The Alexandria City Council has approved funding for collective bargaining agreements with three groups of city employees: uniformed Fire and EMS staff represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2141, sworn Police officers represented by the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (SSPBA), and Administrative and Technical employees represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The agreements will cover wages, benefits, work hours, and other employment conditions from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.
“Through good-faith negotiations, our unions and City staff have worked together to reach competitive agreements that represent significant new investment in the City’s public safety and general government workforce,” said City of Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “These agreements demonstrate our commitment to respecting and investing in our workforce and ensure we continue delivering quality services to our residents. I want to thank our union partners and City staff for their collaboration, professionalism, and shared commitment to ensuring that Alexandria remains a competitive and supportive employer.”
With this vote, all three contracts are set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The measures aim to provide competitive compensation for city workers while maintaining predictable personnel costs. The city operates as an independent municipal government providing public administration, safety, and community services within its boundaries in Northern Virginia along the Potomac River according to its official website.
For Fire and EMS employees under IAFF Local 2141, the agreement includes phased wage increases of 1% in fiscal years 2027 and 2028; annual merit-based step increases; longevity bonuses; a reduction in workweek hours from 49 to 46 by fiscal year 2029 for fire suppression staff; and continued access to structured leave programs.
“Today is a tremendous day for Alexandria Firefighters, Inc., IAFF Local 2141, and for the entire Alexandria community. Our agreement on a second collective bargaining contract reflects a shared belief that when firefighters, paramedics, and fire marshals are supported, the whole city benefits,” said Josh Turner, President of Alexandria Firefighters Inc., IAFF Local 2141. “By continuing to reduce hours and move closer to a more equitable work week, we’re strengthening the well‑being of the people who show up for our neighbors every single day. This agreement is about building a healthier, safer, and more resilient Alexandria together. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for what it means for the community we serve.”
Sworn police officers represented by SSPBA will see changes including a structured three-rank pay scale with step increases based on years of service; initial pay increases in fiscal year 2027—17% for officers at first step, 21% for sergeants at first step, and 15% for lieutenants at first step—followed by additional increases of two percent in each subsequent year; longevity bonuses; specialty pay; regular market reviews; support for career earnings predictability; recruitment incentives; retention measures; while maintaining operational flexibility.
“The Alexandria Chapter of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association is proud of the work that we accomplished working with the City of Alexandria in this agreement,” said Damon Minnix, SSPBA Chapter President. “The pay adjustments are an important step forward for the agency, which will make APD competitive for quality officers in the Northern Virginia and DC Metro Area.”
Administrative and Technical employees under AFSCME will receive their first collective bargaining agreement with structured wage growth—3% increase in fiscal year 2027 followed by smaller increases over two years—and merit-based raises tied to performance evaluations plus longevity bonuses. The contract also provides consistent policies regarding overtime pay as well as support aimed at stability within this workforce segment.
“Signing this contract for Administrative and Technical employees is a proud accomplishment for AFSCME District Council 20. We had an amazing bargaining team consisting of members from Local 3001 and this very passionate bargaining unit,” said Wayne L. Enoch, AFSCME Executive Director. “We were able to incorporate a variety of concerns that impact the working conditions and compensation for this unit of our members. This first contract marks the start of another relationship between our great union and the Alexandria City Government. It will improve the services that residents receive because it gives a voice to the workers that render them.”
Alexandria continues efforts toward fair outcomes through equity-focused policies as stated on its official website. The council-manager form adopted by Alexandria allows elected officials to set policy direction while appointing professionals who oversee daily operations according to city documentation.
