Austin (TX) Medics: We’re Worth More Than 14-Cent Pay Raise

The Austin EMS Association, the union for the Austin-Travis County area, took to social media Friday to call out the 14 cent pay increase they received from the City of Austin.

“Austin medics have not negotiated for new pay since 2018. A lot has happened here since then… like, a lot a lot,” the Tweet read. “Today, as thanks for our service, the City offered us a 14 cent raise. We know our worth, and, well, that ain’t it. What a shameful day for our lovely town.”

The EMS Association said it asked the city for a base pay of $27 per hour for EMTs, instead of the starting pay of $19 per hour they’re currently offered, the KVUE reported.

Selena Xie, the president of the Austin EMS Association, said the city’s offer is discouraging. She noted medics have worked so hard during the pandemic and severe winter storms.

In a statement, the city told KVUE “our total package was a 51% increase in new money compared to the last contract they approved (in 2018)” and “the entry-level pay for paramedics would be more than 5% higher than any other governmental entity in Texas.”

“The City of Austin offered an unprecedented pay package to the union. It’s unfortunate the union is refusing to provide a counteroffer,” part of the statement read.

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