July 9, 2010

Dear Senator Hagan,

I am writing to ask that you support the inclusion of H.R. 413/S. 1611, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act," into H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act," and to vote against any amendments to the collective bargaining bill language.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act will;

   1. Prohibits Strikes and concerted work actions.
   2. Calls for states to pass their own laws.
   3. Provides a method of resolving differences in the bargaining process.

It's time for public safety officers to have the same basic right that has been afforded to the private sector for the past 75 years.

Your support is VERY important to protecting working public safety officers throughout the country and in North Carolina.

Respectfully,

Terry Mangum

State President

North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation act (PSEECA). I greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important issue.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009 (S.3194) was introduced in the Senate on April 12, 2010. The bill was proposed as an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 4899). However it was deemed non-germane and was never voted upon.

PSEECA would require states to comply with federal collective bargaining regulations for public safety employees if the state does not provide its own collective bargaining rights for these employees. Public safety officers, such as firefighters and police officers, would have the right to form and join a labor union, and public employers, such as city governments, would be required to bargain with these organizations. Certain states already have collective bargaining laws for public safety employees, but these laws vary. North Carolina's current law effectively prohibits collective bargaining by voiding any contract negotiated between a public employer and a union.

While I support the principle of allowing employees to have a voice in their workplace, this legislation would mandate, from the federal level, that states allow collective bargaining for public employees. This is a state issue, and I believe it should be left up to the individual states to decide what system works best for them.

Again, thank you for contacting my office. It is truly an honor to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate, and I hope you will not hesitate to contact me in the future should you have any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Kay R. Hagan 

Please do not reply to this email. Instead, if you have further questions, please vi2it www.hagan.senate.gov and fill out my web form for your inquiry. Thank you. 

July 9, 2010

Dear Senator Hagan,

I just received your response to my earlier request today to support our Collective Bargaining efforts.  I was quite puzzled at your response which I quote below:

"While I support the principle of allowing employees to have a voice in their workplace, this legislation would mandate, from the federal level, that states allow collective bargaining for public employees. This is a state issue, and I believe it should be left up to the individual states to decide what system works best for them."

In 2008, when you were seeking the endorsement of the NC State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, you answered our questionnaire.  Question #3: The Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports legislation which provides minimal collective bargaining rights for public safety employees (i.e., law enforcement officers and firefighters). What is your position on public employees collective bargaining and will you support passage of legislation like H.R. 980 / S.2123, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act," that guarantees basic rights for public safety employees?

Your response: "I support the ability for public employees to choose to organize and collectively bargain."

The question specifically referred to the Federal bills, H.R. 980 and S. 2123, and you expressed your support, both in the questionnaire and in your personal recorded appearance before our delegation in Greensboro in September 2008.

There are 100 sheriffs in North Carolina and maybe twice as many members of the League of Municipalities. 

The North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police has over 6,300 members.

It seems to me that you would rather support the men and women of law enforcement in North Carolina instead of the League and the Sheriffs Association.

I anxiously await your explanation of the difference in you position once elected as opposed to when you were seeking our endorsement.

Sincerely,

Terry Mangum
State President
North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police

Editor's Note: The form below demonstrates that as recently as the May 13, 2010 Day-on-the-Hill, Senator Hagan was telling us she would vote for "cloture" in contrast to her new position.