Several people gave public comment on Nicole Morris’ behalf at the Tuesday, March 6, Indian River County Commission meeting, insisting the board could spontaneously pass policy that lets pregnant employees work light duty, instead of taking sick time.
Commissioners were warned by their attorney, Dylan Reingold, “not to engage,” explaining their comments could be used down the road in a union contract complaint brought by the International Association of Firefighters Local 2201.
County Administrator Jason Brown, after the meeting, said the commission could not pass policy overriding the union contract. Changes, such as giving pregnant firefighters light duty, must be made during the contract negotiation process, he said. The current contract expires in 2019.
During the last two contract negotiations, in 2013 and 2016, the IAFF did not put forward a written proposal asking that pregnant women be allowed light duty, Brown said. Two firefighters stated it was “discussed.”
Nicole Morris, a 35-year-old medic and firefighter with 10 years of service, said she will continue to respond to shootings, car accidents and fires wearing her 70 pounds of equipment and doing the heavy lifting involved. Her other choice is to “start burning into” her unpaid 12 weeks of Family and Medical Leave Act time.
“I really can’t afford that. Who can?” Morris said.
The county commission said she could ask her fellow workers to donate sick time, for which there is no cap.
“I don’t have it in me to ask them (fellow fire fighters) to give me their sick time,” Morris said. “I don’t feel that’s their responsibility. I feel it’s yours (county commissioners).”
Chairman Peter O’Bryan said Morris was given a letter assuring her she would keep her job if she took more time than allowed by the Family and Medical Leave Act.
After the meeting, Morris said, “My crew can’t focus on what needs to be done because they’re worried about me.”
She is the “solo” or senior medic if the firefighters roll out on a medical-related call. She is also the “engineer,” meaning she drives the truck, handles the hose hook-ups and pressure and must remain with the truck if it is called first or second to the scene.
