The FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association have filed suit against the City of New York to challenge the reduction of staffing on 60 engine companies from 6 personnel to 5. According to Mayor Bloomberg the cost cutting move is expected to save $30 million (either those guys make an awful lot of money or the mayor’s math is off…. I’m betting it’s the latter).
The staffing reduction means all 194 engine in FDNY will now be staffed with 5 members (an officer and 4 firefighters). Previously the 60 busiest engines were staffed with 6. Ladder companies will continue to be staffed with 6 (an officer and 5 firefighters).
I believe there also is a provision for not backfilling positions on truck companies when they go down a man, which means the truck is either out of service or runs without the OVM position.
TheFrontSeat
Thank you. Is the not backfilling the position on ladders a change that is being contested by the lawsuit?
I believe the cost estimate is based on a great amount of overtime that is used to man the sixth position. I didn’t realize FDNY used 6 man crews. I can’t imagine how nice it is to work a 6 man crew, especially when most departments are struggling to keep 3 or 4 firefighters on a crew. More power to them.
If they are forced to reduce staffing it would be great if they compiled information about any increases in injuries or lost efficiencies due to the manning change. I’m sure that would be great information for the rest of the country to help fight staffing reductions.