Unions (what A Headache)

[OHDEP69]

Well it's that wonderful time again to renegotiate a new contract but this time around we decided to spice it up a bit by shopping around and dropping our current union (what fun!!). We have met with OPBA, FOP and as of now the majority of the body really wants to start our own entity by using a well known local lawyer. There is some apprehension about the last option. Who do you guys have out there, how long... and are you happy with the overall representation (we all know not EVERYONE is going to be 100% pleased).

[clobd6278]

When I worked for Lorain P.D. we had two seperate unions. The patrol officers belonged to the FOP and the corrections officers and dispatchers belonged to the OPBA. What I noticed about the two unions(I was with the OPBA) was that the OPBA tended to get things resolved quickly, but not always in the best interest of the officer. They tended to settle out of court rather than attempt to fight. The FOP always seemed to go to court but the process was slow. My friend was fired and won his job back but was in court and out of work for two years. That can place a big burden on someone who is not prepared for it. If I had to pick I would go with the FOP. They seem to have more clout and are more willing to look out for the officer in the long run.
Hope this helps.

Chris