Conroe Firefighters File for Bargaining Vote

Conroe Firefighters File for Collective Bargaining Election Amid Pay Disparity and High Turnover

Conroe firefighters have officially initiated a significant move towards collective bargaining, filing a petition on May 28 with the City Secretary’s Office to kickstart the process. This concerted effort, spearheaded by the Conroe Professional Firefighters Association Local 2731, aims to provide firefighters with greater influence in negotiating their pay, benefits, and working conditions directly with the city.

The association reported an overwhelming 90% of eligible firefighters signed the petition, which was delivered to Conroe City Hall. Their goal is to trigger an election that would grant them collective bargaining rights under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143. If approved by voters, this would mark an unprecedented step for Conroe firefighters, enabling them to engage in formal negotiations with the city for the first time.

At the core of the firefighters’ push are long-standing concerns over lagging salaries and a high rate of personnel turnover. According to the association, Conroe firefighters currently earn an average annual salary of approximately $60,000. This figure, they argue, falls significantly short when compared to neighboring departments. For instance, firefighters in The Woodlands average closer to $72,000 annually, while those in Spring command about $73,000.

This substantial pay disparity, firefighters contend, is a primary factor contributing to difficulties in both recruiting new staff and retaining experienced personnel, particularly paramedics. The Conroe Fire Department has reportedly seen the departure of 30 firefighters in the past year alone, with 10 to 15 of those being paramedics. Such attrition has placed immense pressure on the remaining workforce, leading to increased mandatory overtime and a heightened workload for existing personnel.

“Our goal is to ensure Conroe remains competitive in attracting and keeping the best firefighters and paramedics,” stated a representative for Conroe Professional Firefighters Association Local 2731, emphasizing the impact on public safety and the welfare of their members. “This isn’t just about higher wages; it’s about fair compensation that reflects the critical services we provide and stops the exodus of talented individuals to better-paying departments.”

The petition now puts the onus on the Conroe City Council. They have a 30-day window from the May 28 filing date to officially call for an election on the measure. The firefighters are hopeful that the proposition will be placed on the ballot for the November 5 general election, allowing Conroe residents to decide on the future of their fire department’s labor relations.

If Conroe voters approve the measure, the city would then be legally mandated to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with its firefighters. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143 specifically outlines the framework for such negotiations, providing specific rights and procedures for uniformed public employees, including the option of binding arbitration if negotiations reach an impasse.

Conroe Fire Chief Chase Lyda acknowledged the petition and the department’s staffing needs. He noted that the city believes it offers competitive pay and benefits, having recently implemented salary increases. Lyda also highlighted the upcoming opening of a new fire station, which will necessitate the recruitment of even more staff, underscoring the ongoing challenge of personnel management within a growing city.

The outcome of the City Council’s decision and, subsequently, the potential November election, will significantly shape the employment landscape for Conroe firefighters and could set a new precedent for labor relations within the city’s public safety departments.