[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 225 (Monday, November 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64589-64595]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-31258]



 ========================================================================
 Rules and Regulations
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
 having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
 to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
 under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
 
 The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
 Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
 week.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 225 / Monday, November 23, 1998 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 64589]]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

5 CFR Parts 410, 550, 551, 591, 630, and 870

RIN 3206-AI50


Firefighter Pay

AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management.

ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim 
regulations to change the method of computing pay for Federal 
firefighters. These regulations implement a recent law that established 
a new approach for calculating basic pay, overtime pay, and other 
entitlements for Federal employees whose positions are classified in 
the GS-081 classification series (Fire Protection and Prevention) and 
who have regular tours of duty averaging at least 53 hours per week.

DATES: Effective Date: The regulations are effective on October 4, 
1998.
    Applicability Dates: The regulations apply on the first day of the 
first pay period beginning on or after October 1, 1998.
    Comments Date: Comments must be received on or before January 22, 
1999.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent or delivered to Donald J. Winstead, 
Assistant Director for Compensation Administration, Workforce 
Compensation and Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, 
Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415, FAX: (202) 606-
0824, or email: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryce Baker, (202) 606-2858, FAX: 
(202) 606-0824, or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is 
issuing interim regulations to implement the new firefighter pay 
provisions established by section 628 of the Treasury and General 
Government Appropriations Act, 1999, as incorporated in section 101(h) 
of Public Law 105-277, the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency 
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, which was approved on October 
21, 1998. The law provides that these provisions are effective on the 
first day of the first pay period beginning on or after October 1, 
1998. This legislation is intended to address concerns about the 
complexity of firefighter pay computations by establishing a more 
rational and equitable method of compensation. The law adds a new 
section 5545b to subchapter V (Premium Pay) of chapter 55 of title 5 of 
the United States Code. OPM has general authority to issue regulations 
necessary to administer the premium pay provisions in subchapter V and 
was also given certain specific regulatory responsibilities in section 
5545b.

Federal Firefighters

    There are over 9,000 Federal employees covered by the General 
Schedule (GS) pay system who are classified in the GS-081 Fire 
Protection and Prevention job classification series, which includes 
line firefighters, supervisory firefighters, and fire inspectors. 
Approximately 94 percent of these firefighters are employed by the 
Department of Defense. Most of these firefighters have extended tours 
of duty--most commonly, a 72-hour workweek consisting of three 24-hour 
shifts. These 24-hour shifts include periods of actual work time and 
substantial periods of time during which firefighters are in ``standby 
status.'' While in standby status, firefighters are free to eat, sleep, 
and engage in other personal activities, but are confined to the 
worksite and must remain in a state of readiness to perform actual work 
as required. Some firefighters (most commonly supervisors) have a 
regular 40-hour workweek consisting of five 8-hour days plus regularly 
scheduled standby duty (e.g., an extra 16-hour standby shift).

Former Pay Computation Method

    Under the law and regulations formerly in effect, firefighters were 
entitled to the same rate of basic pay that applied to General Schedule 
employees with a 40-hour workweek. In addition, they generally received 
standby duty pay under 5 U.S.C. 5545(c)(1) to compensate them for their 
extended tours of duty. Standby duty pay is a special form of premium 
pay designed to compensate employees who have regularly scheduled 
workweeks that are much longer than the normal 40-hour workweek and 
include substantial time during which employees are in a standby 
status. Standby duty pay is paid as a percentage of basic pay not to 
exceed 25 percent of the employee's rate of basic pay (but not more 
than the rate of basic pay for GS-10, step 1). The percentage rate 
depends on the number of hours in the employee's regularly scheduled 
tour, hours of Sunday work, type of shift, and various other factors. 
(See 5 CFR 550.141-550.144.) Standby duty pay is basic pay for 
retirement purposes (5 U.S.C. 8331(3)(C)).
    Firefighters covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) 
overtime provisions also received additional pay under that Act. Under 
the FLSA, the overtime standard for firefighters is 53 hours per week 
(or 106 hours biweekly), instead of 40 hours. For overtime hours within 
their regularly scheduled workweek, firefighters received a 
supplemental half-rate premium (in addition to the basic pay and 
standby pay received for regularly scheduled hours). For irregular 
overtime hours, firefighters received time-and-one-half overtime pay. 
FLSA computations used the firefighter's ``hourly regular rate'' 
(consistent with FLSA rules), which was less than the firefighter's 
rate of basic pay because the hourly regular rate was derived by 
dividing the firefighter's total remuneration (including standby duty 
pay) by the total number of hours worked.

Summary of New Law

    The new law makes significant changes in how firefighter pay is 
computed. These changes apply to GS-081 firefighters whose regularly 
established workweeks average 53 hours or more. In summary, the new 
law--
    1. Eliminates standby duty pay and pays firefighters on an hourly 
rate basis. Paying firefighters on an hourly rate basis simplifies the 
pay computation. It also corrects disproportionality problems in the 
former pay computation method. (Under the former pay

