Christopher Shays: “as a cosponsor and longtime supporter of H.R. 980, I am pleased this legislation is on the House floor today. This bill…”

“as a cosponsor and longtime supporter of H.R. 980, I am pleased this legislation is on the House floor today. This bill will take the important step of guaranteeing firefighters and police officers the right to discuss workplace issues with their employers. It troubles me to know in many states, public safety employees lack basic collective bargaining rights. Firefighters and police officers take seriously their oath to protect public safety and, as a result, they do not engage in work stoppages or slowdowns. The absence of collective bargaining denies these workers any opportunity to influence the decisions that affect their livelihoods. H.R. 980 recognizes public safety officers' unique situation by creating a special collective bargaining right outside the scope of other federal labor law. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation.”