAEP.”
Looking to the future, Cindy is hopeful that as the population of Germantown continues to grow that the local will also gain membership.
“As our Village [of Germantown] continues to grow, I would hope that our membership and the certification level within the department will grow with it,” said Cindy. “My hope is that we will be able recruit additional members and obtain the additional training needed for us to grow as a Department.”