Pay hikes proposed for firefighters

The president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341, Jeff Caynon, said both the recession and the devastation of Hurricane Ike were factored into the $22 million in increases.

Caynon says both parties agreed to a shorter, two-year contract, as opposed to the 2005 four-year deal, to be better prepared if the economy worsens.

Houston's finance director, Michelle Mitchell, said the new figures will bring the city in line with pay in Dallas and other Texas cities.