Since 1999, fire service professionals and community leaders have achieved an extraordinarily cooperative labor-management partnership within The Woodlands Fire Department. This partnership has strengthened fire and emergency medical services in The Woodlands — and resulted in lower overall ad valorem tax rates and improved ISO insurance ratings, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Citizens and firefighters in The Woodlands are safer than ever before because of the cost-effective, proven benefits of collective bargaining. As The Woodlands Township continues its transition, firefighters need your vote for the proposition to continue this successful partnership with the community.
Why is this vote necessary? The Woodlands Firefighters achieved collective bargaining in 1999 and adopted the first labor agreement soon after in 2000. Since its founding, the fire department has been set up as a private sector 501(c)3 non-profit. As we continue with the transition to our new form of governance, The Woodlands Township, the fire department will be brought under the control of the Township, changing it from a non-profit to a division of the political subdivision. In doing so, we will fall under a different series of labor laws that state that a bargaining arrangement such as we have had for over a decade must be approved by the voters. We are asking residents to vote FOR the proposition to maintain the existing relationships and working conditions that we have built over the years.
So this is really nothing new for the community? No. A vote FOR the proposition keeps the fire department running just like it has been for over a decade.
Will it cost more for the residents? No. A vote FOR the proposition will be a continuation of policies that have been in place for over a decade. Residents will see no changes in budgeting or service delivery.
How does passing it avoid loss of firefighters to other cities? What difference does that make? Before achieving collective bargaining, The Woodlands Fire Department was consistently losing experienced firefighters to other cities that offered more competitive pay, a better retirement plan, and better benefits for their families. By working with department and community leaders, we have become more competitive in recruiting and retention efforts, losing fewer firefighters to competing agencies. This ultimately benefits the citizens, because every time we lose an experienced firefighter, the community faces the expense of selecting, hiring, and training a new employee, as the investment on the former employee goes with him/her.
Will passing this inhibit the authority of our elected leaders? No. Elected Township officials, as well as Township staff and managers will have the same authority and relationship with the firefighters as they have had for years.
Does this mean our firefighters will be required to join an employee association? No. Unlike many states, in Texas no firefighters can be mandated to join any kind of employee association.
How can I help? Get the word out to your friends and neighbors to vote FOR the proposition. Pass this website information around and "like" our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TheWoodlandsFireProp
Collectively, we have built a first class organization. Please review our website at www.thewoodlandsfireprop.com .
