49-Hour Work Week Starting For Alexandria Firefighters, Union Says

ALEXANDRIA, VA —Alexandria firefighters are starting to implement the new 49-hour work week, reducing the time on the job for the first responders.

The Alexandria Firefighters union IAFF Local 2141 announced firefighters are starting to use the four-shift 49-hour work week. The union says the previous 56-hour work week was one of the more demanding schedules for public service employees.

"This is a game-changer. The 4-shift model not only reduces the physical and emotional strain on our firefighters, but also enhances our ability to serve the public with energy, focus, and resilience," said Josh Turner, president of IAFF Local 2141. "More rested firefighters are better firefighters—and that means better service for the residents, visitors and guests of Alexandria."

The reduced hour work week is part of the collective bargaining agreement was finalized in early 2023. Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez Jr. previously told Alexandria City Council that the fire department considered a "Kelly Day," or a required day off for firefighters, to implement the reduced work week. However, the fire department instead pursued a fourth shift schedule with an added "debit day" that employees would work. The fire chief said the fourth shift provides the foundation for a 42-hour work week with an extra work day every 24 days, providing an average of a 49-hour work week.

The union says the 49-hour week is a step toward getting national recognition for a 42-hour work week to acknowledge the demands of emergency response work. IAFF Local 2141 thanked the fire chief, Mayor Alyia Gaskins, the Alexandria City Council, and City Manager James Parajon for helping to make the improvement for firefighters.

"This isn’t just a scheduling change—it’s a statement of values," said Turner. "It shows that Alexandria is serious about supporting its first responders and building a safer, stronger community."

The current collective bargaining agreement for Alexandria Fire Department employees runs through June 30, 2026, which means the collective bargaining representative — IAFF Local 2141 — and the city government must negotiate a future contract.