Sutton Helps Pass Bill Giving Public Safety Employees Collective Bargaining Rights

Press Release

Sutton Helps Pass Bill Giving Public Safety Employees Collective Bargaining Rights

Today, Congresswoman Betty Sutton helped pass H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, legislation to give collective bargaining rights to firefighters, police officers, EMTs and other public safety officers. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 314-97. Recognizing her long history fighting for workers' rights, the House leadership invited her to appear with them at a press conference on the steps of the Capitol Building to celebrate the bill's passage

"The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act is about fairness for those on the frontlines protecting our neighborhoods and communities - our firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMTs," Sutton said. "This bill is about ensuring these public safety employees - these heroes - have the right to ensure their voices are heard in the workplace. Not only do they deserve this right, but we owe it to these public servants who risk their lives and put their safety on the line everyday, to protect our families and our communities."

"Our legislation simply gives them the same rights that so many other workers around this nation retain. These people, who put the public first, deserve to be heard on the matters that affect their livelihood and safety. For our firefighters, police officers and EMTs, let's rise beyond words of support and pass this bill, and make it clear that we respect the work and sacrifice of these brave men and women."

Joining House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), International Association of Firefighters President Harold A. Schaitberger, Fraternal Order of Police National President Chuck Canterbury and numerous first responders and other public safety leaders on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building to celebrate the bill's passage, Sutton was praised for her work and leadership on behalf of working Americans.

Under current law, public safety workers do not have the right to collectively bargain for benefits, wages and working conditions. The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act reverses this, while still prohibiting strikes or lockouts that would leave communities vulnerable. The legislation is supported by the International Association of Firefighters, the Fraternal Order of Police and other public safety employee organizations.

Source