AUSTIN, Texas — Long-term contract negotiations between the Austin Police Association (APA) and the City of Austin are set to resume on March 13, the city announced Wednesday.

What You Need To Know

  • Long-term contract negotiations between the Austin Police Association and the City of Austin are set to resume on March 13

  • Both parties agreed that a long-term contract is in the best interest of the city and its police officers
  • The city said it foresees an agreement will address community concerns and navigate legal challenges

  • The decision to resume negotiations comes a year after the two entities settled on a four-year labor agreement

The original contract between the city and the union, called the “Meet & Confer” agreement, expired last spring, on March 31, 2023.

In a statement, the city said the stability of the agreement met numerous challenges and it’s now time to move forward.

“I have been saying for some time now that it was critical for the City to get back to the bargaining table with the Austin Police Association,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “I’m pleased we’ve agreed to a date to begin those negotiations.  Our police officers need to know that they’re supported, we need to fill vacancies, and the best way to show support and fill positions is by getting a long-term contract.”

Resuming negotiations is the latest development between the city and the union.

The Austin City Council passed a resolution back in February that would allow police officers to continue receiving pay and benefits despite the lack of a long-term contract between the city and the union at the time. The resolution was set to expire after a year or until a new long-term contract is settled on.

And, in February 2023, the two entities settled on a four-year labor agreement that would focus on retention efforts, recruitment, a stable environment for officers and a provision for police oversight.

Both parties agreed that a long-term contract is in the best interest of the city and its police officers.

“I’m grateful to Mayor Watson, city management, and those on the City Council I’ve had the opportunity to speak with for their efforts and commitments to finding a path forward so we can resume formal contract negotiations. The only way we are able to move forward is by working together as this is one community,” said APA President Michael Bullock. “I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making and hope that we will be able to move through this process in a way that benefits all involved, most of all the community we serve.”

The city said it foresees an agreement will address community concerns and navigate legal challenges.

Details on the March 13 negotiation date are being still being finalized, according to the city.