This week, Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act (S. 1247) – a bill that would protect fire fighters from retaliation or discipline when they raise public awareness of job-related safety issues.
The legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ).
“Far too often, fire fighters are disciplined for speaking up about dangerous working conditions, low staffing levels, and burdensome administrative rules jeopardizing public safety in their communities,” said General President Edward Kelly.
“The IAFF applauds Senator Schmitt for introducing the Public Safety Free Speech Act and sending a clear message that fire fighters’ fundamental First Amendment rights should never be denied. We urge Congress to pass this bill and ensure fire fighters continue having a voice in keeping our communities safe.”
In a statement, Schmitt stressed the importance of protecting the voices of fire fighters and other first responders.
“For too long the First Amendment rights of our dedicated first responders have been restricted and first responders have been retaliated against for publicly voicing their opinions on issues related to their field of expertise. First responders have faced penalties, suspensions, or even been fired for voicing their opinions in their personal capacity as concerned citizens,” said Schmitt. “That’s why I introduced the Public Safety Free Speech Act, to protect our first responders’ right to speak publicly about job-related issues without worry of repercussions.”
Many U.S. fire fighters have been demoted, fired, or faced administrative punishment for raising concerns about safety issues on the job, voicing their political opinions, or speaking out at city council meetings.
The IAFF applauds Senator Schmitt for introducing the Public Safety Free Speech Act and sending a clear message that fire fighters’ fundamental First Amendment rights should never be denied.
General President Edward Kelly
Additionally, in many states, fire fighters have little-to-no employment protections due to the enactment of decades of anti-worker laws and policies. This problem, which is especially prevalent in the South, has led to many fire fighters being afraid to speak up about risks to their safety or other important matters of their jobs out of fear of retaliation.
“The First Amendment has many holes that allow for the deprivation of speech rights for public safety officers. The goal of this bill is to plug those holes and provide real protections to public safety officers who speak up about issues in their workplace,” said IAFF General Counsel Peter Leff.
Just last year in Charleston, a Local 61 member was disciplined for raising concerns to department leadership about exposed mold and excessive heat at his station in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The Local is now suing the city in federal court, arguing they violated their members’ First Amendment rights.
Unfortunately, Local 61 isn’t the only example of an IAFF member being punished for using their voice. Fire fighters in Texas, Florida, Mississippi, Arizona, Indiana, and other states have all had their constitutional rights violated by their employers in recent years. Many of these cases have required Local’s to spend significant amounts of time and resources protecting their members in state and federal courts.
The Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act will be critical to stopping these unfair punishments and protecting fire fighters from the lengthy legal battles required to defend their members’ rights.
“Enactment of this bill will provide stronger, more responsive fire and police departments that are better able to assist the communities that they serve,” said Leff.
Click here to urge your members of Congress to support the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act.
