WASHINGTON (WCAX) – Vermont Sen. Peter Welch is joining other senators in trying to expand rights for public sector workers to join unions and engage in collective bargaining.
Unlike workers in the private sector, there is no federal law protecting the rights of public sector workers to perform union activities.
Welch is a cosponsor of the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which would create federal protections for those workers living in states that don’t already outline those rights.
“Public servants are at the heart of our country and are essential to the functioning of our communities. The work of public employees—from our teachers to health care professionals to firefighters—is invaluable, and they deserve fair wages that reflect the important work they do every day,” Welch, D-Vermont, said in a statement. “This bill will ensure that public sector employees have federal protections to form a union and collectively bargain in their efforts to secure better pay and safer working conditions for their essential work.”