In an effort to reduce overtime costs, the city of Watsonville plans to hire several temporary firefighters. The new deal would prevent permanent firefighters from accruing over-time, and would also allow them the option to take a vacation. The plan would pay temporary workers less with fewer benefits compared to permanent staff. Fire officials say limited-term firefighters will cover extended absences of 4 weeks or more, work 11 months out of the year and would also help eliminate injuries firefighters are susceptible to from working too many long hours.
