Chuck Canterbury, National
President of the Fraternal Order of Police,
hailed today's passage of H.R. 980, the "Public
Employee-Employer Cooperation Act," on a 314-97
vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
"The FOP and our friends at the International
Association of Fire Fighters have been working
to pass this legislation for more than a
decade," Canterbury said. "Because of our joint
efforts and our bipartisan approach, we scored a
tremendous victory this afternoon. Together,
we'll work to get it through the Senate and then
onto the President's desk."
 
The legislation, introduced jointly by
Representatives Dale Kildee (D-MI) and John J.
Duncan, Jr. (R-TN), would recognize the right of
public safety employees to bargain collectively
over hours, wages, and working conditions. The
legislation currently has two hundred and
seventy-eight (278) cosponsors, more than a
majority of the House. The bill was favorably
reported by the Committee Education and Labor in
June on a 42-1 vote.
"As law enforcement officers, we take our oath
and commitment to protect and serve very
seriously," Canterbury said. "Public safety
occupations are unique, and their labor
relations need to reflect that. Ours is not the
traditional labor-management relationship. In
our line of work, the bottom line is the safety
of the public and of the officer."
The legislation now goes to the Senate for
further consideration.
H.R. 980 Language
H.R. 980 Video
The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law
enforcement labor organization in the United
States, with more than 325,000 members.
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