Austin City Council Approves Contract with Austin Firefighters Association

Agreement includes investments in firefighter pay, a new work schedule, additional flexibility in hiring, and improvements in the promotions process

The Austin City Council approved a new four-year contract with the Austin Firefighters Association at its meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18. The agreement includes investments in firefighter pay, a new work schedule, additional flexibility in hiring, and improvements in the promotions process.

"This contract is a major milestone for the City as we affirm our continued support for our Austin firefighters," said Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax. "I am proud of the negotiating teams for reaching an agreement that strengthens public safety while implementing a work schedule that prioritizes firefighter wellness."

Key provisions of the contract include:   

• A pay scale adjustment in the first year of the agreement that increases employee pay by 2.9% or more based on position and tenure within the department. Most current employees will see an increase of 4.2% and entry-level firefighter salary will increase by 5.5% to assist with recruiting.
• A cumulative 10.5% wage increase in the final three years of the agreement - 3% in year two, 3.5% in year three and 4% in year four.
• Implementation of a new "Austin Schedule" by October 2027. This reduced work schedule provides for one day on shift, three days of rest, two days on shift, and three days of rest, resulting in a 49.8-hour work week on average. To accomplish this, the City will hire additional full-time firefighters and, in exchange, firefighters will return to a 53-hour work schedule for 18 months.
• Flexible hiring, including the ability to hire firefighters who are already certified. 
• Streamlined promotions process. 

Funding for the first year of the agreement is included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Approved Budget. The total four-year cumulative value of the contract is $63 million.

"Austin continues to value its firefighters and keeping our city a safe place to live. We rely on them, we thank them, and we appreciate them," Mayor Kirk Watson said. "This new four-year agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Firefighters Association demonstrates the City's commitment to these important public servants. The new agreement increases pay, prioritizes wellness, and streamlines the hiring and promotion process.

"I thank the negotiating teams for both the City and the Austin Firefighter Association for their work and efforts to get us to a productive outcome. Good work."

Additional Statement on the Contract

Roxana Stevens, Deputy Labor Relations Officer
"The goals of this contract were to continue serving our residents in the most effective manner while ensuring our firefighters have the appropriate work/life balance. The new 'Austin Schedule' will be the first of its kind for a major metropolitan city in Texas and I'm grateful that City leadership and the Union were willing to explore creative solutions within this agreement."