Under the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007, which has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and has been introduced in the Senate, would mandate that state and local governments enter into collective bargaining agreements with their public safety employees, which include state and local police, fire fighters and emergency medical personnel.

By a 7-0 vote, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors passed a Resolution opposing the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007.

In the Resolution, the county opposes the Act and maintains that such decisions should be made by states and localities based upon local conditions and circumstances, without federal interference.

The county also requests that Senator John Warner and Senator Jim Webb to oppose the passage of the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007.

I am opposed to this legislation,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Tommy Whitt. “Collective Bargaining is the first step of unionization in law enforcement.”

Under this Bill, the Federal Labor Relations Authority would develop regulations and criteria for state and local governments to permit public safety employees to join unions, and bargain over salaries, terms and conditions of employment.

“When it comes to public safety, it takes the control out of our hands,” Whitt stated. “This would force higher taxes on our citizens.”

Some of the organizations opposing this legislation include, Montgomery County, but the National Association of Counties, the National Sheriff’s Association, National League of Cities, Virginia Sheriff’s Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

“I’m not against unions,” added Whitt. “I think unions are good for those in manufacturing jobs and the likes. They just do not have a place or belong in law enforcement.”

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