Tag Archives: firefighters

On Call Time and the FLSA

Today’s FLSA Question: I am a career fire captain who works a 24/48 schedule. Captains in my department are required to be on call and take a command vehicle home on certain days off. We are on call while off duty and must respond to any alarm requiring more than two pieces of apparatus. Calls like box alarms, building fires, ...

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Mandatory Medical Exams and the FLSA

Dueling FLSA questions from two perspectives with the same answer. Fire Chief’s question: Our fire department began providing our firefighters with annual physicals several years ago. It was a tough sell in tough fiscal times but it was mandated by OSHA and we really had no choice. We try to schedule personnel while they are on duty, but one of ...

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South Carolina Fire Department Struggles with Mandatory Overtime

Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR) is hopeful 30 new recruits will alleviate a shortage of firefighters that dates to 2015. Hiring new firefighters to reduce overtime costs is not a new concept, however HCFR seems to be experiencing a chronic shortage of firefighters that dates back at least the last two years. In fact, the department has a mandatory overtime ...

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Retroactive Pay Increases, Bonuses and the FLSA

Today’s Question: The city and firefighters just concluded a long and drawn out battle over a new contract.  The old contract expired six months ago.  The new contract contains two provisions that are raising questions in the stations.  The first is a 2% retroactive pay increase (retroactive to July 1) and the second is a “bonus” that is payable to ...

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Schedule Adjustments, Firefighters and the FLSA

My fire department recently initiated a new policy.  The policy allows the department to adjust a firefighter’s schedule towards the end of the work period to avoid paying FLSA overtime.  We work a 24/48 schedule.  My scheduled work days are being cut from my schedule because I may have worked extra shifts earlier in the work period.  Does the FLSA ...

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Common FD FLSA Mistakes Vol. 5

5 Common FLSA (For Fire Departments) Violations and Ways to Avoid Them (Part 5 of 5) The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was originally implemented in 1938.  Workplaces have changed drastically since that time.  Many of the most common FLSA violations reflect that transition.  Modern technology has transformed the workplace in ways the original framers of the FLSA could not ...

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5 Common Fire Department FLSA Violations and Ways to Avoid Them (Part 4 of 5)

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was originally implemented in 1938.  Workplaces have changed drastically since that time.  Many of the most common FLSA violations reflect that transition.  As an employer, it is not always easy to stay ahead of the curve on some these issues, however it is essential that employers remain vigilant in efforts to stay compliant with ...

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Different Rules for Paying Firefighters

As many of us are keenly aware, firefighters do not always receive overtime after working 40 hours in a week. In fact, firefighters are often required to work upwards of 53 hours per week before receiving any overtime.

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