Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) have introduced the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act in the U.S. Senate.
The bipartisan bill supports federal fire fighters’ physical and mental health by limiting pre-scheduled work hours at 60 per week, helping ensure a more reasonable work-life balance for those on the frontlines. The bill would also address long-standing issues with federal fire fighter pension calculations.
“Federal fire fighters are being pushed to the brink as they work grueling schedules that jeopardize their health, safety, and well-being. Not only is this schedule physically demanding, but it also has a mental impact, as these fire fighters are forced to spend so much time away from their families,” said General President Edward Kelly.
“That’s why the IAFF proudly supports the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act – it caps excessive workweeks, fixes broken retirement rules, and honors the hours our members serve. I want to thank Senators Gallego and Moreno for supporting these brave men and women – and their families.”
The bill introduced in the Senate will serve as the companion legislation to the House version of the bill (H.R. 759), which was introduced in January by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA), before he passed away earlier this year.
Federal fire fighters currently work a 72-hour week – nearly double the average American workweek – while protecting military bases, research institutions, and other federal infrastructure.
Federal fire fighters are being pushed to the brink as they work grueling schedules that jeopardize their health, safety, and well-being. Not only is this schedule physically demanding, but it also has a mental impact, as these fire fighters are forced to spend so much time away from their families.
General President Edward Kelly
In practice, this schedule means they are either leaving or coming to work every 24 hours, giving them little time to rest and recover after each shift.
“Federal fire fighters protect our communities from wildfires and keep our veterans and service members safe,” said Gallego. “But right now, these brave men and women are forced to work grueling hours at pay rates far below what other fire fighters make. It’s unacceptable, and I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to fix it.”
Additionally, federal fire fighters face unjust penalties when it comes to retirement, with approximately 26% of their pre-set overtime hours excluded from pension calculations. Combined with grueling schedules, these penalties have created long-standing challenges for federal IAFF members, leading to increased injuries and burnout among those who protect federal facilities.
“America’s fire fighters put their lives on the line every day to protect and save communities across the country,” said Moreno. “This legislation makes sure they and their families are fairly compensated for the incredible work they do and sacrifices they make.”
The bill also addresses federal fire fighters’ pension calculation penalties by including the full value of their pre-scheduled overtime hours, ensuring fire fighters are fairly compensated for their service to our nation when they retire.
“It’s time for U.S. government to recognize the sacrifices these fire fighters are making every day to protect our federal facilities,” said Kelly. “I urge Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation as quickly as possible.”
Learn more about the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act by visiting iaff.org/legislative-action.
