The Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters Local 134 and the City of Atlanta have signed their first-ever contract, marking a major milestone for Local 134 and organized labor in Georgia. Local 134 is just the third Georgia IAFF affiliate to secure a collective bargaining agreement.
Local 134’s breakthrough in Georgia’s largest fire department could provide a roadmap for other departments seeking stronger workplace protections, improved staffing, and a greater voice in negotiations over pay, safety, and working conditions.
General President Edward Kelly and 12th District Vice President Walt Dix joined Local 134 President Alvin Rashad as Mayor Andre Dickens signed the agreement during a private ceremony at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.
“This agreement gives Atlanta fire fighters a stronger voice on the job and helps improve safety for the communities they serve across the city,” Kelly said. “Collective bargaining makes everyone stronger, and Local 134’s achievement is important not just for them, but for fire fighters across Georgia.”
Provisions of the new contract
The agreement establishes formal protections covering wages, working conditions, and equipment.
Local 134 members will switch from a 28-day pay cycle to a 14-day pay system. The agreement also increases the uniform allowance from $600 to $900 and makes the rank of sergeant a promotional position rather than appointed.
“This shows you what can happen if you stay persistent, keep advocating, and never lose sight of your goal. This is a very proud moment for Local 134,” Rashad said. “We appreciate everything the IAFF, the 12th District, Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia President Nate Bailey, and our members have done to get us to this moment.”
The path to victory
The Atlanta City Council voted unanimously in 2021 to give Local 134 fire fighters the right to collectively bargain with the city regarding benefits and other employment conditions.
Local 134 and the city eventually entered into negotiations last year and submitted the agreed-upon provisions to the city council. The council unanimously approved the contract, but the mayor declined to sign it.
With the agreement still unsigned in March 2026, Local 134 and the IAFF filed suit . But before the case could be heard, the deadlock finally broke, and Dickens agreed to sign.
“May 11 was a very important day for the entire state of Georgia. The largest fire department in the state signed a collective bargaining agreement with its employer,” Dix said. “We hope other affiliates will see what’s possible and work toward gaining collective bargaining in their jurisdictions as well.”
