Should Congress pass the Police & Fire Monopoly-Bargaining Act?
The U.S. Senate is currently considering the Police & Fire Monopoly-Bargaining Act, which would require local governments to recognize police and firefighter unions in collective bargaining over hours, wages, and terms and conditions of employment.
The bill’s expressed purpose is to reduce conflicts between police and fire departments and their cities of employment. Opponents, including the Washington-based National League of Cities, say the bill threatens states’ rights to decide whether collective bargaining is best for them. Also, because the legislation says the union would be the “exclusive bargaining representative” if a majority of employees vote to form one, the law is an attempt to force more workers into unions, according to a Wall Street Journal editorial.
Would the Police & Fire Monopoly-Bargaining Act benefit labor relations between public safety agencies and local governments, or will it usurp states’ rights and give unions too much power?
Please send your responses to Ed Brock at [email protected]. Include your name, title and the organization with which you work. American City & County will print some of the responses.
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