Wilmington police unions sues over demotions
Wilmington’s Fraternal Order of Police has filed a suit against the city after six officers were forced to take demotions or be laid off. The resulting demotions resulted in the layoffs of other officers.
The officers received letters early last month telling them they’d be laid off unless they decided instead to take lower positions within the force. That, in turn, forced the layoff of officers with less seniority. The FOP says this is a violation of the Law-Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights.
Among other things, the bill of rights reserves demotions for officers with disciplinary infractions, and layoffs for the officers with the least seniority.
“Lay off from the bottom,” Master Cpl. Mike Lawson told the News Journal.
The officers are seeking reinstatement and monetary compensation for loss of pay and benefits.
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