Introduction This PowerPoint presentation was developed to introduce the members the concept of the 48/72 (2on/3off) work schedule. This presentation compares the current 7 group system to the proposed 48/72. Please view this presentation on a possible alternative work schedule with an open mind and you just might find yourself surprised at the end. Enjoy…..

Proposal for 48/72 Schedule

Introduction Some of our members have been looking at and discussing the possibility of a 48/72 schedule for some time. This issue has never been subject to a union ballot vote, but the demographics of the department and the realities of increased commuting times and now increased fuel costs have changed and will continue to change.

Introduction, continued The purpose of this presentation is to present the issues relevant to such a change in our working hours. Any trial period that we would ever propose to undertake would be ONLY a trial. Any Vote on the matter would be a ballot vote by all members, not a hand vote at a meeting This is meant to be a fair treatment of the issues and questions and comments are welcome from all.

48/72 Work Schedule Background After reviewing other DoD FDs in our area, there are an increasing number of them using this schedule with satisfaction. The departments that switched to this schedule have seen: –Relief from long commutes –Increased moral by providing additional three days –Increased family time

48/72 Work Schedule Background Cont. At this time, there are a number of DoD fire departments using this schedule. Several others are actively investigating it. Most departments that look at this type of change vote for a six month or one year trial period. In some cases, an escape clause was added to the agreement to allow management or labor to opt out of the trial period at any time. No department has ever exercised this clause.

Interesting Findings All of the departments working the 48/72 share an overwhelming level of satisfaction with this schedule. None of the agencies that have implemented this schedule have decided to return to their previous schedules.

What does the 48/72 schedule look like? SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday On Duty Off On Duty Off On Duty Off This is one of several groups firefighters would fall into.

How do the schedules compare?

How many days will I wake up at home with my family? Current Schedule 2 days one month, 5 days the next month days per year 48/72 Schedule days per month 127 days per year Well Over a 100% Increase in staying at home time

How many three day off periods do I get in a 48/72 schedule? Current Schedule NO 3-Day Breaks. 4-Day Breaks are only once every 7 weeks, so you only get them 7 times per year 48/72 Schedule 3-Day breaks happen 1 every week 4-5 per month 51 3-Day breaks/year

How does it effect my use of Vacation time? (Part 1) Taking leave on the current schedule means working around your schedule to maximize the days off you get for the leave you burn. The best you can do is 8 days off when working around a 4-day break, and that’s only every 7 th week. Need leave in between? Right now you just have to burn more leave!

Taking leave on the proposed 48/72 means you take leave when you need to be off, not when you have a 4-day. The best you can do is 8 days off for 2 days leave used, but you can do that on any week, not just once every 7 weeks! How does it effect my use of Vacation time? (Part 2)

How does this schedule affect my commute to or from work? Current Schedule 156 days per year commuting Using example commute of 45 miles with 45 minute average travel time: miles per year 234 travel hours per year. 48/72 Schedule 78 days per year commuting Using example commute of 45 miles with 45 minute average travel time: 7020 miles per year 117 travel hours per year.

How does this schedule affect my commute to or from work? Only ½ the commute miles, meaning less gas used as well as less wear and tear on vehicles…. Not to mention time spent commuting when you could be home with your family.

How does this schedule affect my commute to or from work? Current Schedule 156 days per year commuting Using same example commute of 45 miles with $3.00 per gallon gas on average and an average of 20 miles to the gallon: 7020 miles per year 351 gallons of gas $1053 gas cost per year. 48/72 Schedule 78 days per year commuting Using same example commute of 45 miles with $3.00 per gallon gas on average and an average of 20 miles to the gallon: 3510 miles per year gallons of gas $ gas cost per year.

How much will I save? Regardless of your mileage, how far you travel, or how spectacular your vehicle’s gas mileage is, your current fuel costs are cut in half by going to the 48/72 schedule. You will also see your Brakes, Tires, etc…last much longer.

How much will I save? Save wear and tear on yourself by sitting in traffic 50% less. Have 50% less exposure to a possible traffic accident. Fewer miles driven each year will reduce your insurance costs. Vehicle retains value over a longer period of time due to lower mileage.