[[Page 64590]]

computation method, employees at the same grade and step and with the 
same type of shifts received different effective hourly rates--taking 
standby duty pay into account--depending on the number of hours in the 
regular tour. In fact, the more hours worked, the smaller the effective 
hourly rate.)
    2. Requires that the applicable GS annual rate of basic pay be 
divided by a 2756-hour factor to derive the ``firefighter hourly rate'' 
instead of using the 2087-hour factor applicable to other Federal 
employees. (The 2756-hour factor is derived by multiplying the number 
of weeks in a year (52) by the FLSA weekly overtime standard (53 
hours), which yields the number of nonovertime hours in a year for the 
typical full-time firefighter.)
    3. Provides time-and-one-half overtime pay for both FLSA-covered 
(nonexempt) and FLSA-exempt firefighters for all overtime hours. (For 
FLSA-exempt firefighters, the overtime rate is capped at 1\1/2\ times 
the GS-10, step 1, rate (2087-hour basis), but cannot be less than the 
individual's firefighter rate of basic pay.)
    4. Provides special pay computations for firefighters whose regular 
tour of duty includes a basic 40-hour workweek.
    5. Bars payment of any other premium pay, including night pay, 
Sunday pay, holiday pay, and hazardous duty pay.
    6. Guarantees no loss in regular pay during employer-sanctioned 
training. (Previously, the move to a training schedule with fewer hours 
(e.g., 40) could result in a reduction in a firefighter's normal 
paycheck.)
    7. Treats the straight-rate portion of overtime pay for overtime 
hours in the firefighter's regular tour of duty as basic pay for 
retirement and certain other purposes. (The extra half-rate premium for 
those overtime hours is not basic pay for these purposes.)
    For the typical FLSA-covered firefighter with a 72-hour workweek, 
the new law results in a total pay increase of about 9 percent. For 
example, under the former pay computation rules, a GS-6, step 5, 
firefighter in the Washington, DC, area in 1998 with 144 hours in a 
biweekly pay period would receive a regular biweekly paycheck of 
$1,468.38 ($38,177.88 annually), consisting of the following:
     Basic pay of $1,037.60 (GS-6, step 5, annual locality rate 
of $27,060 divided by 2087 = $12.97, and $12.97 times 80 hours = 
$1,037.60);
     Standby duty pay of $259.40 ($1,037.60 times 25 percent); 
and
     Supplemental FLSA overtime pay of $171.38 (38 overtime 
hours times $4.51, which is one-half of the hourly regular rate of 
$9.01).
    Under the new law, the same firefighter would receive a regular 
biweekly paycheck of $1,600.66 ($41,617.16 annually), consisting of the 
following:
     Basic pay of $1,040.92 (106 nonovertime hours times the 
firefighter rate of $9.82, which is equal to $27,060 divided by 2756 
hours); and
     Overtime pay of $559.74 (1\1/2\ times $9.82 = $14.73, and 
$14.73 times 38 overtime hours = $559.74).
    Retirement-creditable basic pay is also 9 percent higher--$1,414.08 
biweekly (144 hours times the firefighter rate of $9.82 equals 
$1,414.08), compared to the old amount of $1,297.00 (basic pay of 
$1,037.60 plus standby duty pay of $259.40).
    The change in pay for other categories of firefighters varies 
depending on the number of hours in the workweek, whether the 
firefighter is covered by the FLSA, the former standby duty pay rate, 
and the type of schedule (24-hour shift or not). In a small number of 
cases, the new compensation formula would result in a reduction in pay; 
however, the law provides special pay protection provisions that either 
increase affected firefighters' pay or at least prevent any reduction 
upon conversion to the new system.

Description of Regulatory Provisions

    We are adding a new subpart M--Firefighter Pay--to part 550 of 
title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, that implements 5 U.S.C. 5545b 
and related statutory provisions. In addition, we are making conforming 
changes in part 410; subparts A, B, and G of part 550; part 551; part 
591; part 630; and part 870. A summary description of each new or 
revised section follows:
    Section 410.402--We are adding a new paragraph in OPM's training 
regulations that provides that firefighters compensated under subpart M 
of part 550 (as added by these regulations) continue to receive their 
regular pay during agency-sanctioned training, consistent with 5 U.S.C. 
4109(d). This provision is triggered only when the hours in a 
firefighter's regular tour of duty for any week are reduced due to a 
temporary training assignment. It does not affect firefighters who 
voluntarily participate in education or training during non-duty hours, 
leave hours, or periods of excused absence.
    Sections 550.103 and 550.111--We are adding a new paragraph (g) in 
Sec. 550.111 to provide a special definition of ``overtime work'' 
performed by firefighters compensated under subpart M. The definition 
of ``overtime work'' in Sec. 550.103 is revised accordingly.
    Section 550.113--We are adding a new paragraph (e) that describes 
how the firefighter overtime hourly rate is computed using a 2756-hour 
factor. For FLSA-exempt firefighters whose firefighter hourly rate of 
basic pay exceeds the minimum hourly rate of basic pay for GS-10 
(computed using a 2087-hour factor), the overtime hourly rate is capped 
at 1\1/2\ times that GS-10 minimum rate, but may not fall below the 
firefighter's own firefighter hourly rate of basic pay. (See 5 U.S.C. 
5542(f).)
    Section 550.202--We are including firefighter straight-time pay for 
regular overtime hours in the definition of ``basic pay'' for purposes 
of advances in pay, consistent with Sec. 550.1305(b).
    Sections 550.703 and 550.707(b)--We are including firefighter 
straight-time pay for regular overtime hours in the definition of 
``basic pay'' for severance pay purposes, consistent with 
Sec. 550.1305(b). We are also providing that an average weekly rate of 
basic pay be used in computing severance pay for firefighters whose 
regular tour of duty consists of a cycle of variable workweeks.
    Section 550.1301--This section describes the purpose, 
applicability, and administration of the new subpart M in part 550. 
Applicability is linked to the definition of ``firefighter'' in 
Sec. 550.1302.
    Section 550.1302--This section defines various terms used in 
subpart M. The term ``basic 40-hour workweek'' is defined to 
distinguish between firefighters who generally work on a 24-hour shift 
basis and those who have a regular workweek of 40 actual work hours 
(consisting of five 8-hour days or an equivalent schedule such as a 
flexible schedule containing 80 actual work hours in a biweekly pay 
period). Consistent with 5 U.S.C. 5545b(a), the term ``firefighter'' is 
defined to cover General Schedule employees classified in the GS-081 
Fire Protection and Prevention classification series whose regular tour 
of duty averages at least 106 hours per biweekly pay period.
    The term ``regular tour of duty'' is defined as a firefighter's 
officially established work schedule, including any overtime hours in 
that schedule. Generally, a tour of duty must be established on a 
regular (nontemporary) and recurring basis to be considered a regular 
tour of duty; however, a regular tour of duty also includes a temporary 
tour that, when assigned, results in a reduction in the firefighter's 
regular work hours or a change in the pay computation method used under 
Sec. 550.1303. The regular tour of duty concept is used in 
determining--

