Austin Firefighters Secure Better Pay and Wellness-Focused Work Schedule in New Contract

After months of tough and at times contentious labor negotiations, the Austin Firefighters Association (AFA) and the City of Austin have finalized a new four-year labor contract that not only strengthens wages and staffing but also modifies firefighter work schedules with an eye towards improving firefighter wellness and recruitment. The agreement, unanimously approved by City Council and overwhelmingly ratified by union members, carries an estimated cost of $63 million over its term.

At the heart of the new contract is a scheduling overhaul dubbed the “Austin Schedule.” Designed to prioritize firefighter health, recruitment, and retention. The new “Austin Schedule” breaks from both the traditional 24/48 and the more contemporary 48/96 firefighter work schedules. While termed the “Austin Schedule,” variations of this new firefighter schedule can be found as far away as Portland, Oregon and Charleston, South Carolina.

The new schedule which will begin in October 2027 will have Austin firefighters working 24-hour on duty, followed by 72 hours off-duty, followed by 48 hours on duty, and another 72 hours off-duty. At its core this results in a 56-hour average workweek for the firefighters, however the “Austin Schedule” will incorporate one 24-hour Kelly Day each 27-day work period. This unique combination of a Kelly Day/work period/work schedule results in an average of around 50 hours per week [49.8 hours to be exact]. The city estimates an additional 54 firefighters will be necessary to accommodate the reduction in hours across the entire department. The new contract also allows an alternative schedule for firefighters that have specific hardships related to childcare or other reasons. These firefighters will remain on the 24/48 schedule.

Austin’s new contract represents a forward-looking model for fire departments grappling with overtime pressures, recruitment challenges, and the increasing emphasis on firefighter wellness. By combining wage improvements with meaningful schedule reform and staffing investments, it offers a blueprint that other organizations may want to watch closely in the coming years.

Here is more on the new contract and schedule from KXAN News and a Power Point produced by the City of Austin following the new agreement.