Ruling says ex-Groveland cop unfairly fired (for union organizing!)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.dailycommercial.com/news/article_a9bd1c40-2d55-57b4-81fd-024053e67a34.html

Posted: Saturday, January 10, 2015 6:00 am

Scott Callahan | News Editor [e-mail] |

A hearing officer for the Public Employees Relations Commission is recommending an ex-Groveland police officer be rehired and given back pay because she was unfairly fired for her role in creating a union local there.

Katherine Homelius was “clearly engaged in protected, concerted activity,” Hearing Officer Gregg Riley Morton said is his written recommendation on Jan. 5, after the union filed a unfair labor practice charge. “Moreover, the city specifically targeted her for termination based on her activity.”

While officers were voting to create Local 6090 in October 2013, Homelius, now 57, was moved from detective to road patrol officer, according to background information in Morton’s ruling. The union was certified in November 2013 and Homelius was elected president a week later of the local that is part of the International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO.

In January 2014 she was fired on allegations that included neglect of duty and insubordination. Shortly thereafter, the police department filed a criminal complaint against her for petty theft and fraudulent use of a credit card that is still pending. Morton said his reinstatement recommendation will hinge on the outcome of that case, which also is being contested by the union.

FULL story at link.

[juxtaposed]

1. Homelius, now 57, was moved from detective to road patrol officer, according to background informat

ion in Mortons ruling, That in it self is grounds for a ULP.