Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, applauded the introduction of H.R. 3539, the “Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act,” which recognizes the right of public safety officers to bargain collectively.

This bipartisan bill, which is a top priority for the FOP, was re-introduced by Representatives Peter A. Stauber (R-MN) and Daniel T. Kildee (D-MI). This bill, since its inception, has been a top priority for the FOP.

“The right to bargain collectively over hours, wages, and working conditions is enjoyed by virtually all employees in the United States, and rightfully so,” Yoes said. “However, this basic right is still denied to many law enforcement officers and other public safety employees across the country.”

The FOP strongly supports the “Public Safety Officers’ Employer-Employee Cooperation Act,” which would finally recognize the right of these employees to bargain collectively for improved working conditions while fostering a better relationship with their employers. More specifically, the legislation would empower the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to govern the labor-management relationship in those cases where State laws are not in substantial compliance with the bill’s basic, minimal requirements. This bill specifically prohibits strikes and lockouts and would not change any State’s existing right-to-work laws or undermine existing State collective bargaining laws.

The FOP continues to work with our allies in the Senate to introduce companion legislation.