Protecting volunteer firefighters who respond to natural disasters

What would New York do without its volunteer firefighters?

Some volunteer firefighters in New York State have been faced with the possibility of losing their jobs when they report to a prolonged disaster.

Now, Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed a bill into law to protect the jobs of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel in times of declared disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

The amendment to state labor law will be effective December 22.

However these leaves of absence can be refused when the employer can prove it would impose “an undue hardship.”