Fatigue and the 48/72 One of the biggest advantages of the 48/72 schedule is it allows employees more opportunity to recover from sleep deprivation / long-term fatigue.

Fatigue and the 48/72 Departments using this schedule found that after the schedule change, concerns about increased fatigue were not realized. Departments found that over time the schedule can significantly reduce fatigue. Departments saw no increase in injuries or disabilities resulting from the schedule change. Departments have seen a reduction in sick leave use.

Fatigue and the 48/72 During busy periods, short term fatigue is expected for some individuals working our current schedule, the 48/72, or any schedule. It’s the nature of being a Firefighter Many employees already voluntarily work extended shifts (i.e. 48s, 72s, 96s, ect.) by trading time. 48/72 schedule increases rest periods from 2 days to 3 days and increases the frequency of rest periods. –The frequency of 3 days increases to a 3-day every week, as opposed to only a 2-day every 9 days and a 4-day only once every 7 th week.

How does this effect my personal issues? Every person working here may have different personal issues arise from any change in schedules.

How does it effect my spending time with my children? (Part 1) Some personnel have expressed issues because they have standing agreements with divorced spouses and think that they will have to go back to court to work out these issues. As they stand, any agreement which states that children are with the firefighter on there 2 day breaks can be applied to the second and third day of the 3 day break with no change to divorce decrees – it is the same 2 day break, only with the 48/72 it happens more often.

How does it effect my spending time with my children? (Part 2) On the current schedule, anyone who has their children with them on there 2 day breaks, only has them for 3 or 4 breaks a month, and then only for a night or two (Note highlighted 2-day breaks). If you get held on overtime on your 2-day, then you can’t have your kids for 2 days… that 2-day gets spent working overtime.

Only looking at the 2 nd and 3 rd days of all of your 3- day breaks, this allows for one 2 day period with your kids every week. If you do get held on overtime the first day of your 3-day break, you still get your children for 2 days – every week! Some ex-spouses may be more inclined to work with you, as you now have a set, repeating 2 week schedule. How does it effect my spending time with my children? (Part 3)

Will this affect my ability to do Shift Trades ? Will still be able to do shift trades for the same amount of days under the current contract. Might be able to work with management to trade 24 hour or 48 hour shifts. Will have to be worked out with management if this passes.

Why should management like the 48/72 schedule? Better Workflow and Continuity as a shift works for two days in a row. Easier to schedule training coverage on second day of shift without the complication of holdovers and need for overtime to insure coverage that we currently experience. Morale increase in the members, which creates a happier workforce.

Why should management like the 48/72 schedule?...continued Some daily routines do not need to be repeated such as Shift Change, thus increasing productivity. Management can show that they are indeed forward-thinking and willing to accept and embrace change.

CON Every shift is a 48 hours This disturbs a long standing routine May cause stress with some family routines initially. Second of 2 shifts could be more demanding if a busy first shift occurred. Would have to take off both work days to ensure having off on the second day – unless you worked out a trade with yourself or with someone else, which would still be available. Decrease in Morale of some members, simply because they do not want to try the 48/72 schedule.

PRO A standardized 2 week schedule which is easier to plan around. Better continuity of workflow for two days in a row Less money spent on rising fuel costs. Easier to maximize leave used. Still able to trade days as on the current schedule but with an increase in rest time after any work period.

PRO, con’t Increase in Morale as seen in Departments that have switched. More days start at home with your family. Commuting time and distance cut in half, resulting in less driving expenses and less wear and tear on vehicle and you. Commuting gas cost cut in half, due to half the number of trips back and forth to work. No more waiting with anticipation for 7 th week (4-day weekend) to roll around to get more than a day or two off – 3-day breaks are every week!

What do we do now???? If you think this proposal has merit, talk it up with you crew, families, other members, and Station Steward. If enough interest is shown, we can move towards a poll and than a vote to move forward with a trial run period of six months or a year - See next slide for example The trial would be contingent on approval of management. All issues relating to the trial would be worked out by committee and with management between now and the start of the trial.

Vote Proposal for 48/72 Paper vote to start 6 month trial period then a paper vote (YES) Continual Trial (NO) Return to normal schedule (YES) Continue Trial After one year conduct a paper vote (YES) Make it permanent (NO) Return to normal schedule