Colorado FOP Labor Council

The Labor Council currently represents 35 lodges covering 44 agencies as members of the Labor Council. We currently represent over 4,600 law enforcement officers across the state. That is well over 2/3rds of the Colorado FOP membership and we are still growing. A few member lodges have collective bargaining rights, and we handle all labor issues associated with contract development, negotiation, and enforcement. However, collective bargaining and having a recognized voice in local jurisdictions is not the primary reason to belong. The majority of member lodges in the Labor Council do not enjoy the benefit of collective bargaining and they are the bulk of our work.

There are serious labor issues that happen frequently in the workplace, and local Lodge leadership normally does not possess the legal knowledge or resources to determine a violation and course of action. Among the most frequent abuses seen involving working conditions involve violations of FLSA standards on overtime and compensatory time reimbursements. This is followed closely by sexual harassment and other employer prohibited practices. Cities and counties also have local workplace policies and procedures in place that they on occasion violate without challenge.

Time and research over what can or cannot be done on such issues is rarely expended by the local lodge due to lack of money, resources, or knowledge. Much of that work is based in current workplace law which is complex in nature and an employee needs proper legal advice and assistance to handle the issue. That applies to lodges also if the violation extends to the entire workplace. By pooling member dues in the same manner that we do in the FOP Legal Defense Plan, the Labor Council is able to financially handle the legal costs and time involved.