Updates to our Terms of Use

We are updating our Terms of Use. Please carefully review the updated Terms before proceeding to our website.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Cops Say City Lied About Budget to Bust Union

CINCINNATI (CN) - A police union has sued Cincinnati to fight unpaid leaves and layoffs, claiming the city's budget deficit is only $440,000 - not the $28 million the city claims. The police and a second union say the city lied about its finances to try to bust up the unions.

The Fraternal Order of Police and the Cincinnati Organized and Dedicated Employees sued the city in Hamilton County Court. They claim the city had "actual knowledge that no such budget deficit existed in a direct attempt to union bust" and that the "most recent financial report reflects sufficient funds to maintain the employment of the FOP and CODE employees."

The unions say the city has refused to produce documents that would "demonstrate a true budget deficit" despite repeated requests, and despite the fact that its budget is a matter of public record.

The unions want the city enjoined from its plan to lay off 138 police workers and 19 other city employees. They also seek declaratory judgment that there is no need for the layoffs as there is no "lack of funds."

The unions are represented by Stephen Lazarus and William Gustavson.

Categories / Uncategorized

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Loading...