Conroe Firefighters Vote on Collective Bargaining Set

**Conroe Firefighters Secure Historic Vote on Collective Bargaining After Appellate Court Victory**

**CONROE, TX –** Conroe firefighters are poised to cast a historic vote in August 2024 on whether to adopt collective bargaining, marking the culmination of a three-year legal battle that ended in a decisive victory for the Conroe Professional Firefighters Association Local 2731. The 9th Court of Appeals in Beaumont issued a unanimous ruling on June 14, 2024, affirming a lower court’s decision that mandates the City of Conroe to allow the ballot initiative.

This landmark decision paves the way for Conroe firefighters to potentially negotiate their wages, hours, and working conditions directly, moving away from a system solely reliant on City Council decisions.

The dispute began in June 2021 when the Conroe Professional Firefighters Association Local 2731 filed a petition under Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code. This statute stipulates that a city must hold an election on collective bargaining if 10% of eligible voters sign a petition, a threshold the union successfully met. However, the Conroe City Council voted 3-2 to deny the petition, triggering the legal challenge.

“This ruling is a monumental step forward for our firefighters and the future of public safety in Conroe,” stated Tony Johnson, President of the Conroe Professional Firefighters Association Local 2731, which represents approximately 100 of Conroe’s 130-140 firefighters. “For years, we’ve sought a stronger voice in decisions that directly impact our safety, our livelihoods, and our ability to provide the best possible service to the community. This vote is about fairness, transparency, and ensuring our first responders have a seat at the table.”

The City of Conroe, represented by City Attorney Marc Winberry and Assistant City Attorney Nicole Marburger, had argued that Chapter 174 did not apply to Conroe. Their contention was based on Conroe’s classification as a “general law city” and its historical population being below 10,000 when the law was enacted. In Texas, “general law cities” operate under state statutes, while “home rule cities” have more autonomy to adopt their own charters.

However, the 9th Court of Appeals, with Chief Justice Dana Bass, Justice Leanne Johnson, and Justice Hollis Horton presiding, rejected the City’s arguments. The court found the “general law city” distinction irrelevant for the application of Chapter 174 and pointed out that Conroe’s population now significantly exceeds 10,000.

Attorney Brian Begle, representing the Conroe Professional Firefighters Association, commented on the ruling, “The court’s decision is clear and unambiguous. It upholds the democratic process outlined in state law and ensures that the will of the people, as expressed through the petition, will be heard at the ballot box.”

While the City of Conroe had fought against the initiative, City Attorney Marc Winberry acknowledged the court’s decision. “The City respects the ruling of the 9th Court of Appeals,” Winberry said. “Our focus now shifts to ensuring a fair and transparent election process for our firefighters in August. The City remains committed to providing excellent service and supporting our first responders.”

The upcoming August election will determine whether Conroe firefighters gain the ability to collectively negotiate aspects of their employment. Collective bargaining allows a union to negotiate a contract with the employer on behalf of its members, covering issues such as wages, benefits, working hours, safety protocols, and grievance procedures. Proponents argue it provides a structured process for addressing concerns, improving morale, and enhancing departmental efficiency.

The election will be supervised by Judge Lisa Michalk of the 221st District Court in Montgomery County. The specific date in August for the vote is yet to be announced by the court, but the process is expected to move forward swiftly.

The path to collective bargaining for firefighters in Texas has varied across municipalities. While many larger “home rule” cities in the state already have such agreements in place, the legal battle in Conroe highlights the challenges faced by “general law cities” in implementing Chapter 174. This ruling could set a precedent, further clarifying the applicability of the state statute for similar cities across Texas.

For more information, the full ruling of the 9th Court of Appeals can typically be found on their official website. Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code is also publicly accessible through state law libraries and online legislative databases.