D.C. Fire and EMS Chief Kenneth Ellerbe is proposed big changes to the way firefighters are assigned to their jobs and the length of time they're working.
Ellerbe said he wants 12-hour days with less time off between shifts. Firefighters currently work a 24-hour shift, with five days off in between.
"We're trying to actually reduce personnel costs and still protect the city," Ellerbe said.
The chief claims the new shifts would include three 12-hour day shifts and three 12-hour night shifts with 24 hours between shifts. Ellerbe said the current schedules make it difficult for new employees to learn rules and regulations.
"It makes it challenging when we're doing training because we have to take units out of service during the day and we have to fill those positions with overtime."
"This makes a lot of sense for the District. It means better training for officers and it also means that we'll have more alert staff on duty," said D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson, who chairs the city's Judiciary Committee. He added though, "It's an issue that has to be bargained."
Chief Ellerbe said a change in shifts could save the city more than $30 million in personnel costs.
Any changes would have to be negotiated with the union representing the firefighters. Ellerbe said at best he expects it could be six months to a year before any changes would be made.
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