"Nicks noted that he told the city manager and City Council in January that firefighters want a work week reduction and the same kind of wage offer EMS and Austin Police have achieved. Basically, Nicks said, while police and EMS employees received wage increases close to 6 percent, 5 percent and 4 percent, the city is offering most firefighters no general wage increase in the first, second, third and fourth years of the contract."
" T he City presented a proposal on September 10 based on market rate studies of comparable fire departments. The City's proposal served as a starting point for discussion and included a plan to achieve the union's desired modified schedule and reduced work week. Rather than offer a counterproposal, the AFA walked away from negotiations. The City values all of our employees and first responders, including our firefighters, and would like the AFA to return to the table and resume negotiations."
Negotiations between the Austin Firefighters Association and city management are stalled over proposed wages and a modified work week. AFA President Bob Nicks said firefighters sought a work-week reduction and parity with EMS and Austin Police wage offers. Police and EMS received raises near 6 percent, 5 percent and 4 percent, while most firefighters would receive no general wage increase across four years and only half would receive a 4 percent raise in the first year. The city plans to use wage savings to hire staff for a reduced schedule, but the proposal would increase hours and discard two years of AFA subcommittee work. The city says its market-based proposal included a plan to achieve the modified schedule and urges the AFA to return to negotiations.
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