By state law, fire departments must have rigid competitive testing, training, promotions, and criminal background checks. Can set whatever it wants including no criminal background checks. Employees by state law cannot strike. Employees by law can strike. Low turnover rate.
Employees are career orientated.
High turnover rate. Many employees are seeking to build a resume to attain a career position on a public department. Overtime is paid only after 53 hours of work in a week. Overtime must be paid after 40 hours of work in a week.