HOUSTON --
In a news release Saturday, the Houston firefighters union said it accepted a three-year contract proposal with the city.
Jeff Caynon, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, said the measure was approved by a vote of 1,560 to 1,391, according to the release.
"Firefighter approval of the city's contract proposal was difficult. We believe Houston firefighters earned a better contract offer than we received from the city, but this is the most politically and economically challenging time for Houston firefighters since the 1980s. As the close vote indicates, our members remain concerned about the Parker Administration's hostility toward firefighters," Caynon said.
According to the release, the union said it recognized the city's current fiscal challenges during its evaluation of the proposal.
"Firefighters agreed to tens of millions of dollars in budget and pension cuts. The concessions included a two-year pay freeze and a 1 percent raise in the third year of the contract," Caynon said.
Caynon said HPFFA prevented the layoff of hundreds of firefighters threatened by Mayor Annise Parker.
"With those jobs saved and safe staffing standards maintained for now, we urge the mayor to commit to not closing fire stations next year," Caynon said.
HPFFA said the contract meets the needs of firefighters and taxpayers.
"With the contract vote behind us, Houston firefighters remain proud of and are pleased to refocus on providing the excellent service that made the Houston Fire Department the city's top rated department in the most recent citywide survey of citizens," Caynon said.
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