Supervisory Officer Relations Division (SORD)

This division is the collective bargaining arm of the WPPA for supervisory public safety employees. Through collective bargaining, SORD works with and for law enforcement personnel to ensure rights and protect interests. In addition, SORD’s comprehensive, skilled representation in all areas of labor relations provides superior union power.

SORD 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.

A. Disciplinary Cases, Suspensions, and Terminations

When requested, WPPA/SORD 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/SORD 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 or individual members on matters before the WERC or other state agencies, as appropriate.

c) To prepare and handle grievances including representation at the arbitration step for appropriate cases.

2) WPPA/SORD pays the union’s share of fees in all approved arbitrations.

3) WPPA/SORD 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/SORD 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/SORD 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.

2) Certain civil litigation cases may be handled on a contingency basis.

3) Approval by WPPA/SORD is required in these cases.

For information on how to join: