Changhua County firefighters to receive overtime pay by year-end

Frontline firefighters in Changhua County, Taiwan, will receive overdue overtime compensation by the end of 2024, the county's fire department announced. The payments will cover accumulated unpaid overtime hours for personnel who have been working long shifts responding to emergencies.

The county government stated it prioritizes the well-being of its firefighters, acknowledging the demanding nature of their work, which includes long hours, urgency, and unpredictability. To address the backlog, the county has compiled and will process overtime hours accumulated from January 2023 to July 2024. This initiative ensures that firefighters receive compensation as stipulated by the Civil Service Protection and Promotion Act, which allows for either overtime pay or compensatory leave.

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The county government highly values the hard work of our colleagues and their rights to overtime compensation.

In addition to settling past dues, the Changhua County Fire Department is implementing measures to prevent future overtime accumulation. Since July 2022, the department has focused on improving shift scheduling and staffing to allow for adequate rest periods, reducing monthly overtime to single digits for many personnel. This effort aims to balance the need for continuous emergency response with the firefighters' right to rest and health.

County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei affirmed the commitment to continuously review staffing, duty regulations, and compensation mechanisms. The goal is to enhance the working environment for firefighters while considering the county's financial obligations and the public's need for safety services. The department emphasized that these steps are crucial for maintaining morale and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the fire service.

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In the future, we will continue to review staffing, duty regulations, and overtime compensation mechanisms, balancing the rights of firefighters, financial burdens, and the safety of county residents.