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S. 2123, The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 (8 comments ↓)
S. 2123 would provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions.
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Visitor Comments
James Holtz
I am glad this bill looks like it will become law. Our police and firemen need a voice when it comes to their safety and well-being. This is the least we can do for the people who protect us on a daily basis.
Brian Tanner
I can only hope that this bill becomes law. It will help many firefighters and police officers nationwide who currently do not have a voice. And alot of times the voice that they are speaking with is one of which has great concerns for the safety of the citizens that they so rightfully serve.
Lou
So what happened to the 10th amendment...the one that prohibits the federal government from interferring in the affairs of the States?
David Bowie, New Hampshire
This bill will mandate joining a union. Giving the ability to forcibly charging a fee to line the pockets of Union Bosses. They will call these fees union dues.
Unions once had a purpose when individuals could not speak out and had nowhere to turn for help, but now, with the internet, that has changed. If our police or firemen can't find the resources on the internet to lodge complaints, perhaps they should get a different job.
This is just one more example of our elected officials allowing legalized corruption to prosper.
Notice carefully witch ones vote for this bill, consider that vote next time they need "YOU" to vote for them to remain in office.
To our elected officials,
Be advised, we are watching you. Don't think these things will go unnoticed.
Scott Wiseman
The bill will pass and taxes maybe raised but atleast our protectors of the night will be taken care of for putting their lifes on the line. This is great news and I'm all for it, this should have been done years ago.
Brian
This bill will not force anyone to join a union. The individual by-laws of the local associations will dictate who can join. Joining the IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) unlike other organized labor groups is 100% optional. Additionally any firefighter who is not a member of the local union will receive the same pay and benefits as those who are.
This law will allow for professional agency members who wish to organize a union the ability to collectively bargain over pay, benefits, and safety issues. A right that is afforded most professions in most states.
This is law that has been introduced every session sense the 104th and will eventually pass. The legislation will only strengthen our communities in empowering our front line emergency responders a voices in their agencies.
Ed
Brian is absolutely correct. Individuals like David Bowie either have not read the bill or just enjoy distorting the facts for their own perverted reasons. I know in the south, firefighters and police officers are routinely placed in dangerous situations with substandard equipment and training and then told to find another job when they raise issue. Well we do not wish to find another job somewhere else. Many of us want to continue to work in the communities where we grew up. We took these jobs and want a voice because we care about the people that we protect. Firefighters and Police officers are routinely fired for speaking out on the lack of training, substandard equipment, and unsafe working conditions. It is time that Congress gave them the protection and voice that they deserve.
Sean
I work for a Sheriff's Dept. in Wyoming where we are forbidden by law to unionize. I recently moved from California where I was a cop and it was vastly different. We need this and the National Peace Officer Bill of Rights