Alexandria council unanimously approves three labor agreements covering police, firefighters and city administrative staff

Alexandria City Council on Jan. 20 unanimously approved resolutions indicating the council’s good-faith commitment to appropriate funding necessary to implement tentative collective bargaining agreements with three bargaining units: the Alexandria chapter of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (APD), International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2141, and AFSCME District Council 20 Local 3001 (admin/technical employees).

Ernesto Tommayo, the city’s chief labor relations officer, described the agreements as the product of productive negotiations that balance workforce retention and the city’s fiscal responsibilities. "This agreement… recognizes the value of women and men in uniform, while also serving the long term interest of the residents we represent," Tommayo said. (Ernesto Tommayo, Chief Labor Relations Officer.)

Union representatives thanked council and staff. Damon Minix, president of the local PBA chapter, and Josh Turner, president of IAFF Local 2141, praised the negotiation process. Turner said the IAFF agreement reduced the work week and will improve firefighter well-being and recruitment. "This agreement is a huge deal for the firefighters in this city," Turner said. (Josh Turner, President, IAFF Local 2141.)

Council conducted the public hearings for each tentative agreement; there were no public speakers. After staff closed the hearings, council took separate roll-call votes to adopt the fiscal-impact study and adopt resolutions committing to the required funding; all votes were unanimous. Council then participated in ceremonial signings on the dais following approvals.

Why it matters: The agreements address wages, benefits, and work conditions for key public-safety and administrative workforces. Staff stressed that the deals support recruitment, retention and continuity of city services and will be reflected in upcoming budget actions.

What’s next: Staff will bring appropriation ordinances or budget amendments as appropriate to implement the agreements and proceed with any ratification steps required under the negotiated terms.