U.S. House Approves Collective Bargaining for Fire Fighters, Police, and Public Safety Employees

On Tuesday, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 980, known as the Public Safety Cooperation Act of 2007, to extend collective bargaining to public safety employees in all 50 states. H.R. 980 supported by a majority (314 to 97) will give collective bargaining to police officers, firefighters and other public safety officers. The U.S. Senate will now deliberate on the bill.

The Public Safety Cooperation Act of 2007 extends the right of collective bargaining to public safety workers in all states. Currently, public safety workers in at least twenty states face state laws that limit their abilities to collectively bargain. If H.R. 980 passes the Senate and is approved by the president, it will guarantee the rights of public safety employees in all states to by According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, the bill assures four basic rights for firefighters (and for other public safety employees):

"(1) The right to organize, form a union and be recognized as the exclusive representative for employees within a specific fire department. (2) The right to bargain with a respective public employer over wages and other terms and conditions of employment. (3) The right to have a neutral third party assist in mediating any disputed issues. (4) And, the right to reduce negotiated agreements into a binding, legally enforceable contract."

The bill had strong bipartisan support. The primary sponsor of the bill was Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI). He has worked on the bill since 1995. His Republican co-sponsor and collaborator was Rep. John J. Duncan (R-TN). Over 280 members sponsored the bill, 70 Republicans were among the sponsors. Of the 12,900 bills deliberated on by this Congress, it was one of 12 to attain a majority.

Bipartisan support for the Public Safety Cooperation Act of 2007 is due in part to the large role that local public servants play in our protecting our nation from terrorists. The bill's passage reflects the admiration that American have for their local public safety employees. Some critics of the bill like the Heritage Foundation fear that the H.R. 980 will lead to an intrusion of the federal government on local affairs. Supporters of the bill point out that the bill is more of a starting point allowing state's to write laws that fit their own needs. Further, since September 11 public safety employees are charged not only with local affairs but being on the front lines of federal efforts to prevent terrorism. The increasing duties and responsibilities of public safety employees in our national security contributed to the broad support for the bill.

The passage of H.R. 980 pleased Speaker Nancy Pelosi who praised the courage of our nation's public safety employees and the bipartisan group of congressmen and congresswoman who supported the bill. Pelosi believes it was important for the House to on record in favor of better wages and working conditions for the Americans who keep our nation safe in our own neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Pelosi noted that the bill was necessary because over 20 states do not offer full collective bargaining rights to their public safety employees.

The Public Safety Cooperation Act of 2007 received support from union representatives. International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger described the support that came from both sides of the aisle as a historic for the labor movement in America.

H.R. 980 is not just about wages for public safety employees. It is about safety. Specifically, collective bargaining allows police officers and firefighters to give voice to their safety concerns. This is of great interest because each year over 75,000 firefighters and 21,000 police officers across the nation are injured while working.

The Public Safety Cooperation Act of 2007 received broad support in the House. H.R. 980 passed with a majority 314 to 97. The Senate will now deliberated on the legislation.

Source:
Pelosi: We Must Protect the Rights of Men and Women Who Protect Our Homes and Families,
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