ALERT, IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED ON SB610

04/07/2010
Fraternal Order of Police
Florida State Lodge
From the Desk of President James Preston

Okay folks, the Florida Senate will vote on SB 610 - Impasse Bill tomorrow morning (04/08/2010). We have consistently opposed this bill that gives the County Sheriff the ability as a "legislative body" to create and then rule on an impasse during collective bargaining. We all know this bill will kill collective bargaining for Deputy Sheriffs in Florida. The Sheriffs have even told us so. And we believe them.

Senator Al Lawson has agreed to offer an amendment to SB 610 on the floor. An amendment approved by the FOP. Senator Lawson spoke with us today to say he has at least 14 other Senators willing to support this amendment.

Here is Senator Lawson's amendment:

d) Thereafter, the legislative body shall take such action as it deems to
be in the public interest, including the interest of the public employees
involved, to resolve all disputed fiscal budgetary impasse issues, however
the chief executive officer shall provide that all collective bargaining
unit employees are guaranteed just *or* proper cause with regard to any
disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, demotion *or*
termination. Non fiscal issues at impasse shall be resolved by an
independent arbitrator. Any actions taken by the arbitrator shall bind the parties in accordance with paragraph (4)(c).

While we would prefer the bill not pass at all, at least this amendment would take the sting out of the consequences, provide "just cause" and binding arbitration on impasse issues.

Now, I need you one more time to contact your Senator, any Senator, all Senators and ask them to support the amendment offered by Senator Lawson. We only need a few more votes to turn this bill around and they are listening to all of the calls and emails. If you are a Deputy Sheriff, this is your time to speak out to prevent this bill from taking away your right to engage in a fair negotiation process. That is after all, all we are asking for.

Time is short, take just a few moments to write today *or* this evening. IT IS THAT IMPORTANT!


Sample email, cut and paste:

Dear Senator,

I am writing to enlist your support for Senator Al Lawson's amendment to Senate Bill 610. This amendment will guarantee fundamental fairness to all Deputy Sheriffs in Florida that engage in the collective bargaining process. Please consider this amendment as a positive compromise to the unfair language in the current SB 610. This amendment satisfies the concerns of the employees ,and is a fair alternative. Thank you for your positive vote for Senator Lawson’s amendment.

d) Thereafter, the legislative body shall take such action as it deems to
be in the public interest, including the interest of the public employees
involved, to resolve all disputed fiscal budgetary impasse issues, however
the chief executive officer shall provide that all collective bargaining
unit employees are guaranteed just *or* proper cause with regard to any
disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, demotion *or*
termination. , Non fiscal issues at impasse shall be resolved by an
independent arbitrator. , Any actions taken by the arbitrator shall bind the parties in accordance with paragraph (4)(c).

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT, CONTACT THE BELOW LISTED SENATORS AND THOSE SENATORS IN YOUR DISTRICTS AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT SENATOR LAWSON’S AMENDMENT TO SB610.

This is the link to all Florida Senators;
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/ind ... &Submenu=1

Senator Carey Baker, District 20
Consists of parts of Lake, Marion, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties
(850) 487-5014
baker.carey.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Garrett Richter, District 37
Consists of parts of Collier, and Lee counties
(850) 487-5124
richter.garrett.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Paula Dockery, District 15
Consists of parts of Hernando, Lake, Osceola, Polk, and Sumter counties
(850) 487-5040
dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Alex Villalobos, District 38
Consists of part of Miami-Dade county
(850) 487-5130
villalobos.alex.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Nancy Detert
Consists of parts of Charlotte, Manatee, and Sarasota counties
(850) 487-5081
detert.nancy.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Victor Crist, District 12
Consists of parts of Hillsborough, and Pasco counties
(850) 487-5068
crist.victor.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Andy Gardiner, District 9
Consists of parts of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties
(850) 487-5047
gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Evelyn Lynn, District 7
Consists of parts of Clay, Marion, Putnam, and Volusia counties
(850) 487-5033
lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Joe Negron, District 28
Consists of Martin, and parts of Indian River, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties
(850) 487-5088
negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov

[Tom]

Please read this and call your representative immediately. The Legislature will adjourn on
April 30 so there is no time for a letter, call immediately. A basic message that you can put in your
own words is included along with important details.

Here is a legislative updates regarding SB 610 and HB 417 which will gut
collective bargaining and other negotiations for sheriffs' deputies and other county public
employees throughout Florida. During the past several weeks the International Union of Police Associations and its Florida locals
have been opposing this legislation,with the support of the Florida AFL-CIO, the Florida
Alliance for Retired Americans and numerous AFL-CIO affiliates.


Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, SB 610 passed the full Senate. As you will recall, SB 610
would allow those officials named to act as both arbitrator and negotiator and settle any impasse proceedings in
their favor. The bill passed by more than a two to one margin indicating the Republican dominance in the
Senate. The focus now is on HB 417. If it can be defeated, SB 610 will die with adjournment.

A comparable bill, HB 417 is moving through several House committees with similar strength. It passed the
Governmental Affairs Policy Committee with a vote of 10 in favor and only one member opposing it.

HB 417 has gone to the Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development. If it is approved
there it will go on to the Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council before it goes to the
floor of the House.

Given the strength behind this bill, coupled with the fact that as a Republican sponsored bill and a
House with a two thirds Republican majority, it will be an uphill battle to defeat it. Your immediate
phone calls are critical. If it dies in committee your calls will still be important as this may come back next year.

To find your Representative and their phone number go to http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/

International Union of Police Associations - AFL-CIO chartered union uniquely for law enforcement and support personnel.

http://www.iupa.org