The work hours outlined in the contract are subject to budget changes: The agreement contains a clause that could void the reductions if the state declares a fiscal emergency and the general fund cannot support the cost.
That may not be far-fetched. Not long after the contract was finalized, the Legislative Analyst’s Office projected a $24 billion deficit for 2023-24.
“That made the membership nervous,” Edwards said. “The state has to make good on its promise.”
In an emailed response to questions, Tyler said mental health issues are being addressed in the agency’s next strategic plan, which is currently under revision. He said there are ways other than shorter workweeks to reduce work-related stress, noting that independent of the collective bargaining process, the state added 1,500 Cal Fire positions in fiscal year 2022-23 and nearly 200 so-called relief staffing positions — new hires —for the current fiscal year.
“For anyone in the emergency response profession, there is always more work to do in the mental health arena,” Tyler said, adding that the agency has increased messaging about mental health and encouraged more openness to reporting problems.
The contract awarded an immediate 2.5% pay increase last month, a 2% raise in January and another 2% in June.
Edwards said union officials met this week with Tyler. “I believe the director takes this (reduction of work hours) seriously and is trying to figure out ways to make it happen,” he said.
Fighting fires has become a year-round job in California as drought, buildup of fuels and a changing climate render much of the state a tinderbox. The state spent $3.7 billion to fight fires last year. Although this was a mild year, fires generally are growing larger and more dangerous.
Cal Fire crews not only work on wildfires around the state but they also staff local firehouses, serving as first-responders for 911 calls and other emergencies.
Firefighters told CalMatters that they have difficulty accessing mental health care for PTSD, a notoriously difficult condition to diagnose, and have to pay out of pocket for their own care. The new contract provides $260 a month for “access to health care” to every employee enrolled in the state’s insurance program.
Cal Fire’s behavioral health program, which has 30 employees, assesses mental health needs of those who ask for it and the agency regularly pays for intensive treatment at private facilities for employees dealing with trauma or PTSD.
The union has recently obtained planning approval for a 32-bed facility in Riverside County to treat Cal Fire and other firefighters’ mental health issues, Edwards said. The treatment center is expected to begin operating sometime next year, he said.
