WACOPS Labor Defense Group

The WACOPS Labor Defense Group (LDG) is a 501(c)5 nonprofit corporation established to perform all the functions of a labor organization in the public sector. The LDG is a voluntary program that assists guilds and associations in efforts to improve wages, hours, and working conditions. Represented by one of the most respected labor law firms in the state, Vick Julius McClure, the LDG represents employees through collective bargaining by providing negotiating, litigation, and arbitration services. Groups who choose to participate in the LDG are also enrolled in the PORAC Legal Defense Fund which provides assistance to the individual members in need of legal representation as a result of performing their duties.

Learn more about the 2024 LDG Webinar Training Series

Who can participate in the LDG?

Guilds and associations that are affiliated with WACOPS, and have less than 50 members, are eligible to participate in the program.

Who manages the LDG?

The affairs of the LDG are managed by a 7-person Board of Directors. The board decides the aims and means of accomplishing the purposes of the LDG and has authority to take all actions necessary for accomplishing the purposes of the LDG. The law firm of Vick, Julius & McClure has been retained to provide legal assistance and training to the LDG.

What services does the LDG offer?

The purpose of the organization is to improve wages, hours, and working conditions of represented employees through collective bargaining by providing advice and negotiating, litigation, arbitration, and related service to those labor organizations that are affiliated with WACOPS and become a participant in the LDG. Groups participating in the LDG are also enrolled in the PORAC Legal Defense Fund Plan 2, an ERISA Trust that provides legal service benefits for public safety personnel. For information about services provided by PORAC visit porac.org/legal-defense-fund.

Additional Coverage through PORAC Legal Defense Fund (LDF) Plan 6

Coverage for representation in the event you are brought before the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission for a hearing related to your certification. As of July 2021, the CJTC may, after an investigation, suspend or revoke your certification for an array of alleged offenses. Plan 6 covers administrative proceedings for license revocation or suspension (Act or Omission within the Scope of Employment). Legal representation in administrative proceedings involving the revocation or suspension of a certification or license to serve as a peace officer within the state in which the Participant is employed. The PORAC LDF Plan 6 option is only available to members enrolled in another PORAC LDF Benefit Plan (I, II or III). PORAC LDF is offering Plan 6 for just $5.00 per member per month. If your organization elects to add this coverage, your monthly WACOPS LDG invoice will reflect an additional $5.00 per person per month. All WACOPS LDG member organizations currently have PORAC LDF Plan 2 included in their WACOPS LDG enrollment. 

What is the overall investment as a Labor Defense Group member organization?

WACOPS LDG dues are as follows:
WACOPS dues (required):  $12.50 per officer/per month
LDG dues (required): $40.00 per officer/per month
PORAC Plan 2 dues (required): $6.00 per officer/per month
PORAC Plan 6 dues (recommended): $5.00 per officer/per month

2023 Labor Defense Group Board of Directors
President: Jim Barnes, Lake Stevens Police Guild, [email protected]
Vice President: Dave Dunkin, Spokane Police Guild, [email protected]
Sec/Treas.: Tarina Rose-Watson, Spokane Airport Police Assoc., [email protected]
Tony Leonetti, Fish and Wildlife Sgts. Local #760, [email protected]
Chris Tracy, Tacoma Police Union Local 6, [email protected]
Chris Breault, Lynnwood Police Guild, [email protected]
Kyle O'Hagan, Mountlake Terrace Police Guild, [email protected] 

Labor Defense Group Consultants

Neil Martin
Vancouver Police Officer's Guild
[email protected] 
(360) 904-5368

About
Neil is a proven labor advocate with more than twenty-five years of law enforcement experience, and more than fifteen years labor experience handling contractual and disciplinary processes associated with the collective bargaining process in Washington State. Neil finds personal satisfaction in helping fellow officers enhance their benefits, wages and working conditions throughout all aspects of the labor process. He believes the role of a consultant should be that of advocate, mentor and supporter for each and every member organization.

Greg Lance
Spokane County Deputy Sheriff's Association
[email protected]
(509) 953-3602

About
With over 30 years in law enforcement, Greg has seen it all. For the last 15 or more years, he has served on his association’s board including 3 years as President.  Greg has extensive experience negotiating contracts, navigating unfair labor practice grievances, and other employer related issues. Greg believes in advocating for the labor rights of our state’s brave men and women of law enforcement. Greg will get to know your organization, understand your priorities, and work with you to achieve the best outcome for your organization.

For more information regarding what WACOPS LDG can do for your union, please contact one of the above consultants or Teresa Taylor, WACOPS Executive Director at [email protected], or 360-352-8224.

LDG By-Laws (updated 1/2023)