Working together, the FOP/ALC have already made improvements at DPS:
DPS Pay Plan
Employee Representation
FLSA Issues
Overtime Compensation
LEMSC Hearings
Employment Conditions
Grievances
Due Process
Complaints and Discipline
Frequently asked Questions
I’m a civilian employee of DPS. I thought this “Meet and Confer” bill was only for the sworn officers. What does it mean to me?
Civilian employees are included in the provisions of SB 1042, commonly called “Meet and Confer.” This means that you, as a civilian, have a voice in deciding what organization will speak for all of us in the Meet and Confer process. The DPS Labor Council has been created with distinctly separate sworn and civilian components, so your voice will be heard and your needs and concerns will be addressed.
Why have I not heard of the DPS Labor Council before now? Is this just a new name for the FOP?
The DPS Labor Council was created by the Arizona Labor Council (ALC) as the “Local Representative Executive Committee” for labor-related negotiations with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The ALC has provided legal representation to FOP and FOP Associate members for ten years. These services include representation on work-related issues as well as numerous non-work issues.
I thought Arizona was a “right-to-work” state. Is the DPS Labor Council a union?
The Fraternal Order of Police DPS Labor Council is a Union. We are dedicated to the betterment of all Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel through representation of its members in Meet and Confer and other labor relations matters.
Excerpt from The FOP Journal - August 2005
Right to Work Defined: In legalese, right to work more specifically means that otherwise-qualified employees are entitled to work at unionized workplaces without joining the associated unions or paying regular union dues. But right to work (non-union) employees might have to pay unions for the portion of dues spent representing them, such as pursuing grievances on their behalf.
In other words, under the right to work principle, workers don’t have to join unions or pay regular union dues to land or keep jobs. They may also cancel union membership at any time without losing their jobs. But they are still entitled to fair and equal union representation while working in bargaining units of unionized workplaces. However, they might have to pay unions for the cost of such representation.
...Chuck Canterbury
National FOP President
Can someone contact me personally so I can get more information about the DPS Labor Council?
Of course. Click on the “Contact Us” link and follow the instructions. We’ll be glad to call or meet with you to answer your questions.
Will I actually be able to cast a vote for my choice of a representative organization, or will this be decided by which organization has the most members?
Every employee of the Department of Public Safety will be entitled to vote. It doesn’t matter which organization has more members. Each individual will have the opportunity to make up their own mind about which organization they feel will do the best job of representing their interests, and cast their vote accordingly.
Do I have to be a member of the FOP or FOPA in order to vote for the DPS Labor Council when it is time to choose?
No. You can be a member of any organization, or no organization at all. We recommend that you check out the facts about each organization, and vote for the one you feel will best represent you. Naturally, we hope you will join either the FOP or FOPA, but that’s not a requirement for you to vote for us.
Does your legal plan offer more than just representation on work-related issues? Will it cover my spouse?
Yes to both questions. The ALC legal coverage includes such things as creation of simple wills, assistance on homeowner association issues, representation on traffic citations (except DUI), and free telephone consultation on numerous other matters. Also, your spouse is fully covered by the plan at no additional cost. For more details, click on the “Legal Plan” link.
What can I do to help get this important information out to my fellow employees?
Contact us and let us know you want to help. We’ll provide you with all the information and resources you need to share your convictions with your co-workers.
No one knows the dangers and the difficulties faced by today's police officers better than another officer, and no one knows police officers better than the FOP.
