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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
Beach Fanatic
#152
Ms. Jackson,
Desoto County had a very similar situtation to what you are in and guess what the New Sheriff came in and had a contract that was negotiated under the old administration, just prior to him taking office. The new Sheriff came in after a tough race and no problems. In fact that Sheriff knew he wanted to take care of his employees and the former Sheriff just started the process. The Fact is simple, your mind will not change, you are anti-union. You throw arrows and split hairs. Why would I need to know about a case that had nothing to do with the PBA. Looks like to me it proves my point, if what I'm hearing is true and using your standard of thought "those who do their jobs to the best of their ability, don't worry about who the new sheriff is" If these young ladies used this same method of thought.... well you get the point.

I wish them well and hope they get their jobs back.


Take care, Ms. Jackson

REMEMBER VOTE PBA

I am not a deputy and do not even have close relatives working there, so I am strictly a bystander and taxpayer. However, If you came to my shop and wanted to represent me and made the statement highlighted above I would tell you to get lost. How can you claim to represent LABOR and not be aware of the most important LABOR case to occur in this area in the last 5-10 years? This case could have severe implications for all women of child-bearing age, not just deputies. I DO have daughters and would be furious if they lost a job they had trained for all their life simply because they chose to have a child. If you are not "up" on this issue, I would not want you representing me in any labor negotiation.
WhoDat1 avatar
Beach Lover
#153
I don't think either one of the cops in question were members, so the PBA was not notified about the case. The girls ahve their own lawyer. Thats the point. If the PBA, FOP or the Teamsters are'nt here, how do you expect them to help?

You know, the PBA ain't our only option people...the teamsters are watching this right now, as well.....:cool:
Beach Fanatic
#154
I don't think either one of the cops in question were members, so the PBA was not notified about the case. The girls ahve their own lawyer. Thats the point. If the PBA, FOP or the Teamsters are'nt here, how do you expect them to help?

You know, the PBA ain't our only option people...the teamsters are watching this right now, as well.....:cool:

I hope they do their homework before they swoop in.:biggrin:
Beach Comber
#155
get over it

Deputy Sheriff's are not police officers and they have no right to unionize. Florida is an at will state and if the sheriff thinks youre a poor deputy he SHOULD and CAN fire you. The whole pregnant thing was just B.S. Noone liked it, including me. But it is what it is. Deputies serve at the sheriff's pleasure. Period.

I hope the next sheriff fires all of the screw ups that Ralph had working for him. And when he does, they can take his union crap with them. If you want a union, be a city cop or a highway patrolman. Just get out of Walton!:angry:
Beach Comber
#156
I am not a deputy and do not even have close relatives working there, so I am strictly a bystander and taxpayer. However, If you came to my shop and wanted to represent me and made the statement highlighted above I would tell you to get lost. How can you claim to represent LABOR and not be aware of the most important LABOR case to occur in this area in the last 5-10 years? This case could have severe implications for all women of child-bearing age, not just deputies. I DO have daughters and would be furious if they lost a job they had trained for all their life simply because they chose to have a child. If you are not "up" on this issue, I would not want you representing me in any labor negotiation.

First off sir or ma'am you need to get your facts straight. Law Enforcement and Firefighter Unions are different than a union for a store clerk. Secondly, If PBA, FOP, or Teamsters had been here and they were not members, the only then they would be entitled to would be have the protection of a contract, not legal representation. So, even if I felt they were done wrong, I could not represent them, because it would not be fair to the dues paying members. Now language can be placed in the contract to address such issues as this to keep it from happening again. Now, idlewind how would you know so much about this case to say it is the most important case to Labor in this area if you did not have some working knowledge of the case..... Makes one wonder if you are only here to cloud judgements....

idlewind, clean up on isle 9

Deputies, remember that individuals will attempt to make you as confused as possible in an effort to get you to vote no to collective bargaining. They will do this under the pretense, of allowing you to make an educated choice, take it for what it's worth. You do not know who these people are because they hide behind fictious names and post boldly and proud as if they know what they are talking about, when in reality the only truth they know is confusion.

