Law Enforcement Employee Relations (LEER)
This division is the collective bargaining arm of the WPPA for non-supervisory public safety employees. Through collective bargaining, LEER works with and for law enforcement personnel to ensure rights and protect interests. In addition, LEER’s comprehensive, skilled representation in all areas of labor relations provides superior union power.
LEER provides full service including representation on: contract administration and negotiations; job security (protection in grievance matters, arbitrations, disciplinary cases, and unfair labor practices); and limited services in areas of worker’s compensation, duty disability, and civil litigation.
For information on how to join:
A. Disciplinary Cases, Suspensions, and Terminations
When requested, WPPA/LEER will:
1) Investigate alleged complaints against a member and recommend a course of action; and
2) Appeal an unwarranted disciplinary action to a police and fire commission, grievance committee, arbitrator, or other appropriate forum.
B. Wages, Hours, and Working Conditions
1) WPPA/LEER will provide representation upon the request of an affiliated local:
a) To represent the local in all phases of contract negotiations.
b) To represent the local in final offer arbitration contract disputes in appropriate cases.
c) To represent the local or individual members on matters before the WERC or other state agencies, as appropriate.
d) To prepare and handle grievances including representation at the arbitration step for appropriate cases.
2) WPPA/LEER pays the union’s share of fees in all approved arbitrations.
3) WPPA/LEER furnishes legal advice or referral to members whose wages, hours, and/or working conditions have been adversely affected outside of a contract, in violation of civil service rules and regulations or prevailing law.
C. Duty Disability, Unemployment, and Worker’s Compensation
1) General advice on duty disability, unemployment, and worker’s compensation procedures.
2) Referral to a specialized attorney for matters before state agencies for matters related to a member’s employment.
3) WPPA/LEER does not reimburse members for legal fees paid to any attorney obtained by any member on a contingency basis—even though the fee may be based upon a job-related incident (such as a worker’s compensation award).
For additional coverage for situations not covered by your regular membership, sign up for the WPPA Extended Legal Protection Plan.
D. Civil Litigation
1) WPPA/LEER furnishes attorneys to locals and/or members to file civil suits in either state or federal court:
a) When the litigation will have a positive effect upon the quality of law enforcement in the community or state; or
b) The employer has to be taken to court to force compliance with prevailing statutes or the Wisconsin or United States Constitution; or
c) The local and/or member must file litigation in order to obtain court interpretation of prevailing statutes.