What Irving’s first collective bargaining win means for firefighter staffing
Iain Hoey
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Irving firefighters secure first collective bargaining agreement
Irving Local 2073 has reached its first collective bargaining agreement with city officials after months of negotiation, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) said.
The deal follows the approval of Proposition A in November 2024, when 72% of voters backed collective bargaining rights for Irving firefighters.
Local 2073 President Brian Becker said the new agreement protects benefits, improves operational efficiency and creates a plan to achieve four-person staffing on all fire apparatus by 2029.
He said the city council approved the contract unanimously and that funding for the first phase of four-person staffing was included in the city’s 2025–26 budget.
According to the City of Irving, while the property tax rate was maintained, property tax revenue increased due to higher property valuations, and this additional revenue funded the new positions.
IAFF support throughout the process
According to the IAFF, the organisation provided campaign guidance, political strategy, GIS staffing analysis and training resources during the Prop A campaign and contract negotiations.
Becker said these resources were essential for preparing Local 2073’s leadership team to negotiate confidently.
He credited 11th District Vice President Michael Glynn, IAFF Strategic Campaigner Kent Grosse and Assistant to the General President for Government Affairs Chris “Blue” Bartley for their direct involvement.
Becker said: “We didn’t just wake up one day and decide to bargain.
“This was the result of years of groundwork, starting a PAC, building community relationships, and preparing for every step with IAFF’s help.
“The IAFF gave us the tools, funding, and strategy to succeed.”
Long-term impact for Irving firefighters
Glynn said: “I’m proud of Becker and Local 2073 for leading the way in securing meaningful, lasting change for their members.
“Their successful push to protect collective bargaining rights will benefit Irving fire fighters for generations.”
Becker also acknowledged support from the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters and IAFF’s Affiliate Leadership Training Summit.
He encouraged other locals to use IAFF resources when pursuing collective bargaining efforts.
“Start with your DVP,” Becker said.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The IAFF has everything you need and if you’re willing to do the work, they’ll help you succeed.”
Becker added that the agreement represents progress for both firefighters and the wider Irving community.
“This agreement is more than a contract—it’s progress for our fire fighters, our city, and every family that calls Irving home,” he said.
“For the first time, Irving has a clear path toward achieving national staffing standards, which means safer conditions for our members and better outcomes for our community.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The collective bargaining agreement in Irving, Texas establishes a structured plan to achieve four-person staffing on every fire apparatus by 2029.
This change will directly influence operational safety standards, response coordination and firefighter welfare across the city’s ten fire stations.
It also demonstrates how collaboration between municipal authorities, unions and state-level associations can deliver staffing improvements without tax increases.
For senior officers, union representatives and fire department administrators, the development illustrates a replicable model for balancing staffing objectives with fiscal responsibility.
By aligning local contracts with national safety benchmarks, the agreement provides a measurable roadmap for other departments considering collective bargaining to enhance crew safety and operational capacity.
Correction (14 October 2025)
A previous version of this article stated that the City of Irving would achieve four-person staffing “without raising taxes.”
The City of Irving has clarified that while the property tax rate was maintained for FY 2025–26, property tax revenue increased due to higher assessed valuations, and that revenue funded staffing commitments.
The city also noted that future phases of the four-person staffing plan could require voter approval for any tax rate changes.
