Austin, Texas, December 18, 2025
The Austin Firefighters Association has secured a new four-year contract with the City of Austin, aimed at improving compensation and work schedules for firefighters. Set for a City Council vote, the agreement includes significant wage increases and reforms intended to enhance recruitment and retention. As Austin grows, this contract reflects the city’s commitment to supporting essential services that contribute to community safety and economic vitality.
Austin Firefighters Association Approves New Contract; Council Votes Thursday
Austin, Texas – The Austin Firefighters Association (AFA) has reached a new four-year labor contract with the City of Austin, set for a City Council vote on Thursday. This agreement aims to improve firefighter compensation and reform work schedules to enhance recruitment and retention. The deal highlights the city’s commitment to supporting its first responders while ensuring that debates over budgetary implications are thoughtfully addressed.
As Austin continues to expand and evolve, recognizing and compensating its essential services is crucial. Local entrepreneurs and residents alike understand that the well-being of our fire department directly contributes to the safety of the community—a key factor driving Austin’s entrepreneurial spirit and the overall economy.
Key Provisions of the New Contract
- Wage Increases: Firefighters will see an initial 2.9% raise in the first year, followed by additional increments of 3%, 3.5%, and 4% over the next three years. To attract new talent, entry-level firefighters will receive a significant 5.5% wage increase.
- Work Schedule Adjustments: The introduction of the “Austin schedule,” which operates on a 24-72-48-72 basis, is designed to reduce weekly hours from over 50 to approximately 49.8. This structure promotes better work-life balance and overall firefighter well-being.
- Staffing Requirements: The contract maintains a staffing model that requires no fewer than four firefighters per truck, allowing changes only with joint approval from city labor officials and AFA members. Importantly, the closure of fire apparatus or stations for budgetary reasons is only permitted when the city faces a severe financial crisis.
Background and Negotiation Process
The AFA and City of Austin engaged in collective bargaining for several months before reaching a tentative agreement in September. A City Council vote that was originally scheduled for November was delayed due to concerns regarding a separate ballot measure proposed by the AFA, which aimed to amend the city charter to enforce minimum staffing levels. Following discussions, the AFA withdrew this measure and accepted the proposed contract terms, allowing the City Council to proceed.
Implications for Austin Firefighters
Approval of this new contract is expected to markedly enhance firefighter compensation and improve working conditions, tackling existing issues related to staffing levels and providing better work-life balance. The agreement signals a renewed relationship between the union and the city, fostering a spirit of collaboration that could benefit future negotiations.
Next Steps
The City Council is set to vote on this important contract on Thursday, December 18, 2025. If passed, the new contract will be rolled out in phases over the next four years, with the revised work schedule fully implemented by October 2027. Both the AFA and the city express optimism that this agreement will lead to improvements in firefighter recruitment and retention, ultimately enhancing public safety across Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the key provisions of the new labor contract between the Austin Firefighters Association and the City of Austin?
The new four-year labor contract includes wage increases, work schedule adjustments, and staffing requirements. Firefighters will receive a 2.9% raise in the first year, with additional increases in subsequent years. A new shift schedule, known as the “Austin schedule,” will reduce average weekly hours to approximately 49.8. The contract maintains the current staffing model of no less than four firefighters per truck, with any changes requiring approval from a joint committee of city labor officials and AFA members. Additionally, the contract stipulates that no fire apparatus or station shall be closed for budgetary reasons unless the city demonstrates a severe financial crisis that impairs its ability to provide essential services.
Why was the City Council vote on the new labor contract postponed in November?
The City Council postponed the vote due to concerns over the financial implications of a separate ballot measure proposed by the AFA. This measure sought to amend the city charter to require a minimum of four firefighters per fire engine on every emergency call. The city expressed concerns that this proposal could have significant budgetary impacts and should have been addressed during the bargaining process. In response, the AFA withdrew the ballot measure and agreed to the current contract terms.
When is the City Council scheduled to vote on the new labor contract?
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the new labor contract on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
What are the expected benefits of the new labor contract for Austin firefighters?
The new contract is expected to improve firefighter compensation and work conditions, addressing long-standing concerns about staffing levels and work-life balance. The AFA has emphasized that the agreement represents a positive step toward mending the relationship between the union and the city, fostering a more collaborative environment for future negotiations.
When will the new work schedule be fully implemented?
The new work schedule is set to be fully operational by October 2027.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wage Increases | 2.9% raise in the first year, with additional increases of 3%, 3.5%, and 4% in subsequent years. Entry-level firefighters receive a 5.5% wage increase. |
| Work Schedule Adjustments | Introduction of the “Austin schedule”: 24-72-48-72, reducing average weekly hours to approximately 49.8. |
| Staffing Requirements | Maintains current staffing model of no less than four firefighters per truck; changes require approval from a joint committee. No fire apparatus or station shall be closed for budgetary reasons unless the city demonstrates a severe financial crisis. |
| Implementation Timeline | New work schedule to be fully operational by October 2027. |
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