On behalf of the AFL-CIO, we urge you to co-sponsor the “Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act” (H.R. 3463), introduced by Rep. Matt Cartwright. This legislation would create a minimum standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide to all public service workers.
Unions provide working people with a voice on the job and the power to act collectively. By standing together, union members earn higher wages and are more likely to have pensions, employer-provided health care, and benefits such as paid sick and family leave. Unions also narrow the wage gap for women and people of color; secure higher workplace safety standards; provide the means to address discrimination; and win more resources to meet the needs of the people they serve.
Yet unlike the private sector, there is no federal law that protects the freedom of public service workers to join a union and collectively bargain for fairer wages and improved working conditions. In fact, many states and communities deny their employees this fundamental right.
It is time to correct this injustice and fight back against the attacks on working people by passing the “Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.” The legislation will ensure that public employees have a right to: join a union selected by a majority of employees; collectively bargain over wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment; access dispute resolution mechanisms; utilize voluntary payroll deduction for union dues; and engage in concerted activities related to collective bargaining and mutual aid.
The AFL-CIO urges you to become a co-sponsor of the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. Please contact Stephen Coffey ([email protected]) in the office of Rep. Matt Cartwright to become a co-sponsor.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
William Samuel
Director, Government Affairs