It is unfortunate that a Maryland state Delegate, and union member, would push forward a false narrative about a labor organization. Mr. Acevedo contacted media outlets to garner support for his disagreement over his termination from UFCW Local 1994 (MCGEO). Since Mr. Acevedo decided to make his employment matters public and chose to leave out information that does not support his cause, we will give the public some insight. First and foremost, Mr. Acevedo’s termination was not over the legislation he submitted in Annapolis, a year before his termination.
Mr. Acevedo made unfair statements about the Fraternal Order of Police that were without fact. He stated he would affect employee rights not only for FOP members, but for members of all unions representing law enforcement officers, to include the union for which he was a representative. The FOP notified the President of MCGEO in an effort to discuss how the two labor organizations could work together on making improvements to law enforcement. The FOP was contacted to meet and discuss working collaboratively on the issue, which included MCGEO employee, Mr. Acevedo. At no time did the FOP advocate for the termination or any disciplinary action by Mr. Acevedo’s employer for his comments at the council hearing. The FOP simply desired to work together, as we have done for more than 30 years.
The FOP and Sheriff’s representatives from MCGEO attempted to reach a place of comfort to collaborate over improving law enforcement. After less than fifteen minutes into the conversation Mr. Acevedo, who became irate when interrupted by Mr. Renne, began yelling and pointing his finger in his employer’s face, disrupting the meeting. In my opinion, not only was Mr. Acevedo’s conduct at the meeting extremely unprofessional, but his statements and promises to oppose rights for law enforcement officers compromises his ability to fairly represent the law enforcement members of MCGEOin the workplace.
Mr. Acevedo’s claim that the FOP pressured President Renne to terminate him is disingenuous. He has only himself to blame for the current status with his employer. I do not believe his conduct in the meeting with law enforcement representatives is the only matter that complicated his relationship with his employer.
To be clear, the FOP did not pressure MCGEO to stop Mr. Acevedo’s legislation or attempt to change his personal opinion of law enforcement and labor unions representing law enforcement officers. The sole interest of the FOP was to meet andwork together to address the real issues in law enforcement and provide reasonable and thoughtful suggestions toimprove law enforcement as a whole.