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Idaho Falls Police Demand Collective Bargaining Rights! May 8, 2008 On May 8th numerous Idaho Falls Police Officer's attended the City Council Meeting demanding collective bargaining rights for the 2nd time! 97% of sworn Idaho Falls Police Officer's signed a petition demanding Collective Bargaining, a right already granted to Idaho Falls Firefighter's and Electrical  Worker's. Our letter to Mayor Fuhriman and Idaho Falls City Council Members: Dear Mayor Fuhriman and Council Members.
We have submitted a copy of a petition asking that this Council establish a policy granting collective bargaining for police officers of the Idaho Falls Police Department. The petition was signed by 97% of the sworn officers of the Idaho Falls Police  department. These officers would be affected by a Collective Bargaining Contract if one existed.
We believe it is every American’s right to be able to negotiate Wages, Benefits and Working Conditions with their employer. Negotiation rights provide the opportunity for each party to mutually address respective issues and successfully achieve a written agreement. The parties can accomplish this with knowledge and mutual respect. The negotiation and agreement process helps build a more professional relationship between labor and management and helps sustain a quality police department.
We are asking for equal protection and the same rights you have provided to other departments within the city. Collective bargaining will give us an equal opportunity that is enjoyed by the Idaho Falls Firefighters and the City Electrical Workers.
In October of 2007, 92% of the Police Department voted to go union under the FOP flag. Since then we have met with you to explain our honorable intentions. We even put on a work shop to help you understand our philosophy and how we perceive the impact bargaining will have on the department. We left that work shop with the understanding that we would discuss with you and establish ground rules and a methodology before negotiating a contract. We were led to believe that the city was also going to propose what they would like to see if a collective bargaining contract ever existed between us. This never happened and obviously we are extremely disappointed.
In December of 2007 we received a letter from Mr. Dale Storer stating that you are not interested in allowing us to negotiate a contract. We were informed that you prefer the “status quo,” and advising us you are not interested in dealing with paid negotiators. This letter was an insult to us, the Idaho Falls Fraternal Order of Police. Frankly, we cannot understand why the city will not negotiate with us. We believe we have the right to bargain with you like professionals and be able to address those issues that impact our future.
The Police Officers of the Idaho Falls Police Department are among the best of the best. We love this department and intend on raising our families in this great community that we serve.
We ask that you reconsider the answer your Attorney gave us earlier and to do what is right and fair. If your answer stays the same, then you need to look each Officer that signed the petition straight in the eyes and explain to them why they are not afforded the same rights as others within the city.
I appreciate the opportunity to stand before you and present this petition. I also hope to someday come to you, upon mutual agreement, and sign a written contract that will benefit not just the officers affected but this great community.
Sincerely
The Idaho Falls Fraternal Order of Police
Lodge # 6
| Notice: Idaho Falls Firefighter's Given The Right To Collectively Bargain. Idaho Falls Electical Worker's Given The Right To Collectively Bargain. Idaho Falls Police Officers DENIED The Right To Collectively Bargain! Announcements: May 8, 2008 Idaho Falls Police Officer's Demand Collective Bargaining Rights From the Idaho Falls Mayor & City Council for a 2nd Time! | News: For More Detailed News, Click Here May 8, 2008 Idaho Falls FOP proudly sponsored the 1st Annual Shop With A Cop ® providing over 30 local children with winter clothing! October 27, 2007 Idaho Falls FOP proudly sponsored the 1st Annual Shop With A Cop ® providing over 30 local children with winter clothing! October 5, 2007 1st Annual Policeman's Ball held at Red Lion in Idaho Falls. Money raised will help support the Police Officer's Disability Fund and Family Justice Center for domestic violence and sexual assault. October 2007 August 2007 Idaho Falls FOP sponsors the "No Alcohol, No Tobacco" night at the Idaho Falls Chukars Game. |
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