The Death of Solidarity: How Apathy is Killing Police Unions

Apathy Undermines Unity.

Unions. Love them or hate them, they are essential in law enforcement. Police unions operate differently from the unions often portrayed on television.

I have close friends and even some family members who are anti-union. Most people I meet aren’t union members, so their perception of unions is shaped mostly by the media.

For example, the news rarely, if ever, highlights the good that unions do for their members. Instead, the focus is on walkouts, work slowdowns, or strikes.

The purpose of this blog is not to persuade anti-union individuals to change their stance. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and in today’s polarized world, many people are so entrenched in their beliefs that they refuse to listen. 

Rather, I want to focus on the complacency of police union members, specifically the “It Doesn’t Affect Me” type of union member.

Understanding Police Unions

Unions are the backbone of protection for law enforcement officers, ensuring fair wages, legal representation, and workplace rights. Most police department unions are locally run under the umbrella of what I would describe as a parent union. I was a member of the Shelby Township Police Officers Association, which contracted services with the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM).

POAM assisted the Shelby Township Police Officers Association with contract negotiations, grievances, and other labor matters. Additionally, POAM took a strong stance on providing legal assistance to officers, mental health resources, and much more.

Unlike other industries, police officers cannot strike, and work slowdowns are illegal. This is imperative to maintain community safety. I don’t even want to imagine what my community would be like if its officers were allowed to walk off the job in protest.

I won’t dive any deeper into the structure of unionism, as that’s not my intent. Instead, I want to address the threats to police unionism. But first let me explain how I feel all of us, whether we pay dues or not, are actually union members.

Your Family is a Union

Consider your immediate family. Imagine sitting at the dinner table when your young daughter says, “I had a bad day at school today.”

Mom replies, “What happened, honey?”

“Greg slapped me at recess and called me a piece of shit!”

“Oh my God, honey, that’s horrible!” Mom responds.

Then Dad chimes in, “Big deal. Get over it. Now finish your dinner because you have homework to do!”

No father in his right mind would react this way. Instead, most Dads would be fully enraged, demanding to know everything about this little punk Greg.

“What’s his last name? Did you tell your teacher, and what did they do about it?”

The next morning, it is a safe bet Mom and Dad would be calling in late for work because they’d be heading to the school to speak with the principal.

Families protect each other. They stand together.

Family is the prime example of unionism. What affects one affects us all.

Strength in Numbers, Weakness in Apathy

One of the biggest threats to police unions doesn’t come from politicians, administrators, or even our union-hating friends and family—it comes from within. Apathy among union members, especially those with the mindset of “It doesn’t affect me,” erodes the very foundation of unionism, collective bargaining, and officer safety and advocacy.

“An injury to one is an injury to all.”

This age-old labor slogan is a stark reminder that a union is only as strong as the participation of its members. During my career, I served on the Shelby Township Police Officers Association, holding multiple positions, including president, and was a member of the Negotiation Committee. I have firsthand experience in the power of unionism.

Yet, later in my career, I repeatedly heard members disengage from the union family because “it didn’t affect them.” These officers are like that oblivious father at the dinner table—more concerned with finishing a meal than protecting his family. Selfishness is their defining characteristic.

When officers disengage, assuming that blatant contract violations won’t impact them personally, they create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by leadership and policymakers eager to weaken union influence.

A 2022 study by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) found that only 43% of union members participate in meetings and voting. That means more than half of officers leave critical decisions to a small minority.

A disengaged membership means fewer voices in the conversation, often leaving decisions in the hands of a small, overworked, and sometimes ineffective group of representatives.

The Cost of Complacency

History provides plenty of examples of what happens when union members fail to stay involved:

• Weakened contracts – When fewer members push for stronger contracts, departments can roll back benefits, reduce retirement benefits, or implement unfair disciplinary measures without resistance.

• Lack of legal protection – Officers facing wrongful termination or misconduct allegations may find union resources limited if leadership lacks membership support.

• Erosion of bargaining power – When participation drops, city and department officials take note, making it easier to bypass union concerns and implement unilateral changes.

The “It Doesn’t Affect Me” Fallacy

It’s easy to think that union issues won’t impact you—until they do. A lack of involvement in union matters doesn’t make an officer immune to administrative overreach, unfair discipline, or salary cuts.

• That extra $5,000 in hazard pay? Negotiated by your union.

• That legal defense team when you're unfairly accused? Paid for by union dues.

• That body armor and patrol car upgrades? Pushed through by collective bargaining.

Approximately 15-20 years ago, my union faced a battle over body armor. Our department mandated that officers wear body armor, which was reasonable. What was unreasonable was that when our vests expired, officers were expected to either pay for their own replacements or wear expired gear that no longer provided adequate protection.

Because of our union, we fought for our members—including the “It Doesn’t Affect Me” types—and negotiated that the department must cover the cost of replacement vests.

How to Break the Cycle of Apathy

1. Show up – Attend union meetings, even if just to listen.

2. Vote – Contract negotiations, leadership elections, and policy decisions directly impact your job.

3. Stay informed – Follow updates from your union and engage in discussions.

4. Encourage others – Challenge fellow officers who say, “It doesn’t affect me,” by explaining why union strength benefits all.

A United Front is an Unstoppable Force

The adversaries of police unions—city officials, the Chief of Police, budget committees, and anti-law enforcement activists—count on officer apathy. The less engaged the membership, the easier it is to chip away at benefits, protections, and bargaining power.

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson

Unionism in law enforcement isn’t just about protecting a paycheck—it’s about ensuring officers have the resources, legal protections, and fair working conditions they deserve.

Apathy is the silent killer of our mission. Stay engaged. Stay informed and remember:

What doesn’t affect you today might define your career tomorrow.

Until next time stay safe!

Badge to Travel can now be reached via email at:  contact@badgetotravel.com

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