Winnipeg to start exploring the potential of 24-hour firefighter shifts

Could 24-hour firefighter shifts in Winnipeg work? CTV's Jeff Keele has more on the possibility of 24-hour firefighters shifts and how it works elsewhere.

Firefighters in Winnipeg could one day work around the clock, like they already do in other cities.

The city and the United Firefighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) have struck a working group to explore the feasibility of moving to a 24-hour shift schedule pilot project. The UFFW said 86 per cent of firefighters surveyed said they would like this reviewed.

Community Services Committee Chair Coun. Vivian Santos is open to the idea.

“Could this reduce costs? Could this help with work-life balance among the membership?” asked Santos.

Right now Winnipeg firefighters work four shifts in a row - two 10-hour days and two 14-hour nights. UFFW executive board member Kevin Augustine said the recovery time between the night shifts is not always enough.

"Some of the data shows that higher frequency of injuries occur on that last night shift and absences in general on that last night shift," said Augustine.

During the pandemic, Calgary did a 24-hour shift trial to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Now the schedule is permanent.

Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth said members work two 24-hour shifts in an eight-day cycle. He points out that 24-hour shifts, even 48, are common in many American cities.

"It’s the norm in the North American fire service, so it's tough to argue it doesn’t work," said Dongworth.

He said there are savings when it comes to overtime, which Winnipeg is struggling with.

"You only have one shift a day where crews might get caught late, and you have to pay overtime for."

But still, there are questions about fatigue and safety for someone working 24 hours straight. Dongworth said some of their older firefighters and senior officers find it a bit more difficult, but for the most part he noted members feel this gives them more time to recover.

"They actually get into better sleep patterns when they do one long shift as opposed to doing two night shifts or whatever, and they believe their mental health is impacted positively," said Dongworth.

The working group in Winnipeg is set to meet in late January to start discussing the feasibility of a 24-hour shift, with a report expected late next year.