The three-year contract calls for a two-year pay freeze and one percent raise in the third year of the contract. In exchange, the city has agreed not to lay off any firefighters.

"Public safety is and always has been my number one priority for the City of Houston,” said Mayor Annise Parker.  “This is reflected in the budget proposal City Council will vote on next week.  Members of the Houston Fire Department do outstanding work for Houstonians every day.”

Parker said she is disappointed that the union's negotiators rejected a long-term and “more beneficial” contract in favor of the three year agreement, which she said offers little to either side, however she expressed appreciation to the union.

“I want to thank the rank and file for stepping forward to help the city with the tough economic times we are going through,” she said.  “Their ratification of this new contract will prevent the lay-off of any additional city employees and provide significant relief to help close the books on the budget for the coming fiscal year."