(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS) received a favorable decision from the D.C. Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) that said “hours of work, schedule and leave” are not subject to collective bargaining.

 

The decision, which was in response to a negotiability appeal filed by Local 36, International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO, was made on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

 

“I appreciate the effort and time taken by the board to reach their decision,” said DCFEMS Chief Kenneth B. Ellerbe. “Our executive team will continue working with union leaders on a staffing solution that serves and protects District residents and visitors.”

 

Currently, the Department staffs fire trucks using a four-platoon system. Firefighters work 24 hours and then have 72 hours off. The board’s decision could move the Department toward a three-platoon system where firefighters would work 12 hour shifts of three days on, three nights on and three days off.

 

The three-platoon system will include an additional day off to minimize a firefighter working six consecutive days.

 

The Public Employee Relations Board is an impartial, quasi-judicial, independent agency that resolves labor-management disputes between agencies of the District government and labor organizations representing agency employees.

 

For more information on the board’s decision, please click here.