[[Page 64591]]

     The appropriate pay computation method for a firefighter 
(see definition of ``firefighter'' and Sec. 550.1303);
     A firefighter's basic pay for retirement and other 
purposes (see Sec. 550.1305);
     The hours in an uncommon tour of duty established for 
leave purposes, including lump-sum payments for annual leave (see 
Secs. 550.1306(c), 630.201, and 630.210); and
     The applicability of certain transitional provisions (see 
Sec. 550.1308).
    The term ``regular tour of duty'' is not equivalent to the term 
``regularly scheduled administrative workweek'' (as defined in 
Sec. 550.103) because ``regularly scheduled'' encompasses overtime 
hours that are scheduled in advance of the workweek, regardless of 
whether or not those overtime hours are part of a fixed, regularly 
recurring schedule. Since the ``regular tour of duty'' concept is used 
to determine what pay is used in computing retirement and other 
benefits, it is appropriate that the overtime hours included in the 
regular tour of duty are generally only those that are part of a 
firefighter's regular fixed schedule. In addition, we note that it is 
possible to have irregular nonovertime hours that are not part of the 
firefighter's regular tour of duty in the case of firefighters with 
variable workweeks (e.g., a 48-48-72-hour workweek cycle).
    Section 550.1303--This section describes how to compute basic pay 
for (1) 24-hour shift firefighters and (2) firefighters whose regular 
tour of duty includes a basic 40-hour workweek. The firefighter hourly 
rate of basic pay (computed by dividing the annual rate of basic pay by 
2756 hours) is used for all nonovertime hours for 24-hour shift 
firefighters. For firefighters with a basic 40-hour workweek, the 
normal General Schedule hourly rate (using a 2087-hour factor), is used 
to compute pay for hours in the basic 40-hour workweek, and then the 
firefighter (2756-basis) hourly rate of basic pay is used to compute 
pay for nonovertime hours beyond the basic 40-hour workweek (or 80-hour 
biweekly pay period). This section also addresses the substitution of 
irregular hours for leave-without-pay hours in a firefighter's regular 
tour of duty. Such substituted hours are deemed to be part of the 
firefighter's regular tour of duty. (See the definition of ``regular 
tour of duty'' in Sec. 550.1302.)
    Section 550.1304--This section provides that the overtime hourly 
rate of pay for FLSA-covered firefighters is 1\1/2\ times the 
firefighter (2756-basis) hourly rate of basic pay, regardless of the 
type of work schedule. (See 5 U.S.C. 5545b(d)(2).)
    Section 550.1305--This section addresses what pay is considered 
basic pay for various purposes. The sum of pay for regular nonovertime 
hours and the straight-rate portion of regular overtime pay (excluding 
the half-rate overtime premium) is treated as basic pay for purposes of 
retirement, life insurance, severance pay, nonforeign area cost-of-
living allowances and post differentials, and advances in pay. (See 5 
U.S.C. 5545b(b)(2) and (c)(2).) Also, the section makes clear that, 
while locality pay is considered part of basic pay in applying the 
provisions of this subpart (except Sec. 550.1308), locality pay for 
firefighters is basic pay for other purposes only to the extent 
expressly provided in Sec. 531.606(b) or other law.
    For firefighters with a basic 40-hour workweek, basic pay consists 
of three components: (1) 40 hours of basic pay computed using the 
regular GS rate (2087 factor); (2) 13 hours of basic pay computed using 
the firefighter rate (2756 factor); and (3) the straight-rate portion 
of pay for overtime hours in the firefighter's regular tour computed 
using the firefighter rate. However, for these firefighters, any basic 
pay for nonovertime hours outside the basic 40-hour workweek is basic 
pay only for purposes of subpart M and the listed benefits. It is not 
basic pay for other purposes, such as pay retention.
    Section 550.1306--This section addresses the relationship of 
various other entitlements to firefighter pay under subpart M. 
Firefighters compensated under subpart M are not entitled to any other 
premium pay, including night pay, Sunday pay, holiday pay, and 
hazardous duty pay. (See 5 U.S.C. 5545b(d)(1).) All FLSA overtime pay 
requirements are satisfied by compliance with subpart M. (See 5 U.S.C. 
5545b(d)(2).) Overtime pay for overtime hours in a firefighter's 
regular tour of duty (including the half-rate overtime premium) is used 
in computing a lump-sum payment for annual leave when a firefighter 
separates from Federal service if the firefighter's regular tour of 
duty is established as an uncommon tour of duty for purposes of leave 
accrual and usage at the time of separation. (OPM's regulations require 
agencies to establish such an uncommon tour of duty for 24-hour shift 
firefighters. See Sec. 630.210.)
    Section 550.1307--This section provides a procedure for agencies to 
establish methods of reducing or eliminating variation in the amounts 
of firefighter paychecks for firefighters whose regular tour of duty 
includes variable workweeks.
    Section 550.1308--This section establishes certain transitional 
provisions designed to protect the pay of a relatively small number of 
firefighters who have shorter workweeks, some of whom would otherwise 
suffer a reduction in regular pay due to the change in the pay 
computation method. This implements subsections (f) and (g) of section 
628 of section 101(h) of Public Law 105-277. Affected firefighters are 
employed primarily by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A number 
of VA firefighters have 24-hour shifts, but generally work only 56 or 
60 hours per week, on average. These firefighters would receive a one-
time pay increase equal to two GS step increments of their grade at the 
time of conversion to the new pay computation method. (See paragraph 
(a).) Using the new boosted rate in the new pay computation method will 
result in small pay increases for almost all of these firefighters.
    For any firefighter who might still face a small reduction in his 
or her regular pay, that regular pay will be protected under the 
special rules in paragraph (b). The employing agency will be required 
to calculate a ``protected rate of basic pay'' that, when used in the 
new pay computation method, produces approximately the same amount of 
``annualized regular pay'' the firefighter would have received under 
the old computation method. (The term ``annualized regular pay'' is 
defined to mean total pay for hours in a firefighter's regular tour of 
duty. Since some firefighters have a cycle of variable workweeks within 
their regular tour of duty, it is necessary to make comparisons on an 
annualized basis.) This comparison is made as of the effective date of 
the new pay computation method, based on the firefighter's regular tour 
of duty in effect at that time. For comparison purposes, the annualized 
regular pay under the old method is based on the rates of pay that 
would otherwise be in effect at that time, including any changes in 
rates of pay (e.g., due to within-grade increases or promotions) taking 
effect on the effective date of the new method, but excluding the two-
step adjustment made under Sec. 550.1308(a).
    The protected rate is not aligned to a step on the pay schedule, 
but is a special saved rate. Once established, the protected rate of 
basic of pay is a frozen dollar rate that is not subject to adjustment. 
Locality pay, as applicable, is paid on top of the protected rate. The 
protected rate will be terminated when the firefighter's actual rate is 
increased (e.g., due to a promotion or annual pay adjustment) to the 
point where it equals or exceeds the protected rate, or when

