Fire Season Sparks Requests for Leave under California Volunteer Civil Services Entitlements

During this time of crisis in California, as many regions are battling unrelenting fires, employers may find themselves faced with an increase of time off requests from employees requesting leave in order to perform volunteer firefighter or emergency rescue duties in support of relief efforts relating to the ongoing emergency status of these regions.

While many employers may be apt to voluntarily approve such time off based upon the good natured intention of the request, employers should be aware that under California Labor Code 230.3 all employers are required to allow for time off for volunteer firefighters, reserve peace officers and emergency rescue personnel for purposes of engaging in fire and emergency duties. It is  a good reminder to ensure your leave policies in your handbook are clearly and accurately outlined, as well as that supervisors and managers are properly trained in identifying these requests, so as to avoid any inadvertent denial of protected time.