Senate to Vote on National Collective Bargaining Bill

December 12, 2007 -- The U.S. Senate will be considering the IAFF's national collective bargaining bill in the next few days, with a vote to follow. This is expected to be a very close vote, and your senators could be the deciding vote! The IAFF is encouraging all members to call their senators today and tell them to support America's fire fighters and police officers by voting in favor of the Harkin-Kennedy-Gregg "Fire Fighter" amendment to the Farm Bill.

“More than 80,000 IAFF members in 18 states do not currently enjoy basic employment rights,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “The Harkin-Kennedy-Gregg ‘Fire Fighter’ amendment ensures that every fire fighter has the right to collectively bargain.”

Every Senate office has been educated on the issue. In every office, senators are already receiving dozens of calls -- from constituents in their states who oppose this bill. The IAFF needs to generate as many phone calls as possible in the next 24-48 hours to pass this vital legislation.

The International has fought for the last 12 years to bring this issue to a vote. “Please give five minutes of your time to call your senators and urge them to stand with their fire fighters and support the Harkin-Kennedy-Gregg amendment to the Farm Bill,” urges Schaitberger.
The Senate switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. Simply call this number and ask to be transferred to your senator's office.

“Together, we can achieve one of the biggest victories in the history of the IAFF,” says Schaitberger.