Public Employee Press

FDNY ordered to boost EMS officers' staffing

Members of Uniformed EMS Officers Local 3621 put their lives on the line daily to help New Yorkers during emergencies like Hurricane Sandy, yet like many city workers they struggle with understaffing.

To address this situation, the local filed and won a grievance that should address understaffing and provide more safety for their members and the public, especially during emergencies.

In the grievance, the local union claimed that the New York City Fire Dept. violated the collective bargaining agreement by failing to adhere to mandated ratios of supervisors to subordinates - also known as "manageable span of control" - as required by the Fire Department's own Incident Command System.

Currently the average ratio is one EMS Lieutenant for every 20 EMTs or Paramedics spread throughout several neighborhoods and communities. During emergencies, such as Hurricane Sandy, the ratio increases to a staggering one officer for every 30 or 40 EMTs or Paramedics.

The local argued in the grievance that the shortage of personnel puts New Yorkers and union members in serious danger.

"Maintaining an effective span of control is critical to providing the safety, coordination and support that the members operating in the field require to do their job and keep New Yorkers safe," Local 3621 President Vincent Variale said.

An optimum ratio is one Fire Lieutenant for every four to five firefighters, said Variale.

On Sept. 23, 2012, an arbitratior heard the case and agreed with the union. The arbitrator ruled that the Fire Department violated its own rules and regulations regarding span of control issues.

The decision ordered the Fire Department to initiate a review of span-of-control issues and to implement any revisions necessary to be in compliance with department regulations.

"It's a great victory for our members and the public," said Variale. "We'll be following up to make sure that the Fire Department is in compliance." DC 37 Assistant General Counsel Aaron S. Amaral represented the local at the hearing.