Thursday, April 02, 2009

WHAT A SHAME

Our Board at the CPSA decided that it wasn't in our best interst to follow the lead of the lieutenants and captains and support the men and women of FOP Lodge 7.

Due to our ongoing contract negotiations, the Executive Board of the CPSA has voted not to participate in the upcoming “informational picketing”. The CPSA Executive Board fully understands the frustrations that have prompted the other police unions to take this action, but at this time we believe the interests of the members of the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association are best served by the ongoing negotiation process.
Sincerely,

John Pallohusky
President
Chicago Police Sergeants' Association


Secondcitycop wrote a blistering post
My response as sent to the comment section:

How right you are! I am saddened and disappointed in the decision taken by the CPSA to not take a stand in support of the men and women of the FOP. It is not only the lack of support of a brother union but these folks are our friends, neighbors and in many cases our family members.
I was pleased to see that the Lieutenants and Captains stepped up and showed their support for this cause. Despite my bargaining units decision I have and always will support the men and women of the FOP and I am certain that most if not all sergeants (non-board members) do. See you all at City Hall.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

SECOND CITY SARGE: What gives? I don't understand why you union won't support this?

By your post I can understand how you feel, but still?

I will be fair and say that there are a number of good, fair-minded sgts out there. I hope those good ones show up (or by the time this is posted, showed up).

As for your President and executive board, fuck them. What type of leadership is that? I say they are big pussy cowards. They seem to be representing the ass-hats in your rank who do not know how to lead. They are afraid to make decisions.

A number of years ago I worked for Earl the Pearl, BT 1830. He was called to my job where the two liberals were fighting over a parking space and they did not like my decision. They tell Earl that they want a complaint against me. Earl says, "I am not getting a complaint against this officer when you two are the fucking babies fighting over the parking spot like two little babies. Fucking grow up!" They in turn replied, "We don't like your attitude." Earl's response was something along the lines, "Too fucking bad, you little babies. Now get your fucking cars out of here or I'll tow both of them. My officer has better things to do than deal with jag-offs like you."

THAT WAS A LEADER. That is the type of sgts we need today.

Evidently, none of them existed in executive ranks of your union.

Too fucking bad.

Earl, I hope you are enjoying your retirement! You were the best.

Anonymous said...

Just an FYI: I attempted to leave a none annonymous reply to the CSPA and the e-mail came back as undeliverable.

This seems to fit in line with my old partner, who is now a sgt, and the stories I heard from other sgts, that trying to make contact with the CSPA is futile.

Sgy. Pallohusky, why can't you take e-mails or answer phone calls? Are you too busy in bed with the mayor?

SSS, I don't know how you do it. What do you do when you need a union to back you in a grievance? Evidently, you cannot rely on CSPA.

From the looks of it, I think your head president might even be inclined to shove VEBA down you throats. The devil is in the details in VEBA and if you guys accept it, you are going to be really screwed. I read the plan under your union's website and that of the Lts'. IF it is offered to the FOP, I would say NO without hesitation.

I think your CSPA president would want you to swallow VEBA, afterall, he seems very good at swallowing. How far off is he from Lt? Just asking.

Anonymous said...

most of the sgt's i spoke with have are back... but what the sgt's union needs to do is kick out the head dog of the sgt's union...

Anonymous said...

Time for a no confidence vote in our fraternal organization.. Or a formal complaint to the Stae and National PBPA

Anonymous said...

Not sure if this will be posted on time or not, still, as a Sgt. I intended on marching from the beginning. This stance by our union doesn't surprise me in the least. But they're good at planning golf outings.

Anonymous said...

What was Earl the Pearl's last name? Swanson? I can't remember. What a great guy and leader. A great pistol shot also.

Anonymous said...

As a chicago Firefighter it has always raised my curiousity as to WHY you have seperate unions.This is a classic case of seperation and "Me" syndrome.Local 2 is a closed shop and is the sole bargaining unit for Firefighters Engineers Lietenants Captains and Battalion Chiefs.We leave nobody behind.Can anybody explain to me the benefit of these seperate unions?

Anonymous said...

Just found out now that my "union" does not support the informational picketing of our brothers in blue. I AM TOTALLY EMBARASSED AND PISSED.
All this does is contribute to the division between the supervisors and the patrolmen. Congradulations to the captains and lieutenant's union for having some balls.

Anonymous said...

This is BS!! I am ashamed to be in this union!! What pussies CPSA is that it will not support our fellow brothers in blue!! Did you forget where you came from????? Grow some balls!! I'm so glad there was a big showing---It made CPSA look even more worthless!! For all of us SGT's that went--GOD BLESS! Keep fighting the fight!!---It's our right!

Anonymous said...

Who are the members of the board and how did they vote?

Anonymous said...

SCS as a PO who was at the march, I am proud of all the sergeant's in the crowd. No matter what your union did, you guys showed your unity with us. I know it wasn't the majority that made the decision but just your union officials. Thanks for all the suuport. Strength in numbers and we sure as hell had it today.

Anonymous said...

It's treason. The board voted...
I'm ashamed of my union.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the kind words..
Sgt. Earl Olsen retired 1830

Anonymous said...

