Ohio troopers, boss at odds over short sleeves

[March 24, 2012]  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio state troopers are hot under the collar in a dispute over who determines when they can switch from long-sleeved to short-sleeved uniforms.

The Columbus Dispatch newspaper reports (http://bit.ly/GI5nfE) record-high spring temperatures prompted the troopers' union to request the change earlier than specified in their contract.

Patrol superintendent Col. John Born told the union on Thursday the troopers could switch early only if management gets to make the call in future years. Troopers opted to stick with long sleeves and ties.

The contract says short-sleeved, open-collared uniforms can be worn from April 15 to Nov. 1.

Union president Larry Phillips says when the long-sleeved Ohio State Highway Patrol uniform is worn with a tie and a protective vest, a trooper's body temperature rises "significantly," especially in 80-degree weather.

A patrol spokeswoman says the superintendent is following the contract.

[Associated Press]

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