Police union followed the rules

Six cops were laid off in Prospect Heights, and the impression was given that the union was responsible. A citizen wrote to Fence Post expressing dismay that the union prevented the officers from accepting furloughs.

The truth? Our union has a contract with Prospect Heights. It doesn't contain furloughs. Last year, the city furloughed police employees, without discussions with the officers or union.

The officers asked their union (Metropolitan Alliance of Police) to fight these infringements. It was improper in that the city made no effort to bargain. MAP did what the officers asked, which is what a union is supposed to do. We did not go forward until the officers filed the grievance, which was sent to the labor board. An independent arbitrator ruled in favor of the union.

Every step of the way, MAP told the officers layoffs could happen. They said keep fighting. MAP wins the grievance, the city whines and decides to layoff cops in retaliation. At this point, some officers may have said they would accept furloughs because the city threatened jobs. The officers are still telling us to keep fighting.

MAP offered to continue furloughs while preserving our win, holding off on back pay issues and other grievances until mid-November or longer, while we met with the city to try to resolve this matter. That's the truth. But the city said no you give up everything you won, pending grievances, and possibly other concessions, or the layoffs continue.

It's simply disingenuous by Prospect Heights officials. Citizens are not getting the true story. The city is playing this game in order to blame the union and the cops for something the city caused. Some of these officials are worse than liars.

Joseph M. Andalina

President

Metropolitan Alliance of Police