Dear Senators Blackburn and Lee,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our strong opposition to S. 1006, the “Federal Workforce Freedom Act.”
This bill, in its current form, would have disastrous effects on Federal law enforcement all across the country. This bill would prevent Federal employees from organizing or joining labor unions, meaning our members would be unable to enter into contracts that ensure fair treatment from the Federal agencies that employ them when it comes to negotiation over wages, benefits, and officer safety and wellness issues. The bill would also terminate all current collective bargaining agreements, effectively stripping the rights of Federal law enforcement officers of their voice in the workplace. Senator Blackburn, as member of the Committee on the Judiciary, we are particularly disappointed that you are leading this effort which we regard as anti-law enforcement and anti-American.
The FOP has more than 30,000 members who serve as Federal law enforcement. These members serve their country every single day. As so called “supporters of law enforcement,” we are outraged and disappointed in both you. Any bill that seeks to strip them of their right to organize and advocate themselves is a slap in the face to law enforcement. As our country faces an ongoing drug epidemic, it is now more important than ever that our government supports and backs our law enforcement officers. The FOP will do everything in its power to advocate for the men and women of law enforcement to ensure that this bill will never reach the floor of the Senate.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I urge you both to pull this bill from consideration effective immediately. Should you require additional information about the FOP’s stance on this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President