Walton Deputies To Unionize.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 21, '08 · 2:18 PM59,939

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.

Edited Oct 21, '08 · 2:22 PM

Replies

414

Beach Lover

Oct 28, '08 · 6:39 PM#102

Thanks for your post. I don't think anyone on this thread was trying to scare anyone though. I think we were just trying to educate some of the voters on the site. If some of these folks against the union effort are deputies...then they did'nt learn their lesson with the last two sheriffs.

The PBA has my vote to bargain!

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 7:23 PM#103

Well my vote will cancel your vote out !!! I am against it 100 %... If it was allowed to come in under the new Sheriff that would be a whole differant ball game. However, even the PBA rep told us that they were trying to get this pushed through before the 1st. Why would they be doing that. I am certian that neither Mike, nor Danny are going to come in and fire folks. There are people I am sure are going to be demoted, and if that happens, then he is the Sheriff and has the right to pick his own people to stand under him. The people or should I say MOST of the people backing it are just scared, and maybe its because they have something to be scared for. I have backed Mike 100 % of this election, but never one time have I ever bad mouthed Danny. If he is to win I would gladly work under him. I know how I work and I know that I am good at my job. I dont think that either of these guys are shady. Even Danny stated in an interview he would hope that the PBA would allow this to be written up under the new Sheriff and that they would work with that person, since they would be taking over in 2009. Thats my two cents.

Beach FanaticAuthor

Oct 28, '08 · 7:34 PM#104

Yeah its the majority that will win out, hopefully what you say is true if it fails, I for one will be watching with interested.

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 7:34 PM#105

Becareful Irish Eyes, Please don't mis-quote me, besides you will be a Captain anyway, you will not be included in the bargaining unit, but setting that aside isn't it too soon, to be putting Mike in this position, the election isn't over yet, there is still one week before the votes will be counted, then you will be either celebrating or calling me see what we can do to speed up the process of getting a union in.

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 7:47 PM#106

I was under the impresstion they are voting.

Isn"t that what the cards are about? And what happens if someone doesn" want to be in it or can not afford to be? How can there be any bargining to be done? What is basicly held over the commissors head to get better pay? After all they are the ones that decide that. I know there is more to it than pay. I just have heard about strikes to get what you want and they can not strike. Just been hearing a whole different story as to what the PBA is that whats been on here. I also heard that there is no way to get this done before Jan and besides that the current sheriff's hands are tied on what he can do for the furtue and I woud think this would fall under that.

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 7:50 PM#107

Also Irish Eyes, are you willing to gamble everyones future on the hope that either will come in and not fire anyone. Will either candidate put that in writing, I don't think so.... This is one of the bonuses of a NEW SHERIFF WITHOUT A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING CONTRACT!!! I know I will not change your mind, but again why would anyone NOT secure their future by NOT voting in the union. Your argument is not convincing. VOTE PBA!!!! SECURE YOUR FUTURE!!! DON'T GAMBLE WITH YOUR LIVELY HOOD!!! REMEMBER, NO ONE WILL KNOW HOW YOU VOTED!!!

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 7:51 PM#108

Becareful Irish Eyes, Please don't mis-quote me, besides you will be a Captain anyway, you will not be included in the bargaining unit, but setting that aside isn't it too soon, to be putting Mike in this position, the election isn't over yet, there is still one week before the votes will be counted, then you will be either celebrating or calling me see what we can do to speed up the process of getting a union in.

Be careful? That almost comes across pompus....My question is how much do you stand to make on this little unionzation of the sheriffs office, since your so gung-ho to push it through before the new sheriff takes office one can only think it must be a pretty penny. What are you affraid of? Maybe if the new guy comes in and is given a chance he will make the department happy as a whole and you wont get paid....Oh my, talk about a kick in the shorts, or should I say the wallet.

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 8:00 PM#109

Isn"t that what the cards are about? And what happens if someone doesn" want to be in it or can not afford to be? How can there be any bargining to be done? What is basicly held over the commissors head to get better pay? After all they are the ones that decide that. I know there is more to it than pay. I just have heard about strikes to get what you want and they can not strike. Just been hearing a whole different story as to what the PBA is that whats been on here. I also heard that there is no way to get this done before Jan and besides that the current sheriff's hands are tied on what he can do for the furtue and I woud think this would fall under that.

If you do not want to be a member it will not cost you any money. This is some of the false information that is being put out. You can not strike and it will depend on how long it takes to come up with a contract. It is possible to have a contract in place before the first of the year. Some people are forgetting R J is the Sheriff until January, He is not a Lame Duck Sheriff. VOTE PBA!!!

