The Austin Chronicle April 16, 2021
Fewer Fire Fights? Unions back ballot measures in Austin, Pflugerville
The Austin Firefighters Association’s collective bargaining agreement with the city is due for renegotiation in 2022, and the union hopes those talks will be aided by voters’ approval of Proposition A on the May 1 ballot. The charter amendment, which the firefighters gathered signatures to place on the ballot, would allow either the city or the union to request binding arbitration READ MORE
The Austin Chronicle April 16, 2021
Chronicle Endorsements for the May 1 City of Austin Special Election
Back in 2004, the Austin Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 975), then led by future City Council Member Mike Martinez, won voter approval to exercise the collective bargaining rights available to police and fire unions under Texas law. For more than a decade thereafter, the AFA’s political influence continued to grow, as a more progressive force READ MORE
Austin American-Statesman April 15, 2021
Yes on Prop A: City, firefighters need fair path to resolve impasses
Until they reached a contract in 2015, Austin firefighters and city negotiators had been at an impasse for two years, largely over hiring issues. During the stalemate, firefighters went without raises. Legal costs mounted for both sides. Hiring delays compounded the personnel shortages still being felt today. READ MORE
“A” is for Arbitration: This proposition would change how Austin, firefighters union negotiate. WATCH STORY
The Austin Common March 25, 2021
Everything you need to know about Prop A
Did you know there’s an election May? Austinites will have the chance to vote on 8 different ballot propositions. Freaking out because this is first time you’re hearing about it? Don’t worry, we’ll be releasing election guides on each of the propositions (A-H) until early voting begins. Plus, in partnership with the Hispanic Austin Leadership (HAL) Program of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this year’s guide will be available in both English and Spanish. READ MORE
Firefighters push for passage of arbitration amendment with Proposition A
Most politically involved Austinites are thinking about Proposition B, the camping ban, or Proposition F, which would eliminate the current city manager form of government and create a “strong-mayor” system. But Austin firefighters are hoping voters will pay attention to and support Proposition A, their request for a binding arbitration amendment to the city charter. READ MORE.
AFA president Bob Nicks joins FOX 7 Austin to talk about the proposal for a city charter amendment regarding arbitration and collective bargaining. WATCH STORY.
After a long day of discussions, Austin City Council voted to approve placing eight items before voters on the May ballot, some of which are city charter amendments and others are petition-driven ordinance changes. Proposition A: This would give the Austin Firefighters Association the ability to require the City to participate in binding arbitration of all issues in dispute with the association, if the City and association reach impasse in collective bargaining negotiations. WATCH STORY.
Austin Monitor October 14, 2020
Firefighters gear up for another ballot
The Austin Firefighters Association has started a petition drive to gather enough signatures to bring a charter amendment before voters next May. If approved, that amendment would put a binding arbitration clause in the city charter as it relates to contracts between the city and the firefighters association. READ MORE.
Austin Chronicle March 19, 2021
Campaigners, Firefighters help residents with burst pipes
United Professional Organizers, which represents many local campaign workers, shares a building on Cameron Road with the Austin Firefighters Association that became an impromptu warming center during the February freeze. As the crisis evolved to hobble the water supply, AFA President Bob Nicks and UPO organizer Romteen Farasat marshaled their respective connections to form Austin Needs Water. READ MORE.
SpectrumNews1 February 26, 2021
Austin Volunteer Group Offers Much Needed Water Relief
“The water map has gotten very green where there is potable water across the city. However many apartment complexes especially in low income neighborhoods are still without water and they will be for some time,” said Bob Nicks, president of the Austin Firefighters Association (AFA). WATCH STOREY.
Austin first responders share experiences battling winter storms
Austin fire specialist Kevin Horton worked 120 hours straight during the winter storms. He remembers working a fire on 12th Street in Austin, where crews pulled three people out of a home. That was just one of more than 5,500 calls Austin firefighters responded to during the storm. WATCH STORY.
Austin firefighter receives hundreds of calls after giving out his personal number in case people needed help
When the president of the Austin Firefighters Association gave out his personal cell phone number last week during a live interview on KXAN News Today, he had no idea just how many people would reach out. Battalion Chief Bob Nicks told people to give him a call if they needed help. He promised an off-duty firefighter would try to come to pick them up in a truck, and get them to a warm shelter. WATCH STORY.
