Conroe Firefighters Petition for Collective Bargaining

Conroe, TX – Conroe firefighters have formally initiated the process for collective bargaining, filing a petition with the Conroe City Council on June 13, 2024. This significant step follows an overwhelming vote in May where 87% of eligible firefighters supported pursuing such negotiations to address pressing concerns regarding staffing levels, compensation, and overall working conditions within the Conroe Fire Department.

The Conroe Professional Firefighters Association (CPFFA) submitted the official petition, which paves the way for a new era of labor relations, replacing their existing “meet and confer” agreement set to expire on September 30, 2024. This move is facilitated by the passage of Proposition A in 2023, a statewide initiative that amended Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code. This new law specifically grants firefighters and police officers in cities with a 2020 census population under 100,000 – a category Conroe falls into – the right to engage in legally binding collective bargaining.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Conroe Fire Department and the safety of our community,” stated Kyle Butler, President of the CPFFA. “Our firefighters bravely serve on the front lines every day, but persistent issues like understaffing and uncompetitive pay are jeopardizing their well-being and our ability to maintain optimal public safety. The ‘meet and confer’ process has proven insufficient to tackle these systemic problems effectively, and we believe collective bargaining offers the best path to meaningful solutions.”

Firefighters have detailed a range of challenges, with understaffing being a primary concern. They report that some shifts frequently operate with only 13 or 14 firefighters, falling short of the preferred staffing level of 15 or 16. This continuous strain contributes to burnout and has been linked to a high turnover rate, with 13 firefighters reportedly resigning in the past year alone.

Compensation is another critical point of contention. The current starting firefighter salary in Conroe, $54,000, is cited as 10-15% lower than comparable departments in neighboring areas such as The Woodlands, Spring, and Montgomery County. This disparity makes it difficult for Conroe to attract and retain experienced personnel, exacerbating staffing shortages. The arduous 24/48-hour shift schedule further contributes to physical and mental fatigue, adding to safety concerns.

“When you’re consistently short-staffed, every incident becomes more challenging and more dangerous, not just for us, but potentially for the residents we’re trying to help,” shared firefighter Sarah Chen, who has served with the department for five years. “We love our job, but it’s getting harder to justify staying when similar departments offer better pay, better staffing, and a better work-life balance.”

The “meet and confer” process typically involves non-binding discussions and recommendations between employee representatives and city management. In contrast, collective bargaining allows for formal negotiations that can result in a legally binding contract addressing wages, hours, and working conditions, providing a more enforceable framework for agreements.

City Administrator Gary Scott confirmed on June 13 that the city had officially received the CPFFA’s petition. “The City of Conroe acknowledges receipt of the petition for collective bargaining,” Scott stated. “We will review it thoroughly and respond in accordance with state law, ensuring that all legal requirements and established processes are followed.”

During the Conroe City Council meeting on June 12, prior to the official filing, Mayor Pro Tem Harry Hardman publicly acknowledged hearing the firefighters’ concerns about their conditions. The council is now tasked with navigating the new legal landscape established by Proposition A and responding to the firefighters’ request to engage in formal negotiations.

The outcome of this petition will not only shape the future of the Conroe Fire Department but also set a precedent for labor relations in the city under the newly enacted state law. Community members and city officials alike will be closely watching the progression of these discussions, understanding that the welfare of Conroe’s first responders is intrinsically linked to the safety and well-being of the entire city.