[[Page 64592]]

the employee ceases to be covered by subpart M.
    Sections 551.501 and 551.541--We are making conforming changes in 
part 551, which deals with FLSA overtime pay entitlements.
    Section 591.201--We are including firefighter straight-time pay for 
regular overtime hours in the definition of ``basic pay'' for the 
purpose of nonforeign area cost-of-living allowances and post 
differentials, consistent with Sec. 550.1305(b).
    Sections 630.201 and 630.210--In OPM's leave regulations, we are 
revising the definition of ``uncommon tour of duty'' in Sec. 630.201 to 
incorporate a reference to firefighters compensated under subpart M of 
part 550 and to make other clarifying changes. We are adding a 
requirement in Sec. 630.210 that agencies must establish uncommon tours 
of duty for firefighters compensated under Sec. 550.1303(a)--that is, 
firefighters with regular tours of duty that generally consist of 24-
hour shifts.
    Section 870.204--We are including firefighter straight-time pay for 
regular overtime hours in the definition of ``annual pay'' for life 
insurance purposes, consistent with Sec. 550.1305(b).

Waiver of Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Delay in Effective 
Date

    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B), I find that good cause exists 
for waiving the general notice of proposed rulemaking. Also, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), I find that good cause exists to make this rule 
effective in less than 30 days. Section 628 of the Treasury and General 
Government Appropriations Act, 1999 (which is incorporated in section 
101(h) of Public Law 105-277), which changed the method for computing 
firefighter pay, was approved on October 21, 1998, and applies on the 
first day of the first pay period beginning on or after October 1, 
1998. These regulations are being made effective retroactively to 
ensure that the new firefighter pay provisions are uniformly 
implemented in a timely manner.

E.O. 12866, Regulatory Review

    This rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget 
in accordance with Executive Order 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    I certify that these regulations will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because they 
will apply only to Federal agencies and employees.

List of Subjects in 5 CFR Parts 410, 550, 551, 591, 630, and 870

    Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Education, 
Government employees, Hostages, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Life insurance, 
Retirement, Travel and transportation expenses, Wages.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management,
Janice R. Lachance,
Director.

    Accordingly, OPM is amending parts 410, 550, 551, 591, 630, and 870 
of title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 410--TRAINING

    1. The authority citation for part 410 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 4101, et seq.; E.O. 11348, 3 CFR, 1967 
Comp., p. 275.

