Bill > AB1309

This bill addresses compensation and working conditions for firefighters in the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL-FIRE), with the primary goal of ensuring competitive salaries and recognizing the challenging nature of their work. The legislation requires the state to pay rank-and-file firefighters in State Bargaining Unit 8 within 15% of the average salary for corresponding ranks in 20 specific California fire departments, as identified in a 2017 agreement. The state and the firefighters' union must jointly conduct an annual survey to calculate these average salaries. Additionally, the bill mandates a separate survey of fire chief salaries in five California fire departments by January 1, 2027. The bill acknowledges the unique and demanding work of CAL-FIRE firefighters, highlighting the increased risks from climate change-driven wildfires, extensive work hours, and the physical and mental health challenges they face. Any salary increases resulting from this bill must be implemented through a memorandum of understanding negotiated under the Ralph C. Dills Act, with provisions ensuring that any additional expenditures are subject to legislative approval and inclusion in the annual budget.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1309