As an impasse between the union representing Fort Worth’s firefighters and the city over contract negotiations continues, Fort Worth City Council members have weighed in.
The Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Association declared an impasse after 15 bargaining sessions in nine months, the union said on July 16, over “critical safety issues” and a failure to negotiate in good faith.
The city claims that it has offered the union a contract with $40 million in new investments that included a 20% salary increase over four years and changes to the department’s staffing and benefits.
On July 19, city council member Charlie Lauersdorf posted a statement on Facebook calling for the city to “return to the table.”
“I firmly believe investing in our Fire Department is one of the best returns on investment this city can make,” Lauersdorf wrote in the statement. “That means properly staffed stations, well compensated firefighters and paramedics, and the personnel, equipment, and resources needed to provide the fastest response times possible.”
Lauersdorf recalled firefighters responding to his family’s home in April after it caught fire from a lightning strike.
“I saw firsthand what we ask of our firefighters,” Lauersdorf wrote.
Council member Michael Crain also weighed in on his social media.
“Agree with my colleague Councilman Charles Lauersdorf 100%,” Crain wrote. “Proud to support the men and women of the Fort Worth Fire Department.”
Council member Elizabeth Beck, in a phone interview, also encouraged the city and the union to work toward a solution.
“Public safety is a top priority of the council because it is a top priority of our residents, and I am always going to fight for ensuring that when our residents call 911 that they have world class service,” Beck said. “Part of that public safety mechanism in our city is our firefighters, and we have to make sure that we’re taking care of them the way that they take care of us.”
Council member Carlos Flores reposted a statement from the union, but did not say anything additional.
“We stand with you, we support you, and we are forever grateful for all that you do,” council member Chris Nettles posted in his own social media statement. “We will work to finalize an agreement that supports our FireFighters, Residents and City Management.”
Other council members either declined to comment or did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday afternoon.