Shelby County Deputies File Federal Lawsuit Against Sheriff, County

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Shelby County Deputies File Federal Lawsuit Against Sheriff, County

Sheriff Refusing to Recognize Deputies' Rights, Association with Teamsters

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Shelby County
Deputy Sheriffs Association filed a lawsuit in federal court today against
Shelby County sheriff Mark H. Luttrell Jr. and the county. The lawsuit,
filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee,
aims to stop Luttrell from interfering with the deputies' association with
the Teamsters Law Enforcement League.

"The deputies' right of association is a constitutional right," said
Henry Perry, President of Teamsters Law Enforcement League, Local 667 in
Memphis, Tennessee. "Frankly, we think it's a crime that the sheriff has
interfered with their rights."

"We've been seeking a fair labor agreement for almost a year," said
John Kraemer, President of the 400-member Shelby County Deputy Sheriffs
Association (SCDSA). "The sheriff has refused to meet with us since we
affiliated with the Teamsters. We expect better from him and our
commissioners."

Ever since the deputies voted 296-0 in January to form an association
with the Teamsters, Luttrell has refused to bargain for a new labor
contract, leaving the officers in a state of limbo.

"Luttrell is trying to say that if the deputies disassociate themselves
with the Teamsters, he'll return to the bargaining table," Perry said.
"These deputies are out on the street putting their lives on the line every
day to protect us. The sheriff should treat them with the respect they
deserve, and negotiate an acceptable agreement. It is ridiculous that we
have to go to federal court to force him to recognize the deputies'
constitutional rights."

The Shelby County Deputy Sheriffs Association is affiliated with the
Teamsters Law Enforcement League, which also represents the 1,200 officers
in the Metro Nashville police department, as well as officers at more than
1,400 law enforcement agencies across the U.S.