Remember VOTE PBA
Beach Comber
#157
Now we finally hear the truth, its all about the almighty dollar. If you dont pay you dont get representation. They will put something in a contract to address various problems, but the real question is will they represent you if you are not a paying member if there is a contract dispute. My guess is probably not.

And your willing to negotiate a labor contract for the department, do the paying memebers get more input and say so then the non paying members?

So if your not a paying memeber and there is a contract dispute you have to hire your own lawyer and take it to court. What makes that any different then the way it is currently? Other than the fact that for the new sheriff to give the deputies any thing over and above whats in the contract he would have to amend the previous contract and jump through all the PBA hoops to get it done. Sounds like going around your elbow to get to your thumb.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#158
Deputy Sheriff's are not police officers and they have no right to unionize. Florida is an at will state and if the sheriff thinks youre a poor deputy he SHOULD and CAN fire you. The whole pregnant thing was just B.S. Noone liked it, including me. But it is what it is. Deputies serve at the sheriff's pleasure. Period.

I hope the next sheriff fires all of the screw ups that Ralph had working for him. And when he does, they can take his union crap with them. If you want a union, be a city cop or a highway patrolman. Just get out of Walton!:angry:

Beachy you would be wrong, so rather than act as though you know sit down, There are numerous Unionized SO in Florida. Including departments to the West
Beach Comber
#159
Beachy you would be wrong, so rather than act as though you know sit down, There are numerous Unionized SO in Florida. Including departments to the West


Not in Walton County. And even if there is, this does not take away the fact that the sheriff can dismiss you at will. :shock: The WCSO is working fine just the way it is. All it needs is the same kick in the pants that the police department got from Mike Adkinson. If he can improve the Police Department, he certainly can handle the Sheriff's Office.

Deputies should not fall for this BS. If you vote the union in, don't think that they can protect you. You are the Sheriff's DEPUTY, his subordinate. Bringing in outsiders to handle your affairs will only inflame the relationship with the Sheriff. The bottom line is, if they want to get rid of you or cut your pay, nothing can be done except a bunch of talk. The sheriff is still the final word no matter what.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#160
OK got it Beachy, your new position depends on an opening. You still can't back up what you are saying. I'm suprised if all you say is true how these other departments do it.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#161
Now we finally hear the truth, its all about the almighty dollar. If you dont pay you dont get representation. They will put something in a contract to address various problems, but the real question is will they represent you if you are not a paying member if there is a contract dispute. My guess is probably not.

And your willing to negotiate a labor contract for the department, do the paying memebers get more input and say so then the non paying members?

So if your not a paying memeber and there is a contract dispute you have to hire your own lawyer and take it to court. What makes that any different then the way it is currently? Other than the fact that for the new sheriff to give the deputies any thing over and above whats in the contract he would have to amend the previous contract and jump through all the PBA hoops to get it done. Sounds like going around your elbow to get to your thumb.

Dude where are you getting all that from. If you have prepaid legal, will your lawyer represent someone else? Membership has its privileges, as for a contract dispute, if it affects a dues paying member more than likely it will be addressed. LEO don't you think you'll have the opportunity to vote, or is all this misinformed, misguided BS that is being posted a fear that you won't get what you feel you are owed? Allow the vote, yes or no, you all know my feelings. Good Day!!!:D
Beach Comber
#162
My point is that everyone is blowing smoke up our shorts saying that the union is good for all. Thats a bunch of BS, its good for those that shell out the dues every month. Some of us have families and kids and an extra 30, 40, or 50 bucks a month may or not break the bank for some, but some may not have it to spare.

And you just varified my point, a union contract is only worth a dang if you pay for it. And i for one dont want to be bound by a contract if its only gonna help a select few.
Beach Comber
#163
LEO1 has it right. And if SO many deputies want it? Where are they? There only seems to be a couple of folks posting that are prounion (mostly frickin' fire fighters) and the rest are deputy's against ti!

