In a landmark step forward, the City of Houston and its firefighters union have reached a settlement in an eight-year-long pay dispute. The deal, which still needs final approval from the court and the Texas Attorney General’s Office, would cover $650 million in backpay owed to firefighters since 2017.
During a recent status hearing in the 234th Civil Court in Harris County, lawyer Troy Blakeney announced that a settlement had been reached. Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association President Marty Lancton described the moment as historic and a significant step towards resolving the ongoing dispute once and for all.
The final settlement still requires approval from Judge Lauren Reader and the Texas Attorney General’s Office for the issuance of judgment bonds. These bonds will help cover the substantial backpay owed to firefighters over the past few years.
One key point of contention during the recent hearing was the eligibility for back pay. Steve Dunbar, representing former Houston firefighters who left the department between 2017 and now, filed a motion to intervene, which was ultimately denied by the judge. However, it was clarified that all firefighters, including the ones represented by Dunbar, would be included in the back pay settlement.
City Council members Edward Pollard and Tiffany Thomas have requested more details on the financial impact of the agreement, which also includes a substantial pay increase for firefighters over the next five years. City officials have acknowledged that there will be an annual cost associated with the settlement, which will be financed over 25 to 30 years.
Both sides are hopeful to have everything finalized before the start of the city’s new fiscal year on July 1. Firefighters are looking forward to the resolution of this long-standing dispute, which has been a source of tension between the city and its fire department for nearly a decade.
Overall, the settlement represents a significant milestone in the efforts to fairly compensate Houston firefighters and bring an end to a prolonged period of discord and uncertainty. The resolution of this dispute will not only benefit the firefighters but also ensure a more harmonious working relationship between the city and its first responders.