FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth Professional Fire Fighters Association has declared an impasse in its contract negotiations with the City of Fort Worth, saying months of bargaining failed to produce an agreement on staffing, pay and other workplace issues.
The announcement comes after the union said it participated in nine months of negotiations and 15 bargaining sessions with city officials.
According to the association, the decision to declare an impasse follows what it describes as the city's failure to negotiate in good faith. City officials had not publicly responded to the union's claims at the time of the announcement.
The union said Fort Worth's rapid population growth has increased demand for emergency services and argued that the fire department needs additional staffing, equipment and resources to meet those needs safely. Association leaders also expressed concern over city proposals they say would reduce firefighter staffing levels and emergency response capabilities.
Union officials contend that negotiations have stalled after the city withdrew from proposals discussed during earlier bargaining sessions, including matters involving wages, benefits and working conditions.
Local 440 President Zac Shaffer said the dispute centers on ensuring the department has sufficient personnel, training and resources to serve what he described as one of the nation's fastest-growing cities.
Shaffer also said the department continues to lose experienced firefighters to neighboring agencies, resulting in the loss of experienced personnel and the city's investment in recruiting and training.
The union said it remains willing to return to the bargaining table if negotiations resume.
An impasse is a formal step in the collective bargaining process indicating the parties have reached a point where they are unable to agree on contract terms through negotiations alone. Depending on applicable labor laws and procedures, additional mediation or other dispute resolution processes may follow before a final agreement is reached.
The Fort Worth Professional Fire Fighters Association, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 440, represents firefighters and paramedics employed by the Fort Worth Fire Department.
