So many PBA members attended the
meeting that they overflowed into an
adjacent room to watch the meeting on video.
Three days later, Freeman sent a letter to Freeholder Direc-
tor Joseph Derella to reiterate the PBA’s reason for attending the
meeting.
From the letter:
Some people believe that labor relations MUST be contentious.
I rarely find that to be an effective approach. At the NJ State PBA,
we believe that reasonable people can sit down and find a mu-
tually agreeable solution to any problem if respect and trust is
honored on both sides. ... We believe in the benefits and protec-
tions afforded our members through the good-faith negotiations
between your board and the PBA.
Following the meeting, the freeholders sent an email to the
PBA thanking members for their professionalism. Andreyev
hoped that “something would be done with the information we
brought to their attention.”
Alas, it did not. Following the meeting, Local 231 Vice Pres-
ident Jaré Brooks was suspended following an incident when
a prisoner escaped while being transported. Attorney Stuart
Alterman, who represents Local 231, characterized the sus-
pension of Brooks and his partner as another retaliatory act by
Smith.
“They’re charging them with some sort of conduct notwith-
standing the fact that they abided by all training and procedures
and that the van they were using was essentially a family van
and not equipped for prisoner transport,” Alterman articulated.
“They haven’t even completed an investigation of the incident.”
As for the Bermudez case, the first day of hearings with the
county was held in November. The only witness the county pre-
sented was Bermudez’s partner, and Alterman said that none
of the testimony was favorable to the jail administration’s case.
Another day of hearings is scheduled for December. In the
meantime, in accordance with state law, Bermudez has applied
to NJ Civil Service to be reinstated to the payroll. According to
the statute, a suspension without pay can only last for 180 days,
and Bermudez should be allowed to go back on pay through the
remaining portion of the hearing.
With the hearing continuing and the case for Brooks still to
be addressed, the PBA is taking a pro-active approach that Free-
man communicated in the letter to freeholders.
“I can personally assure you that we will be returning to Cum-
berland County,” he wrote. “We are certain that this is a clear
and concerted effort to dismantle the leadership of the bargain-
ing unit, who have been exemplary employees. I merely want
to reiterate that we are dedicated to protecting the rights of our
members.”
www.njcopsmagazine.com
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