Park District police vote to form unions

Online Staff Report

The Rockford Park District Park police voted May 18 to join the Policemen’s Benevolent Labor Committee (PBLC) to represent all of the Park District’s patrol and event officers, both full- and part-time.

There were three separate votes taken to determine if full-time police officers, part-time police/patrol officers, and part-time facility/event officers would be represented by PBLC. All three groups voted “yes” to unionize; the outcome of each group’s vote was determined by a majority of the valid ballots that were cast in the election.

The Rockford Park District Park Police administration, including the chief of police and supervisors, did not take part in the vote.

The results of this vote do not become final for approximately one week, pending the possible filing of objections by either party. If the results are certified by the Illinois Labor Relations Board, “the district will bargain in good faith while providing the highest level of safety and security for our citizens,” said Rockford Park District Chief of Police Theo Glover.

Posted May 21, 2012