Conroe Firefighters Push for Collective Bargaining

**Conroe Firefighters Push for Binding Agreements, Citing New State Law and Desire for Stronger Voice**

**CONROE, TX** – Conroe firefighters have formally initiated a significant drive to secure collective bargaining rights, a move that could fundamentally reshape their employment terms with the city. The Conroe Professional Firefighters Association (CPFFA), Local 2731 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), officially submitted a petition to the city on July 16, seeking the ability to negotiate binding agreements on critical issues ranging from pay and benefits to working conditions, equipment standards, and safety protocols.

This effort represents a pivotal shift from the existing “meet and confer” system, which currently yields only non-binding recommendations. Firefighters argue this system leaves their core concerns at the discretion of city officials without a guaranteed path to resolution.

CPFFA President Ryan Roddy emphasized the union’s commitment to achieving a more definitive voice. “Our goal is to ensure Conroe firefighters have a real say in our future, our livelihoods, and the resources needed to safely serve our community,” Roddy stated in a recent press briefing. “Collective bargaining isn’t just about wages; it’s about making sure we have adequate staffing, modern equipment, and the best training to protect the citizens of Conroe effectively.”

The current push comes five years after a similar petition failed in 2017. However, the landscape for such negotiations dramatically changed in 2021, when a new state law made collective bargaining more accessible for first responders in Texas municipalities. This legislative change is a cornerstone of the CPFFA’s renewed confidence and strategic approach.

The city officially acknowledged receipt of the petition during the July 24 Conroe City Council meeting. City Attorney Gary Scott confirmed its submission and stated it is currently under legal review by the city’s legal department.

The Conroe City Council now faces a critical 30-day window from the petition’s submission date. This means they have until August 15 to respond to the firefighters’ request. The council has three primary options: they can approve the request outright, schedule an election for the firefighters to vote on the issue, or choose to enter into direct negotiations with the union.

Should the council fail to act by the August 15 deadline, the petition will be automatically considered denied. In that scenario, the firefighters would then be required to pursue an election on their own, a process that typically involves gathering signatures to place the collective bargaining initiative on a public ballot, where only the affected firefighters would vote.

Conroe’s initiative places it alongside other major Texas cities, including Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, all of which have established collective bargaining for their first responders. Proponents argue that such agreements lead to increased morale, better retention rates, and ultimately, enhanced public safety services due to improved working conditions and access to necessary resources.

The outcome of this petition will have significant implications for the city’s fire department and could set a precedent for other municipal employee groups in Conroe. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as the City Council approaches its August 15 deadline. Further updates are expected following the council’s review and decision.