No light duty option, pregnant FL firefighter says she will work until delivery day
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As of now Indian River County, Florida Firefighter Nicole Morris, six-months pregnant, plans to keep working until the day before her C-section. The collective bargaining agreement between firefighters and the county specifically prohibits pregnant women from going on light duty. Morris says she can’t afford 12 weeks without a paycheck.
Indian River County is among the only counties in the state that do not allow pregnant employees, including firefighters, to go on light duty assignments.
“I just refuse not to grow my family because of my employer,” Morris said.
Morris is an Engineer and Solo Fire Medic, meaning her job can be physically demanding.
“You’re lifting patients, or you’re lifting equipment, pulling hose lines or carrying ladders,” Morris explained.
Her doctor has told her it’s not good for her or the baby to continue working in the field so far into her pregnancy, but with another child at home, she said she doesn’t really have a choice.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office puts pregnant deputies on light duty as soon as they’re told of the pregnancy, said Maj. Eric Flowers, Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
But the collective bargaining agreement between Indian River County and the firefighters union specifically prohibits the practice:
26.12 Bargaining unit employees shall not be entitled to light or restricted duty for non-duty related illness, injury, or condition (such as pregnancy), except as required by applicable law.
