The Port Arthur police union is suing the city, due to a disagreement over a provision of the collective bargaining agreement that exists with the municipality.
The Port Arthur Police Association filed the suit Oct. 22 in Jefferson County District Court against the City of Port Arthur, Texas.
According to the complaint, typographical error in the contract puts at question a provision for a 3 percent pay raise. Instead of 2016, the expiration date of the contract is typed as 2015, which brings into play a one-year evergreen provision, so the 2014-2015 agreement should remain in force while the parties continue to negotiate, the suit says.
Another section of the contract says that if any other city employee receives a pay raise, association members receive the same raise, according to the suit. The respondent alleges no collective bargaining agreement is in effect, so none of its provisions are in effect, including a 3 percent raise. On Oct. 19, the association filed a grievance regarding the matter.
The police association asks the court to issue a temporary restraining order so Port Arthur cannot deny any rights promised by the contract. After the hearing, the petitioner also requests it then seeks a permanent order so the city cannot deny the provisions of the contract. The police union also wants the respondent to be cited to appear and answer the charges, plus paying court costs, attorney fees and other relief the court deems adequate. The police are represented by attorney Lance P. Bradley, of Bradley, Steele & Pierce in Port Arthur.
Jefferson County District Court case number D-197732.