WASHINGTON –Today, Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) introduced the Federal Firefighters Families First Act to boost pay and benefits, as well as improve working conditions, for federal firefighters.
“America’s firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect and save communities across the country,” said Senator Moreno. “This legislation makes sure they and their families are fairly compensated for the incredible work they do and sacrifices they make.”
“Federal firefighters protect our communities from wildfires and keep our veterans and service members safe,” said Senator Gallego. “But right now, these brave men and women are forced to work grueling hours at pay rates far below what other firefighters make. It’s unacceptable, and I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to fix it.”
“Federal fire fighters are being pushed to the brink – working 72-hour weeks that risk their health, safety, and well-being. The IAFF proudly supports the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act, and thanks Senators Ruben Gallego and Bernie Moreno for putting these brave men and women – and their families – first. It caps excessive workweeks, fixes broken retirement rules, and honors the hours our members serve. Without action, this system will continue to fail those who protect our military and our national security. The IAFF urges Congress to act now,” said Edward A. Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
Due to outdated scheduling practices, federal firefighters typically work 72 hours per week – staggered at a grueling rate of 24 hours on-duty and 24 hours off-duty. This schedule harms firefighters’ work-life balance, robs them of time with family, and reduces their effective hourly wages. The Federal Firefighters Families First Act would bring much-needed relief to federal firefighters by reducing their workweek to 60 hours while holding their current overall pay steady and ensuring that their pensions accurately reflect their scheduled overtime.
Specifically, the bill would:
- Establish a 60-hour regular workweek for firefighters protecting federal installations while holding their current overall pay steady.
- Adjust the FERS calculation for firefighters to recognize the full wages paid to a firefighter for their hours of scheduled overtime, rather than only valuing these hours at their basic rate of pay.
Read the full bill HERE.