To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Zach Curren, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Shuree Egloff, Principal Management Analyst
TITLE:
Title
Fire Department Suppression Employee Pregnancy Disability Benefit
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution granting authority to the City Manager to approve a limited paid disability benefit for pregnant fire department suppression personnel on Pregnancy Disability Leave
Body
DISCUSSION:
The fire service is an exceptionally demanding profession, requiring intense physical exertion and exposing personnel to various occupational hazards. The job of firefighting involves physical hazards such as extreme temperature variations, strenuous physical demands, exposure to chemical agents, the need to wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), etc. These specific essential job tasks (and more) are defined by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1582, Chapter 10. In addition, it should be noted that firefighter work schedules are unique to fire suppression employees, in that they work extended periods away from home and family (minimum of 48 hours away at a time), which causes unique burdens on this specific class of employees.
Pregnant firefighters face unique challenges that sometimes require specific workplace measures to safeguard their health and facilitate their return to work. Currently, firefighters are not eligible for any short-term disability benefits such as State Disability Insurance (SDI), or any other short term disability program available to most other City employees, which helps employees remain in a partially paid status while on Pregnancy Disability Leave (“PDL”). Therefore, for firefighters disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition to remain in a paid status during their PDL period, they must use their available leave balances. In most cases, these firefighters exhaust their leave banks before returning to work and must take unpaid leave. The recommended action supports the development and maintenance of a limited paid disability benefit specific to fire suppression employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition.
Implementing a fire suppression specific paid disability benefit not only promotes inclusivity but also reflects the City’s commitment to supporting pregnant firefighters and their families. Such a policy enhances the City’s ability to attract and retain talented firefighters by fostering a supportive and equitable workplace environment, as well as facilitates their successful return to work following pregnancy related disability.
The attached Draft Fire Suppression Pregnancy Disability Benefit Policy outlines the benefit and policy for firefighters requesting PDL. These guidelines aim to ensure that all employees are provided with the necessary support to continue their service in a safe and inclusive environment.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
Additional staffing costs are already accounted for as the employees are already entitled to the time off under existing State Law. While the adoption of this policy will result in costs related to this additional paid leave while on PDL, these costs are not substantial and can be absorbed by the current Department budget.
CEQA:
The Fire Chief has determined that the Recommended Action described in this Staff Report is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1 - Resolution
ATCH 2 - Draft Fire Suppression Pregnancy Disability Leave Policy
ATCH 3 - NFPA 1582, Chapter 10
NOTIFICATION:
None