This is the biggest staffing level change since the one announced in summer of 2021 that was a direct result of the heat dome fiasco. This one is (mostly) a result of the new contract that was negotiated.

The shift pattern labels are cryptic and confusing but now many small towns and island communities will have full time at-the-station coverage instead of depending on people wearing a pager and earning $2/hr (and also hoping people are actually willing to work those conditions).

This is a big win and improvement for these communities.