Wheres the support mr pba rep? Sounds like your gonna crash and burn in Walton. Go play some place else! Obviously the deputy's and the new Sheriff don want you. And if they did, dont you think we would have evidenec of that here? You said both candidates had the PBA, well it must not have been that good, or we would of heard from them on it. Better luck next couty!:biggrin:
Beach Fanatic
#164
First off sir or ma'am you need to get your facts straight. Law Enforcement and Firefighter Unions are different than a union for a store clerk. Secondly, If PBA, FOP, or Teamsters had been here and they were not members, the only then they would be entitled to would be have the protection of a contract, not legal representation. So, even if I felt they were done wrong, I could not represent them, because it would not be fair to the dues paying members. Now language can be placed in the contract to address such issues as this to keep it from happening again. Now, idlewind how would you know so much about this case to say it is the most important case to Labor in this area if you did not have some working knowledge of the case..... Makes one wonder if you are only here to cloud judgements....

idlewind, clean up on isle 9

Deputies, remember that individuals will attempt to make you as confused as possible in an effort to get you to vote no to collective bargaining. They will do this under the pretense, of allowing you to make an educated choice, take it for what it's worth. You do not know who these people are because they hide behind fictious names and post boldly and proud as if they know what they are talking about, when in reality the only truth they know is confusion.

Remember VOTE PBA


First of all, anyone who had read any of the local newspapers, listened to the local radio stations or watched the local TV would have "some working knowledge" of the case. Therefore they would know how important the case is for ALL workers, not just those at the Sheriff's Dept. Your lack of knowledge tells me you are nothing more than a carpetbagger, pure and simple.:shock:

Second, all the union cares about is the almighty dollar, those who don't join get no benefit but have to live by the terms, however stupid, of the contract the union and the Sheriff negotiate. If the Sheriff plays hardball and forces an impasse, those who do not join will be hostage to the union.:angry:

Third, every post I have read is first a broken record promotion of the union and second abusive of anyone who disagrees. You need to handle the cleanup on aisle 9 because someone with your attitude has no business carrying a gun.:angry:
Beach Comber
#165
I agree the PBA should know about cases like the 2 female deputies that were fired and other issues before coming into the area. Sounds like poor homework by the PBA. Besides who can afford dues that will go up every year; I can't even afford to fill my car with gas!
Beach Comber
#166
Damn right, eagle! The last thing a deputy needs is another bill if they are SOOO underpaid.:biggrin: PBA is trying to bring unions to the area to undermine the New Sheriff and the County Commisioners. We don't need them throwing money behind candidates in this area. We have conservative beliefs.

I'm told our deputys' have the highest pay in the area. If their pay is too low or they are not getting promoted, they should get more education and get a better job or get promotd.:wave:
WhoDat1 avatar
Beach Lover
#167
Damn right, eagle! The last thing a deputy needs is another bill if they are SOOO underpaid.:biggrin: PBA is trying to bring unions to the area to undermine the New Sheriff and the County Commisioners. We don't need them throwing money behind candidates in this area. We have conservative beliefs.

I'm told our deputys' have the highest pay in the area. If their pay is too low or they are not getting promoted, they should get more education and get a better job or get promotd.:wave:

What planet are you from? I'm a cop because I want to be one. Does that mean I get what I deserve with poor pay increases and no chance for advancement? :idontno: Some of us have no time for higher education between work and kids...not to mention the bills. :angry:
Bob Wells avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#168
Beachy, if your a deputy reconsider, I heard, RUMOR only, there were 70 cards signed out of 13o Deputies, whether its true I don't know. If it is, the deputies it sounds as though they will have the majority. As for the highest payin the area, call around, I've talked to some deputies and it just sounds like you are repeating Idlewinds comments. Remember what an IDLEWIND id don't you, your talking from the same place. Have a good one. I have to go to my job for the next 24 hours,where I will provide a High Quality Level of Professional Service to my community if called upon to do so.
UNION YES
Beach Comber
#169
Now we finally hear the truth, its all about the almighty dollar. If you dont pay you dont get representation. They will put something in a contract to address various problems, but the real question is will they represent you if you are not a paying member if there is a contract dispute. My guess is probably not.