Subpart D--Paying for Training

    2. In Sec. 410.402, paragraph (b)(6) is redesignated as paragraph 
(b)(7), and a new paragraph (b)(6) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 410.402  Paying premium pay.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (6) Firefighter overtime pay. A firefighter compensated under part 
550, subpart M, of this chapter must be paid basic pay and overtime pay 
for the firefighter's regular tour of duty (as defined in Sec. 550.1302 
of this chapter) in any week in which attendance at agency-sanctioned 
training reduces the hours in the firefighter's regular tour of duty. 
This special pay protection does not apply to firefighters who 
voluntarily participate in training during non-duty hours, leave hours, 
or periods of excused absence.
* * * * *

PART 550--PAY ADMINISTRATION (GENERAL)

Subpart A--Premium Pay

    3. The authority citation for subpart A of part 550 is revised to 
read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5304 note, 5305 note, 5541(2)(iv), 5545b, 
5548, 5553, and 6101(c); E.O. 12748, 3 CFR, 1992 Comp., p. 316.

    4. In Sec. 550.103, the definition of overtime work is revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 550.103  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Overtime work has the meaning given that term in Sec. 550.111 and 
includes irregular or occasional overtime work and regular overtime 
work.
* * * * *
    5. In Sec. 550.111, the introductory text of paragraph (a) is 
amended by removing the words ``paragraphs (d) and (f)'' and adding in 
their place ``paragraphs (d), (f), and (g)'', and a new paragraph (g) 
is added to read as follows:


Sec. 550.111  Authorization of overtime pay.

* * * * *
    (g) For firefighters compensated under subpart M of this part, 
overtime work means officially ordered or approved work in excess of 
106 hours in a biweekly pay period, or, if the agency establishes a 
weekly basis for overtime pay computations, in excess of 53 hours in an 
administrative workweek.
    6. In Sec. 550.113, a new paragraph (e) is added to read as 
follows:


Sec. 550.113  Computation of overtime pay.

* * * * *
    (e)(1) For firefighters compensated under subpart M of this part, 
the overtime hourly rate for all overtime hours is 1\1/2\ times the 
firefighter's hourly rate of basic pay under Sec. 550.1303(a) or 
(b)(2), as applicable, except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section.
    (2) For firefighters compensated under subpart M of this part who 
areexempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act 
and whose hourly rate of basic pay under Sec. 550.1303(a) or (b)(2), as 
applicable, exceeds the applicable minimum hourly rate of basic pay for 
GS-10 (as computed under paragraph (a) of this section by dividing the 
annual rate of basic pay by 2087 hours), the overtime hourly rate is 
equal to the greater of--
    (i) One and one-half times the applicable minimum hourly rate of 
basic pay for GS-10 (as computed under paragraph (a) of this section by 
dividing the annual rate of basic pay by 2087 hours); or
    (ii) The individual's own firefighter hourly rate of basic pay 
under Sec. 550.1303(a) and (b)(2), as applicable.

Subpart B--Advances in Pay

    7. The authority citation for part 550, subpart B, continues to 
read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5524a, 5545a(h)(2)(B); sections 302 and 404 
of the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990 (Public Law 
101-509), 104 Stat. 1462 and 1466, respectively; E.O. 12748, 3 CFR, 
1992 Comp., p. 316.


Sec. 550.202  [Amended]

    8. In Sec. 550.202, the definition of rate of basic pay is amended 
by adding

[[Page 64593]]

``straight-time pay for regular overtime hours for firefighters under 5 
U.S.C. 5545b (as provided in Sec. 550.1305(b)),'' immediately before 
the words ``night differential''.

Subpart G--Severance Pay

    9. The authority citation for subpart G of part 550 continues to 
read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5595; E.O. 11257, 3 CFR, 1964-1965 Comp., p. 
357.


Sec. 550.703  [Amended]

    10. The definition of rate of basic pay in 550.703 is amended by 
adding ``straight-time pay for regular overtime hours for firefighters 
under 5 U.S.C. 5545b (as provided in Sec. 550.1305(b)),'' before the 
words ``night differential''.
    11. Section 550.707 is amended by removing ``or'' at the end of 
paragraph (b)(2), by removing the period at the end of paragraph (b)(3) 
and adding a semicolon and the word ``and'' in its place, and by adding 
a new paragraph (b)(4) to read as follows:


Sec. 550.707  Computation of severance pay.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) In which the employee's pay is computed under subpart M of this 
part (dealing with firefighter pay) when the employee has a recurring 
cycle of variable workweeks within his or her regular tour of duty (as 
defined in Sec. 550.1302).
* * * * *

Subpart L--[Added and Reserved]

    12. Subpart L is added and reserved, and a subpart M is added to 
read as follows:

Subpart M--Firefighter Pay

Sec.
550.1301 Purpose, applicability, and administration.
550.1302 Definitions.
550.1303 Hourly rates of basic pay.
550.1304 Overtime hourly rates of pay.
550.1305 Treatment as basic pay.
550.1306 Relationship to other entitlements.
550.1307 Authority to regularize paychecks.
550.1308 Transitional provisions.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5545b, 5548, 5553, and subsections (f) and 
(g) of section 628 as included in section 101(h) of Public Law 105-
277.

Subpart M--Firefighter Pay


Sec. 550.1301  Purpose, applicability, and administration.

