Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - Police officers in the Town of Tonawanda are being accused by the town board of holding an “unlawful strike” by refusing to write traffic tickets.
The President of the Town of Tonawanda Police Club (the officers' union), Andy Thompson, posted on social media denying that police union members were directed to engage in a strike.
"The citizens of Tonawanda should be outraged that their tax dollars are going to pad the pockets of the Town's lawyers as part of a witch hunt to stifle our dissent," the post read. "We will not be intimidated by the Chief or the Town Board, and we will fight this meritless lawsuit vigorously."
Police officers and other civil servants are prohibited from participating in strikes under Taylor Law. Officers could face penalties, fines, and other charges if found guilty of violating the law.
The town board is expected to vote on legal action against the Tonawanda Police union for holding an unlawful strike, authorizing the town attorney to file a notice and charge the police union on Monday.