Fort Worth Fire Fighters Ratifies First Contract with the City

April 19, 2010 – After 16 months of negotiations, Fort Worth, TX Local 440 has finalized its first contract with the City.

“Since the country’s financial stability remains uncertain, our main goal with this contract was to secure the resources and benefits we already have,” says Local 440 President Jim Tate. “I am pleased to announce that we were able to accomplish that and add some other benefits important to us.”

In 2007, the citizens of Forth Worth voted to implement state statute Chapter 173, which gives fire fighters collective bargaining rights. The following year, IAFF Local 440 was recognized as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent and negotiations began.

The agreement includes maintaining four-person staffing, current pension and health care benefits (including retirees). New items include wage increases to the equivalent of 8.25 percent over three years and longevity supplement pay.

The contract expires September 30, 2013.