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McAllen approves three-year pay increases for firefighters
Summary
The commission approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the McAllen Firefighters Association that includes multi-year pay increases and adjustments to assignment pay and certifications.
The McAllen City Commission approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the McAllen Firefighters Association that provides multi-year increases in base pay and adjustments to certain pay categories.
Staff told the commission the agreement was the product of several months of negotiations. The agreement, approved by the union membership last week, provides 5% pay increases for the firefighter rank for the next three years, 4.5% increases for the driver rank for the next three years, and 4% increases at other ranks. Assignment pay, longevity and certifications are increased by 10% as a one-time adjustment for the duration of the contract. Staff also said the agreement includes safeguards so existing hazmat-pay recipients are not displaced by new hires.
Why this matters: The agreement affects department staffing costs, the city’s personnel budget and compensation for public-safety employees. The commission approved the contract after staff described the bargaining process and recommended adoption.
What was approved - Three-year contract between the city and the McAllen Firefighters Association (CBA). - Pay schedule adjustments: 5% increases for firefighter rank (three years); 4.5% increases for driver rank (three years); 4% increases at other ranks; assignment pay and certifications increased 10% (one-time adjustment).
What commissioners said A member of city staff who presented the item described negotiations as "robust" and at times "difficult," but said the outcome was in the interest of both the association and the city. Commissioners congratulated the bargaining team and union for reaching agreement.
Process and implementation The union membership voted to approve the agreement before the commission considered it. The commission approved the contract by motion. City staff will implement the negotiated pay changes through payroll and budgeting adjustments.
Ending The motion to approve carried; staff will proceed to update payroll and budget allocations to reflect the new contract.
