Court Rules to Set Aside Over $528,000 to Cover Backpay for Markham Police

CHICAGO, July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Cook County Circuit Court ordered the City of Markham to set aside more than $528,000 in state-issued bond money and reserves to cover the backpay it owes to 32 of its Teamsters Local 700-represented police.

Markham is on the verge of receiving two state bonds, both of which are worth more than $1 million. One bond is to be used for a senior citizen's center and the other one was to be used at the City's discretion.  

"This decision proves how much a union with strong leadership can do for its members," said William P. Logan, Local 700 Assistant Trustee.  

Becky Strzechowski, Assistant Trustee for Local 700, echoed similar sentiments.

"Our Local Union has been fighting for our members over the past five years," Strzechowski said. "We are pleased with the Court's decision to give our members what they deserve."

Barb Cornett, a Local 700 Business Agent who represents the officers, agreed.

"Our police officers are so happy with the decision," Cornett said. "It has been a long time coming."

In 2005, Markham Police Officers and Sergeants - who had been on the force for five years or more - were awarded nearly $500,000 in backpay after Local 700 took the City of Markham to arbitration over a wage dispute in an employee contract. The officers also were awarded 12 percent interest on the backpay, which has compounded over the past several years.  

Currently, Local 700 has filed for a court order with the Circuit Court of Cook County to enforce the award from the arbitrator.

A final decision on the union's legal action is expected to be issued in late August.

SOURCE Teamsters Local 700