[Comm-Council] FW: NEWS RELEASE: Governor Signs Law to Strengthen Workplace Safety for Firefighters, Police and Public Safety Employees

[HOKLIN Lonn * DAS DO]

Lonn Hoklin

Public Affairs Manager

Oregon Department of Administrative Services

503.378.2627

503.428.2169 (cell)

________________________________

From: SHERWOOD Jodi L * Governor's Office 
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:06 PM
To: EXEC Net List
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Governor Signs Law to Strengthen Workplace Safety
for Firefighters, Police and Public Safety Employees

 

 

 

 

 

Theodore R. Kulongoski

          Governor

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    

May 16, 2007

 

Contacts:

Anna Richter Taylor: 503.378.6169

Jake Weigler: 503.378.6496

Kristina Edmunson: 503.378.5040

 

Governor Signs Law to Strengthen Workplace Safety for Firefighters,
Police and Public Safety Employees
Legislation allows public safety officers to bargain for increased
safety measures


Salem - Today Governor Ted Kulongoski was joined by firefighters, law
enforcement officers and other public safety employees to sign Senate
Bill 400 into law, which reinstates fire fighters, police and
corrections officers' ability to negotiate for increased safety and
staffing measures in their collective bargaining agreements.

 

"Every day in Oregon, workers leave their homes and go to their jobs,
putting themselves in harm's way to serve their state and provide for
their families," Governor Ted Kulongoski said.  "By signing this
legislation today, labor and management will work together to ensure the
safety of Oregon's public workplaces by identifying and eliminating
hazards, providing practical training and, most importantly, involving
all employees in safe and healthy work practices." 

 

Prior to 1995, state collective bargaining negotiations included safety
and staffing issues for particular public employees, including
firefighters, police officers and guards at correctional institutions
and mental health hospitals.  In 1995, the Legislature changed the law
from mandatory to voluntary.  Senate Bill 400 reinstates collective
bargaining for safety issues or staffing levels that have an impact on
the on-the-job safety of employees.

 

"This bill was a long time coming - and I want to recognize the
legislative leaders who broke the decade-long gridlock to make sure our
public employees have the safety protections they deserve," the Governor
continued. "I don't see this legislation as the end - I hope that it is
a beginning of a new era of cooperation and increased vigilance to keep
Oregon's public workers safe and on the job."

 

-30-

 

 

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