Is my union looking out for me?

[sherando]

What is the name of your state?FL
I work for a county sheriff and our union the f.o.p.e. was in the process of suing the sheriff over labor disputes because of posts that were being shutdown. In effect this caused a severe security violation, we were looking at getting a large lawsuit, the sheriff had already exhausted all of his resources and the union had him under their thumb. Then all of the sudden the union made a deal with the sheriff give every deputy $1000.00 before taxes and we will give you authority to shut down posts!
My question is: did our union go against us in this dispute by selling out to the sheriff and giving him exactly what we were fighting him over, without our "deputies/union members" consent? We were never allowed to vote on this issue and it was all done in a hush hush scenario.
Also, this happened approximately 6 months ago is there any recourse for us in this situation? I think since we pay the union to represent us we should also be involved in any legal decisions that may be a security factor for the workforce at large. Were we supposed to be able to vote on this situation or can the union make its own deals for their "benefit" and not that of the employees they represent?

 

[John/nyc]

What is the name of your state?FL
I work for a county sheriff and our union the f.o.p.e. was in the process of suing the sheriff over labor disputes because of posts that were being shutdown. In effect this caused a severe security violation, we were looking at getting a large lawsuit, the sheriff had already exhausted all of his resources and the union had him under their thumb. Then all of the sudden the union made a deal with the sheriff give every deputy $1000.00 before taxes and we will give you authority to shut down posts!
My question is: did our union go against us in this dispute by selling out to the sheriff and giving him exactly what we were fighting him over, without our "deputies/union members" consent? We were never allowed to vote on this issue and it was all done in a hush hush scenario.
Also, this happened approximately 6 months ago is there any recourse for us in this situation? I think since we pay the union to represent us we should also be involved in any legal decisions that may be a security factor for the workforce at large. Were we supposed to be able to vote on this situation or can the union make its own deals for their "benefit" and not that of the employees they represent?

Did anyone lose their job as a result of the closings?

What is your evidence that "the sheriff had already exhausted all of his resources and the union had him under their thumb."

 

[ptlmejo]

Also, bear in mind that a vote doesn't have to be of all member, but just a quorum...whatever that may be for your bargaining unit.

I hate to see stuff like this...comprimises officer safety in a big way.

 

[ortdude]

For recourse in this situation you will probably have to look at 2 different options.

1. Your unions constitution, can you bring charges against your union officers for failure to represent? Your union by-laws, or constitution should address the issue of bringing charges against union officers.

2. Get active in your union, go to meetings, have a voice. Hold your officers accountable for there actions, vote them out of office in the next election if need be.

Good Luck!