Memphis, TN, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The City of Memphis has filed a counterclaim against the Memphis Fire Fighters Association and the Memphis Police Association, questioning the legal validity of their agreements regarding wages and employment. The city seeks court validation of the mayor’s exclusive authority over these matters, following allegations from firefighters that they did not receive a promised salary increase. The ongoing legal battle may impact labor relations in municipal governance and set important precedents for future union negotiations.
The City of Memphis has initiated a legal counterclaim against the Memphis Fire Fighters Association Local 1784 and the Memphis Police Association in Shelby County Chancery Court. This move challenges the legal standing of union agreements regarding wage and employment decisions. The city seeks a court ruling affirming that the mayor has exclusive authority over wages, promotions, and employment policies within the city’s fire and police departments.
City attorneys contend that the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that were signed with the unions do not represent legally binding contracts under Tennessee law. This counterclaim comes in response to a lawsuit filed by firefighters in July, who allege that the city failed to honor an agreement that stipulated a 5% salary increase. Instead, firefighters received a 3% raise, which is consistent with the pay increase approved for all full-time employees in the city budget this past June.
Union representatives have indicated that the city’s actions have negatively affected morale among firefighters, resulting in an increase in departures from the department. The counterclaim aims to reinforce the mayorโs management rights as outlined in the City Charter while invalidating any union agreements that might conflict with those rights.
This matter remains active in Chancery Court and could serve as a critical test of union authority within the city government. Concurrently, the Memphis Police Association has filed a contempt motion against the city, asserting that it has not complied with a previous court order related to the demotion of officers holding the recently established second lieutenant position, which was created without input from the union.
A judge ruled in March that the city breached its contract with the Memphis Police Association by unilaterally creating the second lieutenant rank. The police association is now seeking monetary fines for each day the city fails to comply with the court’s directives. In response, city attorneys have appealed the rulings made by the judge and requested stays on any pending officer demotions, although these requests have been denied thus far.
The legal circumstances surrounding the creation of the second lieutenant position have broader implications as a circuit judge reaffirmed earlier decisions indicating a violation of the MOU, with the potential impact affecting approximately 130 officers. The lawyer representing the Memphis Police Association has hinted at the possibility of pursuing sanctions against the city for non-compliance with court rulings.
This ongoing legal feud between the City of Memphis and the unions could have lasting effects on labor relations within the municipal government and may set important precedents regarding the authority of mayors over union agreements.
FAQs
What is the main reason behind the City of Memphis filing a counterclaim against the fire and police unions?
The city is challenging the legal standing of union agreements and seeking a ruling that affirms the mayor’s authority over wages, promotions, and employment policies.
What prompted the firefighters to file a lawsuit against the city?
Firefighters allege that the city broke an agreement that guaranteed a 5% raise, instead, they received a 3% increase in the budget.
What are the implications of the created second lieutenant position for the Memphis Police Association?
The creation of this position without union participation has been ruled a violation of the contract, potentially affecting 130 officers. The police union is seeking fines for the city’s non-compliance.
What potential impact does this situation have on union powers in Memphis?
This case could set significant precedents regarding the powers of unions in municipal governance and the extent to which mayoral authority can override union agreements.
Key Features of the Counterclaim
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Challenge | The city seeks to challenge the enforceability of union agreements and affirm mayoral authority. |
| Union Lawsuit | A lawsuit by firefighters alleges the city violated an agreement promising a 5% raise. |
| Morale Impact | Concerns about declining morale and increasing departures among firefighters due to pay disputes. |
| Second Lieutenant Issue | The Memphis Police Association filed for contempt related to the unauthorized creation of a rank. |
| Potential Outcomes | This case may create significant precedents affecting union power and city governance. |
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Additional Resources
- WREG: City of Memphis Files Counterclaim in Union Pay Dispute
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Police Union City Lawsuit
- Action News 5: Police Union Files Motion for Penalties Against City
- Wikipedia: Labor Union
- Fox 13: Judge Sides with Police Union for Mass Demotion
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
