I hate the coming early culture in Firefighting

[u/thatdudewayoverthere]

So because everyone said something about this o taught I might as well.

I hate the fact that it's standard that every shows up early.

To give you an example: At my Department we officially get paid from 6:45 to 7 so 24:15h but it's standard in my department that everyone shows up at around 6-6:15.

So we basically artificially moved our shift time one hour early 6-6 instead of 7-7. In the end everyone still works 24 hours no matter what time you actually start.

Big edit because people don't seem to get my point:

We all Still work 24 hours nobody is actually getting relieved earlier since everyone obviously expects to be relieved by 0615

But if you happen to catch a late call before you get relieved you don't get paid for that call.

For Example:

If I work from 6-6 I worked 24 hours if I get a late call at 5:45 and now worked till 7 I now worked 25 hours

But because my official shift time is 7-7 I only get paid 24 hours even though I worked 25

This problem wouldn't exist if not for the everyone coming in early

This is not supposed to be a discussion about when is a good time for shift change to beat traffic or have more from the day but instead of coming in early and working for free we should just put pressure on our departments to change the shift times to what we actually want

Please share your opinions on this but I personally think it's just annoying and it would be easier if every just shows up when they are paid to do so (plus of course 10-15 minutes to actually get ready)

[u/crazymonkey752]

What if they get a call at 625?

It’s all performative and all you are doing is making sure no one gets over time when they are held over.

[u/FeelingBlue69 → u/crazymonkey752]

Exactly. This is why I don't agree with this early relief bullshit. You catch a call right before shift change then oh well, that sucks but thats the job.

[u/TheOtherAkGuy → u/crazymonkey752]

Just speaking from things I’ve noticed, I think people are much happier to get off work on time instead of catching 1-2 hours of OT for picking up a late call after working 24 hours.

[u/MisterEmergency → u/crazymonkey752]

Not entirely. I tend to ask if you want me to take it first. I can always use that 30 minutes to get my mind right, have a cup of coffee, visit with others, unload bedding/clothing from the car, watch the news.