Osceola County deputies file paperwork to unionize

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time in the history of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, deputies have filed paperwork to start a union.

If it happens, they will be part of collective bargaining on things like pay and punishment.

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Deputies said they feel that some practices are unfair.

Sheriff Marcos Lopez, who’s been in office for just over a year, said he’s not against a union, but is waiting to make a comment.

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Deputies filed paperwork with the Public Employee Relations Commission just this month.

Sources inside the department said deputies are tired of unfair treatment and want say regarding fair discipline and benefits.

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They said the final push was the lack of overtime opportunities.

But being part of a union can be risky when it comes to pay.

The sheriff’s office said they are responding to the request, but are waiting for directions before they can proceed.

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“Sheriff Lopez has indicated he’s not opposed to a bargaining unit but wants to verify through the process that is what his potential bargaining unit employees want,” the department said in a statement.

Just because the paperwork was filed it does not mean it’s a done deal. Members of the sheriff’s office have to schedule a vote and the majority wins.

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