1. The Forty Eight-Ninety Six Work Schedule

2. Most Departments that considered the schedule first voted for a six month or one year trial period. In all cases, an escape clause was added to the agreement to allow labor or management to opt out of the trial period at any time.

3. Just The Facts
We work the same number of days with the California work schedule and the 48/96 work schedule
56 hours per week
10 days per month
120 days per year
4 days off duty
40 per year on California schedule
60 per year on the 48/96 work schedule
Full Weekends off duty
17 weekends off per year on the California schedule
26 weekends off per year on the 48/96 work schedule
Full Weekends on duty
0 complete weekends worked on the California schedule
9 complete weekends worked per year on the 48/96 work schedule
Commute Days
240 commute days per year on the California schedule
120 commute days per year on the 48/96 work schedule

4. Possible benefits to changing to a 48/96
More “ four days” – There are two days between four days on the 48/96, rather than 5 days between four days on the California schedule.
More weekends off – 26 full weekends off per year, versus 17. This can be a benefit for personnel whose families are involved in weekend activities.
Week to Week pattern – Under the current schedule we work three consecutive Mondays in a row and then 6 off. With the 48/96 a firefighter works two consecutive Mondays, then has the next four off.
Increased morale for those who like the schedule
Commute
5 more mornings per month that you will wake up at home, not going to work
Cuts commutes to work in half

5. Possible negative aspects of changing to a 48/96
Personnel will be away from family for 48 hours
Change in routine can be difficult
Some may face unique issues in regards to childcare, child custody, animals, care of other family members
This schedule requires one to work 61, 48-hour tours. Currently we work 0.
Sleep deprivation and fatigue with the potential for negative health effects
If the first shift is busy, productivity on the second shift could decrease
Decreased morale for those who don’t want to try the 48/96
Requires that personnel work nine full weekends per year

6. Additional Findings Departments saw a reduction in sick time
Departments saw a reduction in trades
Annual Leave
Current schedule tour (3 shifts) yields 13 days off = 72 hours taken
2 tour (6 shifts) yields 22 days off = 144 hours taken
3 tour (9 shifts) yields 31 days off = 216 hours taken
48/96 schedule tour (2 shifts) yields 10 days off = 48 hours taken
2 tour (4 shifts) yields 16 days off = 96 hours taken
3 tour (6 shifts) yields 22 days off = 144 hours taken
What were the departments motivation for a schedule change?
Research indicated many departments changed because they saw the positive benefits and improvements in the morale in surrounding departments who had switched to the 48/96 work schedule .

8. Sources
48-96.com
Feasibility study prepared for the members of the Firefighters Local 522(Sacramento, CA)
Merrill Fire Department ( Chris Marion )

9. Conclusion
The change to a 48/96 work schedule may constitute a significant life change for the membership. There are many factors to consider before making a decision. It is incumbent upon each of us to take the time to do our own research & decide if this change will be beneficial for the long term.