Troopers union's suit alleges anti-union activity

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/125263051337510.xml&coll=1

Pennsylvania State Troopers Association officials claim that leaders have been presented with unjustified job reassignments and disciplinary findings by the state police.Friday, September 11, 2009

BY CHARLES THOMPSON [e-mail]

A group of Pennsylvania State Police union leaders filed suit in federal court Thursday against past and present commanders, alleging a pattern of retaliation against union leadership for pursuing grievances and blowing the whistle on misdeeds by superiors.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg, claims Pennsylvania State Troopers Association leaders have faced unjustified job reassignments and departmental disciplinary findings, all as part of a high-command plan "to punish PSTA leaders."

The plaintiffs, filing individually and on behalf of the troopers association, seek unspecified damages and an injunction ordering a stop to the practices.

Named as defendants are state police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski; his predecessor, Jeffrey Miller, a director of security with the NFL; and Lt. Col. John R. Brown, the deputy commissioner of administration and professional responsibility.

State police offered limited comment on the suit, which a spokesman said agency officials had not been able to review.

Spokesman Jack Lewis said agency leaders generally deny "engaging in any activities against enlisted members based on their union membership." He said the department will answer the specific allegations in court.

FULL 2 page story at link.