New York City Fire Department Closes Due to Staff Lack

On October 30 and 31, several FDNY fire companies closed due to staff shortages, reports ABC 7 NY... Employees simply don't show up for work for a variety of reasons.

October 30 officials FDNY stated that a large number of firefighters stayed at home, citing the need to go to the doctor, or took sick leave, and the department is trying to determine the true reasons for this behavior. Many speculate that this is a workers' protest against the requirement of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all municipal employees. Meanwhile several branches in fire departments are temporarily closed due to a lack of staff.

“The department has not closed any fire departments entirely, we are talking about individual units in these units. The irresponsible and unreasonable sick leave of some of our employees poses a threat to New Yorkers and their fellow firefighters. They need to get back to work or they risk face the consequences of their actions, ”said FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro.

FDNY claims the situation is under control

Officials say the labor shortage is not affecting fire response measures. They added that FDNY is coping with the lack of staff and is continuing to operate.

“We are dealing with the crisis effectively. And although this is not our first crisis, it is still unprecedented, ”said an FDNY spokesman.

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But the situation may change dramatically on Monday, November 1, when the department must send all employees who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 on forced unpaid leave.

New York City Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis said 26 FDNY firefighting companies in New York City are now closed due to many of their employees failing to comply with vaccination requirements.

“As of 7:30 this morning on November 1, 26 sites FDNY, including five in my area, were closed due to the decision of Mayor de Blasio to take unvaccinated firefighters out of their jobs, ”Malliotakis said.

FDNY has not confirmed whether this number was accurate. The department said the number was inconsistent as fire departments close and then reopen.

Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro made the following statement: “An overly long sick leave taken by a group of our firefighters because of their anger at prescribing a vaccine for all city employees is not acceptable. This is contrary to their vow to serve, and could put them under life threatening New Yorkers. Despite these actions, the Department will continue its work ”.