    (a) Purpose. This subpart provides regulations governing the pay of 
covered Federal firefighters. It implements sections 5542(f) and 5545b 
of title 5, United States Code, as added by section 628 of section 
101(h) of Pub. L. 105-277, and must be read together with those 
sections of law.
    (b) Applicability. This subpart applies to any firefighter as 
defined in Sec. 550.1302.
    (c) Administration. The head of an agency having employees subject 
to this subpart is responsible for the proper administration of this 
subpart.


Sec. 550.1302  Definitions.

    In this subpart:
    Annual rate of basic pay (except as otherwise provided in 
Secs. 550.1305 and 550.1308) means the annual rate fixed under the rate 
schedule applicable to the position held by the firefighter, including 
a locality rate schedule established under 5 U.S.C. 5304 or a special 
rate schedule established under 5 U.S.C. 5305, before any deductions 
and exclusive of additional pay of any other kind.
    Basic 40-hour workweek means--
    (1) A standard 40-hour workweek consisting of five 8-hour workdays 
that is part of the firefighter's regular tour of duty; or
    (2) A designated block of hours within a firefighter's regular tour 
of duty that, on a fixed and recurring basis, consists of 40 hours of 
actual work during each administrative week (or 80 hours of actual work 
in each biweekly pay period), excluding sleep and standby duty hours, 
provided the regular tour of duty does not consist primarily of 24-hour 
shifts.
    Firefighter means an employee--
    (1) Who is in a position covered by the General Schedule and 
classified in the GS-081 Fire Protection and Prevention classification 
series, consistent with standards published by the Office of Personnel 
Management; and
    (2) Whose regular tour of duty, as in effect throughout the year, 
averages at least 106 hours per biweekly pay period.
    Firefighter hourly rate of basic pay means an hourly rate computed 
by dividing the applicable annual rate of basic pay by 2756 hours, as 
described in Sec. 550.1303.
    Irregular hours means hours of work that are outside a 
firefighter's regular tour of duty.
    Overtime hours means hours of work in excess of 106 hours in a 
biweekly pay period, or, if the agency establishes a weekly basis for 
overtime pay computations, hours of work in excess of 53 hours in an 
administrative workweek.
    Overtime pay means pay for overtime hours.
    Regular tour of duty means a firefighter's official work schedule, 
as established by the employing agency on a regular and recurring basis 
(or on a temporary basis in cases where a temporary change in schedules 
results in a reduction in regular work hours or a change in the pay 
computation method used under Sec. 550.1303). The tour of duty may 
consist of a fixed number of hours each week or a fixed recurring cycle 
of work schedules in which the number of hours per week varies in a 
repeating pattern. The regular tour of duty includes only those 
overtime hours that are part of the fixed recurring work schedule. 
However, irregular hours are deemed to be included in a firefighter's 
regular tour of duty if those hours are substituted for hours in the 
regular tour of duty for which leave without pay is taken, as provided 
in Sec. 550.1303(d).


Sec. 550.1303  Hourly rates of basic pay.

    (a) For firefighters with a regular tour of duty that does not 
include a basic 40-hour workweek (e.g., firefighters whose schedules 
generally consist of 24-hour shifts with a significant amount of 
designated standby and sleep time), the hourly rate of basic pay is 
computed by dividing the applicable annual rate of basic pay by 2756 
hours. The resulting firefighter hourly rate of basic pay is multiplied 
by all nonovertime hours to determine the pay for those hours.
    (b) For firefighters with a regular tour of duty that includes a 
basic 40-hour workweek, the hourly rate of basic pay is computed by 
dividing the applicable annual rate of basic pay by--
    (1) 2087 hours, for hours within the basic 40-hour workweek (or 80-
hour biweekly pay period); and
    (2) 2756 hours, for any additional nonovertime hours.
    (c) A firefighter's daily, weekly, or biweekly rate of basic pay 
must be computed using the applicable rates, as derived under 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
    (d) If a firefighter takes leave without pay during his or her 
regular tour of duty, the agency must substitute any irregular hours 
worked in the same biweekly pay period for those hours of leave without 
pay. (If the firefighter's overtime pay is computed on a weekly basis, 
the irregular hours must be worked in the same administrative 
workweek.) For firefighters whose regular tour of duty includes a basic 
40-hour workweek, irregular hours must be substituted first for hours 
of leave without pay in the basic 40-hour workweek. Each substituted 
hour will be paid at the rate applicable to the hour in the regular 
tour for which substitution is made, consistent with this section and 
Sec. 550.1304.

[[Page 64594]]

Sec. 550.1304  Overtime hourly rates of pay.

    (a) For a firefighter who is covered by (i.e., nonexempt from) the 
overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the 
overtime hourly rate of pay equals 1\1/2\ times the firefighter hourly 
rate of basic pay for that firefighter, as established under 
Sec. 550.1303(a) and (b)(2).
    (b) For a firefighter who is exempt from the FLSA, the overtime 
hourly rate is computed as provided in Sec. 550.113(e).
    (c) For any firefighter, overtime pay for any pay period is derived 
by multiplying the applicable overtime hourly rate by all overtime 
hours within that period.


Sec. 550.1305  Treatment as basic pay.

