PBA is looking for a few good members to research uniforms

Several months ago, Sheriff Demings created a Uniform Committee consisting of sworn agency managers, rank and file bargaining unit members, local Orange County citizens, and leaders of the Central Florida PBA.  This committee specifically addressed the Class-C (shorts) uniform and in part, whether or not to continue to authorize School Resource Officers (SRO) and the Uniform Patrol Division Deputies (UPD) to continue wearing the Class-C uniform, on duty or while working in an off duty employment capacity.

The majority of Uniform Committee members recommended to Sheriff Demings that the Class-C uniform should no longer continue to be authorized for the UPD and SRO Deputies.  However, the Uniform Committee recommended the Class-C uniform should continue to be authorized for off duty employment.

On 12-09-2009, the OCSO presented the PBA an Interim Order reflecting a change to General Order 9.1.2 (Appearances, Uniforms, & Equipment), which is in accordance with the Supervisor & Deputy/CSO collective bargaining agreements.  The new Interim Order 9.1.2 was slated to take effect on approximately January 1, 2010 and would only authorize the Class-C uniform to be worn when conducting bicycle or marine patrol operations.

Upon receipt of Interim Order 9.1.2, the PBA formally notified the OCSO of its demand to negotiate over this change of our benefit.
 
On 01-18-2010, the PBA and OCSO met for contract negotiations and to discuss recently proposed General Order changes that have an impact on terms and conditions of your employment.  During this negotiation meeting, the OCSO and the PBA agreed to delay implementation of the new Interim Order 9.1.2 until the PBA has had the opportunity to explore options regarding the Class-C uniform.  The PBA and OCSO agreed to re-address this issue within the next two negotiation meetings.  Therefore, this is an issue that needs to be addressed in a timely manner by the PBA and the CNC.

The Supervisor and Deputy Contract Negotiations Committee (CNC) members decided to form a Uniform Research Committee to further outline the advantages of Class-C uniform and possible alternatives to this uniform.  The CNC members appointed Cpl. Bill Gabrielski (TAC Unit) to chair the Uniform Research Committee and report their findings back to the CNC & OCSO.  The CNC members will select the volunteers for this committee and request your assistance in this matter.  The CNC is asking for one (1) supervisor and three (3) deputy bargaining unit members (based on the size of the bargaining units), that are PBA members in good standing, to assist them by volunteering to be a member of this committee.

In accordance with the Supervisor & Deputy collective bargaining agreements, PBA Pool time is available to use in lieu of using your own comp or vacation time (no overtime).  We are seeking members who have the ability to adjust their work schedules within the next couple weeks.  The CNC is looking for members who exhibit strong communication and research skills to assist in this worthy project.  If you are interested in being a member of the PBA Uniform Research Committee, please email our CFPBA secretary Kay at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her during normal business hours at 407-345-9911 with your name, telephone number, and job site location, no later than the end of business day on 01-27-2010.

We know this is a sensitive and important issue to all of our members and non-members, whether you are for or against the Class-C uniform.  Sheriff Demings has given the PBA and the agency bargaining unit members the opportunity to further address this subject prior to implementing the new policy.  The PBA and CNC are grateful to have this opportunity.  The PBA and CNC would respectfully requests that the sworn managers and supervisors work together with the PBA Uniform Research Committee members in getting the necessary time off in order to complete this worthy project in a timely manner.  We strongly suggest that everyone take this opportunity to research this issue further and take advantage of this opportunity to get involved with the PBA Uniform Research Committee members once they are announced.

Thank you for your assistance and stay safe out there!

Mike Smith; Vice President -Central Florida PBA