The San Antonio Police Officers’ Association began collective bargaining negotiations for its union contract with the city on Friday, launching a 60-day review period to discuss a range of proposals for the next three-year agreement.
The contract under negotiation would take effect Oct. 1, and run through Sept. 30, 2029. In a press release, SAPOA said its core priorities include competitive wages, accessible health care and improved training — areas the union says are aimed at strengthening officer retention, readiness and public trust.
A major component of the opening proposal focuses on boosting officer compensation to close what the union describes as a growing pay gap between San Antonio and other Texas cities.
Union leaders pointed to base salaries in comparable markets such as Austin, Dallas, Houston and Laredo. Base pay for a San Antonio police officer is $62,916, compared to $70,644 in Austin, $75,397 in Dallas, $75,000 in Houston and $69,308 in Laredo, according to SAPOA.
The difference in base pay makes it harder to retain experienced officers and recruit new ones, while placing San Antonio at a competitive disadvantage, SAPOA said.
To address the issue, the union is proposing a structured, multi-year compensation plan that includes cost-of-living adjustments and targeted wage increases. The proposal calls for a 3% cost-of-living adjustment each October, alongside hourly wage increases each April totaling $5 an hour over three years.
SAPOA said the adjustments are intended to address both inflation and market pressures, allowing officers to afford to live in the city they serve while improving retention.
Health care is another central focus of SAPOA’s opening proposal, with the union seeking increased contributions to officers’ Health Savings Accounts and updates to coverage under the city’s health plans.
SAPOA is proposing that the city increase HSA contributions to half of the IRS maximum family contribution limit, which currently stands at $4,375. Under the current contract, the city contributes $1,500 annually for officers enrolled in the consumer-driven health plan.
The proposal also outlines changes to the health care master plan that would expand certain covered services. SAPOA is seeking to remove family and marital counseling, as well as smoking or tobacco cessation programs, from the list of excluded benefits — which would make those services eligible for coverage moving forward.
Training and professional development is the third major focus of the proposal, with several changes aimed at strengthening field training and supporting experienced officers who mentor new recruits.
If accepted, officers permanently assigned to the Field Training Officer program who provide direct training would receive an increase in special pay from $265 to $500 per month, along with one hour of compensation per day spent training.
Officers in service or support roles within the FTO program would also see an increase in their monthly stipend from $265 to $300.
SAPOA is also seeking expanded educational reimbursement policies, allowing officers to be paid back for certifications, including medical or first aid related programs.
City officials and SAPOA will continue meeting over the next 60 days to discuss the proposals. SAPOA President Danny Diaz said the organization is focused on stability, retention and public safety.
“When officers can afford to live here, access health care, and receive strong training, the entire community benefits,” said Diaz. “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.”
