Dispatch Union

[bmj969]

We are attempting to sever ties with our current union and form Dispatchers Union, there are 5 of us dispatching Police,Fire, and EMS. If anyone has done this I could use any direction at all. The Union we are currently in is made up of office workers, bus drivers, librarians,etc. Our needs and work schedules are much different. If anyone has attempted this successfully of not, I could use the input (especially in massachusettes). Thanks

[barbara]

I don't know how this would be done but, our department has made
mention of wanting to start a seperate union for dispatchers also. I
think it would be a good idea. It seems when we negotiate a contract,
the officers needs are taken care of first and foremost. We are almost
an afterthought.

[Guest]

We looked into forming our own union due to the fact that we are stuck with the communications workers of america and they are beyond horrible. Unfortunately, in order to form a dispatchers union you need more than 50% of the dispatchers to agree, and our supervisors scared everyone into not agreeing. We ended up with about 40%. Anyway, you need to contact a union attorney. Your local PBA or FOP guys should be able to recommend one of theirs. You will have to all chip in for a retainer, then the attorney will let you know where to go from there. As I recall it all takes about 3-4 months. Its a great idea if you can get everyone to agree! People are usually scared to change, even when something is clearly not working, So expect an uphill battle.

[Relinda]

The Fraternal order of Police is now representing civilian personnel in contract negotiations. We are not a "union" per say but a labor unit nationwide. There are classifications for certified law enforcement and for civilian employees. I will be happy to forward any information.
We have been under FOP for 6 years now for contract negotiations and representation.

Relinda Broom
Charlotte Co So
Punta Gorda, Fl

[Relinda]

The FOP civilians are: communications personnel, records, clerks, corrections non certified personnel, secretaries, crime scene, evidence and anyone non certified. There are some non certified who are exempt from being included.

[bmj969]

I would appreciate any info you can send me regarding the FOP. There are 5 Dispatchers and are all in agreement about changing,but, no one wanted to take charge of it until now. I will also search the web for FOP info. You can E-mail me directly at bmj969@yahoo.com. Thanks

Also, anyone else with info on forming our own Diapatcher Union please feel free to leave comments.

[APONTICELLI]

We are attempting to sever ties with our current union and form Dispatchers Union, there are 5 of us dispatching Police,Fire, and EMS. If anyone has done this I could use any direction at all. The Union we are currently in is made up of office workers, bus drivers, librarians,etc. Our needs and work schedules are much different. If anyone has attempted this successfully of not, I could use the input (especially in massachusettes). Thanks

HI, WE AT EASTON POLICE DEPT. (EASTON,MA) SEVERED TIES WITH AFSME AFTER 2,5 YRS. AFTER NOT SUCCEEDING IN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND JOINED THE SPEA UNION IN OUR TOWN (SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSN.) WE STILL MAINTAINED OUR EASTON PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER ASSN., JUST AFFILIATED WITH SPEA WHOM WE PAY OUR DUES TO AND USE THEIR ATTORNEY. WE WERE SUCCESSFUL IN OUR PAST 3 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS (I AM A NEGOTIATOR AND STEWARD). ANNE

[ac9114]

We are also looking at going union. Is anyone able to give us any help or suggestions? We have some information on CWA. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks

[bresnan18]

We were in an AFSCME Local with Paramedics, secretaries, librarians, other office workers. We just seperated a year ago and stayed with the Paramedics. Now it is EMS and Communications. WE just successfully completed our first independant contract and it is structured around 2/2/4 personnel not 8-4 office people. What a great contract we got with a very understanding and willing to cooperate County Government. I would be more than happy to put you in touch with our AFSCME rep and our Union President!! Best of luck and Hsppy Holidays !!


Sue Sokira
Fire/Medical Comm Specialist
New Castle County, DE
Bresnan18@aol.com
http://www.3911.org

[Beachwench]

Our Communications division is in the same union with our Police Officers, the TPEF or (Truro Police Employee's Federation). There was a lot of paperwork to establish ourselves as a union within the State (MA). I was the lucky one that got to fill out the paperwork that satisfys the IRS that we are not paying anyone of the Union Officers or members. We have a Legal Firm out of Boston that we worked with to file as a Union. It was Merrick and Louison Law Firm attourney was Doug Louison, They do work for the Mass Police Legal Defense Fund.
I know this doesn't help anyone much from outside of Massachusetts, but it might help someone. Of course if you look up our attourneys in MA, they may be able to suggest attourneys in your State.

[Cheryl]

Would appreciate any information on the union your 9-1-1 dispatchers belong to. We are currently with the Teamsters but some of the dispatchers are not happy with our contract and would like to see what other unions are available for us.
Thanks
rckt@epix.net

[redvelvetcake_57]

If anyone was ever successful at this, please let all of us know. As with others who said this, the officers needs are always met before the dispatchers. Because of this, even when they wanted to get a new union, the dispatchers tried to jump in and was immediately kicked out of the negotiations. So sad.