The San Antonio Police Officers Association wants to bring base pay for officers closer to that of other major Texas cities.
SAN ANTONIO — Friday marked the first session of negotiations between representatives from the City of San Antonio and its police union now working to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement that would be in place through September 2029.
The San Antonio Police Officers Association (SAPOA) said it’s focusing its efforts around three goals, including raising base pay for officers to bring wages more in line with other major Texas cities. According to the union, the starting pay for SAPD officers is $62,916, about $8,000 less than the starting pay for Austin PD ($70,644) and a little over $12,000 less than Houston PD ($75,000).
The union wants to achieve 3% wage increases in each year of the contract, as well as an hourly wage increase of $5 per hour over three years.
SAPOA also wants higher Health Savings Account contributions and higher monthly pay for Field Training Officers.
“When officers can afford to live here, access health care and receive strong training, the entire community benefits,” SAPOA President Danny Diaz said in a press release. “We look forward to engaging in good-faith discussions with city leadership to reach an agreement that supports officers, respects taxpayers, and helps ensure San Antonio remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family.”
Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez and First Asst. City Attorney Elizabeth Provencio are representing the city in negotiations. A final agreement would require ratification by union members and approval by San Antonio City Council.
“We understand that in terms of compensation, conditions of employment, hours of work and those basics, that this is as important to you all and our entire police department as it is to us as your employer,” City Manager Erik Walsh said at the start of Friday’s session.
The current contract, reached in April 2022, was the result of 33 meetings between representatives on both sides. That contract bolstered disciplinary procedures for officers accused of misconduct by narrowing a third-party arbitrator’s ability to reinstate fired officers.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said in a statement that the city would “do everything we can” to ensure SAPD remains well-trained and well-compensated.
“We are very early in the process, and I know the city team will review all requests in light of operational needs and our city’s financial situation,” she said.
The two sides are expected to meet again on Feb. 20.