The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act

Fire fighters and police officers risk their lives every day to protect the public; they deserve the same right to discuss workplace issues with their employer that the federal government grants to most other workers.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, legislation granting fire fighters and police officers minimum collective bargaining rights, introduced as H.R. 980 by Representatives Dale Kildee (D-MI) and John Duncan (R-TN), overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives in July.  In the Senate, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act was introduced by Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) as S. 2123.  The bills establish minimum standards for state collective bargaining laws.

S. 2123, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, was offered and later withdrawn as an amendment to the Farm bill as a result of ardent opposition by a few anti-labor Senators.  The IAFF is optimistic that Congress will pass the bill in its second session. 

For more information about collective bargaining rights and current congressional action, click here:  Fact Sheet

Learn more about the importance of collective bargaining rights for public safety officers:  Key Points

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING LEGISLATIVE TIMELINE

House Action:  H.R. 980

On July 17, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass H.R. 980.  To read more, click here:  House Passes Collective Bargaining Bill

See how your Representative voted on H.R. 980:  Collective Bargaining Vote

H.R. 980 is featured on YouTube - watch the video here:  Collective Bargaining Video

To read a copy of H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, click here:  Cooperation Act

View a list of members who cosponsored H.R. 980:  Cosponsors House

Senate Action:  S. 2123

On December 13, 2007, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act was offered and later forced to be withdrawn as an amendment to the Farm bill in the Senate.  To read more, click here:  Anti-Labor Senators Derail Fire Fighter Bargaining Bill

On October 1, 2007, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act was introduced in the Senate.  To read more, click here:  Bargaining Bill Introduced in Senate 

To read a copy of S. 2123, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, click here:  Cooperation Act 

View the list of Senators who cosponsored S. 2123:  Cosponsors Senate