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Walton Deputies To Unionize.

Bob Wells avatar
Beach Fanatic
59,939 views
Congrats my fellow public servants. I want to encourage you to vote yes when the time comes. Don't let the comments sway you from protecting your job. I have read what Mike Adkinson has said and if he really had any realistic knowledge he would know that if he is elected he will be involved in the negotiations. At least he has said he is not ANTI-UNION which will concern the Republican Party which seems to have problems with UNIONS. Mike was even a member for 13 years, so hopefully, should he win the election, he will be more apt to work with LABOR than against them. Hopefully Danny will also be on thed same page as to working with LABOR than fighting with them. Had the politicians been addressing the concerns of those who worked for them maybe they would not be in this situation. Lets look at some events that may have caused the employees to consider UNIONIZING.
1> Being charged $100 a month for driving there vehicle home. I know that was recinded, but if they could have they would have.
2> Not being compensated for hours worked. As I understand, Deputies are compensated for overtime with Compensatory Time but are limited in using it which I understand that to be a violation of the FLSA. I had a friend who retired and had a large amount of comp time he lost when he retired. NOT FAIR TO HIM OR HIS FAMILY.
3> 2 Female Deputies basically terminated for being pregnant.
These are just the things that I know of and am sure there are other HORROR Stories going back farther than Ralph or even Quinn.
Brothers and Sisters, I'll stand with you for equitable treatment, fair pay and just cause. Take the politics out of who gets promoted, or who gets the plum assignments and at least start having a say in those things you can have a hand in changing.:D

Edited

Replies

414
Alicia Leonard avatar
SoWal Insider
#227
Just FYI.

WCSO unionization still moving forward
 By ALICIA LEONARD

The vice president of the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Police Benevolent Association (NWFPBA), Alan Miller, spoke with the Defuniak Herald this week about the controversy surrounding the possible unionization of the Walton County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) during the last weeks of outgoing Sheriff Ralph Johnson's term.
 Miller spoke on where the union process was and how the new sheriff might be involved with the process. "There are two separate issues. Joining is as simple as filling out and sending in a application. To start collective bargaining process, members of the department in question request us to come and get blue cards signed. A blue card is a form that is required by Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) to establish that there is enough interest to warrant an election. By signing a card, they are saying that they would like to bring it to a vote to have collective bargaining or not."
 Miller continued, "We have had more than enough respond that they are interested in the union. The cards they signed that signaled their interest are now in the hands of PERC. They decide how the different levels are set up between supervisors, employees, rank and file, as such, as well as oversee the election on whether or not to unionize."
 Miller said that a deputy may want to be a part of the union for "job security and legal protection. We have been able as a group to assist many officers with disciplinary problems, officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths. Many times, the officers involved in these situations is forgotten about. We provide him or her with an attorney, staff rep and many times members of our NWFPBA board respond to assure that all officers involved are okay and that their Police Officer Bill of Rights are not violated. By saying 'job protection,' when writing a contract, you are able to include checks and balances that level the playing filed for both the employee and the sheriff."
 Many have feared that the involvement of the union would hamper a newly-elected sheriff, but Miller said that this was not the purpose of the union. "We would welcome the involvement of the newly-elected sheriff. We don't know how long it will take to get everything lined up for the vote, so, we hope that the new sheriff can be a part of the process."
 Miller laid to rest the question of who approached the NWFPBA about possibly moving to union status. Miller said that deputies from the WCSO first approached the union. He said the rumors that Sheriff Ralph Johnson approached him are "not true," but that Johnson seems "agreeable" to the idea.
 Democratic candidate Danny Griffith has been endorsed by the NWFPBA. Miller said the choice to endorse was due to the fact that, "Danny has had a great career has a trooper and has been a member of the PBA for many years. He contacted us and we were proud to help him with a endorsement."
 Miller said the cost of being a member of the union will be $34 per month and he plans on meeting with the WCSO deputies in a few weeks. "We are not coming in and asking for outrageous salaries or anything like that," Miller continued. "We are community-based and our members are a part of the community. We just want to be able to provide them with a little security."
Beach Fanatic
#228
Not True?

Just FYI.

