Daniel Kildee

04/15/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2021 11:14

Reps. Kildee, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bill to Expand Labor Rights for Public Safety Officers

WASHINGTON-Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to guarantee that all state and city fire fighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel can exercise their labor rights.

The Fire Fighters and EMS Employer-Employee Cooperation Act would set a federal floor on labor rights for fire fighters and EMS personnel by allowing them to form a labor union and collectively bargain with their employer on wages and hours. Currently, 16 states do not provide all state and local public safety employees the ability to collectively bargain for fair wages and hours, while five of those states prevent them from even forming a labor union.

Under the Kildee-Fitzpatrick legislation, the Federal Labor Relations Authority would have three months to determine which states do not provide the baseline labor rights. This includes providing these workers the ability to form and join a labor union, collectively bargain regarding hours, wages and terms and conditions of employment. States would then have two years to comply.

'Strong labor unions and worker rights are essential for a fair economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top,' Congressman Kildee said. 'I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to make sure that America's fire fighters and emergency personnel have the right to form a union and fight for fair wages and safe working conditions. These men and women serve our communities every day, regardless of personal risk, and deserve critical workers' rights, including the ability to collectively bargain.'

'Our fire fighters and EMS personnel stepped up to serve their community and when we need help, they answer our call. They have earned the right to form a union and collectively bargain for fair hours and wages. I'm proud to stand with our first responders and Representative Kildee to introduce this important legislation,' said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

'Without our bargaining rights, fire fighters and EMS workers will be put in jeopardy of working even longer hours than they do know (many 12 to 24 hours a shift) in more hazardous conditions, with less safety equipment or pay to provide for themselves or their families. Thank you, Congressmen Kildee and Fitzpatrick for your help to try and protect those who protect you and the rest of the citizens of these United States of America,' said Michael J. Sarnowski, President Bangor Township Michigan Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)Local #1682.

'Eighty thousand of our fellow IAFF members do not have the right to collective bargaining. The Fire Fighters and EMS Employer-Employee Cooperation Act ensures that fire fighters will be able to form and join a union and bargain for hours, wages and conditions of employment. Civilian fatality rates for states that don't provide basic collective bargaining rights are, on average, higher than in states that do. It is imperative that we pass this bill, both for citizen and fire fighter safety. I thank Congressmen Kildee and Fitzpatrick for introducing this legislation, and I stand in strong support of the Fire Fighters and EMS Employer-Employee Cooperation Act,' said Aileen Pettinger, Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union District Vice President.

In addition to Congressman Kildee and Congressman Fitzpatrick, Reps. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) and Susan Wild (PA-07) are cosponsors of the legislation.

This Congress, Congressman Kildee introduced and the House passed, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would strengthen workers' rights to strike and engage in collective legal action, protect workers who try to join a union from worker retaliation and authorize monetary penalties for employers who violate federal labor laws.