Tentative Deal Made to Keep Houston Firefighters

HOUSTON --

The city of Houston and the Fire Department reached a tentative deal Tuesday evening that could save hundreds of firefighters' jobs.

"After weeks of very intense negotiations, we have reached an agreement with the Houston Fire Department union that will give us a reprieve for the next three years as we deal with a very tough economic situation. It is not a permanent solution but will prevent the immediate layoff of firefighters," Houston Mayor Annise Parker said. "I'm personally relieved."

Parker said the agreement prevents pink slips from going out for any classified personnel, such as firefighters.

"For this budget year, we will not being laying off firefighters," Parker said. "We're a long way from being out of the woods. I still have a serious budget gap, and we have laid off more than 700 civilian personnel here in the city. This gives us breathing space with our fire union."

The mayor said the deal must be ratified by City Council, the HFD's rank and file, and is contingent on City Council members voting on some additional fees for service for the Fire Department.

Parker said the Fire Department needed to cut $14 million from its $449 million budget for the year that begins July 1.

Parker wanted firefighters to accept permanent concessions for their three-year contract. But firefighters' union officials said they've already agreed to concessions, and they want assurances that, when the financial picture is better, their benefits will be reinstated.

"By the city's own projections, they're going to get well in three to five years," Houston Firefighters Union President Jeff Caynon said. "It doesn't make sense to me, and it wouldn't make sense to you, to offer permanent concessions to a temporary problem."

Tuesday was the last day the city could lay off workers and still give them the 45 days notice required by law. As many as 238 firefighters faced losing their jobs.

The city is facing a $75 million budget shortfall.