WORCESTER – The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1009, the union that represents Worcester firefighters, released a series of social media posts on Wednesday, May 15, about the results of a survey of its members it commissioned.
The Local 1009 commissioned Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) to conduct the study. The City of Worcester commissioned ESCI for a study of the Worcester Fire Department in 2022.
Since the completion of the ECSI commissioned by the study, the Local 1009 says its members have “experienced few improvements” and “noticed a significant decline in working conditions, morale, and overall safety of our firefighters.”
The union says the survey revealed many respondents are often reprimanded for using sick time. Comments also revealed that “administration had gone as far as calling doctors’ offices to verify that the notes provided by the members are legitimate.” It also said that leadership has sent members to the homes of those using sick time to verify they are sick.
The results of the survey showed 90 percent of respondents expressed fear of negative consequences for using sick time and 81 percent “reported coming to work while ill or injured due to fear of using sick time,” according to the union.
The posts said that its members coming to work while ill “could cause major safety concerns while using apparatus or in the case of contagious diseases.”
The union concluded the series of posts saying policies related to sick time should be reviewed, “so as not to conflict with Massachusetts earned sick time law.”
The posts also indicated that there are more results to be released.
After 2 line of duty deaths within 1 year, the City of Worcester searched for a better understanding of the Fire Department's administrative guidelines and procedures. To do this, they hired ESCI (Emergency Services Consulting International) to conduct a study.
— Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009 (@WorcesterFD1009) May 14, 2024
Our members have noticed a significant decline in working conditions, morale, and overall safety of our firefighters. More importantly, Worcester firefighters have witnessed a major decline in the safety of our residents whom we swore an oath to protect.
— Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009 (@WorcesterFD1009) May 14, 2024
FROM THE SURVEY:
"90% of respondents expressed fear of negative consequences for using sick time.
81% of L1009 members reported coming to work while ill or injured due to fear of using sick time.— Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009 (@WorcesterFD1009) May 15, 2024
Though it is legal for employers to verify doctors notes, it’snot an advisable practice for short term sick leave. Additionally, it is noted that leadership has gone as far as sending other members to the homes of those using sick time to "make sure" that they are, in fact, sick.
— Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009 (@WorcesterFD1009) May 15, 2024
