Firehouse.com News

Collective bargaining for all of the nation\’s public safety workers is a step closer to becoming law.

The measure — that\’s been in the works for about 16 years — has been included in the House Supplemental Appropriations Bill.

IAFF and FOP officials are working closely with legislators to insure that the amendments presented are acceptable, and will gain the necessary votes.

\”We\’ve had bi-partisan support in the past, and we still do,\” said Barry Kasinitz, IAFF director of government affairs.

He sees the inclusion of the measure in a bill that funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and relief from the massive oil leak as the perfect vehicle to move it through.

Supplemental appropriations — considered as a must pass bill — is expected to be concluded before members of Congress take their month-long August recess.