And your willing to negotiate a labor contract for the department, do the paying memebers get more input and say so then the non paying members?

So if your not a paying memeber and there is a contract dispute you have to hire your own lawyer and take it to court. What makes that any different then the way it is currently? Other than the fact that for the new sheriff to give the deputies any thing over and above whats in the contract he would have to amend the previous contract and jump through all the PBA hoops to get it done. Sounds like going around your elbow to get to your thumb.


Thank you for proving my point LEO101. it's pretty obvious that you are here in an attempt to keep the deputies from making a sound decision.
If you noticed individuals are here, hiding under the cloke of a fiticious names and saying anything in an effort to keep you from having what will protect you and your family.
It is true that we will not represent you unless you are a member. I know of no union that will....

Why haven't they come back with a response to this issue that BOTH Sheriff Candidates have enjoyed the benefits of having a PBA Contract, and neither candidate has given even one benefit back that they received. Even one candidate used the services of the PBA (Both were PBA Dues Paying Members). Instead individuals here would rather attempt to cloud your judgement. Why would they do this? What have these individuals been offered? Maybe they think that they can or have negotiated their own lucrative deal, (with their own interest at heart, not yours) I don't know, but it does leave one to wonder?

So, if it was so wrong to be part of a Union and to have a PBA Contract to protect you, why did theses two individuals go to work for the agencies that had collective bargaining? Maybe it was the benefits that the PBA had negotiated for the Officers of theses agencies that enticed them, maybe it was the pay that the PBA negotiated for the Officers of theses of agencies that enticed them? Maybe it was the working conditions that they PBA negotiated for the Officers of these agencies that enticed them? The Anti-Union individuals here are staying away from this......

Both Candidates had collective bargaining, why shouldn't you?

REMEMBER VOTE PBA

Edited

Beach Comber
#170
Thank you for proving my point LEO101. it's pretty obvious that you are here in an attempt to keep the deputies from making a sound decision.
If you noticed individuals are here, hiding under the cloke of a fiticious names and saying anything in an effort to keep you from having what will protect you and your family.
It is true that we will not represent you unless you are a member. I know of no union that will....

Why haven't they come back with a response to this issue that BOTH Sheriff Candidates have enjoyed the benefits of having a PBA Contract, and neither candidate has given even one benefit back that they received. Even one candidate used the services of the PBA (Both were PBA Dues Paying Members). Instead individuals here would rather attempt to cloud your judgement. Why would they do this? What have these individuals been offered? Maybe they think that they can or have negotiated their own lucrative deal, (with their own interest at heart, not yours) I don't know, but it does leave one to wonder?

So, if it was so wrong to be part of a Union and to have a PBA Contract to protect you, why did theses two individuals go to work for the agencies that had collective bargaining? Maybe it was the benefits that the PBA had negotiated for the Officers of theses agencies that enticed them, maybe it was the pay that the PBA negotiated for the Officers of theses of agencies that enticed them? Maybe it was the working conditions that they PBA negotiated for the Officers of these agencies that enticed them? The Anti-Union individuals here are staying away from this......

Both Candidates had collective bargaining, why shouldn't you?

REMEMBER VOTE PBA

Here to keep deputies from making a sound decision? I'm here so both sides of the story can be heard, and not just YOU with your pro union hand out wanting their money screaming for them to "VOTE PBA"..

And the reason everyone is on here under the cloke of a fiticious names (as you put it) is to keep from being ridiculed and called names by upper brass at the sheriff's office that are pushing for this union. Even you yourself hid under that same cloke to begin with, so how are we to know you are who you say you are now?

And as far as the candidates working under the PBA or why they took jobs at an agency covered by the PBA, who knows. Even more who cares, I am quite sure it had nothing to do with the PBA being there. And I am not even sure the PBA were involved in either of those two agency's at the time they started their career at those prospective departments.

As many have said before, this whole PBA thing stinks with Ralph's stamp of approval all over it. Why not wait and give the new man a chance.
Beach Comber
#171
Here to keep deputies from making a sound decision? I'm here so both sides of the story can be heard, and not just YOU with your pro union hand out wanting their money screaming for them to "VOTE PBA"..