    (a) The sum of pay for nonovertime hours that are part of a 
firefighter's regular tour of duty (as computed under Sec. 550.1303) 
and the straight-time portion of overtime pay for hours in a 
firefighter's regular tour of duty is treated as basic pay for the 
following purposes:
    (1) Retirement deductions and benefits under chapters 83 and 84 of 
title 5, United States Code;
    (2) Life insurance premiums and benefits under chapter 87 of title 
5, United States Code;
    (3) Severance pay under section 5595 of title 5, United States 
Code;
    (4) Cost-of-living allowances and post differentials under section 
5941 of title 5, United States Code; and
    (5) Advances in pay under section 5524a of title 5, United States 
Code.
    (b) The straight-time portion of overtime pay for hours in a 
firefighter's regular tour of duty is derived by multiplying the 
applicable firefighter hourly rate of basic pay computed under 
Sec. 550.1303(a) and (b)(2) by the number of overtime hours in the 
firefighter's regular tour of duty.
    (c) Pay for any nonovertime hours outside a firefighter's regular 
tour of duty is computed using the firefighter hourly rate of basic pay 
as provided in Sec. 550.1303(a) and (b)(2), but that pay is not 
considered basic pay for any purpose.
    (d) For firefighters compensated under Sec. 550.1303(b), pay for 
nonovertime hours within the regular tour of duty, but outside the 
basic 40-hour workweek, is basic pay only for the purposes listed in 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (e) Locality pay under 5 U.S.C. 5304 is basic pay for firefighters 
only to the extent provided in this subpart, Sec. 531.606(b) of this 
chapter, or other specific provision of law.


Sec. 550.1306  Relationship to other entitlements.

    (a) A firefighter who is compensated under this subpart is entitled 
to overtime pay as provided under this subpart, but may not receive 
additional premium pay under any other provision of subchapter V of 
chapter 55 of title 5, United States Code, including night pay, Sunday 
pay, holiday pay, and hazardous duty pay.
    (b) A firefighter who is subject to section 7(k) of the Fair Labor 
Standards Act (FLSA) and who is subject to this subpart is deemed to be 
appropriately compensated under section 7(k) of the FLSA if the 
requirements of Sec. 550.1304(a) are satisfied.
    (c) In computing a lump-sum payment for accumulated annual leave 
under 5 U.S.C. 5551 and 5552 for firefighters with an uncommon tour of 
duty established under Sec. 631.210 of this chapter for leave purposes, 
an agency must use the rates of pay for the position held by the 
firefighter that apply to hours in that uncommon tour of duty, 
including regular overtime pay for such hours.


Sec. 550.1307  Authority to regularize paychecks.

    Upon a written request from the head of an agency (or designee), 
the Office of Personnel Management may approve an agency's plan to 
reduce or eliminate variation in the amount of firefighters' biweekly 
paychecks caused by work scheduling cycles that result in varying hours 
in the firefighters' tours of duty from pay period to pay period. Such 
a plan must provide that the total pay any firefighter would otherwise 
receive for regular tours of duty over the firefighter's entire work 
scheduling cycle must, to the extent practicable, remain the same.


Sec. 550.1308  Transitional provisions.

    (a)(1) Effective on the first day of the first pay period beginning 
on or after October 1, 1998, a firefighter subject to this subpart who 
has a regular tour of duty that averages 60 hours or less per week 
during a year, and that does not include a basic 40-hour workweek, must 
be granted an increase in basic pay equal to two within-grade increases 
for the General Schedule grade applicable to the firefighter.
    (2) An increase granted under paragraph (a)(1) of this section is 
not considered an equivalent increase in pay for within-grade increase 
purposes under 5 U.S.C. 5335 and subpart D of part 531 of this chapter.
    (3) If an increase granted under paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
results in a longer waiting period for the firefighter's next within-
grade increase, the firefighter must be credited with 52 weeks of 
service for the purpose of that waiting period.
    (4) If an increase granted under paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
results in a rate of basic pay that is above the maximum rate of basic 
pay for the applicable grade, that resulting pay rate must be treated 
as a retained rate of basic pay consistent with 5 U.S.C. 5363 and part 
536 of this chapter.
    (b)(1) Effective on the first day of the first pay period beginning 
on or after October 1, 1998, an employing agency must temporarily 
establish a protected annual rate of basic pay that exceeds a 
firefighter's actual annual rate of basic pay (including any adjustment 
under paragraph (a) of this section), if necessary to ensure that the 
firefighter's annualized regular pay is not reduced on that date. For 
this purpose, annualized regular pay means total pay for hours in the 
firefighter's regular tour of duty, expressed as an annual rate based 
on the cycle of schedules under the firefighter's regular tour of duty. 
The annualized regular pay resulting from using the protected rate in 
applying the pay computation rules under this subpart must 
approximately equal (but be no less than) the annualized regular pay to 
which the firefighter would have been entitled on the effective date of 
this paragraph under the former pay computation method.
    (2) The protected rate of basic pay is fixed and not subject to 
further adjustments. The protected rate is a scheduled rate of basic 
pay for purposes of computing locality payments under 5 U.S.C. 5304 and 
part 531, subpart F of this chapter.
    (3) The protected rate of basic pay is terminated when it is equal 
to or less than the firefighter's actual rate of basic pay or when the 
employee is no longer covered by this subpart.
    (c) For purposes of this section, the term basic pay excludes 
locality pay under 5 U.S.C. 5304 and part 531, subpart F, of this 
chapter.

PART 551--PAY ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

    13. The authority citation for part 551 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5542(c); Sec. 4(f) of the Fair Labor 
Standards Act of 1938, as amended by Pub. L. 93-259, 88 Stat. 55 (29 
U.S.C. 240f).

