The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 160 (the “FOP” or “Lodge 160”) filed a grievance with the Township of Hillside, (the “Township” or “Employer”) alleging that it violated the parties’ collective bargaining agreement (the “Agreement”) when it stopped paying a Sergeant an 8.5% stipend for working as Training Officer and began deducting monies totaling $10,276.52 from his salary to repay the amounts paid for the Training Officer stipend. The parties were unable to resolve the grievance and the FOP NJ Labor Council submitted the grievance to arbitration pursuant to the rules and procedures of the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission.
A grievance arbitration hearing was held on January 29, 2021, and the FOP’s case was presented by Matt Areman, Esq. of Markowitz and Richman on behalf of the FOP NJ Labor Council/FOP Lodge 160. On March 18, 2021, the arbitrator rendered her decision on the matter and ruled on behalf of the FOP NJ Labor Council/FOP LODGE 160. The decision stated:
"The Township violated Article XX of the Agreement when it ceased payment of the Training Officer stipend to {the Sergeant] and when it garnished his salary to recoup payment of the stipend. The Township violated Article XX of the Agreement when garnished [the Lieutenant’s] salary to recoup payment of the stipend to him. The Township shall immediately cease garnishment of salary to recoup payment of the Training Officer stipend from [the Sergeant and Lieutenant]. The Township shall immediately begin compensating [the Sergeant] for the Training Officer Stipend. The Township shall reimburse [the Sergeant and Lieutenant] and make them whole for the Training Officer stipend and return all amounts garnished and/or owed for that stipend". (Names of affected parties withheld)This victory ensures our members’ contractual rights are honored and restores their contractual benefits to the levels they should have enjoyed. As of this release both members have been reimbursed for the monies owed and the current training Sergeant is receiving the stipend.
This decision is just another example of the hard work, dedication, and determination with which your Labor Council fights for you. The Labor Council has proven again that our members and our members’ rights come first. We shall continue to advocate for all our members and to preserve and defend their rights.