Provisional FDNY EMT’s and Paramedics took a brutal hit recently when the city decided to terminate or demote 20 of them for not obtaining permanent status.
As has been discussed in many posts in this blog, in many of the questions I’ve answered, and as has been mandated to the city to resolve, the city terminated 5 pure provisional Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s), and is looking to send 15 provisional paramedics back to their permanent EMT status.
It’s a hard situation for both sides. The FDNY already has a high turnover (attrition rate) within their Bureau of EMS so losing members that are willing to stay makes this more bothersome.
Some are thinking this is some sort of retaliation to a recent advertisement in the February 25th NY Times criticizing Mayor de Blasio for justifying a $35,000 pay gap between EMT’s and Firefighters. Considering the city’s stance on provisionals, I’m not so sure. I can understand the anguish and bitterness that arises from a situation like this. The provisional managers that were laid off from the NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation felt that they were singled out due to age discrimination.
At one time I was forced to let a provisional go that was working for my group. The anger directed at me was given as if it was my fault. From the person being let go as well as coworkers and colleagues, I was challenged as to why I couldn’t “save” him. Although I strongly and firmly attempted to find a way to keep him, including moving him to another title, position, or other location within the agency, many of the employees, including my direct reports, felt I either didn’t fight hard enough, or I didn’t “really care” enough about him. Of course, ignored was the fact that he willingly chose NOT to take the test for his position. He incorrectly believed several things: he was certain he couldn’t pass the test; that there wouldn’t be enough candidates on the list so no one would be called; and if it came down to it I could make magic happen and protect him from being terminated. He was incorrect on all accounts – including his first assumption. You can’t pass a test you don’t take.
But, looking at the other side, perhaps the city could have done something for these EMT’s. What about a Qualified Incumbents Exam (QIE)? Some of them have been around for quite a few years… certainly enough to pass a well thought out Experience and Education (E&E) exam. The costs associated with training an EMT or Paramedic just to let them go seems like an expensive and wasteful proposition. They could even add a “selective certification” component – EMT’s are NYS Certified and Paramedics need additional training.
So, retaliation to FDNY EMS, maybe. Age discrimination at HHC, perhaps.
One thing is for sure – this provisional reduction situation sucks. For everyone.
Questions and Comments welcomed here.
