San Antonio Fire Union Weighs Charter Change Ahead of November Elections

San Antonio Fire Union Considers New Charter Change Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Hey, San Antonio! Exciting political discussions are unfolding in your city as the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association (SAPFFA) contemplates a fresh campaign to influence a charter amendment on the upcoming November 5 ballot.

A Look Back

It all traces back to 2018, when the fire union took a bold step to lead a charter change campaign that was more about labor relations than politics. Under the leadership of the then-controversial President Chris Steele, the union aimed to gain leverage in a bitter contract dispute with the city. Their mission included making it simpler to challenge city council decisions, giving the union power to require arbitration in contract discussions, and placing limits on the city manager’s salary and tenure.

Interestingly enough, only the two latter proposals made it through voter approval, with 59% backing the new rules that put the city manager’s salary at no more than 10 times the lowest-paid employee and limited terms to eight years. This initiative was widely perceived as a response to then-City Manager Sheryl Sculley’s hefty paycheck of $475,000, which she received before announcing her retirement after 13 years in service.

Fast Forward to Today

Now, in 2024, with new figures at the helm, everything seems different. The relationship between the city and the union is much friendlier, and both sides have settled into a new contract. But the union is eyeing the charter amendment again, particularly the proposed Prop C, which seeks to overturn those salary and tenure caps. The union believes that these restrictions could limit the city’s ability to attract high-caliber talent for the city manager role.

While those caps didn’t impact Sculley, her successor Erik Walsh is currently working under the cap, earning $374,000, and by March 2027, he would have to bid farewell unless the voters decide to change the rules. It’s a sticky situation for everyone involved!

Support from the Business Community

On another front, some of San Antonio’s business leaders support the repeal of these caps, forming a political action committee named “Renew SA.” This PAC has a budget of over a million dollars to push its agenda and is backing all six of the charter amendments on this year’s ballot.

The Union’s Perspective

SAPFFA President Joe Jones expressed a **positive rapport** with Walsh and Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez, who handled the city’s side during the recent contract negotiations. However, Jones made it clear that their stance against the caps isn’t personal; it’s about the principle. “What if we end up with another, for lack of a better term, another (Sheryl) Sculley?” he questioned, hinting at the potential impacts of the caps on the community and the union.

Still Deciding

As of now, with under six weeks to go before the election, the union hasn’t publicly declared its stance on Prop C. A decision had been anticipated after a lengthy executive board meeting, but Jones stated that the union is still mulling it over, particularly concerning the influence of the “Renew SA” mega-PAC.

Different Opinions on the Union’s Move

Opinions on whether the SAPFFA will weigh in differ greatly. Political consultant Laura Barberena suggested that it seems unlikely for the union to get involved, expressing surprise at the lack of a decisive stance. Meanwhile, political strategist Christian Archer articulated his skepticism, suggesting that if the union was going to act, they would have done so already. He’s hoping they choose to remain on the sidelines this time, as the firefighters wield significant support in the community.

Potential Challenges

Polling data shared by Renew SA points to some favorable sentiment toward Prop C, yet a recent study from UTSA shows it struggling with support from less than 17% of voters. If the union decided to step up and engage, Prop C could find itself in some serious trouble.

Looking Ahead

Jones shared that the union is weighing the possibility of backlash, noting that the new contract negotiations are only three years away. “It’s not personal,” he reiterated, but it certainly adds a layer of complexity to their decision-making!

As the clock ticks down to the November election, all eyes will be on how things unfold in San Antonio. Will the firefighters take a stand once again, or will they opt for a quieter approach this time around? Stay tuned as this friendly political battle continues!