The Unfair Labor Practice was filed by Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89 on December 2, 2009.

Today, legal counsel for each of the public safety labor organizations, including Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89, filed an Unfair Labor Practice Complaint against the County Executive and County Council. It is our contention that the County Executive and the County Council committed unfair labor practices by unilaterally adopting an Employee Furlough Plan while refusing to bargain about furloughs with the labor organizations. We have asked that this complaint be consolidated and assigned to the member handling the previously filed complaint since it is directly-related to the negotiability disputes between these same parties.

We continue to assert that the County Executive has failed to show a true need to implement a furlough at this time; and, we maintain that this is a clear violation of the collective bargaining process. I would also state that the County Council acted irresponsibly when it decided to pass CR-047-2009, the Employee Furlough Plan, while knowing that there is a pending court decision regarding the FY2009 furloughs, as well as a pending negotiability dispute regarding the FY2010 furloughs. The employees of Prince George’s County are yet again being adversely affected in order to address the County’s inability to be fiscally responsible. I will continue to keep the membership informed as things develop.

Ismael “Vince” Canales, President, FOP Lodge 89

Earlier today the County Council voted and passed the Employee Furlough Plan, CR-047-2009. It was amendeded by Councilman Dean to read that it will be implemented in three (3) day increments per quarter, up to a maximum of ten (10) days. Councilwoman Turner added that all employees shall be allowed to minimally take the required furlough hours in four (4) hour increments per pay period, if desired. The amended resolution was adopted and then passed by a vote of 8 to 1. The dissenting vote was from Councilman Knotts.

The Chairperson, Councilwoman Bland, did not allow anyone to testify for or against CR-047-2009 during today's Council session. While the outcome was not totally unexpected, we were hopeful that after being provided with several alternatives and expressing the concerns of the membership relating to staffing and safety issues the Council would have reconsidered their position.

Based on the Council's decision, we will be filing another Unfair Labor Practice charge against the County and looking into other measures to address this issue. I understand the hardship that this presents to each and every one of you! I still believe that this is an unnecessary and inappropriate course of action being taken by the County. It is our intention to continue fighting and seeking a fair resolution to this matter. We will continue to keep you abreast of any new developments.

President Vince Canales

Following are a few of the remarks that were made before the County Council today regarding the proposed furlough plan. Additionally, I have included a copy of the letter that was prepared and submitted to the Council, prior to today’s meeting, for their review. We will keep the membership advised of any new developments. Thank you for your support!

President Vince Canales

The County Council introduced a resolution, CR-047-2009, today which would authorize the implementation of furloughs for all County employees. The Council DID NOT vote on the resolution today. A briefing was held immediately following the meeting with the County Council to discuss the fiscal condition of the County. At the end of the briefing, the Budget Director stated that the Office of Law was in receipt of our Unfair Labor Practice filing and has decided to delay its briefing to the Council pending review.

We expect that that this matter will be brought before the County Council again during next week's meeting on July 14, 2009. We will keep everyone posted as things develop.