• We have added new features to all of the message boards. These are Polls, Articles, and Questions. Click on the link to learn more. Mod 1 https://leoaffairs.ch/index.php?threads/new-features-now-active-on-all-boards.128/

PBA vs FOP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Judy G
  • Start date Start date
J

Judy G

Guest
Who is ready for a change? We’ve had the PBA for about two decades and I think it’s about time to shop around and see what other unions have to offer. Be on the lookout for PERC cards coming to the theater near you. Get them filled out and signed so we can affect some real change. This is very important as we are leading into a new contract cycle with negotiations beginning this summer.
 
Maybe it’s time to consider switching from PBA to FOP. When the line between union leadership and command staff gets so blurry that officers can’t tell who’s negotiating for them and who’s managing them, that’s a problem. A union is supposed to advocate for its members — not operate like an extension of administration. Right now, the relationship feels less “checks and balances” and more “group project where everyone already agreed before the meeting started.”
 
Voices From Roll Call said:
Maybe it’s time to consider switching from PBA to FOP. When the line between union leadership and command staff gets so blurry that officers can’t tell who’s negotiating for them and who’s managing them, that’s a problem. A union is supposed to advocate for its members — not operate like an extension of administration. Right now, the relationship feels less “checks and balances” and more “group project where everyone already agreed before the meeting started.”
Click to expand...
I hear from many that have used PBA that the outcome of their incident seems pre-determined. As if the union and the agency have decided the final deal before the affected person is even included. PBA seems more like an arbitrator than an advocate.
 
Maybe I can help shed some light on the situation. I've been both an FOP and PBA member for decades. In Tampa, the FOP had a fraternal role while the PBA had a labor one. My last 6 years with TPD were at the PBA. I held an elected office (secretary) and worked there fulltime while my salary continued to be paid by TPD. They call it Fulltime Release. The union role, whether in negotiating union contracts or discipline, is ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS. There is NO WAY around that, except in the most extreme circumstances, unless you want to screw your members. I remember working at the PBA and part of the membership expecting us to GO TO WAR against the administration, especially during contract time. We kept it friendly and closed some HUGE contracts for the membership...no one ever complained about the results. So I caution union members to be careful what you ask for...it's a lot easier to get what you want from people who respect and like you than the alternative. Hope this helps...
 
chipdeblock said:
Maybe I can help shed some light on the situation. I've been both an FOP and PBA member for decades. In Tampa, the FOP had a fraternal role while the PBA had a labor one. My last 6 years with TPD were at the PBA. I held an elected office (secretary) and worked there fulltime while my salary continued to be paid by TPD. They call it Fulltime Release. The union role, whether in negotiating union contracts or discipline, is ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS. There is NO WAY around that, except in the most extreme circumstances, unless you want to screw your members. I remember working at the PBA and part of the membership expecting us to GO TO WAR against the administration, especially during contract time. We kept it friendly and closed some HUGE contracts for the membership...no one ever complained about the results. So I caution union members to be careful what you ask for...it's a lot easier to get what you want from people who respect and like you than the alternative. Hope this helps...
Click to expand...
Chip,
Thanks for the advice it does mean a lot. I also understand the position of relationship (flys with honey) vs adversarial. But for us I thinks time for a change. There’s no harm in learning what the FOP has to offer. I wish we could be a part of a bigger and stronger union (TPD PBA). The Pinellas FOP seems to have its stuff together and is generally liked on that side of the bay.
 
Well Nick apparently was in bed with someone lol. Having PBA was just a formality and a check of a box. Nothing more. I’m sure FOP won’t be incredibly different, but sometimes change is much needed to uproot the rooted roots.
 
Swiss said:
Well Nick apparently was in bed with someone lol. Having PBA was just a formality and a check of a box. Nothing more. I’m sure FOP won’t be incredibly different, but sometimes change is much needed to uproot the rooted roots.
Click to expand...
Name the case your upset about? Look into the FOP not sending attorneys to shootings....good luck
 
Truth Teller said:
Name the case your upset about? Look into the FOP not sending attorneys to shootings....good luck
Click to expand...
Ha, I'll respond likewise with Name An Incident Where The FOP Did Not Send An Attorney To A Shooting? You may have opened Pandora's Box Truth Teller!
 
I think it's important to have a high command to officer ratio. For every officer on the road there should be at least one Sgt, one sworn SOP and property manager, two office managers, an Lt, and a Regional Chief on duty. This minimizes risk of that officer making a poor decision.
 
Back
Top