San Antonio City Council Passes New Contract with Fire Union

Published on September 19, 2024

The agreement keeps San Antonio’s firefighters among the best-paid in Texas. 

SAN ANTONIO (September 19, 2024) — Today, the City Council approved a new collective bargaining agreement between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association for the period of October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2027. The agreement achieves significant wage increases for firefighters while continuing to meet residents' needs and priorities.

“The approval of this contract marks the beginning of a new chapter for labor relations within the City organization,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “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.”

Under the terms of the agreement, firefighters will receive a 20 percent wage increase over three years, to include seven percent in fiscal year 2025, eight percent in fiscal year 2026, and five percent in fiscal year 2027. The total cost of the contract is $109.6 million over three years.  

“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,” City Manager Erik Walsh said. “This contract also balances our ability to continue to deliver key services while investing in the community’s priorities. I’d like to thank the Fire Union for their willingness to work with us to secure a contract negotiated in a timely manner.”

In addition to increasing firefighters’ wages, 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.  

The City and the Fire Union met 13 times. This is the first time they have agreed on the terms of a contract since 2009.