Conroe Firefighters Push for Collective Bargaining Vote

**Conroe Firefighters Push for Collective Bargaining, Petition Delivered to City Hall**

**CONROE, Texas –** Conroe’s firefighters have taken a significant step toward gaining direct negotiating power with the city, delivering a robust petition to City Hall on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, that could lead to a public vote on collective bargaining rights.

Members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2731 formally submitted a petition containing more than 2,700 signatures, substantially exceeding the 2,000 valid signatures required by Texas state law to trigger a public election on the matter. Brad Koski, president of IAFF Local 2731, personally handed over the voluminous stack of documents, marking a pivotal moment for the city’s approximately 90 active firefighters.

If ultimately approved by Conroe voters, collective bargaining would grant the city’s firefighters the right to directly negotiate their wages, working hours, benefits, and other employment conditions with city officials through a formal union contract. Currently, the department operates without a collective bargaining agreement, with terms of employment largely set by city administration and council decisions.

“This isn’t just about paychecks; it’s about having a voice in our profession, ensuring fair working conditions, and ultimately, improving public safety for the citizens of Conroe,” Koski stated, emphasizing the union’s long-term goals. “We believe that through direct negotiation, we can create a more stable, competitive, and safer environment for our firefighters, which in turn benefits the entire community through better recruitment, retention, and service.”

The initiative falls under Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code, commonly known as the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act. This specific state law grants fire and police departments the ability to pursue collective bargaining if local voters give them the green light, a unique provision for public safety employees in Texas.

The ball is now in the Conroe City Council’s court. The petition and its signatures will undergo verification by the City Secretary’s office to confirm their validity. Following this review, the City Council is expected to consider the matter at a meeting, likely in July. Should the council vote to approve the measure, it would then be placed on the November general election ballot, allowing Conroe residents to have the final say on whether their firefighters can collectively bargain.

Proponents argue that collective bargaining helps standardize fair labor practices, ensures competitive compensation necessary for attracting and retaining qualified personnel, and provides a structured process for addressing workplace issues like staffing levels, equipment needs, and safety protocols. Opponents often raise concerns about potential impacts on city budgets and the balance of power in municipal governance.

The impending vote will present Conroe residents with a direct opportunity to shape the future of labor relations within their fire department, potentially setting a new precedent for how the city and its essential service providers manage employment terms. The outcome will be closely watched by both city employees and local leaders across the state.

For more information on Conroe City Council meeting schedules, visit the City of Conroe website at [cityofconroe.org](https://www.cityofconroe.org/).
For details on IAFF Local 2731, visit their public platforms or contact local union representatives.