McAllen firefighters secure new collective bargaining deal

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCental) — The City of McAllen on Tuesday finalized a new collective bargaining agreement with the McAllen Firefighters Local Union 2602 during a signing ceremony at McAllen City Hall.

The agreement, which will be effective through September 30, 2028, outlines the terms of employment and benefits for the city's firefighters. This marks a significant step in ensuring continued cooperation and support between the city administration and the firefighters' union.

"This agreement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the city and the union to reach a fair and equitable solution," said Romel Garcia, President of the McAllen Firefighters' Association IAFF Local No. 2602.

The collective bargaining agreement is a crucial document that outlines the working conditions, salaries, and benefits for the firefighters. It is designed to foster a positive working relationship between the city and its emergency services personnel.

“Our McAllen Fire Department has continually demonstrated character, dedication, and a deep commitment to service, not only here at home, but also in response to disasters across Texas,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “This agreement is a testament to the respect and value we place on our firefighters and the vital role they play in keeping our city safe.”

The formalization of this agreement is expected to enhance the working conditions for McAllen's firefighters and ensure that they continue to provide essential services to the community effectively. The city and the union have expressed optimism about the future under this new contract.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KVEO. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KVEO staff before being published.