HOUSTON – The City of Houston announced Thursday that a tentative agreement has been reached that will resolve all outstanding pay issues for Houston firefighters dating back to 2017.
The announcement comes just seven weeks into Mayor John Whitmire’s term, according to the city.
“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. This agreement resolves a long - festering pay dispute with firefighters, avoids further unnecessary litigation costs, and allows us to move forward together.”
The city said the Mayor’s sentiments reflect his views to assist and support all City departments and employees. Mayor Whitmire urges “all Houstonians to support every effort to fund public safety in Houston.”
“During my campaign, I committed to Houstonians that I would resolve this issue beginning on my first day in office. I am pleased that we have reached this tentative agreement within the first two months. I will ask City Council members and all Houstonians to support this arrangement once final details are settled with our partners at the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association.”
Mayor Whitmire noted that each side made important compromises to reach this agreement and thanked both parties for their efforts over the last two months.
Agreement on the amount owed to Houston firefighters for the eight years they have worked without a contract clears the path for the implementation of essential steps to actualize the mechanics of the deal. A subsequent announcement will provide detailed information on these additional steps.
“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.”
On January 3, 2024, just three days after taking office, the city said Mayor Whitmire ordered the city legal department to end all pending litigation against Houston firefighters and initiate negotiations with HPFFA’s lawyer to resolve contract issues dating back to 2017.
“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.”