HOUSTON – Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association announced a historic deal ending the outstanding pay issues for Houston firefighters on Thursday.
The $650 million settlement resolves the city’s longstanding pay issue with HFD, dating back to 2017, while also ensuring a five-year contract moving forward.
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“I told the voters I would honor their decision to put public safety first and treat our brave paramedics and firefighters in the fair and equitable manner they deserve. I am proud to deliver on that promise,” said Whitmire. “An agreement of this nature is absolutely necessary to recruit and retain firefighters in the quality and numbers needed to serve the largest city in Texas. I want to reiterate that it helps avoid further unnecessary litigation costs, the uncertainty of multiple decisions by a court or an arbitration panel, and allows us to move forward together.”
Under the settlement, all current firefighters, retired firefighters, and the families of firefighters who have died since 2017 will receive lump sum payments for back pay.
In addition to the back pay, the agreement also makes the temporary 18% pay increase awarded to firefighters in 2021 permanent while also mandating an additional 10% raise starting July 1, 2024.
Through 2029, firefighters will see a pay increase of up to 34%, according to the settlement.
“This agreement is like none other we have ever seen, or perhaps will ever see and the best for the city to recruit and retain the necessary numbers for the quality fire department Houstonians deserve” said HPFFA President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton. “It shows the impact of Mayor John Whitmire’s leadership and cooperation. The victory belongs to every Houston firefighter who has sacrificed for the last eight years. Let us remember the challenges we’ve overcome and the unity that has brought us to this resolution. Today, we stand on the brink of a new chapter that honors our hard work and dedication and ensures a brighter future for all of our brothers and sisters and their families.”
Firefighters will also keep all of their existing benefits while gaining access to new incentives such as assignment bonuses, holiday pay, and increased uniform allowances.
The contract also includes new provisions to facilitate the transfer of firefighters from other departments.
Whitmire said the agreement “avoids the potential for costly budget ramifications and legal fees and expenses.”
The agreement comes after a contentious period that began in 2017 when the firefighters’ latest contract expired, leading to an impasse between the union and former Mayor Sylvester Turner’s administration. The union subsequently sued the city, alleging a violation of state law governing the compensation of police officers and firefighters.
In May 2023, the Texas Legislature stepped in, enacting a bill that required arbitration to address disputes of this nature. The bill’s primary sponsor was then-State Senator Whitmire. Former Mayor Turner contested the constitutionality of the bill. However, in mid-December, State District Judge Lauren Reeder affirmed the constitutionality of the bill. Consequently, the judge directed both the city and the fire union to resume contract negotiations.
Whitmire has been a vocal supporter of Houston firefighters since the start of his mayoral run.
Whitmire is set to speak more about the agreement next week.