Bartlesville Firefighters Union Wins Arbitration Over New Contract

Arbitrator rules in favor of firefighters after nearly a year of negotiations with the city

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After nearly a year of contract negotiations between the Bartlesville firefighters' union and the City of Bartlesville, an arbitrator has ruled in favor of the firefighters. The union says the decision affirms the importance of fairness, facts, and good-faith negotiations in the process. The new contract is expected to be in line with the previous agreement, though the city had sought changes to staffing and the promotional process.

Why it matters

This arbitration decision is a win for the Bartlesville firefighters, who have been advocating for fair working conditions and the ability to do their jobs effectively. The city had sought changes that the union felt did not reflect the realities of the modern workplace, so the arbitrator's ruling preserves the status quo and the union's bargaining power.

The details

The contract negotiations between the Bartlesville firefighters' union and the city have lasted nearly a year, with both sides unable to reach an agreement. The city was hoping to address issues around staffing and overtime pay, as well as the promotional process which is based on seniority rather than merit. However, the arbitrator has now ruled in favor of the firefighters, affirming the importance of fairness and good-faith negotiations in the process.

  • The contract negotiations between the Bartlesville firefighters' union and the city started in March 2025.
  • On March 2, 2026, the city council will receive an update on the negotiations and discuss options going forward.

The players

David Taylor

Battalion Chief and member of the Bartlesville firefighters' union executive board.

Jess Kane

Bartlesville city attorney, who addressed the city council last fall about the city's issues with staffing and overtime pay, as well as the promotional process.

Angela Utley

A Bartlesville resident who was "elated" to hear about the arbitrator's ruling in favor of the firefighters.

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What they’re saying

“This arbitration decision affirms that fairness, facts and good-faith negotiations matter. The process worked, as intended. Providing a balanced, impartial forum, where both the cities and the needs of the firefighters were fully considered.”

— David Taylor, Battalion Chief and union executive board member

“I was elated. I believe Bartlesville needs the best security and that involves our fire department.”

— Angela Utley

“There's a saying in our department. You may not be the best guy, but you're the next guy. That attitude, that culture, needs to change to reflect the realities of the workplace in the 21st century.”

— Jess Kane, Bartlesville city attorney

What’s next

The final steps of the process are in the hands of the Bartlesville city council, who will receive an update on the negotiations on March 2, 2026 and discuss options going forward.

The takeaway

This arbitration decision is a win for the Bartlesville firefighters, who have been advocating for fair working conditions and the ability to do their jobs effectively. The ruling preserves the status quo and the union's bargaining power, despite the city's efforts to make changes to staffing, overtime pay, and the promotional process.