Pharr Approves Labor Agreements with Fire and Police Unions
The City of Pharr has successfully negotiated collective bargaining contracts with both Fire and Police Unions. After a two-year carryover of existing contracts, the negotiations concluded within a day of each other and resulted in 3-year contracts with each entity, incremental pay increase, and organizational modifications.
“The Pharr Police Officers Association is proud to announce that after three hours of negotiation, we successfully reached an agreement regarding police labor improvements,” said Sgt. Danny Garcia, Treasurer of the Pharr Police Association. “We are proud of the collaborative efforts between Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Pharr City Commissioners, city administration, and our police unions,” he said. “Through these negotiations, our Pharr Police personnel will now receive a 15% increase over the next 3 years; 7% in year 1, 4% in year 2, and 4% in year 3,” added. Sgt. Garcia.
“The Pharr Professional Firefighters Association extends its gratitude to Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, our City Commissioners, City Manager Ed Wylie, Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis, Finance Director Karla Saavedra, Attorney Representative Rebecca Hayward, and our Pharr Fire Department Administrative team,” said Michael Navarro, the President of the Fire Union. “The newly approved contract will consist of a 13% increase over the course of 3 years and includes modifications to the organizational chart which now includes battalion chief officers to the rank structure,” continued Navarro. “The Pharr Fire Department has expanded tremendously over the years, and we look forward to being a part of the continual growth these new terms will bring to our city and personnel,” Navarro stated. “These new additions will help to efficiently manage all our responding units and stations during emergency situations,” he said.
“The City of Pharr is pleased that we reached agreements so quickly,” said City Manager Ed Wylie. “The open-minded philosophy of both the union representatives and city administration made for a successful outcome for both the city and our first responders in the police and fire departments,” he continued. “These new agreements demonstrate how much the City of Pharr values its employees and are grateful for such excellent staff that continues to serve our citizens,” added Wylie.