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 8:05 PM#110

Be careful? That almost comes across pompus....My question is how much do you stand to make on this little unionzation of the sheriffs office, since your so gung-ho to push it through before the new sheriff takes office one can only think it must be a pretty penny. What are you affraid of? Maybe if the new guy comes in and is given a chance he will make the department happy as a whole and you wont get paid....Oh my, talk about a kick in the shorts, or should I say the wallet.

Again you are willing to gamble with everyone's future on this hope and prayer that the new guy will retain you. Oh, I forgot you met with him and he told you that he was keeping you. Get it in writing!!! How about your fellow employees? Still not a convincing arguement, Call it pompus if you want!! VOTE PBA

All we make off of it is the membership dues that is all!!! Don't buy into the False Information that is being put out!!!

Edited Oct 28, '08 · 8:12 PM

Beach FanaticAuthor

Oct 28, '08 · 8:06 PM#111

Isn"t that what the cards are about? And what happens if someone doesn" want to be in it or can not afford to be? How can there be any bargining to be done? What is basicly held over the commissors head to get better pay? After all they are the ones that decide that. I know there is more to it than pay. I just have heard about strikes to get what you want and they can not strike. Just been hearing a whole different story as to what the PBA is that whats been on here. I also heard that there is no way to get this done before Jan and besides that the current sheriff's hands are tied on what he can do for the furtue and I woud think this would fall under that.

Church Mouse, the information as to process is available for you to view. It is in an earlier post. As to whether you have to join, the answer would be no, but at the same time I don't believe you have representation if the need were to arise.

Again LEO 101, you can say give the new guy a chance, but what if the new guy cleans house. It has to stop, it may as well be now. Hopefully your not one that gets the boot.

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 8:07 PM#112

So than why

should some pay and some not? Doesnt seem fair. Can't give some a benifit that you get for them and not the others. ANd the current sheriff can't make choices on a lot of things anymore.

If you do not want to be a member it will not cost you any money. This is some of the false information that is being put out. You can not strike and it will depend on how long it takes to come up with a contract. It is possible to have a contract in place before the first of the year. Some people are forgetting R J is the Sheriff until January, He is not a Lame Duck Sheriff. VOTE PBA!!!

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 8:20 PM#113

If you do not want to be a member it will not cost you any money. This is some of the false information that is being put out. You can not strike and it will depend on how long it takes to come up with a contract. It is possible to have a contract in place before the first of the year. Some people are forgetting R J is the Sheriff until January, He is not a Lame Duck Sheriff. VOTE PBA!!!

It almost sounds like PBA Rep is in Ralph's back pocket too....and I beg to differ with you, Ralph can not spend any more than 1/12 of the budget for every month he remains in office. Any bargaining or contracts he signs or agrees upon over and above that leave him personally libel. Now tell me he isn?t a Lame Duck.

Beach Lover

Oct 28, '08 · 8:20 PM#114

Any one that wants to know about the Florida Police Benevolent Association can go to www.flpba.org and surf the site.

I would'nt put too much confidence in any of these arumentative posts from either side (PBA Rep, Irish Eyes, etc.) See for yourself how the PBA works.

Besides, I'm not too sure that PBA rep is actually a PBA rep. Don't buy into these arguemenative posts, folks. You'll be playing right into their hands. CHECK THE SITE YOURSELF!

Beach Comber

Oct 28, '08 · 8:38 PM#115

You are right WhoDat1, I should not buy into arguementative post, I'm not going to change their minds.
Bottom line Deputies is this, Don't gamble with your future, you need a contract. Some on here will continue spreading mistruths, spliting hairs, and trying to prevent you from voting on something that will benefit you and your family. Keep this in the back of your mind, why are they trying so hard to convince you into voting no? Just as WHODAT1 said check it out for yourself. www.flpba.org Again, my apologies.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '08 · 8:48 PM#116

If you do not want to be a member it will not cost you any money. This is some of the false information that is being put out. You can not strike and it will depend on how long it takes to come up with a contract. It is possible to have a contract in place before the first of the year. Some people are forgetting R J is the Sheriff until January, He is not a Lame Duck Sheriff. VOTE PBA!!!

This is about the most underhanded ploy I have ever heard of.:angry: For the outgoing sheriff ( who was totally rejected at the polls) to tie the hands of the new sheriff who will be popularly elected is just plain wrong. I think the employees will live to regret unionizing, but they have the right to do just that. Decorum dictates that they wait for the new sheriff to ride into town.

Beach Comber

Oct 29, '08 · 6:07 AM#117

This is about the most underhanded ploy I have ever heard of.:angry: For the outgoing sheriff ( who was totally rejected at the polls) to tie the hands of the new sheriff who will be popularly elected is just plain wrong. I think the employees will live to regret unionizing, but they have the right to do just that. Decorum dictates that they wait for the new sheriff to ride into town.

Again some are trying to side step the issue and take it in another direction.

