Newsom vetoes bill to raise firefighters’ pay after LA wildfires: ‘Too costly for the state’
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided not to approve a pay raise for state firefighters. This decision comes despite their heroic efforts just nine months ago to battle one of Los Angeles’ most destructive fires.
The bipartisan bill was projected to cost the state between $373 million and $609 million in its first year, according to a State Assembly analysis. The measure aimed to bring California Fire firefighters’ salaries more in line with those of local fire departments, where starting pay is 11–29 percent higher.
Newsom blocks firefighter pay raise, cites high costs and union concerns
Newsom rejected the bipartisan bill on Friday, October 3, saying it would be "too costly for the state" and could disrupt the normal process for determining employee pay. If passed, the measure would have increased Cal Fire wages to levels closer to those offered by local fire departments.
"This bill would require the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to pay firefighters within 15 percent of the average salary for corresponding ranks in certain local fire departments. This measure would also require an annual survey of the salaries and benefits for fire chiefs in five specified fire departments," he wrote.
"While I appreciate the author's intent, this bill would create significant cost pressures for the state and circumvent the collective bargaining process. State employee salaries, along with other components of compensation such as health and pension benefits, should be determined through collective bargaining," he continued.
"Establishing a statutory salary floor for employees of a single department undermines this process, to the detriment of both the state and other bargaining units. For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill," he concluded.
At the same time, his administration is setting aside nearly $300 million for a special election to redraw congressional districts, according to the publication.
For firefighters working in the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the starting salary is less than $53,000 a year, while new recruits in the Los Angeles Fire Department earn $85,000 from the start.
Firefighters blast Newsom for vetoing pay raise bill
Cal Fire firefighters respond to a wide range of emergencies, including wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. According to the bill, they often work long shifts under intense pressure, sometimes remaining on duty for up to a month without a day off.
Union members and lawmakers expressed frustration after the governor vetoed the bill. Tim Edwards, president of Local 2881 for Cal Fire workers, called the veto “highly disappointing and frustrating,” especially since it came just a day before a ceremony honoring fallen firefighters.
State Assembly Republican Leader Heath Flora, who authored the bill, added, “I’ve been in their boots. I know how tough this job is. These firefighters deserve pay that matches the responsibility they carry.”