And the reason everyone is on here under the cloke of a fiticious names (as you put it) is to keep from being ridiculed and called names by upper brass at the sheriff's office that are pushing for this union. Even you yourself hid under that same cloke to begin with, so how are we to know you are who you say you are now?

And as far as the candidates working under the PBA or why they took jobs at an agency covered by the PBA, who knows. Even more who cares, I am quite sure it had nothing to do with the PBA being there. And I am not even sure the PBA were involved in either of those two agency's at the time they started their career at those prospective departments.

As many have said before, this whole PBA thing stinks with Ralph's stamp of approval all over it. Why not wait and give the new man a chance.[/quote/]

Leo101, If I were wanting to hide my identity, I would not have made my screen name PBA Rep.

Still, if unionization is so bad, why did both candidates go to work where they had a solid PBA collective bargaining contracts, the contract at each of their agencies wasn't started because they did not trust their administrations, it was started to secure their rights and benefits. Without a contract you are at the mercy of whoever the Sheriff is.... without everyone being treated equally.
So your side of the issue is to leave your fate in the hands of whoever and hope for the best? Is this what I'm getting from your response?

Remember Vote PBA
30ashopper avatar
SoWal Insider
#172
PBA Rep - I couple questions -

How much do you charge officers in dues to be members?

I was looking through the PBA site, and couldn't find any budgetary information for your organization, is that available online or could you provide it?

Also, how much money does your organization spend on lobbying at the state level?

Edited

Beach Comber
#173
Dues for your chapter are 30.00 per month and as fa as monies spent, I will have to refer you to our main office in Tallahassee. 800-733-3722

Back to the Unionization issue.

I don't know who D.G.'s number two will be, but if I was given the correct information M. A.'s, number two pick just retired from a State law Enforcement Agency in a Management Position and is very familiar with a PBA Contract and should be comfortable working within the guidelines of a PBA Contract. In fact he even worked with me on some issues.....

Remember Both Sheriff Candidates have enjoyed the benefits of working under a PBA collective bargaining contract, Why shouldn't you?

Also after the election on Tuesday and we see who the new sheriff will be, I will go into detail to just how well the new sheriff benefited from having a PBA negotiated collective bargaining agreement.

Vote PBA
30ashopper avatar
SoWal Insider
#174
Dues for your chapter are 30.00 per month and as fa as monies spent, I will have to refer you to our main office in Tallahassee. 800-733-3722

Is that a standard for all chapters or do they vary across the state? If the latter, what do you use in calculating what a particular charter pays?
Beach Comber
#175
Is that a standard for all chapters or do they vary across the state? If the latter, what do you use in calculating what a particular charter pays?

It is pretty standard. State Law Enforcement, North West Chapter, North Central Chapter and Big Bend are the same. This is who I deal with. North West is a Chapter not a Charter

Remember Vote PBA
Beach Comber
#176
Dues for your chapter are 30.00 per month and as fa as monies spent, I will have to refer you to our main office in Tallahassee. 800-733-3722

Back to the Unionization issue.

I don't know who D.G.'s number two will be, but if I was given the correct information M. A.'s, number two pick just retired from a State law Enforcement Agency in a Management Position and is very familiar with a PBA Contract and should be comfortable working within the guidelines of a PBA Contract. In fact he even worked with me on some issues.....

Remember Both Sheriff Candidates have enjoyed the benefits of working under a PBA collective bargaining contract, Why shouldn't you?

Also after the election on Tuesday and we see who the new sheriff will be, I will go into detail to just how well the new sheriff benefited from having a PBA negotiated collective bargaining agreement.

Vote PBA


I'm pretty sure Chapman(who I'm told will be #2) DID not work for the State, but the Police department. A good man, by the way!

Look, us citizens are just afraid that your gonna hold our elected reps (including the sheriff) hostages for more taxes. Can you say anything to ease those fears? If not, your not going to sell it to us...maybe the deputies (who will also pay higher taxes) but not us!

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