PODCAST · government
First Thursday Podcasts – Labor Relations Information System
by Richard Poulson, LRIS
The preeminent source for public safety labor and employment law issues.
Episodes
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First Thursday, October 2026
This month’s podcast is all about information. Information about the public and employees. Who controls it, who has access to it, how can it be used, and what role does the union play? What’s coming up from LRIS (0:02:17) The Cases Court Allows Challenge to Disclosure of Minnesota Undercover...
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First Thursday, September 2026
Marijuana, Guns, & Public Safety Employees Marijuana laws have been loosening in many states, but the drug is still illegal at the federal level. This month’s podcast covers what happens when state and federal laws collide on this issue, and why the labor contract is so important. Coming up from...
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First Thursday, August 2026
The Brady Rule affirms that the government, because of its obligation to provide defendants with a fair trial, must turn over favorable, exculpatory evidence to a criminal defendant. Over the years, Brady has become as impactful on public safety labor law as it has in criminal law. Brady Lists of...
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First Thursday, July 2026
The Supreme Court has wrapped up its 2026 docket, and, in this podcast, Rick covers three decisions that impact public safety employees. US v. Hemani (03:19) Margolin v. National Association of Immigration Judges (32:13) Trump v. Slaughter (45:40)
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First Thursday, April 2026
Upcoming seminars from LRIS (00:01:12) The Cases Court Rejects Late First Amendment Challenge to “Talk My S**t” Termination, Shelton v Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (6th Cir. 2026) (00:02:40) No ULP When Citgy Refused To Make Firefighters Whole For W-2 Errors, Rochester Fire Fighters...
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First Thursday, March 2026
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in the case United States v. Hemani. The case deals with whether federal criminal statute 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which makes it a felony for an “unlawful user” of a controlled substance to possess a firearm, is constitutional when it is used to...
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First Thursday, February 2026
Employers often try to win disputes by focusing on technical definitions or procedural arguments. They will apply a narrow definition to an employee’s workplace right and reframe the dispute so the protection seems not to apply. All four cases covered in this month’s podcast are examples of this...
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First Thursday, January 2026, Part 2
In part two of this month’s podcast, Rick offers his predictions for 2026 for three different categories. The economy – boom or bust? (00:02:10) Recruitment and retention – will federal agencies poach local law enforcement officers? (00:14:40) The courts – big changes in equal opportunity....
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First Thursday, January 2026, Part 1
A look back, a look ahead. We took January 1 off for the New Year’s Day holiday, so this First Thursday episode is posting on the second Thursday. We will be posting a bonus episode on the third Thursday (and you thought there were no more Christmas gifts coming). This episode will cover what…
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First Thursday, December 2025
We here at LRIS would like to wish everyone a joyous and peaceful holiday season. Here’s what in store for this last First Thursday podcast of 2025: Upcoming seminars from LRIS (00:01:53) The cases: State ex rel. GateHouse Media Ohio Holdings II, Inc. v. Columbus Police Dept., Slip Opinion No....
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First Thursday, November 2025
Richard Poulson interviews Memphis Police Association President Matt Cunningham about the recent deployment of national guard troops to his city. Cases: Labor Board Rules County Cannot Unilaterally Change Schedule, County of Gloucester, 51 NJPER ¶ 73 (2025) Illinois Labor Board Requires…
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First Thursday, October 2025
Rick and labor attorney Jessica Caggiano discuss what is and what isn’t protected speech by a public employee and in the age of social media. How has social media impacted how courts determine what speech is disruptive to the workplace? Rick and Jessica cover bedrock Supreme Court decisions as…
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First Thursday, September 2025
Rick interviews former firefighter and firefighter union leader, Bob Brooks, about his bid to represent Pennsylvania’s 7th district in the congress. They discuss the importance of political involvement by public safety labor and management representatives from all backgrounds. 00:02:16 – What’s...
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First Thursday, August 2025
Rick is joined again by labor attorney Jesse Bernstein to discuss the no tax on overtime provision from recent budget bill along with the usual roundup of cases. Cases
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First Thursday, July 2025
This month, Rick is joined by Philadelphia labor attorney Jesse Bernstein. The two discuss the following cases: NY Court Precludes Cross Examination Of Police Officers On Civilian Review Board Findings, United States v. Clanton, 763 F. Supp. 3d 261 (E.D. N.Y. 2025). (00:03:36) Bologna v. Krasner,...
