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Menands trustees authorize police command staff to organize under Council 82
Summary
Trustees unanimously authorized the village’s police chief and lieutenant (command staff) to seek representation by Council 82; trustees debated due process, parity and implications for management discipline.
The Village of Menands Board of Trustees voted to authorize police command staff (the chief and lieutenant) to pursue representation by Council 82, a public‑sector union, the board said at the meeting.
Officials explained command staff are covered by civil service but sought union representation to ensure access to union grievance and representation processes in present and future administrations. The board discussed potential downsides, including questions about parity with other department heads and whether union representation changes the village’s ability to discipline management for cause.
An attorney (referenced in the record) said civil‑service protections still apply; one trustee described the authorization as giving command staff an additional representation option and noted that dues would be paid by employees, not the village. Another trustee voiced concern that allowing management to unionize could prompt other department heads to seek similar arrangements.
The board voted to authorize outreach to Council 82 and permit command staff to organize under that union if they choose; the motion passed on a voice vote.
