Which of the following is NOT allowed in a shift trade?

Using paid leave to cover a shift is not allowed in a shift trade because it typically undermines the purpose of shift trading, which is to allow personnel to manage their work schedules among themselves. Shift trading is designed for flexibility among on-duty personnel while maintaining staffing levels, and when one uses paid leave instead of trading, it bypasses this system. This can lead to complications in scheduling, accountability, and reliability in staffing, as utilizing leave instead can alter the planned availability and deployment of personnel.

In contrast, voluntary swaps, the requirement for trades to be approved by a Chief Officer, and emergency trades with proof are all acceptable practices in many fire departments. These rules and procedures are intended to ensure that trades maintain operational integrity and that any adjustments to the schedule are communicated and approved, thus ensuring that staffing needs are met appropriately.