More Than a Century of Standing Together
From the first organization of Houston fire fighters in 1902 to today’s Local 341, generations of members have worked together to improve the profession, protect one another, and strengthen the voice of Houston fire fighters.
Milestones That Shaped Local 341
The Beginning
On March 5, 1902, 65 Houston fire fighters organized as American Federation of Labor No. 9629 to encourage cooperation, open discussion, and greater efficiency within the Houston Fire Department.
Later that year, the organization successfully advocated for changes to the City Charter that included pension improvements for fire fighters and police officers.
Civil Service Arrives
On May 1, 1914, the Houston Fire Department was placed under the city’s civil service system. Hiring requirements became standardized and competitive examinations were established for promotion.
IAFF Local 341
On November 25, 1932, the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association became IAFF Local 341 with 25 fire fighters.
State Civil Service
Houston voters approved the local option for state civil service on July 22, 1950. Houston fire fighters and police began operating under state civil service rules later that year, providing greater protections and a defined career structure.
Meet and Confer
Local 341 successfully helped pass Meet and Confer legislation, allowing the Association and the City of Houston to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions.
First Meet and Confer Agreement
The first Meet and Confer agreement between Local 341 and the City of Houston was signed in August 1995.
Taking Collective Bargaining to the Voters
Local 341 members, retirees, and their families canvassed Houston to collect the signatures necessary to place collective bargaining before Houston voters.
By August, more than 24,000 signatures had been collected. Nearly two-thirds of Houston voters ultimately supported the measure, giving Houston fire fighters the right to collectively bargain wages, benefits, staffing issues, and other working conditions.
First Collective Bargaining Agreement
On October 12, 2005, history was made again when the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association and the City of Houston negotiated the organization’s first collective bargaining agreement.
Present
The Story Continues
The history of Local 341 continues to be written. Since 2005, Houston fire fighters have faced new challenges, achieved major milestones, and continued the work of strengthening the Association for future generations.
A Tradition of Taking Care of Our Own
Relative Assistance Fund
The tradition of Local 341 members taking care of one another reaches back generations. During the Great Depression, fire fighters passed coffee cans around stations to raise money for the families of members who died.
In 1952, Local 341 established the Relative Assistance Fund, creating a formal benefit for members’ beneficiaries.
Last Alarm Club
The Last Alarm Club was established to assist spouses and dependents of Houston fire fighters killed in the line of duty and to support families of seriously injured fire fighters during times of crisis.
Investing in the Profession
Beginning in the late 1960s, Local 341 leaders helped bring college-level fire science education directly to the Union Hall. The Association later successfully advocated for state legislation providing tuition exemptions for eligible fire science education.
Those efforts reflected a long-standing commitment to professional development, education, and advancement for Houston fire fighters.
More Than a Century Later, the Mission Remains
From 65 Houston fire fighters organizing in 1902 to nearly 4,000 members today, the strength of Local 341 has always come from its members.
More than a century later, Local 341 continues to represent Houston fire fighters, advocate for fair wages and working conditions, protect the rights of its members, and serve the men and women who protect more than 2.1 million Houstonians.