WCSO unionization still moving forward
By ALICIA LEONARD


The vice president of the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Police Benevolent Association (NWFPBA), Alan Miller, spoke with the Defuniak Herald this week about the controversy surrounding the possible unionization of the Walton County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) during the last weeks of outgoing Sheriff Ralph Johnson's term.
Miller spoke on where the union process was and how the new sheriff might be involved with the process. "There are two separate issues. Joining is as simple as filling out and sending in a application. To start collective bargaining process, members of the department in question request us to come and get blue cards signed. A blue card is a form that is required by Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) to establish that there is enough interest to warrant an election. By signing a card, they are saying that they would like to bring it to a vote to have collective bargaining or not."
Miller continued, "We have had more than enough respond that they are interested in the union. The cards they signed that signaled their interest are now in the hands of PERC. They decide how the different levels are set up between supervisors, employees, rank and file, as such, as well as oversee the election on whether or not to unionize."
Miller said that a deputy may want to be a part of the union for "job security and legal protection. We have been able as a group to assist many officers with disciplinary problems, officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths. Many times, the officers involved in these situations is forgotten about. We provide him or her with an attorney, staff rep and many times members of our NWFPBA board respond to assure that all officers involved are okay and that their Police Officer Bill of Rights are not violated. By saying 'job protection,' when writing a contract, you are able to include checks and balances that level the playing filed for both the employee and the sheriff."
Many have feared that the involvement of the union would hamper a newly-elected sheriff, but Miller said that this was not the purpose of the union. "We would welcome the involvement of the newly-elected sheriff. We don't know how long it will take to get everything lined up for the vote, so, we hope that the new sheriff can be a part of the process."
Miller laid to rest the question of who approached the NWFPBA about possibly moving to union status. Miller said that deputies from the WCSO first approached the union. He said the rumors that Sheriff Ralph Johnson approached him are "not true," but that Johnson seems "agreeable" to the idea.
Democratic candidate Danny Griffith has been endorsed by the NWFPBA. Miller said the choice to endorse was due to the fact that, "Danny has had a great career has a trooper and has been a member of the PBA for many years. He contacted us and we were proud to help him with a endorsement."
Miller said the cost of being a member of the union will be $34 per month and he plans on meeting with the WCSO deputies in a few weeks. "We are not coming in and asking for outrageous salaries or anything like that," Miller continued. "We are community-based and our members are a part of the community. We just want to be able to provide them with a little security."

Who approached PBA? If it was an employee (notice, I did not say "deputy", thus implying a supervisor...), who was it? I bet it was someone very, very close to Ralph;-). Someone who'd do his bidding for him, even if it meant stabbing a fellow officer between the shoulder blades (We do know what you've done...). That narrows the list down a bit, doesn't it folks?:cool:
Alicia Leonard avatar
SoWal Insider
#229
Who approached PBA? If it was an employee (notice, I did not say "deputy", thus implying a supervisor...), who was it? I bet it was someone very, very close to Ralph;-). Someone who'd do his bidding for him, even if it meant stabbing a fellow officer between the shoulder blades (We do know what you've done...). That narrows the list down a bit, doesn't it folks?:cool:

Mr. Miller responded in the article that is was more than one, as such, he used the term Deputies. :idontno:
Beach Fanatic
#230
B.s.

Mr. Miller responded in the article that is was more than one, as such, he used the term Deputies. :idontno:

OK, thanks for that info. "Deputies" is a catch all word. I still bet my money on my hunch. But, I've been wrong before... rarely.:floor:
Alicia Leonard avatar
SoWal Insider
#231
OK, thanks for that info. "Deputies" is a catch all word. I still bet my money on my hunch. But, I've been wrong before... rarely.:floor:

Haven't we all:biggrin: I'm just a reporter, not the Truth-o meter:biggrin: But I did ask the question twice and I printed the response I received:idontno: As far as the B.s notation, I believe you can reach Mr. Miller and ask him yourself:wave:

Edited

Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#232
al, once again, a nice article. But from all the posts I've read in this thread, it would seem to me the new sheriff should be given a chance to talk to his personnel first hand before any decision is made regarding unionization of the WCSO. I certainly agree with Irisheyes' earlier post regarding how the deputies were contacted. Give Mike Adkinson the right to talk to his troops and explain what his program will be. Then, if the deputies want to vote on a union that is fine. BTW, why don't you interview the new sheriff and get his feelings on the controversial issue? It would make an interesting article.
scooterbug44 avatar
SoWal Expert
#233
My big problem w/ the whole thing is that after years w/o a union and an appalling (at least IMO) record of employment and staffing issues, the sheriff is suddenly for it and concerned about his employees.

Plus, people are making sure it happens before the new sheriff takes office.

The sketchy meter is really pinging on this one!!!!
Alicia Leonard avatar
SoWal Insider
#234
al, once again, a nice article. But from all the posts I've read in this thread, it would seem to me the new sheriff should be given a chance to talk to his personnel first hand before any decision is made regarding unionization of the WCSO. I certainly agree with Irisheyes' earlier post regarding how the deputies were contacted. Give Mike Adkinson the right to talk to his troops and explain what his program will be. Then, if the deputies want to vote on a union that is fine. BTW, why don't you interview the new sheriff and get his feelings on the controversial issue? It would make an interesting article.


