Does AB1309 Circumvent Collective Bargaining?

No, the bill was written to intentionally include the collective bargaining process.

Aren’t CAL FIRE firefighters paid enough?

CAL FIRE firefighters begin at minimum wage working seventy-two hour shifts. In many areas of our state, these men and women serve in the same capacity and along side Fire departments that earn in many cases twice as much as their CAL FIRE counterpart, while working nearly a month less annually. In some instances CAL FIRE Firefighters are eligible for social services because of the income disparity.

CAL FIRE gladly answers the call day or night rain or shine. They are prepared and willing to do whatever the people of California or any state may ask of them, for as long as needed. When these firefighters are gone for weeks or months on end, someone has to manage the home front, the spouses. The incredible burden put on the CAL FIRE spouses, only compounds with financial stresses. It is often impossible for the spouses to work if there is children to take care of. By the nature of the job, raising a family in CAL FIRE often means a single income household.

CAL FIRE already makes more then the USFS, why do they need to be compensated more?

While it is unfortunately true that there federal partners earn less, unlike the USFS. CAL FIRE is an All-Risk Agency, everything from advanced US&R, advanced air operations, paramedicine, Hazardous Materials response, to managing and mitigating the most complex incidents such as the Palisades, and Glass fires. CAL FIRE does it all- and they are happy to do so.

Why don’t firefighters leave to better paying fire departments?

The unfortunate truth is they do, in droves. After receiving tens of thousands of dollars in training, gaining experience, many of the top men and women leave for better pay, benefits, and work schedule. While AB1309 won’t stop this, it will greatly reduce it. People generally do not want to leave, but they have to, to be able to support a family, buy a home, pay off student debt or to feel they are being fairly compensated for the risks they take.

What else?

The firefighters job is incredibly dangerous, take a look at the firefighter memorial, or ask a firefighter how many times they or their colleagues have been injured. It is also incredibly technical. The paramedic who may be taking care of you went through at least two years worth of specialized school. The firefighter in the airplane or helicopter is managing multiple radios and multiple aircraft while talking to dozens of people on the ground. CAL FIRE does the same job at the same level and beyond as the 20 departments listed in the bill. It is beneficial to the firefighters, their families and the people of California that they are fairly compensated.