City of Houston moves forward with $650 million deal with fire union

The ongoing legal drama surrounding the City of Houston and the firefighters’ contract took a new twist on Monday.

During what was intended to be a status conference, a lawyer appeared claiming to represent 101 former Houston firefighters who he alleged were being excluded from the agreement.

After approximately 45 minutes of debate between the lawyer, representatives from the firefighters union, and city attorneys, the judge rejected the lawyer’s motion to intervene, asserting that firefighters with less than 10 years of service were indeed covered by the newly negotiated $650 million deal.

This development marks a step forward for the firefighters union, moving them closer to their desired outcome.

Attorney Troy Blakeney, representing the firefighters union, expressed optimism about the progress, emphasizing the capped $650 million settlement that ensures all eligible individuals, regardless of numbers, will receive compensation. The agreement, while confidential in some aspects, promises significant lump sum payments, permanent raises established by Mayor Turner in 2021, and an additional 10% raise set to commence in July. Furthermore, it pledges further raises over the next five years, culminating in a total pay increase of 34% by 2029.

However, the resolution of the deal is anticipated to undergo further technicalities and may not be finalized until late May or early June, according to both sides’ attorneys.

Meanwhile, beyond the courtroom proceedings, two city council members, Tiffany Thomas and Edward Pollard, penned a letter to Mayor John Whitmire expressing support for providing firefighters with financial compensation but voicing concerns about the deal’s specifics. They highlighted the potential impact on taxpayers and sought clarity on funding mechanisms, such as property tax caps and the possibility of additional fees.

The letter underscored the importance of understanding the proposed deal’s long-term financial implications and its potential effects on citywide services. Despite their efforts, Thomas and Pollard indicated a lack of response from the mayor’s office as of Monday night. They anticipate further discussion on this matter during the upcoming council meeting.