NPH Partner Gary Nolan recently represented a female Dracut Police Officer in a hard fought legal battle that ended with an arbitrator finding for the officer on all counts.  The officer, an NEPBA Member, objected to the department's practice of requiring officer's to report symptoms and nature of illness in order to have sick time approved.  The Deputy Chief required that each officer report such information directly to him, and he alone would then decide if sick time would be approved.  In a significant decision, the Massachusetts Division of Labor Relations arbitrator found that the Department's practice not only violated the contract, but also was a violation of the American's with Disabilities Act, and issued a prospective cease and desist order.

Attorney Nolan and the NEPBA argued and showed that the particular actions taken against this officer, who is a union official, were retaliatory and discriminatory.  NPH was proud to to represent this officer, a strong union advocate who had the courage to fight this tough fight.  Thanks also go to the NEPBA Leadership for its strong support of both this case the rights of its membership.

To read the full decision, click on the link below:

Dracut_Arbitration.April_2009.pdf