I work at a small department and I've got some guys trying to ram a union through and I'm doing crash course in trying to understand all of this crap.

This isn't a union bashing post but more of a WTF is going on and how to move forward on this. Where can I get literature on this. I want to be educated on the topic.

We started a local at Kodiak fire department when I worked there. They did nothing for me. Try googling up who IAFF supports politically. That will tell you all you need to know

Oh I know. Not a lot to be proud of

Is there a state level FF association?  If so contact them.

You can contact the IAFF and ask for information.

Any nearby larger departments that you can ask for help and information.

I was not an executive board member, but from my end, the IAFF basically did nothing for my union other than take our money and give us a sticker that may have got me out of a speeding ticket or a few of them.