After heated talks, Austin, firefighters reach a deal on a four-year labor contract - Austin Monitor

"The agreement late Friday ends a weekslong stalemate after the Austin Firefighters Association rejected of a proposal that it said wouldn't substantially increase wages for its personnel. The AFA agreed to a deal that would raise wages by at least 3 percent over four years. The contract also would eventually reduce firefighters' hours to fewer than 50 per week, a key provision that the city pushed back on."

""I am pleased we have reached a tentative agreement that invests in our firefighters, ensuring not only pay increases, but also a work schedule that prioritizes firefighter wellness," Broadnax said. Austin initially offered a proposal without across-the-board wage increases. That and a disagreement over reducing the number of hours worked per week scuttled discussions after a meeting Sept. 10. During negotiations this week, 12-year Austin firefighter Alex Zottarelli told city attorneys that the department desperately needs the boost in wages."

The Austin firefighters union reached a tentative four-year labor agreement with the city that ends a weekslong stalemate. The deal guarantees wage increases, including an average 4.2% raise in the first year and at least 3% across-the-board raises in subsequent years. The contract plans to reduce firefighter weekly hours to fewer than 50 and emphasizes hiring more firefighters to address understaffing and rising overtime costs. City Manager T.C. Broadnax called the agreement an investment in firefighters and a step toward prioritizing wellness through an adjusted work schedule. Firefighter testimony highlighted the need for competitive wages and staffing improvements.

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