MISHAWAKA, Ind. (AP) — St. Joseph County Council members have rejected 12-hour shifts for its 911 dispatchers after finding that potential problems would outweigh the benefits.

The council spurned the idea Tuesday after hearing testimony that 12-hour shifts would create efficiencies and result in the need to hire fewer dispatchers at the currently understaffed dispatch center.

The dispatcher’s union opposes 12-hour shifts.

Michael Clayton is president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 164. He tells the South Bend Tribune that the long shifts would take a toll on dispatchers whose jobs are often stressful.

The county’s new dispatch center in Mishawaka has 64 full-time dispatchers who work eight-hour shifts six days per week and take three consecutive days off.