Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025

Source of recordUS Congress · congress.govLast synced Jul 10, 2026

Chamber

Senate

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
To President
Became Law

Overview

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the collective bargaining rights of public employees and supervisory staff. It establishes a federal minimum standard for these rights, requiring public employers to recognize and bargain with labor organizations and ensuring employees can engage in concerted activities for better terms and conditions of employment. The bill also creates a process for the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if state laws adequately protect these rights, with potential consequences for states that fall short.

Key provisions

Establishes a federal minimum standard for public employee collective bargaining rights, including the right to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities.
Defines ‘appropriate unit’ for bargaining, considering factors like bargaining history and employee interests.
Creates a process for the Federal Labor Relations Authority to assess whether state laws sufficiently protect public employee rights.
Prohibits lockouts and strikes that disrupt emergency or public safety services.
Addresses exceptions to the federal standard, such as for small political subdivisions or pension benefits.
Establishes a mechanism for resolving interest impasses in collective bargaining.
Requires payroll deduction of labor organization fees for duly chosen representatives.
Ensures enforcement of rights and procedures through state agencies or courts, as appropriate.