Subpart E--Overtime Pay Provisions

    14. In Sec. 551.501, paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(5) are revised to 
read as follows:

[[Page 64595]]

Sec. 551.501  Overtime pay.

    (a) * * *
    (1) On the basis of periods of duty in excess of 8 hours in a day 
when the employee receives compensation for that duty under 5 U.S.C. 
5545(c)(1) or (2) or 5545b;
* * * * *
    (5) On the basis of hours of work in excess of 40 hours in a 
workweek for an employee engaged in fire protection or law enforcement 
activities when the employee receives compensation for those hours of 
work under 5 U.S.C. 5545(c)(1) or (2) or 5545b;
* * * * *
    15. In Sec. 551.541, paragraph (a) is amended by adding ``or 
5545b'' immediately before the period at the end of the paragraph, and 
a new paragraph (d) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 551.541  Employees engaged in fire protection activities or law 
enforcement activities.

* * * * *
    (d) A firefighter subject to section 7(k) of the Act who is 
compensated under part 550, subpart M, of this chapter is deemed to be 
appropriately compensated under section 7(k) of the Act and this part 
if the requirements of Sec. 550.1304(a) of this chapter are satisfied. 
(See 5 U.S.C. 5545b(d)(2).)

PART 591--ALLOWANCES AND DIFFERENTIALS

Subpart B--Cost-of-Living Allowance and Post Differential--
Nonforeign Areas

    16. The authority citation for part 591, subpart B, continues to 
read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5941; E.O. 10000, 3 CFR, 1943-1948 Comp., p. 
792; and E.O. 12510, 3 CFR, 1985 Comp., p. 338.
    17. In Sec. 591.201, the definition of rate of basic pay is revised 
to read as follows:


Sec. 591.201  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Rate of basic pay means the rate of pay fixed by statute for the 
position held by an individual before any deductions and exclusive of 
additional pay of any kind, such as overtime pay, night differential, 
extra pay for work on holidays, or allowances and differential, except 
that straight-time pay for regular overtime hours for firefighters 
under 5 U.S.C. 5545b (as provided in Sec. 550.1305(b) of this chapter) 
is included as basic pay.
* * * * *

PART 630--ABSENCE AND LEAVE

    18. The authority citation for part 630 continues to read as 
follows:
    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 6311; Sec. 630.301 also issued under Pub. L. 
103-356, 108 Stat. 3410; Sec. 630.303 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 
6133(a); Secs. 630.306 and 630.308 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 
6304(d)(3), Pub. L. 102-484, 106 Stat. 2722, and Pub. L. 103-337, 
108 Stat. 2663; subpart D also issued under Pub. L. 103-329, 108 
Stat. 2423; Sec. 630.501 and subpart F also issued under E.O. 11228, 
30 FR 7739, 3 CFR, 1974 Comp., p. 163; subpart G also issued under 5 
U.S.C. 6305; subpart H also issued under 5 U.S.C. 6326; subpart I 
also issued under 5 U.S.C. 6332, Pub. L. 100-566, 102 Stat. 2834, 
and Pub. L. 103-103, 107 Stat. 1022; subpart J also issued under 5 
U.S.C. 6362, Pub. L 100-566, and Pub. L. 103-103; subpart K also 
issued under Pub. L. 102-25, 105 Stat. 92; and subpart L also issued 
under 5 U.S.C. 6387 and Pub. L. 103-3, 107 Stat. 23.

Subpart B--Definitions and General Provisions for Annual and Sick 
Leave

    19. In Sec. 630.201, paragraph (b), the definition of uncommon tour 
of duty is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 630.201  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    Uncommon tour of duty means an established tour of duty that 
exceeds 80 hours of work in a biweekly pay period, provided the tour--
    (1) Includes hours for which the employee is compensated by standby 
duty pay under 5 U.S.C. 5545(c)(1) and Sec. 550.141 of this chapter;
    (2) Is a regular tour of duty (as defined in Sec. 550.1302 of this 
chapter) established for firefighters compensated under 5 U.S.C. 5545b 
and part 550, subpart M, of this chapter; or
    (3) Is authorized for a category of employees by the Office of 
Personnel Management.
    20. In Sec. 630.210, a new paragraph (c) is added to read as 
follows:


Sec. 630.210  Uncommon tours of duty.

* * * * *
    (c) An agency must require that firefighters compensated under 
Sec. 550.1303(a) of this chapter accrue and use leave on the basis of 
the applicable uncommon tour of duty.

PART 870--FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM

    21. The authority citation for part 870 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 8716; subpart J also issued under sec. 599C 
of Pub. L. 101-513, 104 Stat. 2064, as amended; Sec. 870.302 also 
issued under sections 11202(f), 11232(e), and 11246(b) and (c) of 
Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251.

Subpart B--Types and Amount of Insurance

    22. Section 870.204 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2)(ii), by 
removing the word ``and'' at the end of paragraph (a)(2)(ix), by 
removing the period at the end of paragraph (a)(2)(x) and adding ``; 
and'' in its place, and by adding a new paragraph (a)(2)(xi) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 870.204  Annual rates of pay.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) Premium pay for standby duty under 5 U.S.C. 5545(c)(1);
* * * * *
    (xi) Straight-time pay for regular overtime hours for firefighters, 
as provided in 5 U.S.C. 5545b and part 550, subpart M, of this chapter.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 98-31258 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325-01-U