Houston firefighters get new collective bargaining agreement for first time in decades

HOUSTON – It’s official! After nearly a decade, the Houston Fire Department finally has a collective bargaining agreement after the City Controller approved the settlement late Monday night.

RELATED: Mayor Whitmire takes action to resolve contract dispute with Houston firefighters’ union

Houston firefighters took to social media to celebrate the newfound victory claiming in a post, “This is a huge victory for our heroes on the frontline.”

Based on the press release shared by Houston Professional Firefighters Association, IAAF Local 341, the vote means a long-awaited victory and ending the back-and-forth between the City and its Fire Department.

The five-year collective bargaining agreement, which was approved by City Council on Tuesday, includes provisions for backpay owed to firefighters, as well as a pay increase. The agreement also looks to improve working conditions, enhance benefits, and provide a renewed focus on recruitment, retention as well as mental health support.

We first learned about this due to an internal memo obtained by KPRC 2 Investigates, where Chris Hollins told city council members his office has agreed to the terms proposed by Mayor John Whitmire.

The email reads in part:

“Following a comprehensive review and evaluation of the responses to each question my office posed to the Mayor and his team regarding the proposed firefighter settlement and collective bargaining agreement, my office has approved the relevant items for your consideration on the Council Agenda.”

Hollins’ approval comes after weeks of a back-and-forth between the mayor and the city controller due to additional questions he and other city council members had regarding the settlement.

PREVIOUS: Houston firefighters overwhelmingly approve contract settlement with city

Those questions were answered by Mayor Whitmire in an emailed document shared by his office last week, when the vote was initially expected but pushed back again.

This settlement was also one of Mayor Whitmire’s campaign promises, where he pledged to secure better working conditions and fair compensation for HFD members, and this agreement appears to fulfill that promise.

“We owe a profound debt of gratitude to Mayor Whitmire for his steadfast commitment to bringing this oredeal to a close,” HPFFA President Marty Lancton. “He made a promise, and he has fulfilled it. His support and public recognition of Houston firefighters and the job they do are bolstering morale and helping to mend years of distrust. We eagerly anticipate further collaboration as we strive to enhance firefighting and emergency services for Houstonians.”

Firefighters will receive their backpay in July when their five-year contract also goes into effect during the City’s new fiscal year.