Judge favors union in ongoing debate over trooper numbers
A Superior Court Judge recently sided with the Connecticut police union in an ongoing payroll debate, according to The News-Times.
Last year, Governor Dannel P. Malloy's administration argued it did not have to comply with a minimum police staffing law dictating that at least 1,248 troopers be on the state's payroll at all times. When Malloy announced plans to lay off 56 police officers in order to help balance the budget, the union challenged the matter in court.
Earlier this month, Judge James Graham acknowledged that the language in the minimum staffing statute "is not clear and unambiguous," ultimately finding that the statute is mandatory. However, the news source notes, the case has not yet been decided. The ruling was only made after the first legal review of the statute, although the judge's finding indicates the side he supports.
According to Andrew McDonald, the government's chief counsel, an appeal of the decision is being planned.
The police layoffs were proposed as part of a crackdown on overtime that was motivated by a report released by Connecticut budget officials last year, according to the Hartford Courant. The investigation found that state employees were paid $250 million in overtime over a 12-month period that ended on June 30.
Last year, Governor Dannel P. Malloy's administration argued it did not have to comply with a minimum police staffing law dictating that at least 1,248 troopers be on the state's payroll at all times. When Malloy announced plans to lay off 56 police officers in order to help balance the budget, the union challenged the matter in court.
Earlier this month, Judge James Graham acknowledged that the language in the minimum staffing statute "is not clear and unambiguous," ultimately finding that the statute is mandatory. However, the news source notes, the case has not yet been decided. The ruling was only made after the first legal review of the statute, although the judge's finding indicates the side he supports.
According to Andrew McDonald, the government's chief counsel, an appeal of the decision is being planned.
The police layoffs were proposed as part of a crackdown on overtime that was motivated by a report released by Connecticut budget officials last year, according to the Hartford Courant. The investigation found that state employees were paid $250 million in overtime over a 12-month period that ended on June 30.
All data and information provided on this news blog is for informational purposes only. Infinisource makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. Information regarding employment suits and other legal action is not updated after publication, and may not be current.