Yale Police Department?may be a small, but they want to have a mighty voice at the bargaining table. That’s why they recently changed their representation to the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC). 

The eight-member group consists of three full-time officers and five part-time. In April, they voted unanimously to join the POLC after previously being represented by the Michigan Association of Police. 

“We wanted a strong voice for contract negotiations,” said Scott Sabada, City of Yale Police Officers Local Union President. “Everybody doesn’t think they’re getting paid enough, but that was probably one of the main reasons for (joining the POLC). Yale’s been traditionally on the lower end of the pay scale.” Sabada heard about POLC’s favorable reputation from a neighboring police department. 

“A real good friend of mine worked for?Sandusky Police Department?and they had nothing but good things to say about the (POLC) and we thought it’s just time for a change,” Sabada said. “He said their contract negotiations were pretty thorough.” 

Between meeting with POLC Membership Services Representative Chris Watts and gaining the perspectives of other pleased union members, they felt assured POLC would have their backs in bargaining as well as employment issues that arise. 

“I felt confident in (Watts’) outlook for the new contract that was coming up,” Sabada said. “The number one thing I like is that the POLC has a great website and their own publication. That was a big help. It gave me a good reference regarding other departments and their experiences with the POLC.” 

He was also impressed that not only does the POLC have staff lawyers and support legal staff, but members have access to supplemental legal help through?PORAC Legal Defense Fund. PORAC provides legal representation directly to officers who are criminally prosecuted, without a cap on their legal fees. 

Since their last contract expires in June 2022, POLC Labor Representative Jim O’Connor got to work immediately setting up meetings with the members to prepare for negotiations. 

“I’ve got full confidence in the POLC,” Sabada said.