Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
The City of Weslaco has officially signed a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with its firefighters, finalizing a deal that city leaders and department representatives say focuses on firefighter well-being, morale, and long-term staffing.
Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez confirmed the signing and described its importance to the city and the fire department. “So today we had the official signing for our collective bargaining with our firefighters. Something that is huge for the city of Wesco and for our fire department,” Gonzalez said.
One of the central elements of the agreement is a six-month trial of a new work schedule known as “48/96.” Under this schedule, firefighters would work two consecutive 24-hour shifts followed by four days off. Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Antonio Lopez explained the change. “So, what this brings to our city now is a change of schedule, a potential change of schedule. And we’re going to be running a trial for the next six months to move to a 48/96. That means that the firefighters be working two days straight with four days off,” Lopez said.
Fire department officials said the schedule is intended to help firefighters rest and recover while maintaining full emergency coverage. Lieutenant Carlos Hernandez said the additional time off has a direct impact on firefighters’ personal lives and readiness. “48/96 allows us to be at home a little bit more, lets us really recover on our days off,” Hernandez said.
Lopez noted that the department remains busy year-round and emphasized the need for a schedule that supports consistent service. “Weslaco Fire Department is a department that runs, anywhere from 10,500 calls to 12,500 calls, depending on the severity of that year,” he said.
According to Hernandez, the schedule could also improve morale and performance on duty. “Due to the four days off. People are ready to come to work; they want to be at work. So, you always have that uninterrupted service no matter what,” he said.
The agreement also includes a three-and-a-half percent pay raise each year for three years. Hernandez said the raises were negotiated to keep salaries competitive. “We’re able to negotiate a three-and-a-half percent increase every year for three years, keep that pay competitive,” he said.
In addition, the contract introduces a new certification incentive for paramedics. Mayor Gonzalez highlighted the financial benefit. “And not only that, but the certification of 2500, for any paramedic EMS,” he said, referring to the $2,500 incentive.
Fire department representatives said the incentive is aimed at attracting and keeping qualified personnel. “We’re hoping that that attracts people to want to come work with the city and then have them stay, work on that retention,” Hernandez said.
Mayor Gonzalez echoed that goal, saying the city wants to bring in new firefighters while supporting current staff. “Continue attracting firefighters and at the same time, keeping our firefighters,” he said.
Hernandez added that the agreement reflects an investment in firefighters’ futures. “Not only invest in them, but want them to stay and retire here as well,” he said.
The City of Weslaco and Weslaco Firefighters Local 3207 described the agreement as a step forward for firefighter wellness, retention, and readiness, while ensuring uninterrupted emergency response for the community.
Mayor Gonzalez closed by thanking firefighters for their service and reaffirming the city’s support. “Thank you, guys, for everything that you do, and we’re going to continue fighting for you. We’re going to continue helping you as much as we can. You guys are the best,” he said.
