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Houston City Council Approves $1.5 Billion Settlement with Firefighters' Union After 8-Year Dispute

Jun 19, 2024, 03:00 AM

The Houston City Council has approved a landmark settlement contract with the firefighters' union, ending an eight-year legal dispute. The council voted unanimously 14-0, with three members absent, to pass the new contract. The agreement, negotiated by John Whitmire, includes a 10% raise for firefighters and $650 million in back pay. The total cost of the settlement is expected to be at least $1.5 billion. This marks the first contract agreement for Houston firefighters since their previous one lapsed in 2016. The massive settlement ends a bitter stalemate that lasted for years.