Letter from Jim Curtis, President of Norwich Police Union about COPS

To the Members of the Waterford Police Local,

I have been the President of the Norwich Police Union, UPSEU-Local 104, since 2007.  Prior to being represented by UPSEU, the Norwich Police Union was represented by IBPO.  In 2005, a large portion of our membership was unhappy with the representation of IBPO and researched the possibility of a new affiliation.  IBPO invoked a “raid clause”, which they denied doing, of course, and prevented the Norwich Police Local from moving toward new affiliation with Council 15, which was the only other Union in town.  This was a blessing in disguise, as this is how the relationship with UPSEU was formed.

UPSEU, a well organized and respectable labor organization was new to CT but very successful in New York..  UPSEU-COPS Division was created specifically for labor issues associated with law enforcement and policing.  Several members of the Norwich Police Union met with UPSEU-COPS Division representatives and the information sharing process began.  This did not go unnoticed by those resistant to change.  There was much debate, which was contentious to say the least.  Some of those debates led to headlines in the regional and national media.

The day came to for the Norwich Police Union members to cast their vote.  In the end UPSEU was elected by more than a 2/3 majority.  Instantly, labor relations with the City of Norwich changed.  Over the years, the US vs. Them approach to Labor Relations has all but disappeared.  UPSEU-Local 104 is viewed as a viable, responsible and professional labor union.  Local 104 and the City of Norwich have been able to resolve issues with dialog and negotiation as opposed to lack of discussion and the grievance procedure.  The Chief of Police has established Management and Labor Committees to discuss any and all topics concerning the welfare of the department.  Through this process, significant changes have been made in the Norwich Police Department that have been embraced by Labor and Management.  Grievances are at an all time low and the Collective Bargaining process is respectable and legitimate.

In 2009, with the guidance of UPSEU-COPS Director Ron Suraci, Business Rep. Mike Lewis and the entire UPSEU legal team, the Norwich Police Union ratified a Contract that was approved by 98% of the body.  Some of the “Old Guard” suggested this was the best contract they had ever received as a member of the Norwich Police Department.  To date, all is well and we expect it to stay that way as we continue our successful relationship with the staff of UPSEU and the COPS Division.

Lastly, I would like to add that this in no way a sales pitch for UPSEU or the COPS Division.  The research and comparisons must be left up to those making the decision on their representation.  This was spelled out to our membership loud and clear when we were adressed by Kevin Boyle, Jr., the President of UPSEU.  Kevin did not only suggest we shop around for the best representation but implored us to do so.  He did add that this was his expectation and we would find the best representation in UPSEU and as it turned out he was right.

I can be reached on my cell phone any time if there are any questions or comments.  I wish you all good luck.

Respectfully,

Jim Curtis, President

UPSEU-Local 104

860-917-1914