Are You Ready to be Reclassified?
Written by Laurie Flaherty, 911der Woman Board Member, published March 7, 2023
More than 70% of the nation’s 90,000 Telecommunicators are female. How do I know that? The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Standard Occupational Classification (BLS SOC) system. I believe in my heart and soul that every one of them should be classified as more than “clerical.” But I know a few more things:
(Quick civics lesson…) Every federal agency has limited authority (and responsibility) to do specific things. Their authority is provided by Congress, who passes legislation that “authorizes” their activities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is exactly that – a bureau within the Department of Labor that “provides statistical guidance to the department and its agencies and works in partnership with those agencies to support their data needs.” (1) The SOC is housed within BLS, and manages a data system and “a federal statistical standard used by federal agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data.” (2) They are authorized (required) to classify jobs into one of 867 detailed “occupations,” based on objective, measurable data.
The BLS SOC publishes the contents of the SOC system every 8 -10 years. The most recent release (2018 (3)) classified Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) as a (43-5031) “Office and Administrative Support Occupation” – based on available objective data. (4) That’s what BLS SOC is authorized (required) to do. Occupations are classified based on measurable data showing the work performed and, in some cases, on the skills, education and/or training needed to perform the work. That means SOC cannot use opinions, observations, or any other subjective, unmeasurable information as part of the process. While SOC does have some small amount of discretion, it’s unfair to say that BLS “won’t” change the PST classification – they are not able to, without objective justification.
Two factoids from the 2018 process:
BLS randomly collected 1,000 PST job descriptions. The majority of these documents described PST work as clerical; and many of the job descriptions were older than the PSTs in those jobs.
While BLS received input from thousands of 911 advocates, most of the input received was opinion without tangible proof.
The process for updating the database and the classifications is well established and lengthy; and usually starts 3-4 years before the BLS SOC publishes a new revision. (5) There are 2 or 3 opportunities for public input, which are widely publicized.
SO…given the timeline…it is likely that the BLS SOC will begin the process of data collection in the not-too-distant future. Are you ready?
When was the last time your agency updated its PST job descriptions?
Does your center/jurisdiction have (documented) minimum training requirements?
Has your local/state jurisdiction or association chapter done anything that has resulted in local/state reclassification?
You don’t have to do this alone! Here’s just a short list of some of the resources you can use:
PST Reclassification Toolkit – created by 911 for 911 and includes 3 chapters for updating your center’s documents, and a 4th chapter on developing a strategy for reclassification
Recommended Minimum Training Guidelines – includes the guidelines, model legislation, case studies, and advocacy tools
Telecommunicator Reclassification Map – map delineating states that have reclassified PSTs, and links to pertinent statute/regulation
State 911 Contacts – all 50 states have contacts that are likely to be able to tell you who else within your state is working on reclassification
Standard Occupational Classification system – official BLS SOC web site, containing more than you’d ever want to know about BLS SOC
Alright 911der Women – let’s get on it! We represent more than half of the “rank and file” – be ready for reclassification!
(1) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/bls/faqs.htm, accessed 3/3/23
(2) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Standard Occupational Classification system, https://www.bls.gov/soc/, accessed 3/3/23
(3) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Standard Occupational Classification System, “2018 Standard Occupational Classification System,” https://www.bls.gov/soc/2018/major_groups.htm, accessed 3/3/23
(4) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Standard Occupational Classification System, “2018 Standard Occupational Classification System,” https://www.bls.gov/soc/2018/home.htm, accessed 3/3/23
(5) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Standard Occupational Classification System, “2018 Standard Occupational Classification System,” 2018 SOC Revision Process, https://www.bls.gov/soc/2018/home.htm, accessed 3/3/23
Thank you, Laurie for sharing your experience with us. If you are interested in writing a blog, please email amanda@911derwomen.com. Sign up for our newsletter on our homepage to stay up to date with 911der Women programming, exclusive content and blog updates. Click here and scroll to the bottom.
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