Fort Worth officials moved swiftly Tuesday to secure a new labor contract for the city’s firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) workers. The City Council approved the agreement with a 10‑0 vote, one member absent, after months of negotiations with the Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Association Local 440.
Key terms of the agreement
The four‑year contract, effective October 1, 2026, runs through September 30, 2030. A city‑commissioned analysis projects the deal will cost roughly $54 million over its term. The centerpiece of the package is a 5% across‑the‑board salary increase for all firefighters and EMS personnel in fiscal year 2027.
Beyond the base raise, the agreement includes annual step increases and market‑based adjustments that vary by rank and classification. Some classification‑specific adjustments begin in fiscal year 2027, with additional increases slated for later years.
Negotiation background
The contract follows a protracted bargaining process that saw the union declare an impasse in July. After a brief pause, both sides resumed talks and reached a tentative agreement in September, which the council later ratified.
During negotiations, the city had previously cited a union proposal valued at about $152 million, while the city’s own offer featured roughly $40 million in new investments and a proposed 20% salary increase spread over four years. The final deal lands between those figures, reflecting a compromise that balances fiscal responsibility with fair compensation for public‑safety workers.
Impact on Fort Worth’s EMS operations
The new contract arrives just over a year after Fort Worth brought its EMS function in‑house. In July 2025, the Fire Department assumed ambulance operations from MedStar, transitioning hundreds of MedStar employees into fire‑department roles as EMTs, paramedics, and telecommunications staff. The city now reports more than 1,000 dual‑role fire‑EMS employees and over 500 single‑role staff.
City officials say the agreement will help retain experienced personnel and support the continued integration of EMS services within the fire department, enhancing response times and overall public safety.
Council member remarks
Councilmember Shaffer expressed pride in the outcome, stating, “I’m really proud of what we’re able to deliver. Nothing’s ever perfect. It is bargaining, there is working together, there is some compromise.” The unanimous vote underscores broad council support for the deal and its role in maintaining a strong, well‑compensated public‑safety workforce.
Fiscal context
The contract was approved during a challenging budget year for Fort Worth. The city’s fiscal year 2027 budget, adopted in September, already accounts for the new labor costs and will take effect on October 1. By securing the agreement before the existing contract’s expiration on September 30, 2026, the council avoided a potential lapse in labor relations that could have disrupted essential fire and EMS services.
Overall, the agreement reflects Fort Worth’s commitment to supporting its frontline responders while managing municipal finances responsibly.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
