City, Police Await Decision On Take Home Cars

Louisville Metro Government and the Fraternal Order of Police are awaiting a ruling from the Kentucky Labor Cabinet in their dispute over fees charged by the city for the use of take home cars.The FOP says the fees are a violation of union contracts, but the city contends that the cars are a privilege that can be altered without negotiations. An effort by the union to obtain a temporary injunction was dismissed, but the Labor Cabinet held a hearing on the matter earlier this month. Police Chief Robert White says the Cabinet's decision should provide a definitive answer."The court case was not solely on entitlement versus privilege," he says. "The hearing is definitely on 'Does management have the right to enforce that or is it in fact an entitlement on the part of the officers and is it something that should be negotiated through the contract."White says a decision isn't expected for several more weeks. The FOP or the city could continue the battle after that by appealing the cabinet's decision.