A group of Metro police officers announced yesterday that it planned to file a federal lawsuit against the city, charging that Metro fails to financially compensate officers returning from active military duty.
The group said several officers had experienced treatment similar to Lynette Frazier, who was docked two days' pay last year while undergoing tests to be reinstated as a Metro officer.
They claim that the act was in violation of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 that prohibits discrimination against people because of their service in the military.
The officers said they planned to withdraw their membership from the Fraternal Order of Police to start a new representation group under the Teamsters organization. They claim that the FOP "sold them out" by making deals with the city administration behind closed doors.
"Having served for three years as president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Nashville, I am embarrassed by the recent actions of those holding leadership positions," said Lt. Calvin Hullett, who claims to have about 25 officers behind him in support. "Police officers have been sold out by those chosen and paid to represent them."
The FOP recently signed an agreement with the city barring elections that would allow Metro law enforcement officers to choose their representation group.
Ed Mason, FOP president, said the policy was written by the Metro government last fall and is just a contract allowing the organization to conduct business on behalf of the officers without interference from groups such as the Teamsters.
The agreement was patterned after a federal labor ordinance that governs labor unions, and it bars an election for new representation for the next three years.
The officers said they planned to file the federal lawsuit next week and to leave the FOP on Aug. 31.