Why do firefighters work 24/48, or other strange hours?
This question has both a simple answer and a very long one. I will do my best. Simple Answer – Because they can. U.S. Labor laws, which regulates when you have to pay overtime for working more than 40 hours a week, exempts firefighters. Long answer – Many fire departments DO NOT work 24 /48. Some states require the paying of overtime (1.5 X reg. pay) for hours over 40, even for firefighters. Some states have unions and collective bargaining and the firefighters have a contract that gives them something other than 24/48.
