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“The overall lack of diversity within the FDNY is a longstanding problem we must address,” Council Speaker Adams said.
By Forum Staff
The City Council on Thursday voted in favor of a legislative package aimed at improving the diversity, equity and inclusion practices at the City Fire Department.
Introduction 516-A, sponsored by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, would require the FDNY, in consultation with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, to develop and implement a plan for the recruitment and retention of firefighters from underrepresented groups within the department — female firefighters and firefighters of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. FDNY would also be required to report annually on its efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented firefighters.
Introduction 519-A, sponsored by Council Member Joann Ariola, would require the FDNY to survey each firehouse to determine the permanent facility upgrades necessary to create a workplace environment that facilitates use by a mixed gender workforce, and employ interim measures, including erecting physical barriers, in locations awaiting such upgrades. Upon completing the survey, the Department would be required to report its findings to the Council and Mayor, specifically detailing the permanent facility upgrades necessary at each firehouse, as well as providing information related to any current or forthcoming construction plans to make relevant upgrades, and any interim measures taken at firehouses to accommodate a mixed gender workforce until permanent upgrades are made.
Introduction 552-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, would require the FDNY to produce an annual report on the number of firefighters assigned to each fire company and special operations unit, within the Department, disaggregated by the gender and race or ethnicity of such firefighters. Additionally, FDNY will be required to provide demographic information of the population residing in the immediate service area of each fire company in the City.
Introduction 553-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, would require the FDNY in consultation with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, to develop and implement a plan for providing ongoing training and education to all employees regarding diversity and inclusion, including annual training on the Department’s anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. Additional interactive training would be required at firehouses where incidents of harassment and discrimination take place on multiple occasions. The Fire Department would also be required to post a report each year on its website regarding efforts taken to implement such training.
Introduction 560-A, sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams, would require the FDNY to produce an annual report on complaints filed with the Department’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office regarding potential violations of the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. The report will include information on the number of complaints that were received and closed during the prior year; information on types of misconduct alleged in such complaints; and case outcomes, including any corrective action taken by the Department.
“The overall lack of diversity within the FDNY is a longstanding problem we must address,” Adams said. “As a council, we are committed to advancing solutions that help correct this historic injustice. By passing this package of bills today, we hope to move the FDNY forward to achieving a workforce fully reflective of rich diversity of our city. I thank the council’s Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus for its leadership on this legislation, and Fire and Emergency Management Chair Joann Ariola for shepherding it through the committee. I am also grateful to advocates, organizations, and firefighters who have fought for decades to win equitable representation and treatment in the FDNY.”
