LRIS recently lost a member of our extended family. Arbitrator Dave Gaba, a frequent LRIS seminar speaker and co-author of the book Interest Arbitration passed away last month. We extend our sincerest condolences to Dave’s family and friends. Rick Poulson interviewed Arbitrator Michael Loconto for this month’s podcast. Michael was Dave’s friend and…

Will Aitchison is on the other side of the microphone in this month’s podcast as Rick Poulson interviews him about his career in public safety labor relations. They discuss how long Will has been practicing, how he got into labor law, when and why he started LRIS, and why have seminars for both management and labor. Will also talks about the import…

Rick Poulson interviews attorney Lance LoRusso, founder of the Blue Line Institute. They discuss Lance’s background as a sworn police officer and a police attorney, as well as the current challenges facing police officers and their advocates. This month’s cases: Court Reverses Decision Granting Retired Firefighters Retroactive Pension Adjustments, …

Welcome Rick Poulson to the LRIS First Thursday Podcast! April’s First Thursday podcast is a special two-person affair as LRIS Executive Director, Rick Poulson, joins Will as cohost. Rick talks about his background, how he became a labor attorney, and helps Will break down this months cases. Cases: Burden Of Proof Is On Employer To Prove No Materia…

State of California rewrites its Racial and Identity Profiling Act, Letter to Rob Bonta, Attorney General for California (2024) ‘Marsy’s Law’ Does Not Shield Crime Victims’ Names From Disclosure, City of Tallahassee v. Florida PBA, 2023 WL 8264181 (Fla. 2023). Female Firefighter Applicant Unsuccessfully Challenges Physical Test As Discriminatory, E…

Good news on the economy and inflation The Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI data From The Washington Post: Falling inflation, rising growth give U.S. the world’s best recovery This month’s cases Wisconsin Municipalities Required To Offer Health Insurance And Bargain Over Contributions, Wisconsin Professional Police Association v. Wisconsin Employment…

The recurring attack on binding disciplinary arbitration. Will Aitchison covers a study from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy entitled “How To Improve Policing Through Collective Bargaining Reforms.” He covers its fatal flaw, and why law enforcement unions must be aware of it. View the press release. View the study. Cases: Statements Made To C…

This month’s cases: Cell Phone Warrant Of Officer’s Phone Too Broad, Commonwealth v. Sukhadia, 2023 WL 7409309 (Penn. Super. 2023). Township Violates Free Speech Rights By Banning Thin Blue Line Flag, Pennsylvania State Lodge v. Township of Springfield, 2023 WL 7547494 (E.D. Penn. 2023). Firefighter’s Union Loses Challenge to Arbitrator’s Opinion, …

Current Events The latest development in A.I. and policing: The City of San Jose signs on to use Benchmark Analytics’ First Sign Early Intervention System. How are cities dealing with the recruitment and retention crisis? Cases Consent Decree Does Not Impair Bargaining Rights, City of Newark v. Fraternal Order of Police, 2023 WL 6439402 (NJ App. 20…

This month’s cases: Officers Entitled To Privacy About Participation In January 6 Rally, Jane Doe 1 v. Seattle Police Department, 2023 WL 4182193 (Wash. App. 2023). Download this case. Department’s Garrity Failure Results In Reinstatement, Foltz v. City of St. Louis, 2023 WL 5688659 (Mo. App. 2023). When Are Text Messages A Matter Of Public Concern…