Deputies, If you get a good and solid contract, why should it matter if the contract was negotiated with the current Sheriff or a newly elected Sheriff? The end result will be the same. The Sheriff that is elected in 6 days may not be re-elected in 4 years and we are right back to where we are at now, if you do not vote the PBA in. It will mean peace of mind for you and your family. Remember Both Candidates for Sheriff have had the protection and prospered under a PBA Contract, BOTH CANDIDATES. The Anti-Union individuals on here are not saying anything about this. If having a contract was so wrong, why did neither candidate not stand up and say, "Hey, I want my administration to negotiate my benefits for me." Even one Candidate has used the PBA when he had an issue. Neither Candidate has turned down one benefit that the PBA fought and got for them. Think About it and VOTE PBA Also if you notice I end most of my Post with VOTE PBA
You Have the right to have collective bargaining, Now use it!!!

Beach Comber

Oct 29, '08 · 6:35 AM#118

Becareful Irish Eyes, Please don't mis-quote me, besides you will be a Captain anyway, you will not be included in the bargaining unit, but setting that aside isn't it too soon, to be putting Mike in this position, the election isn't over yet, there is still one week before the votes will be counted, then you will be either celebrating or calling me see what we can do to speed up the process of getting a union in.

\
WOW, A CAPTAIN !!!! NOW THATS FUNNY !! I for one never said Danny nor Mike was going to win this election. I simply said I was supporting Mike. I dont want collective bargining if Danny win. Why... Because I think Danny is a fair person as well. Dont come on here spreading lies about me that I am going to be a Captain (and we all know its lies, and its sad that you are fueling them) I have faith in a new Sheriff, whats wrong with that. If that doesnt work out then we could call the PBA in. Now if we all vote no on it, we will have to wait a year to do so. My whole issue with this is simply because of the fact that it was being pushed through so quickly, how the card were passed out, and the fact that the NEW SHERIFF whom ever that may be, should be apart of it. What is so wrong with that. What makes me so bad about wanting to give my new boss a fair shot. Nothing in my book.

Beach Comber

Oct 29, '08 · 6:43 AM#119

Again some are trying to side step the issue and take it in another direction.

Deputies, If you get a good and solid contract, why should it matter if the contract was negotiated with the current Sheriff or a newly elected Sheriff? The end result will be the same. The Sheriff that is elected in 6 days may not be re-elected in 4 years and we are right back to where we are at now, if you do not vote the PBA in. It will mean peace of mind for you and your family. Remember Both Candidates for Sheriff have had the protection and prospered under a PBA Contract, BOTH CANDIDATES. The Anti-Union individuals on here are not saying anything about this. If having a contract was so wrong, why did neither candidate not stand up and say, "Hey, I want my administration to negotiate my benefits for me." Even one Candidate has used the PBA when he had an issue. Neither Candidate has turned down one benefit that the PBA fought and got for them. Think About it and VOTE PBA Also if you notice I end most of my Post with VOTE PBA
You Have the right to have collective bargaining, Now use it!!!

Don't let them side step the issues!!! FACT Both Candidates have enjoyed the benefits of having a PBA Contract, FACT Both Candidates have never turned down even one benefit that they have received under a PBA Contract. FACT Neither Candidate has stood up and said, "Hey I want my adminstration to negotiate my benefits for me. DON'T BE MISLED, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, NOW USE IT!!! VOTE PBA

Beach Comber

Oct 29, '08 · 7:01 AM#120

Any one that wants to know about the Florida Police Benevolent Association can go to www.flpba.org and surf the site.

I would'nt put too much confidence in any of these arumentative posts from either side (PBA Rep, Irish Eyes, etc.) See for yourself how the PBA works.

Besides, I'm not too sure that PBA rep is actually a PBA rep. Don't buy into these arguemenative posts, folks. You'll be playing right into their hands. CHECK THE SITE YOURSELF!

Oh I am sorry, You call coming on here and giving your opinion which is pro union and opinion. But you call me coming on here giving mine which is against it "fighting" I find that a bit unfair. People on this forum want to know how we feel. They are only getting one side of the story. I have a right to get on here and state how I feel with out it being an arguement. :blush:

Beach Comber

Oct 29, '08 · 7:03 AM#121

Don't let them side step the issues!!! FACT Both Candidates have enjoyed the benefits of having a PBA Contract, FACT Both Candidates have never turned down even one benefit that they have received under a PBA Contract. FACT Neither Candidate has stood up and said, "Hey I want my adminstration to negotiate my benefits for me. DON'T BE MISLED, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, NOW USE IT!!! VOTE PBA

If I want to call to ask you question, who should I ask for ?

