STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — 911 dispatchers serving New Yorkers in distress have been made to work up to 16 hours a day and 80 hours a week, according to a Gothamist report.
The outlet reportedly learned of the scheduling practices, which workers say have led to burnout, through interviews with union representatives and three current dispatchers, as well as internal memos and screenshots of an employee Facebook page.
The dispatchers said the staffing issues were the reason several people said, the LIC Post reported, they couldn’t reach a 911 operator when a truck exploded in Long Island City in July.
The city previously settled a federal class-action lawsuit in which dispatchers said they routinely were required to work overtime. There also were claims of racial discriminating against 911 operators, who are predominantly people of color, and retaliating against dispatchers who took sick days or FMLA leave.
A spokesperson for the NYPD issued the following statement Tuesday.
“[NYPD] Communications Technicians are assigned to the department’s Communications Section and serve as 911 emergency call takers, radio dispatchers of police resources and perform all other clerical and administrative duties related to the provision of emergency service;
“They work around the clock to answer calls for help and provide a high level of professionalism under the most challenging circumstances. They play a vital role in our mission of public safety ensuring the safety of millions of New Yorkers on a daily basis.”
NYPD dispatchers are paid significantly less than many of their counterparts in other departments, starting at as little as $42,976 and maxing out at $58,189 after three years of service, according to the department’s website. The top pay for supervisors is $74,948.
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