Erie County's Public Safety Committee heard from 911 dispatchers about their work conditions.
Many of the dispatchers worry that changing their new schedule policy could be a disaster. Leaving them with longer shifts, lack of sleep, and potentially affecting their ability to help you during emergencies.
Erie County Dispatchers have been working under a new trial schedule system since January.
The new 12-hour day schedule gives dispatchers anywhere from 2 to 4 days off each week. Dispatchers voted on the change after complaints about working 7 to 8 days a week on the old schedule. To avoid working the long shifts, many employees were calling in sick and even quitting. It caused others to work doubles.
The concern now is that this old schedule could return. Because some dispatchers like it better. Erie County's Central Police Services Commissioner, James Jancewicz said the new schedule policy has raised morale at Erie County's 911 Call Center.
Some dispatchers said it gives them more time to be with their family and enough time to rest in order to answer hundreds of emergency calls a day.
The union representative for Erie County Dispatchers said there will be another vote in the near future to keep or get rid of the new schedule.
