Rif

[crash_&_smash]

I need some input from some “older” personnel who have gone through RIF’s in the past.
I’m a F/F with 5 yrs in the system and various certs. such as D/O ARFF and Pumper, F/Insp 1, F/O 1, F/Inst 1, NREMT, EMT, CPR, and EVOC instructor, and Haz-Mat Tech. I’ve had my resume in the system for a couple of years now, but I’ve only heard back 2 or 3 time.
My question is this. If a RIF was to come to our dept (Navy in case your wondering) would it be crazy to ask to get RIFed to try to get closer to home? My wife and I desperately want get near and have our new son grow-up around family. We were thinking of taking a RIF but only selecting 1 or 2 areas’ that would keep us on the east coast but get us closer to the Va. area, but I’m worried that we may end up out of a job. I could use some guidance from some firefighters that have been “around the block”.
Thank You in advance for the info.

[1958 F.W.D.]

11 of us got RIF'd out of the Phila Naval Shipyard back in '98. If I remember correctly, when you get your RIF paperwork, you can make your selections (Dream List) based on -Individual Facilities, or -Geographic Region. What exactly the Geographic Regions are, I can't remember, but I am thinking it was state-by-state. I didnt want that, as I was located in SE Pennsy at the time- I could have gone to any of a number of facilities in 3-4 different states, all within commuting distance. Therefore, I selected 6 different facilities that I knew would be hiring.

When the time comes to make a selection, you can and will receive a conditional offer of employment. Think very hard before you say "Yes." The first offer I received was from a facility that would have been an over 2.5 hour commute- no easy way to get there, and through some tough Pa-NJ traffic to boot. I used MY RIGHT to place that offer on "Administrative Hold." You may do that for 5 business days (if nothing has changed.) That did 2 things for me- gave me time to consider the offer, as well as allow time for other offers to come in. The same day, I also received an offer from a base that I knew was a fairly easy commute and also got work once in a while, so I took the offer. Remember, IF YOU TURN DOWN THE OFFER, YOU GET DROPPED FROM THE STOPPER LIST!

You say that you only have 5 years in the system, but are asking if you should volunteer for the RIF- Are there that many guys under you that you would have to do that?

And dont let personnel play games with you- there IS a reg that states something along the lines of ...."If a substantial number of the workforce is being RIF'd, they have to allow 180 days for the RIF." I believe the magic number is 40%. If 40% of your guys are getting the pink slip, they HAVE to do a 180 day RIF.

If I were you, I would look into the geographic region thing.....I find it hard to believe there isnt a facility within the Va area that wouldnt pick you up. Just remember the offer/stopper list thing....It's a gamble. GOOD LUCK

[crash_&_smash]

You say that you only have 5 years in the system, but are asking if you should volunteer for the RIF- Are there that many guys under you that you would have to do that?


We have 48 personnel, and I'm number 15 on the list. CNRSE wants our manning at 43 so only 5 guys are swinging in the wind. That 48 number is down from our original 56, but they never filled some vacancies. I think our base is the all time champ in turnover rate.

I guess what I really want to know is what's the chance or odds that I'll be out of a job before someone picks me up? Did that happen to anyone on your end in '98?

Do you remember a kid named Kinney that started in Philly shipyard, then transferred to northwest NJ? He started and left right around ’98. We were on neighboring dept in NJ. He helped me get started in the fed service.

[leo1244]

Just checking to see who wrote this message, Im that kinney kid that your refering to would like to know who this is.