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CAL FIRE Local 2881 members,
I wanted to start by thanking our Executive Board for their courage and willingness to stand strong during these trying times. I also wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the difficult budget season that concluded yesterday with the signature of Governor Newsom. For the first time in his governorship, the Governor dealt with a significant budget deficit that coincided with issues critical to CAL FIRE Local 2881 and the Department.
The new budget required almost fifty billion dollars in cuts and 8% reductions to state agencies across the board. The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO), which provides the financial perspective for the Governor and the Legislature, took a firm stance that issues requiring an increased cost should be postponed. They asked for at least one year to gauge the fiscal condition the state will be in next season.
We disagreed. We had already worked hard negotiating an MOU that further professionalized our work week. We did not retreat in telling the truth in private meetings and committee hearings that the 66-hour work week is a critical advancement for personal safety and overall efficiency. Simply put, the work our members do daily transcends financial cycles. Perhaps, even more critical to some, the work we do has a cost component up front that translates into an overall savings in preserved property, a reduced disruption of the economy, and saves lives!
Two years ago we held a press conference on the Capitol steps with members of both parties. Our issue was the implementation of the 66-hour work week. I am pleased to report that the groundwork on that issue and others resulted in a responsible budget being written.
This budget includes:
The 66-hour work week for CAL FIRE is now enshrined. The 66-hour workweek is in statute - the guiding law for CAL FIRE - and is now an integral part of the working conditions for our members.
The funding for a facility to train and educate the ultimate increase of more than 2200 hundred new firefighters was in question until the last several weeks, but also remains in the budget. We will have the capacity to put into uniform the necessary workforce to battle the fires of the New Normal and still allow our members to get home to their families.
The physical and mental health of our members has been an absolute priority of this Board. Yesterday, we made real progress.
The budget also includes permanent funding for our five augmented hand crews. This is vital when measured against the cuts in Corrections - more than 300 million and the cold fact that inmate crews are becoming an extinct species.
The Corrections’ budget cuts have also impacted our legislative agenda. We have moved a bill by Assemblymember Grayson through four committees and will be sending it to the Senate Floor this week. This bill will allow our Director the discretion to keep seasonal Firefighters on duty when needed for an entire year. And this year is shaping up to be one where they will be needed.
We worked hard with Republicans and Democrats to be productive. I am appreciative to both. Our team was tireless in creating documents to share and in making an honest case for the benefits to the state.
I also want to thank Brian Rice, the President of CPF, who stood with us when we needed him, and Ed Kelly from the IAFF, who did the same. They were public in prioritizing their support as vital to the fire service statewide and nationally.
Director Joe Tyler presented a dynamic case for these advancements in determining a viable emergency response that will ultimately preserve property and save lives. His commitment to the men and women of our department is noteworthy. Region Chief, George Morris, played a crucial role in crafting how the 66-hour work week will be implemented.
There were many individuals who assisted us over the last 2 years - proving it takes everyone working together, carrying the same message, and keeping the men and women of CAL FIRE a priority.
Our members will remain our priority as we negotiate a new contract.
CAL FIRE Local 2881 will continue to advocate for safer working conditions, better benefits, and fair wages for our members.
This year is already proving to be a very active and challenging year. Our members are presently working long hours and multiple days on fire lines. As fire activity continues to increase, take time to look out for one another and continue to remain vigilant on the fire lines. My only wish is that everyone goes home to their families.
Staying the Course,
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