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Pass the Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act
Federal Wildland Firefighters are at the frontlines of the climate crisis, protecting communities from the increasingly-harsh reality of climate-fueled wildfires. These are dangerous jobs which have historically been underpaid given the need for Congressional approval of any compensation increases.357 President Biden secured temporary increases of up to $20,000 per year for these critical workers through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Since those increases have expired, Wildland Firefighters are now dependent on Congress to maintain their raises through continuing resolutions year after year.358
The Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act would permanently increase pay to firefighters, raising base pay and ensuring fair compensation for long hours and dangerous work. The bill also provides for health and wellness improvements, including better access to mental health services, wellness tracking, and preventive medicine. Additionally, the bill addresses longstanding issues with poor living conditions. Improved training, automatic conversion to permanent employment after 3 years of seasonal employment, and counting seasonal and temporary employment toward retirement will make these critical careers more attractive.359
The IAM can build on its current legislative advocacy for this crucial bill by organizing a wider campaign that unites allies on this issue. Youth climate activists, rural homeowners, and hunters, to name a few, are similarly alarmed by wildfires. A broader campaign could expand the IAM’s profile as a climate leader, while uniting various interest groups for maximum impact.