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Conroe Today
By the People, for the People
Conroe Firefighters Vow to Keep Fighting for Collective Bargaining
City Council approves May ballot without firefighter union's proposal, but union says it will try again in November
Published on Mar. 1, 2026
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The Conroe Professional Fire Fighters Association is not giving up its fight to gain collective bargaining rights with the city, saying it will attempt to put the question on the November 2026 ballot after the city approved its May ballot without the bargaining proposal. The union says collective bargaining is supported by Republicans, Democrats and independents and is the best way to address public safety issues, but the city says it is simply following the law.
Why it matters
This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between public sector unions and local governments over collective bargaining rights. The firefighters' union believes collective bargaining is crucial for addressing their concerns, while the city argues it must follow the legal process. The outcome could impact labor relations and public services in Conroe.
The details
The Conroe Professional Fire Fighters Association submitted a petition in December 2025 with 3,650 signatures to put the collective bargaining question on the May 2026 ballot. However, the city said the petition did not meet the legal requirement of 5% of registered voters from the last general election, which the city was unable to determine. A judge initially ordered the city to accept the petition, but was later recused from the case. A new judge has been assigned, and a trial is set for June 1, 2026.
- The Conroe Professional Fire Fighters Association submitted a petition with 3,650 signatures on December 12, 2025.
- A judge ordered the city to accept the petition following a hearing on January 9, 2026.
- The judge was recused from the case after the city claimed he violated ethical guidelines.
- A new judge, Albert M. McCaig, Jr., has been assigned to the 284th state District Court.
- A trial is set for June 1, 2026.
The players
Conroe Professional Fire Fighters Association
The union representing firefighters in Conroe, Texas, that is fighting for collective bargaining rights with the city.
Conroe City Council
The governing body of the city of Conroe, Texas, that approved the May 2026 ballot without the firefighters' collective bargaining proposal.
Lloyd Sandefer
The president of the Conroe Professional Fire Fighters Association.
Judge John Delaney
The judge who initially ordered the city to accept the firefighters' petition, but was later recused from the case.
Judge Albert M. McCaig, Jr.
The new judge assigned to the 284th state District Court to hear the case.
What’s next
A trial is set for June 1, 2026 to determine whether the firefighters' petition meets the legal requirements to be placed on the November 2026 ballot.
The takeaway
This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between public sector unions and local governments over collective bargaining rights. The outcome could have significant implications for labor relations and public services in Conroe, Texas.
