Hot Bills and Issues

Collective Bargaining

Action Alert!

U.S. Senate to Consider Mandatory Collective Bargaining Bills May 12

Contact Levin and Stabenow - Visit the League's Action Center Today!

May 9, 2008 - Monday, May 12 the U.S. Senate will begin considering mandatory collective bargaining legislation, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 (H.R. 980/S. 2123).

The League and National League of Cities oppose this legislation because it would give the federal government authority over the collective bargaining process and the rules governing salaries, hours, benefits and conditions of employment at the local level, regardless of the state constitutions, state laws, and local laws.

Please visit the League's Action Center to send a message to Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow urging them to vote NO on mandatory collective bargaining legislation; they need to hear from you that HR 980 and S 2123 would preempt local government authority by forcing local governments to negotiate with labor unions representing public safety officers over the terms and conditions of employment with labor.

Presidential Advisors Write Senate Leadership Regarding Collective Bargaining Legislation, Recommend President Veto the Bill(s) (May 9, 2008) - (PDF)

Issue Brief - (PDF)

HR 980 - (PDF)

S 2123 - (PDF)

Letter Opposing HR 980 - (PDF)

About the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007

In June 2007, HR 980 passed by a 314-97 vote. All members of the Michigan congressional delegation voted yes except Congressman Tim Walberg.

Now, the Senate is on the verge of considering similar legislation, S. 2123. While the impact of such legislation on Michigan is uncertain, one thing is clear: it would put the federal government in charge of the collective bargaining process and establishment of rules governing salaries, hours, benefits, and conditions of employment at the municipal level.

Contact State and Federal Affairs Division - 517.908.0305
Arnold Weinfeld, aweinfeld@mml.org
Summer Minnick, sminnick@mml.org
David Worthams, dworthams@mml.org
Andy Schor, aschor@mml.org
Samantha Jones, sjones@mml.org
Andrea Messinger, amessinger@mml.org
Nikole Brown, nbrown@mml.org