SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio City Council has approved a new collective bargaining contract between the City and the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association.
Thursday's approval comes after the fire union and the City reached a tentative agreement in August, marking the first time the two parties have agreed on terms of a contract since 2009.
Under the terms of the agreement, firefighters will receive a 20% wage increase over three years, to include 7% in fiscal year 2025, 8% in fiscal year 2026, and 5% in fiscal year 2027. The total cost of the contract is $109.6 million over three years.
The agreement achieves significant wage increases for firefighters while continuing to meet residents' needs and priorities, according to the City of San Antonio.
“I congratulate the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association and the City of San Antonio on turning a page for the betterment of our firefighters and their families,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
In addition to increasing wages for firefighters, the contract enhances the City’s promotion process, provides more accountability in the City’s sick leave process and offers firefighters a more robust parental leave benefit.
City Manager Erick Walsh said this contract balances the City’s ability to deliver key services and invest in community priorities.
“I am appreciative that Council passed a collective bargaining agreement that keeps our firefighters among the best paid in the state in terms of total compensation,” said Walsh. “...I’d like to thank the fire union for their willingness to work with us to secure a contract negotiated in a timely manner.”
