Contract negotiations between the City of Texarkana, Texas, and the Texarkana Texas Firefighters Association have reached an impasse and will now go to binding arbitration.
Contract negotiations between the City of Texarkana, Texas, and the Texarkana Texas Firefighters Association have reached an impasse and will now go to binding arbitration.
The union began bargaining with the city in March, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a proposed contract.
Firefighters union president Scott Robertson says pay is a major issue, claiming Texarkana firefighters earn less than those in comparable departments across the region.
The union says higher wages could help with recruitment and retention as firefighters leave for other departments and careers.
The city declined to comment on the arbitration process.
An independent panel will hear arguments from both sides and issue a final, binding decision, which is expected within the next 45 days.
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