Irving, TX Local 2073 has reached a historic milestone with the approval of the city’s first collective bargaining agreement, following months of negotiations and the passage of Proposition A in November 2024 with 72% of the vote.
“We went through months of negotiations but felt like we ended with a great contract,” said Local 2073 President Brian Becker. “Our members overwhelmingly voted to ratify it, and the city council approved it unanimously.”
The new contract protects existing benefits, improves operational efficiency, and lays out a fiscally responsible plan to meet the four-person staffing standard on all fire apparatus by 2029, all without raising the city’s tax rate.
“Currently, only six of the city’s fire apparatus meet that benchmark. We promised voters we’d do this without raising taxes, and we kept that promise,” Becker said.
I’m proud of Becker and Local 2073 for leading the way in securing meaningful, lasting change for their members. Their successful push to protect collective bargaining rights will benefit Irving fire fighters for generations.
11th district vice president michael glynn
Becker said support from the IAFF, including 11th District Vice President Michael Glynn, IAFF Strategic Campaigner Kent Grosse, Assistant to the General President for Government Affairs Chris ‘Blue’ Bartley, and IAFF resources – from campaign guidance and GIS staffing analysis to political strategy and training – was instrumental throughout both the Prop A campaign and contract negotiations.
“I’m proud of Becker and Local 2073 for leading the way in securing meaningful, lasting change for their members. Their successful push to protect collective bargaining rights will benefit Irving fire fighters for generations,” said Glynn.
Becker also credited the IAFF’s Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS), Texas State Association of Fire Fighters support, and collective bargaining classes for preparing the team to lead negotiations confidently.
“We didn’t just wake up one day and decide to bargain,” Becker said. “This was the result of years of groundwork, starting a PAC, building community relationships, and preparing for every step with IAFF’s help. The IAFF gave us the tools, funding, and strategy to succeed.”
The IAFF gave us the tools, funding, and strategy to succeed.
irving, tx local 2073 president brian becker
Looking ahead, Becker encouraged other locals pursuing similar efforts to take full advantage of IAFF resources. “Start with your DVP. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The IAFF has everything you need and if you’re willing to do the work, they’ll help you succeed,” he said.
Today, Irving joins more than 30 Texas cities with collective bargaining rights for fire fighters.
“This agreement is more than a contract—it’s progress for our fire fighters, our city, and every family that calls Irving home,” said Becker. “For the first time, Irving has a clear path toward achieving national staffing standards, which means safer conditions for our members and better outcomes for our community.”
