Winnipeg exploring 24-hour firefighter shifts [Video]

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 …