Last Thursday, the Senate Labor Committee favorably reported S-2781, which permits the minimum number of firefighting personnel for public employers to be collectively bargained.
As this is a management responsibility, the League testified in opposition to this legislation because it allows employees to determine minimum staffing levels. This responsibility rests with management because there are many factors involved when determining staffing levels.
This legislation was introduced based on a 2010 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Report on Residential Fireground Field Experiments.
S-2781 is at second reading in the Senate. A-3400, the Assembly companion, has not yet been heard in the Assembly Labor Committee. We encourage you to reach out to your legislators and urge them to oppose this legislation that impedes management responsibilities.
Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.