Beach Lover

Oct 29, '08 · 7:05 AM#122

Lets not facilitate rumors. No one knows for a fact who EITHER candidate will appoint in command positions. The only one that I know of for sure is Dennis Ward as Griffith's Chief Deputy.

I was not aware that Adkinson worked under a PBA contract. I was aware that he was a member. I was aware that Griffith, being a highway patrolman, did.

Again, folks, don't let the adversarial posts on either side sway you. I myself am pro PBA. Any thing that protects officers from politics is good in my book. But you have to make that decision yourself. www.flpba.org.

Beach Lover

Oct 29, '08 · 9:34 AM#123

Again some are trying to side step the issue and take it in another direction.

Deputies, If you get a good and solid contract, why should it matter if the contract was negotiated with the current Sheriff or a newly elected Sheriff? The end result will be the same.

It might be because the the current Sheriff and the soon to be elected Sheriff are two different people and may have different views. Who knows, the next Sheriff may want to negotiate something more into the contract which would benefit the employees.
I'm not against it, but I don't like to be rushed. This sounds like it should've been done years ago.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 29, '08 · 10:11 AM#124

Wow!!! At the false information being placed here First off, why would other deputies, be trying to intimidate and scare other deputies into making a decision not to unionized based on what you think might happen??? Both Candidates for Sheriff have enjoyed the benefit of working under a contract provided by the PBA, I don't think either one ever turned down any pay raise or benefit that they received as being part of the Union. In fact I believe one of the candidates has even used our services when he had an issue happen. Deputies you will be given the chance, so you will not have to live in fear of who ever the sheriff may be from this vote on.... You no longer serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff, so you do not have to secretly support whom ever you please. You don't have to worry about coming to work in January and the NEW SHERIFF saying you no longer work for this agency. How fair is this to you and your family? The Sheriff will have the pleasure of putting anyone of the fear-mungers here on this blog as a Captain or higher in his administration without the PBA saying anything. We are not adversarial with either of the two candidates for Sheriff, but having said this we will stand up for the Deputies, Investigators, Sergeants, and Lieutenants when it comes to their rights being violated or being unfairly terminated. Ask yourself this question if the incoming sheriff wanted to take care of his people, why would he be opposed to his deputies having the right to collective bargaining? I'm quite sure that both candidates will read this blog and I hope they do. For who ever is using scare tatics, bullying, and threating other employees, Stop it. How many deputies have heard the story that so and so is gone when the new sheriff comes in office? What if it is you next? VOTE IN THE UNION AND THE FEAR WILL GO AWAY!!! Again, I can't stress this enough, the Sheriff can't just come in and say, you no longer work here. Both Candidates know this. I read in an earlier entry that one candidate is going to fight us (PBA) in the courts, I would hope that he would not, but if he so chooses bring it on... But it will be him not us, being adversarial not the PBA. It will be a binding contract that will benefit his employees, so if he wants to waist money that he could use to pay his employees better, that's his right as Sheriff.
When the Vote happens, NO ONE WILL KNOW HOW YOU VOTED UNLESS YOU TELL THEM, NO ONE WILL EVER FIND OUT UNLESS YOU TELL THEM. You will be able to come in go to a booth, that has a curtain all the way around it, then you will vote and place your own ballot into a sealed box with only a slot cut into the top, you will place your ballot into this box. Then the PERC Elections Officer will shake the box up after the polls close and the Sheriff's representative, PBA Representative will observe while the PERC Employee counts the YES votes and NO votes. If you vote the PBA in we will be your collective bargaining Agent and you will no longer have to worry about a job every 4 years. I hope this has cleared up some of your concerns and false information that has been put out. If you want to talk with me my number is 1-800-733-3722 or ask around in the Department my cell number is on my business card. VOTE YES FOR THE UNION

Not if you Voted Early, I have been told that early voting is Public Record and if this holds true, I'm not real happy about it.

Beach Lover

Oct 29, '08 · 10:32 AM#125

Yes....YEARS ago. I don't like the idea of rushing a contract....or leaving the sheriff-elect out of the loop. That being said, I will be voting for the PBA.

I do want the bargaining unit, but I want it done right. If we include the sheriff-elect's concerns at the table, we can dismiss any worries about sabotage.

If that does not happen , however, the new Sheriff can negotiate changes on a need basis. He and the unit can negotiate amendments to a contract. So, either way, a sheriff elect will have his say.

For example, if the out going sheriff says, "I'm going to give you guys a 20% raise." Likely, the actual budget won't allow that. So the new Sheriff would come in with the negotiating unit and come up with a number everyone can live with, within budget constraints. This is called a memorandum of agreement and amends the contract, so I'm told. It will also have to be agreed upon by both parties to amend the contract, though. It works the same way if the new sheriff decides, "hey, you guys deserve a better raise next year than the contract states".