Austin first responders tell horrifying stories of calls during winter storm
Austin medics and firefighters were able to save hundreds of people who were freezing to death in their homes during last week's winter storm. WATCH STORY.
Austin American-Statesman February 23, 2021
“We just wanted to save lives” - During Austin's winter freeze, volunteers led many city-wide relief efforts
Austin's first responders, meanwhile, were also working around the clock — and off the clock — to help people in need. The Austin Fire Department's union opened its community hall to serve as a shelter, and the Austin Police Department's union fed those sheltering at the Givens Recreation Center. READ MORE.
Bob Nicks, AFD battalion chief and president of the Austin Firefighters Association, joined KXAN News Today to talk about how the Austin Fire Department responds to broken pipes and other types of calls during the winter storm. WATCH STORY.
Point Austin: Fixing What Ain't Broke
Does city want fair hiring, or to break the union?
Austin Approves DOJ Settlement Over Firefighter Hiring
Austin Firefighters Association reacts to consent decree decision
Council: Fire, Flood, and Men on Horseback
Contentious issues fill this week's slate
Via Austin American Statesman and KXAN
Council approves federal settlement over firefighter hiring
Council Settles with DOJ Over AFD Hiring Practices
City Approves AFD Hiring Discrimination Settlement
Austin Approves DOJ Settlement Over Firefighter Hiring
AFD Union Wants City to Reject DOJ Terms
Council Preview: Where There’s Smoke
AFD hiring consent decree under fire by AFA
City could reach AFD firing resolution with DOJ
May 14, 2014: AFA President Bob Nicks and Councilman Mike Martinez Re: May 15 Consent Decree Vote
New proposed deal could resume AFD firefighter hiring
Austin Monitor / Infact Daily May 7, 2014
Despite settlement, city and firefighters remain at odds over hiring
Austin Chronicle March 6, 2014
Council: Are You Suddenly Sleepy?
Council rolls through the resolutions as Leffingwell becomes a jetsetter
Austin Chronicle March 6, 2014
Headlines
Council again delays vote on DOJ settlement
Going behind closed doors: New plan for Austin Fire Dept. hiring dispute
Austin American Statesman March 4, 2014
City of Austin indefinitely postpones vote on settlement with Justice Department over firefighter hiring
Austin Chronicle February 27, 2014
AFD Hiring: Smoke or Fire?
Add the EEOC to the parties weighing in on firefighter hiring
Austin City Council to delay vote on DOJ settlement
Firefighter hiring deal may be postponed – again
Austin American Statesman February 26, 2014
City Council to postpone vote on settlement over Austin Fire Department hiring process
Austin Monitor / Infact Daily February 26, 2014
City, firefighters union headed for mediation in hiring dispute
Public safety not at more risk despite six-month AFD hiring freeze
Austin American Statesman February 19, 2014
Firefighters union urges council to delay vote on settlement with Justice Department
City to vote on AFD hiring practices agreement
Proposed DOJ civil rights deal could cost city $780,000
Austin Chronicle February 7, 2014
Is the City Trying to Bust the Firefighters Union?
The Daily Caller February 2, 2014
Firefighter union leader: Evidence against discrimination ‘suppressed’
Firefighter candidate pool most diverse in years
Austin Firefighters Association President Planning for Next Flood
Austin American Statesman January 30, 2014
Austin City Council Update
Austin Monitor / Infact Daily January 28, 2014
Firefighters union meets with DOJ to discuss city’s hiring process
AFA President Bob Nicks live on air January 23, 2014
City preparing to settle hiring practices claim, sources say.
Austin Chronicle September 27, 2013
Point Austin: Burning Down the House
Deadlock between city and firefighters reflects deeper problems
Austin American Statesman September 1, 2013
Nicks: We're Looking for the Best Recruits
Austin Chronicle August 9, 2013
The Fire Last Time: AFA and City at Impasse
IO Solutions becomes entangled in latest dispute about AFD's hiring process
Austin Chronicle April 25, 2013
Department of Justice Initiates Inquiry into AFD
Fire department hiring woes continue