Village of Corfu officials have been notified that five part-time police officers are considering a lawsuit against the village over an alleged violation of civil service law.
Some of the village's part-time officers have been upset that Police Administrator Jim Meiers is not scheduling them for work shifts while scheduling other part-time officers for more than 19.5 hours of work a week.
The officers who have retained legal representation are in what is known as "competitive" positions, meaning they took exams and went through the civil service hiring process. The officers reportedly receiving more work hours were hired on a "non-competitive" basis.
A letter to Mayor Ralph Peterson and village board from attorney Andrew P. Fleming of the Hamburg-based law firm Chiacchia and Fleming, states the village is on notice of a possible suit and should explore whether it is interested in pursuing a settlement.
"We believe that you and the Village Board are familiar with the factual basis for the complaints that our clients have made," the letter states. "In essence, your so-called police administrator, James Meier, has been running roughshod over the rights of our clients in retaliation for their having raised a number of concerns and for their stated intentions of forming a union."
Represented by Fleming are Gene Nati, Richard Retzlaff, Peter Scanio, Michael Okal and Simon Biegasiewicz.
The letter also alleged that one of the clients was threatened because of his political activity.
Fleming also claims that back pay is owed to his clients, without specifying the amount of back pay being sought.
"We urge you and the Board to take a proactive approach to trying to resolve the problems that have arisen in your Police Department," Fleming writes. "It is my opinion that things are out of control, but that sound leadership can restore some semblance of balance in the future."
The board is holding a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the village's proposed budget.
Just what Corfu needs at this
Just what Corfu needs at this time.
Those five "officers" should
Those five "officers" should consider finding new employment. It is possible that Jim Meier observes the unprofessional conduct of these individuals and has ascertained they may not be fit to provide the necessary moral standards required for the position. Hide behind the unions when not meeting the minimal standards!
Paul, where are the facts
Paul, where are the facts behind your statement. Ingnorance promoting ignorance. You can dress ignorant statements in fancy language but they still lack substance.
Paul that may be the case but
Paul that may be the case but you dont put the department in an actionable position based on opinion. If Jim Meier observedn supposed unprofessional conduct, then it should be documented and then said individuals removed from the force. You dont fix things by just not scheduling them this is what results in lawsuits. It's beginning to look like the Village of Corfu's Offices has alot more problems than just what is showing to the media currently. But then again this is the way things work, there is a trigger incident and when it gets outed then every other issue starts to come out as well.
Kyle, I will agree that Jim's
Kyle, I will agree that Jim's course of action may not be in the best interest of the community. Your observation of a "trigger incident" is dead on. When the ongoing investigation is completed, I am confident that more individuals will have their actions more closely scrutinized. Question: A lawsuit over a few hours? Or another attempt to deflect from a larger problem? Smoke and mirrors........
Jenny, I stated no facts. All
Jenny, I stated no facts. All I said was there was a possibility. I fail to comprehend a lawsuit over a few hours, albeit, this is a sue happy generation. Get something for nothing attitude. If I were unhappy with the conditions of my employment, my skill set is such that I could readily be employed elsewhere.
Jenny, does the timing of said lawsuit trigger any questions in your mind, in light of any recent developments in Corfu?
In closing, don't be so crass in your responses, hatred is unbecoming. This is a forum for open dialogue.
God bless.
Paul, unions are made up of
Paul, unions are made up of the people they represent. How can one hide behind a union? Every union I know of has a binding contract with the employer, an agreement, with rules on both sides of the fence.
If either side isn't abiding by the rules set forth in the collective bargaining agreement, its wrong, and should be addressed accordingly.
Frank, With all due
Frank,
With all due respect, unions have devastated this economy. The car industry, construction trades , afl-cio, csea.....should I go on? The inept employee is able to hide behind the power of the union, when in fact his actions warrant his dismissal.