Paramedics May Be Exempted From OT

[webteam]

Paramedics May Be Exempted From OT

WASHINGTON -- Fire department paramedics could work a 53-hour week before they receive overtime pay under a bill the House passed on a voice vote Thursday.

The full story is online at http://www.firehouse.com/news/99/11/5_APmedics.html

Discuss how this will impact your work right here in the Firehouse.Com Forums

[ThomR]

If we don't speak up, we'll get the shaft. Now is the time to contact your representative. Do it today.

[Romania]

Hey, as a fire/medic I already work a 53 hour week before overtime and still have to run all those ALS calls! The local private EMS agencies work 40 hoursw before OT, many of those units sleep more than we do!

------------------
Alan Romania, CEP
romania@uswest.net
IAFF Local 3449

My Opinions do not reflect the opnions of the IAFF or Local 3449.

[Boothby]

Private service paramedics are exempt from the law. It only is for fire based medics.

[chief4102]

Can anyone tell me for sure if this would apply to government operated third service ambulance services? That's the type of service I work for. At this time we DO get O.T. for everything over 40 hours. If someone is SURE of the answer to this question, I would appreciate you posting it in this thread. I'm sure that, if the employeer can take the built-in O.T. away , they will. Thanks.

Be Safe

Dan

[FirEmtP]

I hope this bill is successful. I hired on 11 years ago knowiing full well what the pay and hours required. I do not want to see the loss of my 24/48 over rising cost of schedule changes. Those that enter this profession with dreams of wealth and glory need to wake up and smell the coffee! I am calling my representative and encouraging his support of the bill. By the way if your always worried about what someone else is making or doing maybe you should work for them, see how secure private sector work is!

[Kobersteen]

Thom - I'm intregued to find out how you figure "we'll get the shaft."

This is a major step forward for Fire Based EMS. Read the Bill before you judge it. This just 'CLARIFIES' what a firefighter is. Todays firefighters are also HazMat Techs, Paramedics, EMTs and such.

This went from Committee to being passed by the House THE NEXT DAY. This is a non-contraversial bipartisian Bill. Call your Senators today and tell them you support Fire Based EMS!

[drex]

As a former volunteer in Anne Arundel county MD. I have seen what those medics go through in a 24 hour shift and i agree 40 hour and then OT is the way it should be!!!!!!!!!

and that goes for all EMS crews!!!!

[Kobersteen]

Drex- Ask any of the crews you refer to if they would feel better working 8 hour shifts, 5 days a week instead of 24 hour shifts 2 to 3 times a week.

Just because you ask for overtime for hours worked over 40 hours, DOES NOT mean they will keep your same schedule and pay you overtime.

[Kobersteen]

House Bill 1693 Passed the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent on Friday November 19th!

This is a tremendous step forward in Fire Based EMS. Thanks to all who contacted your representatives to express your support!

[jaxd65]

This bill is bad in my opinion as it relates to paramedics only and not ff/paramedics, As it is if you are a EMS based department only with no ff duties your employer may have you working a 53hr wk and not giving overtime pay for it. For those that say you got into this career years ago knowing what it was I say thats fine the federal fair labor and standards acts dont apply to you and you can go on supporting sweatshops that my ancestors have fought and died for.

thank you.

[jaxd65]

sorry left part of last sentance off, It is supposed to say, My ancestors have fought and died for to make this country THE LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE.

thank you.

[Kobersteen]

jaxd65: I think you are not referring to the correct legislation. If you go to: 'http://www.local341.org/1693.txt.html' you will find the text of the bill you posted the response to.

It plainly states that it is clarifying the definition of "Employee in fire protection activities". It also states, in the first part of the definition that in order to qualify for the 'clarified' 7(k) exemption you must be 'trained in fire suppression, have the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression, and is employed by a fire department of a municipality, county, fire district, or state...'

Not a bad idea to read the legislation before posting criticism.

[This message has been edited by Kobersteen (edited November 25, 1999).]

[jaxd65]

Sorry for the posting and not knowing the facts, I was told one thing and when I read for myself understand that I was misled. My appology to all.