U.S. House of Representatives Gives Fire Fighters Collective Bargaining Rights

July 1, 2010 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill to give collective bargaining rights to fire fighters and other public safety officers.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act assures that fire fighters in every state will have the right to talk to their employer about how to improve public safety and do their jobs more safely. The initiative was included in a supplemental appropriation bill adopted by a vote of 239-182.

“Seventy-five years after passage of the National Labor Relations Act, fire fighters are a step closer to having the same rights that workers in the private sector have had since 1935,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

While most fire fighters and law enforcement officers are already provided bargaining rights under state laws, too many public safety officers do not ve the ability to present ideas about how they can better protect the public safety. The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act will ensure that every state allows discussions between first responders and the agencies that employ them, and will promote productive partnerships between labor and management.

Collective bargaining is especially important in light of the fiscal crisis facing many localities. Over the past two years, fire fighters have offered millions of dollars in concessions and given back raises and benefits previously agreed to in order to prevent cuts that would undermine public safety.

The Senate will take up the measure following its July 4 recess.

Congratulations to Firefighter Jason Ray!

Jason Ray participated in the 5th annual KC Guns N' Hoses charity fight night. He fought in bout 19 against Danny Meeker, an Overland Park firefighter.Jason won the fight by decision. Congratulations Jason, you represented the department well, and we hope you will fight again in the future.

Guns ‘N Hoses is a charity boxing event featuring policemen versus firemen to benefit SAFE Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment Fund (SAFE) which provides financial assistance to the spouses and children.

Related Links:
http://www.kcgunsandhoses.com/Home.html 

Members of Local 1596;

Just a reminder that we are in the 2010 Open Enrollment period. This period ends on December 4, 2009 so make sure your get any changes made before the deadline. Enrollment Packets can be accesse electronically at:

 http://intranet/index.php?q=open_enrollment

 http://www.lawrenceks.org/adminservices/pdffiles/oe2010.pdf

 Remember that you can get out of paying this years extra premium cost by participating in one of the biometric screenings. You will also find information about these screenings on the Intranet or by call Human Resources at 785-832-3203.