Taking time off during holiday shifts appears to be the biggest reason why there is a spike in overtime hours for Winnipeg firefighters.
A report to the city’s finance committee said 68 per cent of absences per shift are a result of vacations, while personal sick time made up 16 per cent.
The committee asked for the breakdown last month after it approved a $1.3 million cost overrun attributed to overtime.
Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Serivces Chief John Lane told councillors the city would need to hire 36 officers over three years to prevent the overtime.