Relax, SCS, I was there and saw plenty of Sgts., although I have to say they were mostly "old-time" sarges, who we already know got our backs. I only saw 2 Lts., both good guys, who know how to lead and would not ask you to do anything that they would not or have not done!!! You white shirts that deserve our appreciation know who you are and I thank you for your support.

Anonymous said...

What a shame to not stand along side the FOP and show the Mayor we are one voice.
It’s a disgrace to every one of us if we allow this to happen without recourse.

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the Sergeants that did the right thing today and marched with their brother and sisters.

Anonymous said...

When are we going to learn, these types of decisions weaken us as a whole, and play right into Mayor Daley's hands. That being said, I got a much needed morale boost today. I marched side by side with fellow officers who were not afraid to stand up for what is right. They didn't worry about losing their coveted spots, regular beat cars, or the wrath of the supt. While I am disappointed with the Sgts ruling, I am incredibly proud of those who showed up and marched today....

Anonymous said...

The only question is, What are they going to do with the 30 pieces of silver?

A disgusted sgt.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for remebering me and the kind words...Retired Sgt. Earl Olsen formerly 1830

Anonymous said...

Listen, we made our bed when we reelected this president. His opponent may have been a bit of a blustery fellow, but he would never have decided to take this stand or try to tell us this VEBA crap is in our interest. I voted for Gerry, I wish the rest had. Unfortunately it is just like a mayoral election, people bitch, but in the end vote the guy in. You will vote this president back in, I promise it. It is the chicago way. - Westside Sgt,

Bill O'Reilly said...

I was at the march and couldn’t be happier with the turnout but was embarrassed listening to people talk about the sergeants and their lack of support. Many didn’t even think any sergeants were there and any I heard talk about the sergeants I assured that the executive board’s decision was not reflective of the membership.

I too am appalled at the vote of the executive board of OUR UNION and have e-mailed each of them to thank them for lighting a fire in me to start attending meetings and paying better attention to OUR UNION. I strongly encourage all members to be at the 21 MAY meeting to learn which board members voted which way, and learn what our next steps will be in contract negotiations as well as how to regain the confidence of the men and women we work with.

Bill O’Reilly

Anonymous said...

The funny thing I wonder is just how many Sgts showed up versus how many there are. Out of 1300 Sgts, just over half gave enough of a damn to even vote in the last election. A bigger percent of Iragi's vote than do the apathetic people who now stand atop their soap box thumping their chests complaining about the Board.

YOU let a minority choose your current board. Some people ran UNAPPOSED because nobody cared enough to actually get off their ass and run against them. Oh, wait, sound familiar? Let's hope more than the usual 30 people show up for the next board meeting.

As far as this VEBA thing, NO is the right answer. Here the board did the right thing aligning with the LT's & Capt's. And it HAS to be brought before the membership, or the Board vote would have killed it. Read the last contract (if you can find it).

I'm glad people are now waking up with their head out of the sand. Be vocal but be constuctive. If you don't like whats going on MAKE YOUR better idea known. But be prepared to be called names. It seems to be the only thing people do here.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Earl, tell June I said Hi!!!

Anonymous said...

Would someone like to file a "Freedom of Information request" and ask what the vote was from ALL THE SERGEANT BOARD MEMBERS so we could publish it here?




- otherwise, everyone just shut up

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Firefighter the reason we have the different unions is due to the machinations of the then Sgt.'s association president, none other than Ron Sodini. Lt. Tim Nolan, RIP,who was instrumental in getting the supervisors a bagaining unit, never envisioned the three separate supervisors unions. FOP did not really want us, as it might diminish their percieved control of the union. Ron Sodini wanted more control of the supervisors union due to the superior number of Sgt.s as compared to the Capt.'s and Lt.'s. Hence he schemed to divide the supervisors ranks. The rest is history he went on to get a gold star form Hillard, and the lost it all to the new regieme...so sad!

Anonymous said...

Sodini was NEVER president of the Sgts's. Assn. The closest thing to it was ONE of the bargaining unit members.... hardly the President.

Anonymous said...

The reason the Sgt's and above have the PBPA is because the FOP membership voted out Supervisors. The Sgts had a vote for representation and the PBPA won.
Another point to remember is that FOP and PBPA are not UNIONS!!!!!!
And to all the firefighters out there: yes it would be nice to be in a real UNION but we are not and probably never will be. And to all the coppers out there I know some of you were doing spring break and living off Mommie and Daddy when this happened and some were still in grade school but before you all shoot off your mouths check the history of FOP Lodge 7 for they and they alone are to blame for Sgts and above being in the PBPA>

Anonymous said...

Engstrom was the President...

Anonymous said...

The National Labor Board set the standard for the three separate contracts.
The decisions are made by the Board the Sgt's elected. You can't be a coward to make this kind of decision.
About time Sgt's show up at their meetings.

Anonymous said...

"I voted for Gerry, I wish the rest had."

If Gerry had gotten his campaign materials out earlier- not after the election-maybe more of us would have voted for him. I got his stuff after I voted.

How would he run a union?

Please keep in mind that this is an open blog
that can and is read by people other than Chicago Police Officers.