Thanks, Andy. All three went on record two weeks ago about the issue. The feeling I got from this last article, from Mr. Millers quotes was that they want to work with the new Sheriff. I will do a follow up with our new Sheriff, but I would like to give him a few days of rest after such a long campaign, before I contact him:D:wave:

WCSO EMPLOYEES EYEING UNIONIZATION AMID CONTROVERY

By ALICIA LEONARD
The upcoming Walton County Sheriff?s Office (WCSO) elections seems to have provided a push among some employees to move toward becoming union members in the Police Benevolent Association (PBA).
Walton County Sheriff Ralph Johnson said he feels that the push for unionization is coming from employees fears over changes by a new administration. Johnson [?]
Read full post...
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#235
:bang::bang::bang::bang: Ahhhhhhh, found my happy place:D
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#236
Judging from the vote for SWFD commissioners I think people are not comfortable with the foxes guarding the henhouse.:shock:

Idlewind, obviously you are not informed again, we could have endorsed Mr. Abbit, he asked, secondly, Mr. Abbit was an major part of managements negotiations, nobodies leaving SWFD, maybe you need to do some more homework.

As far as Irisheyes comments, some of the anti union deputies were informed it really will be up to you as to when you negotiate. I have also communicated to the pro union deputies this same sentiment, maybe if you would sign a card you could make an impact reference this subject, you are obviously concerned and intelligent, you should become involved in the leadership in spite of some things you have said.

For all of you that think they should wait and this is RJ's slap to the face of the citizen and taxpayers, in the end it is up to the deputies, get use to it. If they vote yes, and the Union is formed it will be up to those folks to make the decisions.
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#237
Thanks, Andy. All three went on record two weeks ago about the issue. The feeling I got from this last article, from Mr. Millers quotes was that they want to work with the new Sheriff. I will do a follow up with our new Sheriff, but I would like to give him a few days of rest after such a long campaign, before I contact him:D:wave:

WCSO EMPLOYEES EYEING UNIONIZATION AMID CONTROVERY

By ALICIA LEONARD
The upcoming Walton County Sheriff?s Office (WCSO) elections seems to have provided a push among some employees to move toward becoming union members in the Police Benevolent Association (PBA).
Walton County Sheriff Ralph Johnson said he feels that the push for unionization is coming from employees fears over changes by a new administration. Johnson [?]
Read full post...
Thanks for posting this, al. Somehow I missed it, probably because it was close to our Houston trip. It explains Sheriff-elect Adkinson's position quite ncely and I hope citizens, deputies and yes, even FF2 pay attention to what he had to say. GIVE HIM A CHANCE. You elected him.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#238
AA, read all my post.:wave:
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#239
AA, read all my post.:wave:
I've read every post on this situation and I don't agree with your being involved in the politics and uniionization of the sheriff's department. Also, I do note you say waiting until after Jan. 1st is OK. My advice as a taxpayer in Walton County, which I certainly don't expect you to take, is stick to fire department affairs, the sheriff deputies can decide to unionize or not without help from the fire department. (Note al's article where Mike Adkinson says they are a different breed of cat regarding unionization.)
WhoDat1 avatar
Beach Lover
#240
I've read every post on this situation and I don't agree with your being involved in the politics and uniionization of the sheriff's department. Also, I do note you say waiting until after Jan. 1st is OK. My advice as a taxpayer in Walton County, which I certainly don't expect you to take, is stick to fire department affairs, the sheriff deputies can decide to unionize or not without help from the fire department. (Note al's article where Mike Adkinson says they are a different breed of cat regarding unionization.)

I welcome my brothers and sisters in public safety(firefighters, paramedics, corrections officers) to weigh in on this issue.....I'm a Deputy AND also a tax payer.....this is a public forum for sowallers....I believe FF2 is a member. If only deputies were posting, there would hardly be any posts at all. They are just READING this page....:roll:

NOTE:::::::
Many have feared that the involvement of the union would hamper a newly-elected sheriff, but Miller said that this was not the purpose of the union. "We would welcome the involvement of the newly-elected sheriff. We don't know how long it will take to get everything lined up for the vote, so, we hope that the new sheriff can be a part of the process."

Edited

Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#241
As a taxpayer and voter in Walton County I believe I have the right to be involved in politics and my employees lives when it comes to their wellbeing, health and pay. If I choose to support or not to support an isue/ candidate is my business and mine alone. Anytime you feel the need to give up your rights/ belief you do so, that is your business. Although I am a firefighter I am also a Union member and will expressed my pro union opinion as I see fit, that does not mean we will agree and thats alright too. If I encourage them to vote yes then so be it, but in most of my post I have stated they should vote up or down based on what they collectively decide not me, you or now Mike. It is their decision, which I will support either way. I attempted to see things from a different perspective than you, but I came to realize that waiting to negotiate a contract would help to alleviate the hard feelings, but what I have noticed is that rather than see a compromise, you feel you need the whole enchillada. My only concern has been the Deputies, yours, in my opinion, is your own self interest. I have gained or lost nothing by supporting these Men and Women, and am proud of it.
Good Evening
Bob
Beach Comber
#242
al, once again, a nice article. But from all the posts I've read in this thread, it would seem to me the new sheriff should be given a chance to talk to his personnel first hand before any decision is made regarding unionization of the WCSO. I certainly agree with Irisheyes' earlier post regarding how the deputies were contacted. Give Mike Adkinson the right to talk to his troops and explain what his program will be. Then, if the deputies want to vote on a union that is fine. BTW, why don't you interview the new sheriff and get his feelings on the controversial issue? It would make an interesting article.




