As the first on the scene during local and national emergencies, public safety officers deserve the right to speak out and be heard at work.

Still, tens of thousands of our nation’s firefighters and police officers on the front lines of homeland security are unfairly denied this basic protection.

S. 2123 would ensure all public safety officers have the opportunity to meet with local officials to discuss their jobs and how best to protect the public.

Please tell your U.S. senators to support the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (S. 2123).

President Bush already has threatened to veto the bill—the Senate needs to hear from you today.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act would ensure public safety officers minimum collective bargaining rights in states where they do not currently have them. These minimum rights would include (1) the right to bargain over wages, hours and working conditions; (2) a dispute resolution mechanism, such as fact-finding or mediation; and (3) enforcement of contracts through state courts.

S. 2123 would not mandate binding arbitration. It would not force localities to sign contracts. It would not interfere with state “right to work” for less laws. And given the unique responsibilities of the public safety community, the bill would specifically outlaw strikes by firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel.

Public safety officers risk their lives daily to protect the public’s security throughout this great nation. They have earned and deserve the right to have a voice at work.

Please ask your senators to give firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel the voice they deserve.

Tell your U.S. senators to vote for S. 2123, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act:

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/public_safety_voice