Tell the Senate to Give Our Fire Fighters Fair Overtime Rules

Fire fighters are frequently denied fair pay for the long hours and hard work they perform. Unlike nearly all other workers who receive overtime wages after working more than 40 hours per week, some Maryland fire fighters must work up to 49 hours per week before receiving overtime wages. The patchwork of standards in jurisdictions across the state creates a confusing atmosphere where fire fighters are forced to do more work for less money than almost any other industry. Fire departments are already facing a recruitment and retention crisis. Crushing fire fighters with unfairly compensated overtime only deepens these challenges.  

The Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland is proud to endorse HB 205, which would establish a single, state-wide standard that allows fire fighters to work a 42-hour week and begin receiving overtime wages on their 43rd hour.  This bill would create pay equity for Maryland's fire fighters and set them on an equal playing field with each other - regardless of their employer or jurisdiction. HB 205 has no impact ($0) on the state's budget and was passed in the House by a nearly unanimous vote of 134-1.

We need the Senate to pass this bill and stand by Maryland's fire fighters. Maryland's fire fighters always answer the public's calls for help, and now it's time for the State Senate to answer our call.