Austin City Council approves four-year firefighters contract, secures four‑person staffing

The Austin City Council on Dec. 18, 2025 approved a four‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Austin Firefighters Association that locks in the city's mandatory four‑person staffing ordinance, increases pay and phases in a new work schedule designed to improve firefighter wellness.

The agreement, presented at a special called meeting at City Hall, takes effect immediately and runs through September 2029. Council adopted the contract (item 1), an accompanying budget amendment to fund it (item 2), and an authorization to add staffing (item 3) without objection.

Deputy Labor Relations Officer Roxy Stevens summarized the deal’s central elements. "This agreement is a 4‑year agreement, becoming effective today and ending in September 2029," Stevens said, and described provisions the city and union negotiated to expand hiring flexibility, streamline promotions and allow limited use of non‑sworn employees in specific functions such as recruiting and public information.

Key financial and staffing terms include a projected four‑year cost of about $63,000,000 and a year‑one cost of $5,913,706. The contract phases in a reduced…