City of Houston, firefighters reach tentative agreement in contract controversy
HOUSTON - The City of Houston and Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association announce a tentative agreement has been reached in their ongoing pay dispute.
According to Mayor John Whitmire, the agreement resolves the eight-year-long pay dispute with firefighters, avoiding further unnecessary litigation costs.
"A world-class city like Houston deserves a well-funded fire department to attract and retain talented individuals who are willing to risk their safety for us during our times of need," said Mayor Whitmire. "Houston’s fire department should be at or near the top among the major cities in our state."
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In December 2023, a judge ruled that the City of Houston had to collectively bargain with firefighters for five of the seven years they have been without a contract.
State District Judge Lauren Reeder granted the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association’s motion to compel the City of Houston to collectively bargain over benefits and back pay for the years from 2018 to 2022.
The agreement comes within just two months of Mayor Whitmire's assuming office.
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Both sides are said to have made compromises to reach the agreement.
"This is historic," said HPFFA President Patrick M. "Marty" Lancton. "Mayor Whitmire promised we would get this done by the end of February, and he has kept that promise. In just seven weeks, we have resolved a dispute the previous administration kicked down the road for eight years. It is amazing to witness what happens when leadership is unafraid to do the right thing."
Last year, Former Mayor Sylvester Turner told the council if the firefighters were granted back pay and benefits for each of the years the impasse lingered, it would be a "huge financial obligation for the city."
"To say the last eight years have been an unrelenting nightmare for Houston firefighters, their families and Local 341 is an understatement," said Lancton. "This accomplishment marks a significant step toward bringing closure and the start of rebuilding a fire department ravished by the inaction of the previous administration. There are no words to express what it means to be able to put the last eight years behind us."