Government affairs

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act (H.R. 8426/S. 4363) was introduced in Congress on May 16. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) led the Senate bill with 30 original co-sponsors, and Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) introduced the House version with 87 original co-sponsors.

The bill would guarantee public sector employees’ rights to organize and collectively bargain in states that do not afford these protections. Currently, no federal law protects the freedom of public-sector workers to join a union.

“NALC is proud to be an open shop with more than 93 percent voluntary membership in our union,” President Brian L. Renfroe said. “We do not take our organizing success or collective-bargaining rights for granted, and every public sector employee deserves the right to join a union. NALC supports this bill that benefits and protects our fellow public servants and urges Congress to pass it.”