Improving Pay and Benefits for Federal Wildland Firefighters
This act aims to significantly improve the working and living conditions of federal wildland firefighters. It introduces higher pay, standby premiums, paid rest and recuperation leave, and comprehensive health and retirement support, directly impacting their financial security and well-being.
Key points
Increased Pay: Federal wildland firefighters will receive special base pay rates, higher than current ones, boosting their income.
Standby Premium Pay: New pay for rest periods during incident deployments will compensate for long hours in challenging conditions.
Rest and Recuperation Leave: Firefighters will be entitled to paid leave after incidents, allowing for recovery and well-being.
Health Support: A database for chronic diseases will be established, along with mental health programs and easier access to injury compensation.
Retirement Enhancements: Wildland firefighter service time will be better credited towards retirement, and overtime pay will count towards basic pay for retirement purposes.
Additional Benefits: The act includes annual inflation-adjusted pay increases, recruitment and retention bonuses, housing allowances, and career transition support programs.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_3108
Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Process start date: 2023-05-05