SAN ANTONIO – Contract negotiations between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Officers’ Association (SAPOA) have hit a pause after union leaders expressed frustration with the city’s latest offer.
In a statement released Friday, SAPOA President Danny Diaz said the union is stepping back from discussions following what he described as a disappointing response from the city.
“Following today’s negotiations with the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Police Officers Association is pausing further discussions at this time,” Diaz said.
Diaz said the union presented a comprehensive proposal aimed at addressing long-standing concerns, including officer pay, healthcare, and training, key issues the association outlined when negotiations began in January.
At that time, SAPOA entered talks for a new three-year contract set to run from October 2026 through September 2029. The proposal focused on boosting officer retention through higher wages, improved access to healthcare, and expanded training support.
Union leaders have pointed to pay disparities between San Antonio officers and those in other major Texas cities, saying lower salaries make it harder to recruit and retain officers.
According to SAPOA, Friday’s counterproposal from the city fell short of expectations. He added that the outcome sends a concerning message about how the city views its police force.
“This outcome is disheartening, and it sends a troubling message about how the city values the men and women who protect our community,” Diaz said.
Despite the pause, Diaz said the union remains committed to reaching an agreement. Negotiations between the city and SAPOA typically take place every three to five years.