On November 25th and 26th, 2013, a trial was held in Superior Court regarding the Goldwater Institute’s ongoing lawsuit against, PLEA, the City of Phoenix and four interveners represented by Judicial Watch out of Washington, D.C. This lawsuit has been going on for well over a year. Earlier hearings resulted in Judge Katherine Cooper granting a preliminary injunction requested by Goldwater against PLEA and the City impacting the full time release provisions of the current MOU.
This has had a devastating impact PLEA’s ability to provide effective representation to its membership. Over two days, testimony was given in the matter by PLEA President Joe Clure, PLEA Treasurer/Chief Negotiator Will Buividas, PLEA Vice President/Grievance Chair Ken Crane, Asst. Police Chief Joe Yahner and Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio. Judge Cooper has given all parties till December 13, 2013, to have any final proposed conclusions of law and statements of fact submitted to the court. Judge Cooper told the involved parties her intent is to have a final decision released prior to January 1, 2014.
PLEA will keep the membership posted as new developments emerge.