Houston firefighters hearing details of agreement signed by mayor, union president

HOUSTON - Houston firefighters have gathered to hear details of the historic agreement signed by Mayor John Whitmire and the union president this week to address a years-long contract impasse.

Under the terms of the settlement, all current firefighters, retired firefighters, and the families of those who have passed away since 2017 will receive lump sum payments for wages owed dating back to that year. The agreement solidifies the temporary 18% pay increases granted to firefighters in 2021, making them permanent, and mandates additional raises of 10% effective July 1. With scheduled pay hikes outlined through 2029, firefighters can anticipate a cumulative pay increase of up to 34% throughout the contract.

According to the Mayor's office, firefighters will retain their existing benefits while gaining access to new incentives, including assignment bonuses, holiday pay enhancements, and increased uniform allowances. Recognizing the pressing need to bolster recruitment and retention efforts, both the City and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFFA) have agreed upon innovative incentives aimed at attracting top talent to the Houston Fire Department once more.

Details of the agreement are still confidential but will include a five-year contract and back pay to compensate for seven years of impasse.

"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 Mayor John 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.

The union members will have the final say in a vote.

PREVIOUS: City of Houston, firefighters reach tentative agreement in contract controversy

Two weeks ago, the City of Houston and Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association announced a tentative agreement had been reached to address the pay dispute between firefighters and the city. Houston firefighters have worked without a contract since 2017.

"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."
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Conversations about the controversial contract for firefighters have mostly been carried out in court over the last few years. Before the tentative agreement was announced, the trial was set to begin on March 25 to have a jury decide what would happen.

The agreement came within two months of Mayor Whitmire taking office.