San Antonio firefighters have a new contract for the first time in more than five years.
The new collective bargaining agreement was determined by an arbitration panel Thursday, and city and firefighters union officials were complimentary about its terms, KSAT-TV reports. The previous contract ended September 2014, and both sides had been caught in a stalemate before arbitration.
"This is an opportunity to set aside the conflicts that have consumed our community and frayed relationships over the last six years,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement.
Under the new agreement, firefighters receive 2 percent and 3 percent annual raises, as well as lump-sum payments. Firefighters also will pay more for health coverage, according to KSAT.
“This compensation plan and healthcare package protects the firefighters and the citizens and keeps us as one of the highest compensated Fire Departments in the great state of Texas," Christopher Steele, the president of the firefighters union, said in a statement.
The new contract runs until Dec. 31, 2024, KSAT added.
