By Sarah Roebuck
FireRescue1
HOUSTON — Thousands of Houston firefighters lined up to receive their back pay checks after the city council approved a settlement contract with the union, ABC13 reports.
The checks represent $650 million in back pay for 7 years of work without a contract, stemming from a stalemate between the union and the city, according to the report. Controller Chris Hollins said firefighters were underpaid during that time compared to firefighters in other similarly sized cities.
The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association shared a video on social media on August 3 showing 4,900 firefighters lined up to receive their checks. The union said the checks legally had to be delivered in person.
“It’s a well-earned victory for those who stuck it out for the last 8 years. Finally, we can put the past behind us and move forward into a new era!” the union said.
This settlement fulfills one of Mayor John Whitmire’s campaign promises, where he pledged to secure better working conditions and fair compensation for HFD members, Click2Houston reports.
