#labor-contract

#labor-contract

The agreement late Friday ends a weekslong stalemate after the Austin Firefighters Association rejected of a proposal that it said wouldn't substantially increase wages for its personnel. The AFA agreed to a deal that would raise wages by at least 3 percent over four years. The contract also would eventually reduce firefighters' hours to fewer than 50 per week, a key provision that the city pushed back on.

The starting pay for EMTs and paramedics in NYC is under $40,000, rising to just under $60,000 after five years, creating a significant wage disparity compared to other first responders.