Dowling B Jay Attorney in Fairview Heights, IL

Jeffrey Bock asked a question

Please see attached email referring me to ask you about a possible case:
Dear Mr. Bock:

Unfortunately, I don't believe I will be able to help you. From the information that you have provided, it appears that your claim involves enforcement and/or interpretation of your collective bargaining agreement, which is a labor law matter. While I am an employment law attorney, I do not handle any labor law matters, which is a different subset of employment law relating to union matters. Typically, your union should handle this for you, but I understand that they are claiming that you were not a member during the relevant time period. I think you need to contact a labor law attorney as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I don't know any labor law attorneys to refer you to. I don't know if he can help you or not, but you may try giving attorney Jay Dowling a call. He is a former police officer and if he can't help you, he may at least have some idea of a name of someone who can. Jay's phone number is (618) 398-9977.

Good luck to you.


Mark S. Schuver
Attorney at Law/Shareholder
Mathis, Marifian & Richter, LTD.
23 Public Square, Suite 300
PO Box 307
Belleville, IL 62220
Phone: 618.234.9800
Fax: 618.234.9786
mschuver@mmrltd.com
www.mmrltd.com
___________________________________________
I left a message this morning regarding someone taking look at an issue that have been dealing with for about a year now over a labor/employment issus.

My concern at this time is just that, timing. I have been through several steps at this point with no avail. I am told that I only have one year to file anything, and that year is up in September.

I filed a grievance with the Teamsters Union. After some time they advised me that since I was not a union member during that period, they could not do anything for me.

I have since attempted to gather documents from the city in order to find if there was something that I missed. THey have blocked several FOIA Requests. These issues have been filed with the Attoney Generals Office.

After some time I have spoken with several attorneys in this area and they are reluctant. This all has led to the last minute scramble to get something filed.

A basic rundown:

I was the Chief of Police for the Murphysboro Police Department for over 11 years. I was appointed from within and served at the direction of the mayor. A new mayor came into office and removed me. This was done in accordance with Illinois Statute (65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-4) and local ordinance. I have no recourse in this appointment and removal.

However, after this happened, I retruned to a patrol officer position and pay was reduced to that position within the union. You will see that this same event happened in the past and the officer maintained his salary plus had the union benefits. It was the understanding that there is some sort of statute or labor law that addresses this type of action. I was explained that if the demotion is "Just because" not "with just cause", that the pay must stay until such time the contract catches up with the pay amount. Howeve, in the case of the other employee, he continued to receive pay increases until retirement.

There is no disciplinary action against me that has brought this on, as I have obtained all records from my file. The Executive Session in which all this discussion happened, is being held beyond the six month review for some unknown reason.

Is this something that can be dealt with or It just Sucks to be me.

I have a stack of documents available for review.

My next issue is timing. I have been told that I only have one year from the date of discovery (September 18, 2013) to file ny action. As far as coming to your office, I am limited due to the fact I am either working, or out of state until September 8. That cuts it very close.

My cell 618-534-9493.

Thank you for your time and effort in this regard.


Jeffrey Bock
29 Westwood Lane
Murphysboro, IL 62966