Half the nation's federal wildland firefighters could quit if Congress fails to avert major pay cuts, according to the union representing federal employees.
A federal firefighter’s viral resignation letter is highlighting the job’s low pay and harsh working conditions in the age of climate change.The warning comes at a time when worsening wildfires have added to the mental and physical strains of a demanding job, while low wages and lackluster benefits, and retain those with valuable experience.
The legislation Congress is now weighing would permanently increase federal firefighters’ base pay, which can start at as little as $15 an hour. Although some firefighters would still make less than they did with the temporary bonus, the raises would count toward calculating overtime, hazard pay and other benefits.
“I would think this should be the top priority the committee should be pursuing,” said Rep. Joe Neguse , who introduced the bill in the House last month with bipartisan support. “It’s a crisis we need to address and warrants immediate action by the Congress.”
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