House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D.-S.C.) wants to include the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act as part of the war supplemental coming before the House this week. The bill forces state and local governments to collectively bargain with police, firefighters and emergency workers. Its critics say it would compel volunteer firefighters to join unions, threatening the survival of America’s nearly 26,000 volunteer fire departments.

The act would affect some states more than others. In North Carolina and Virginia, for example, collective bargaining is currently prohibited.
Under the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, also known as PSEECA, the International Association for Fire Fighters stands to gain. The union, which represents career firefighters, strongly opposes volunteers and prohibits its members from belonging to volunteer departments, even when they’re not on duty.

“Firefighters unions vehemently oppose volunteer firefighters because they reduce the need for paid firefighters,” Sherk said. “They levy stiff internal fines against unionized firefighters who volunteer off-duty. By requiring all states and localities to collectively bargain, PSEECA would make it easier for unions to crack down on volunteer firefighting.” READ MORE TO CHECK THE AFFECT ON YOUR STATE AT THE SOURCE

Volunteer Fire Departments would be no more from how most read this bill. This would mean less fire stations and cause higher fire insurance because of homes being further away from the fire stations! Why do we have Volunteers, yes you’re right the States and Counties can not afford to pay all firemen needed! We have always relied on volunteer firemen to fight house fires to save lives and now the democrats want to take that away!