The current collective bargaining agreement between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighter’s Union expired four years ago. Right now, the first responders are operating on an evergreen plan, keeping the most current contract in place and allowing time to negotiate.
But the city says that's not happening. Earlier this month, 31-year-old Jesus Cuevas was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Thanks to the current collective bargaining agreement, Cuevas could use taxpayer money to mount his legal defense.
"I don't think the average taxpayer knows they pay for the legal defense of a firefighter when they're in a divorce, arrested for something, going through a bankruptcy, child custody case,” said City of San Antonio Director of Government and Public Affairs Jeff Coyle.