The union asked the USDA to request significant outyear funding to maintain higher pay rates. Image: Steven A Herrera/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffA recent pay boost for some federal wildland firefighters was much needed and will be helpful but a long-term commitment to improved pay and other issues is needed to address the Forest Service’s problems with recruitment and retention for those jobs, the NFFE union has said.
“We are grateful for all that has been done to increase base pay, but it is insufficient by itself to stop the exodus. As partners in this challenge, we must vigilantly act, in a way employees can see, to demonstrate our commitment and desire for them to stay in federal service,” it said in a letter to the agency’s parent Agriculture Department.
“A critical piece is to share as much as you are able to with employees on what USDA and USFS are doing to secure permanent solutions on issues relating to pay and other working conditions. This includes extending as many short-term offerings as possible to keep our valuable staff supported and stabilized,” it said.
At a time when agencies are going through the budget request process with OMB for the next budget proposal, the union asked the department to “request significant outyear funding” to maintain the higher pay rates; allow more hiring at higher starting pay levels; establish career ladders providing for regular advancement in grade and pay; and expand incentive pay for certain qualifications and certifications.
“NFFE members are still facing financial insecurity because the recent pay increase approved and funded in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is only temporary. As such, firefighters continue to look for and take jobs outside of federal service. Our employees are unquestionably dedicated to their careers and their country as federal wildland firefighters. However, pay parity, mental health, burnout, and housing issues persist, forcing many to leave federal service for other job opportunities free of those burdens,” it said.
Meanwhile, a report has been filed clearing the way for a full Senate vote on S-1116, to create a presumption for FECA benefits purposes that disability or death caused by heart disease, lung disease and certain cancers of federal employees who worked in fire protection activities for at least five years was work-related. A similar bill, HR-2499, previously passed the full House and the Labor Department recently created a special unit to expedite such claims.
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