Austin, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Austin firefighters are poised for better pay and reduced hours under a new agreement with the city. The work week will be cut from 53 to about 50 hours, with wage increases proposed for all ranks, including an immediate 5.5% hike for entry-level firefighters. This four-year labor agreement also introduces a new work schedule aimed at improving mental well-being, reflecting growing attention to firefighter wellness following recent tragedies. The agreement awaits ratification by AFA members before being submitted to the City Council.
Austin firefighters are set to receive higher pay and reduced work hours following a tentative agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Fire Association (AFA). The agreement will lower firefighters’ work weeks from 53 hours to just under 50 hours. This significant change reflects increased attention to firefighters’ mental well-being in light of recent nationwide incidents, including five occupational-related suicides in recent years.
The AFA aims for a pay raise comparable to the 28% increase received by Austin police officers over five years. Bob Nicks, President of the AFA, indicated that firefighters are currently compensated less than any other employee group within the City of Austin when it comes to wage increases, expressing optimism that this agreement would provide some form of raise.
Negotiations for the contract had previously stalled, with the AFA feeling disrespected by the city’s initial offer of zero percent wage increases and an impractical reduction in work hours. City Manager TC Broadnax commended the settlement, emphasizing the necessity of investing in the wellness of firefighters.
The contract is a four-year labor agreement that proposes annual raises for firefighters of all ranks. Entry-level firefighters are set to receive an immediate 5.5% wage increase to help fill vacant roles, with a proposed minimum raise of at least 2.9% in the first year followed by increases of 3%, 3.5%, and 4% in subsequent years.
The new work schedule, referred to as the “Austin Schedule,” will consist of one day on duty, three days off, two days on duty, and three days off, which translates to an average work week of 49.8 hours. Austin will be the first major metropolitan city in Texas to implement this type of work schedule. To make this schedule feasible, the city plans to hire additional full-time firefighters, who will initially revert to a 53-hour work week for an 18-month transition period.
Full implementation of the new schedule is expected by October 2027. The agreement also introduces more flexible hiring policies, enabling the recruitment of already certified firefighters. Additionally, the fire chief will have increased authority over appointments to higher-ranking positions and the screening process for hiring firefighters.
Approximately 1,200 AFA members must ratify the agreement before it goes to the City Council for final approval. Voting by AFA members is anticipated to commence in the upcoming weeks. If ratified, the contract will be presented to the City Council for approval in October.
Key Features of the Tentative Agreement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Work Week Hours | Reduced from 53 to an average of 49.8 hours |
| Wage Increases | Immediate 5.5% for entry-level, followed by 2.9%, 3%, 3.5%, and 4% in subsequent years |
| Work Schedule | Austin Schedule: 1 day on, 3 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off |
| Hiring Policy | More flexible, allows recruiting certified firefighters |
| Final Approval | Pending ratification by AFA and review by City Council |
FAQ
What will the new work hours for Austin firefighters be?
Firefighters’ work weeks will be reduced from 53 hours to just under 50 hours.
Who will be affected by the pay raises?
The agreement proposes raises for firefighters of all ranks each year.
When will the new work schedule be fully implemented?
The new schedule is expected to be fully implemented by October 2027.
How many AFA members must ratify the agreement?
Approximately 1,200 AFA members must ratify the agreement before it can move to the City Council for final approval.
What immediate wage increase will entry-level firefighters receive?
Entry-level firefighters will receive an immediate 5.5% wage increase.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Austin firefighters new contract
- FOX 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin Fire Department
- KVUE
- Google News: Austin firefighters contract
- Austin American-Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin firefighters
- Talk 1370
- Google Scholar: Austin firefighters contract agreement
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