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Proposed 52‑hour minimum for firefighters draws widespread opposition; committee continues item
Summary
Supervisor Avalos’ charter amendment to set a 52‑hour minimum firefighter work week generated extensive testimony from firefighters, fire‑department leadership and unions; the controller estimated roughly $6.9 million in payroll‑to‑regular‑time savings, but fire union leaders said collective bargaining should determine hours and warned the change could cost money or reduce volunteer community services. The committee continued the item for further study.
Supervisor Eric Avalos introduced a charter amendment to set the minimum average firefighter work week at 52 hours (the existing Charter language lists 48.7 hours). Avalos said the measure was intended to add long‑term budget flexibility and cited a multi‑year city shortfall; he emphasized the proposal was not intended to penalize firefighters and said he had discussed the idea with the Department of Human Resources and the Controller.
Deputy Chief Gary Masthani (speaking for Fire Chief Hayes White) and numerous firefighters and union leaders urged the committee to leave hours to the collective‑bargaining process. Masthani told the committee that changing the charter…
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