Well ask Mr. Miller why then Ricky Mayo told deputies, at a meeting that held at the Sheriffs office, where he clearly stated that #1 Ralph contacted he. He also, stated that they wanted to push this through including the contract being wrote up before Jan 1st. Now ask yourself this WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT ? Why would we trust this? If it was done after the first under Mike Adkinson, who we now know is the Sheriff to be, we would not have a problem with it. I dont trust anything thats being said. The PBA was backing Danny, and we had been told that Danny was being backed by Ralph himself. There was just too much that we as deputies could not and did not trust. We just want to wait until there is a clean slate to work with then... we will work with the PBA, who we want to work with Mike, if its voted on.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#243
Irish, that article should have changed things for you, right. Kind of giving you part of what you want isn't it. Any compromise from your side. Sort of what has been said all along. Also, you and 1 other person are the only 2 deputies that have advised that Mayo said RJ called the Union in, that I have been able to find.

Edited

Beach Comber
#244
Irish, that article should have changed things for you, right. Kind of giving you part of what you want isn't it. Any compromise from your side. Sort of what has been said all along. Also, you and 1 other person are the only 2 deputies that have advised that Mayo said RJ called the Union in, that I have been able to find.



Just because we were the only two that contacted you doesnt mean that its not so. I am not in the habit of lying and dont appreicate you implying that I am doing so. Trust me if it works out that this is how it goes down I will be happy as a pig in slob. However, things arent always what they seem just because someone said it is. I heard it come out of that mans mouth, and hey he is the PBA rep. I am sick of trying to explain things with you. This is the SO fight not FD's. I have told you before that I thank you for your help, but when you sit there and make it look like I am making stuff up to make the PBA look bad, well that just ticks me off. So I have nothing further to say to you. We will just see how the DEPUTIES vote on this.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#245
Not implying anything, I was stating that I have not been able to find anyone else, I am not questioning your integrity/ honesty, but I have asked other deputies if they had heard the same thing, they were either in a different meeting or did not attend the one you attended. Second, you don't have to explain anything to me, I didn't expect you to. As for this being a Deputy issue, I am just being supportive, you can accept or reject that, your choice. Again in most of my post, I have repeatly said this will be decided by the Deputies up or down, and as long it is decided by the Deputies I would stand with them either way. Obviously I support the Union but it is your choice.
Beach Comber
#246
taken out of context

Deputies approached Mr Mayo about the union not the sheriff. What Mr Mayo was talking about was the sheriff asked about the process of the union after the deputies had talked to Mr Mayo. He also stated in the meeting that he didnt give a shoot who the next sheriff was going to be that PBA would work with whoever the new sheriff was that he would like to see the contract in place before the first with benefits and issues in place for the deputies.Then the new sheriff could negotiate two items.PBA is for the deputies and the deputies had a choice to vote yea or nay. Mr Mayo was bashed in that meeting and he handled it very well.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#247
So, was it a misunderstanding? Could it have been interpeted the way Irish interpeted? Just curious because Irish was not the only one who said it. I was also told there were 2 meetings, besides the PBA rep was there anyone who attended both meetings that could weigh in on the subject?
Hi Andy A
Bob
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#248
FF2, you have made your position crystal clear, not once, but many times. I have stated mine, as a concerned citizen and taxpayer, once. I will now leave it where it should be, up to the deputies. And while I recognize and commend your support of them and your position, I suggest you do the same. This is my last post on the subject as I realize it is not my concern but only in my interest as one of many who pays the bills and has the overall good of the county and present deputies at heart. As I have said many times, my contacts with our deputies has always been superlative and I have never had a bad experience with any of them. It is definitely their decision but I hope they consider what their $34.00 a month is really buying.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#249
For it
What 2 items were they going to leave for the new Sheriff and what other items were they attempting to negotiate before the new Sheriff took office? Were they talking about including the new Sheriff in the negotiation process also?
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#250
Andy all I said was hi, I understand your position, I, like you disagree. That's ok, its great to be able to disagree without being disagreeable, have a good day.
Beach Comber
#251
Ff2

Any two articles a year. Also there are memorandums of under standing between both sides that can be approached. The deputies best interest will be kept at all times by the PBA. :clap:

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