Pima County DSA becomes first deputy sheriffs group in Arizona
gain meet and confer rights
(Posted: Sept. 9, 2008)
The Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance Sept. 9 allowing the Pima County Deputy Sheriffs Association to form their own bargaining unit and enter into a meet and confer agreement with Pima County.
The PCDSA (AZCOPS Local 7077) began the process of securing meet and confer more than a year ago by building a positive working relationship with Sheriff Clarence Dupnik and his staff. The Association asked the Sheriff to support its efforts to remove language from a county ordinance that precluded peace officers from the meet and confer process, and he agreed.From there, the PCDSA met with County Manager Chuck Huckelberry, who also agreed to support the effort. With the additional support of the Service Employees Industry Union (SEIU), the PCDSA began meeting with members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. After several ordinance drafts and legal opinions from both the Pima County Attorney’s Office and independent counsels, a final draft was agreed upon and written.
Sheriff Clarence Dupnik receives endorsement of AZCOPS.
"The PCDSA would like to commend Sheriff Dupnik and all five members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors for their dedication to law enforcement excellence and support of rank and file peace officers who serve Pima County," said Association Chairman Chris Rogers. "Sheriff Dupnik showed his dedication to the men and women who serve this county by taking the lead and agreeing to this progressive measure."The PCDSA would like to extend special thanks to Supervisor Sharon Bronson, Board Chairman Richard Elias and Supervisor Ramon Valadez. These three individuals were especially supportive of the PCDSA," he added. "They extended their support early on and stood by the men and women of the PCDSA through this long process. These Board members took steps to create a safer, more professional and effective Pima County."A petition and election process is now under way to determine the representative organization for deputies. The PCDSA, with more than 400 members, is expected to prevail.