St. Louis Police Leadership Organization

Challenges Board of Police Commissioners decision

To exclude twenty-two sergeants

From Collective Bargaining

ST. LOUIS, May 22, 2012 --- The St. Louis Police Leadership Organization (SLPLO) has filed an amendment to its original lawsuit in St. Louis City Circuit Court against the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners.  The amendment seeks recognition for twenty-two (22) sergeants recently excluded from a collective bargaining unit by the Commissioners due to the “confidential” nature of their assignments.

The amended lawsuit specifically challenges the permissibility of the Board’s directive based upon a 2007 Missouri Supreme Court decision holding that all employees, including public sector employees, have a right to collective bargaining. “We find the Board’s decision to be wide of the mark and believe the courts will agree”, stated Rick Barry, attorney for the SLPLO.

In its original lawsuit, filed on April 9, 2012, the SLPLO sought to establish two distinct bargaining units: one for all 216 sergeants, and another for Lieutenants, Captains and Lt. Colonels.  While the Commissioners conceded to a modified bargaining unit for the sergeants, it has continued to deny recognition for officers with a rank of lieutenant and above.

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