Public Sector Labor Relations

One of the more difficult tasks that fall to Texas municipal officials is the negotiation of contracts with police and fire unions. Widespread calls for police reform following the killing last year of George Floyd have complicated often-contentious negotiations with...

Police and firefighter unions in municipalities across the state likely breathed a sigh of relief when the Texas Court of Appeals decided in favor of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association (HPFFA). The union and city have been skirmishing over firefighters’...

Almost every aspect of life has been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic. It would surprise few if the pandemic – coupled with sporadic civil unrest this year – made often-problematic negotiations between Texas municipalities and police unions more difficult....

Since the death in May of Texas native George Floyd, there have been protests across Texas and the nation demanding police reform, including calls to “defund” police departments by redistributing funds to public safety programs and social service agencies. Austin...

With thousands of new coronavirus cases being reported daily in Texas, cities across the state are bracing for more drops in tax revenues. That revenue is needed, of course, to fund city services that include police, fire, education, libraries, street repairs,...