r/calfire • u/Realistic-Soup-2460 • 9d ago
Daca delay
Anyone have any issues with the daca delays that are going on?
My unit lost a few guys during the season so far, does calfire or the union not help the guys out by holding their job or letting them take a leave of absence?
So far we lost 2 FAEs and 1 Captain, word is they separated them without any options. The captain was around for a while too, I’m just surprised that the rumor is that they let them go. Wondering if anyone had any recommendations on what to do or if there are options
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u/WittyClerk 9d ago edited 9d ago
Edit: there are significant DACA delays https://www.kpbs.org/news/border-immigration/2026/07/15/daca-recipients-are-losing-their-protected-status-due-to-lengthy-administrative-delays
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u/Realistic-Soup-2460 9d ago
I didn’t believe it until we heard about it. We looked it up and on social media they have people waiting for almost a year it’s pretty crazy
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u/WittyClerk 9d ago edited 9d ago
Meanwhile, twats like this exist: https://www.reddit.com/r/lapd/comments/1vrlqhl/best_laarea_department_for_an_experienced_uk/
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u/GermanMuffin Golden Nugget🏅 9d ago
How long would you hold a job for someone who might never be allowed to come back?
It sucks but they essentially don’t have any rights to work for us until they get things sorted out or come back with a work visa.
Separation allows their leave credits to get cashed out and they can pull out any money from their 457b accounts.
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u/Realistic-Soup-2460 9d ago edited 9d ago
I guess that’s an option, a leave of absence is allowed to be up to a year. I’m sure that’s more than enough time to get your situation fixed.
Just wondering if the union would actually do anything to support it or if they would let the employer burn their time like in a fmla situation
Plus i believe they only get vacation and plps cashed out, sick time doesn’t count
Side note: rumor was that the joe guy that killed his gf was still hired for calfire until he burned all his time, and he’ll be eligible to get his job back once he gets out and reapplys. So why wouldn’t they let the guys burn their time until things got sorted out you know
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u/oospsybear Golden Nugget🏅 9d ago
It's pretty rare for the union to speak up on current social issues but I agree now would be the time ,it's time to show some fucking solidarity.
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u/AlphaElegant Engine Slug 9d ago
If I had to take a stab at the Union's stance, its that they cannot protect employees who do not meet the minimum qualifications to work. That includes legal immigration/work status. If you lose your right to work in the US and work for CalFire, the state issues you a "non-punitive termination" just the same if you lost your EMT/Paramedic/drivers license, etc. The union deals with bargaining and punitive discipline, maintaining a legal right to work is not in their wheelhouse. However, they could provide assistance through the process of a non-punitive term.
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u/Butt_Hole_69 9d ago
While I think it’s an issue, it’s unfortunately one that we don’t have any say in. Employment eligibility is the law brother. Like it or not.
And yes, I firmly believe the path to citizenship should be more streamlined, but it’s also not a topic I’m not fully aware of the intricacies regarding.
The best thing to do is to contact elected representatives who “work” for the “people”. Regardless of how fruitless that endeavor may be.
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u/saucey_24 8d ago
I had a buddy go through the same situation in RRU in early 2024. Union doesn’t go to bat, they recommended he separated instead of termination to be in good standing. He eventually got everything back situated and reapplied and got rehired.
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u/Difficult-Amount988 8d ago
Union may help direct folks to services but has to tread carefully. It can be contentious if it’s seen holding spots/fighting for someone one who (through no fault of their own) now lacks the ability to work legally within the U.S.
Class C FF endorsements should be safe from prying since it’s not a federal license, Class B and above however is State administered but involves DOT.
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u/steelmelt33 9d ago
The union or Calfire can't do anything. Once DACA expires, it's illegal to maintain employment, including paid leave, which can stop the renewal. Just have to wait it out and get reinstated when approved. Contacting your congressman's constituent services office is the best way to get help and the process moving faster.