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First Thursday, June 2025
FAQs 00:00:49 What’s new with LRIS? 00:01:24 Cases Cook County CO WinsADA Remedy For Unlawful Fitness-For-Duty Exam, Nawara v. Cook Cnty., 132 F.4th 1031 (7th Cir. 2025). 00:03:06 Union President Engaged In Protected Concerted Activity When Sharing Confidential Report, Montana Highway Patrol v....
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First Thursday, May 2025
0:01:32 What’s new with LRIS. 0:03:20 Seattle Officers Who Attended Jan 6 Rally Cannot Remain Anonymous, John Does 1, 2, 4, & 5 v. Seattle Police Dep’t, 2025 Wash. LEXIS 86 (2025). 0:15:24 Terminated Firefighter’s “Perceived Speech” Claim Triggers First Amendment Protect ions, Vargas v. City of...
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First Thursday, April 2025
Rick and economist Jeremy Crimmel discuss the nation’s economic outlook and what effects tariffs may have on inflation. Cases: State Court Confirms Louisiana Police Association’s Right to Engage in Political Activity, La. State Troopers Ass’n v. State Police Comm’n, 2025 La. App. LEXIS 135 (La....
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First Thursday, March 2025
In this month’s podcast, Rick discusses an important free speech case involving a fight over a police association’s logo and speaks with police defense attorney Lance LoRusso about a use of force case being decided by the Supreme Court. 00:01:41 — What’s going on with LRIS. 00:02:50 — Union logo...
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First Thursday, February 2025
This month’s podcast explores the connections between all workers, whether public safety or civilian, federal or state, public or private. Rick Poulson is joined by his colleague Joe Richardson to discuss this with a focus on a recent union-busting case out of Douglas County Colorado. 0: 03:43 –...
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First Thursday, January 2025
Happy 2025! The nasty bug that’s spreading across the East Coast hit our podcast host, Rick Poulson. He’s finally recovered enough to record this episode, but please forgive the cough. In this month’s podcast, we go over: Two cases:
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First Thursday, December 2024
Happy holidays to all our listeners. In this month’s First Thursday podcast, Rick covers: Pensions and Politics. What is the Social Security Fairness Act and does it have a chance of being passed? Progressive DAs. Elon Musk has his sights set on them. This month’s cases: Officer’s DWI Arrest Not...
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First Thursday, November 2024
Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you to all who served. Sorry we’re late! This month’s First Thursday should be renamed “Second Monday.” In this month’s podcast, Rick covers two union leave cases and two involving social media posts. The Cases: Gilmore v. Gallego, No. CV-23-0130-PR, 2024 WL 3590669...
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First Thursday, October 2024
LRIS Executive Director Rick Poulson goes over four cases in this month’s podcast, two involving free speech and two on prosecutorial immunity. This month’s cases: Ohio Security Guard’s Facebook “All Lives Splatter” Meme Protected by 1st Amendment, Noble v. Cincinnati & Hamilton Cnty. Pub. Libr.,...
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First Thursday, September 2024
Michael Freeman, Executive Vice President of the New Jersey Police Benevolent Association joins LRIS Executive Director Rick Poulson to discuss Mike’s career in law enforcement labor relations, and the two go over cases involving marijuana use and free speech. This month’s cases: Jersey City...
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First Thursday, August 2024
Rick Poulson interviews attorney Tom Gribbin about his career and the unique issues that arise in representing correctional officers. This month’s cases: Court Upholds Award Of Retroactive Sick Leave Benefits For COs, County of Berks v. Teamsters Local 429, 2023 WL 8290257 (Cmwlth. Ct.). City...
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First Thursday, July 2024
LRIS recently lost a member of our extended family. Arbitrator Dave Gaba, a frequent LRIS seminar speaker and co-author of the book Interest Arbitration passed away last month. We extend our sincerest condolences to Dave’s family and friends. Rick Poulson interviewed Arbitrator Michael Loconto…
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First Thursday, June 2024
Will Aitchison is on the other side of the microphone in this month’s podcast as Rick Poulson interviews him about his career in public safety labor relations. They discuss how long Will has been practicing, how he got into labor law, when and why he started LRIS, and why have seminars for both...
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Interview With Attorney Lance LoRusso
The complete interview with police attorney Lance LoRusso is available only to LRIS Premium subscribers. Rick Poulson and Lance, founder of the Blue Line Institute, discuss Lance’s background as a sworn police officer and a police attorney, as well as the current challenges facing police officers...
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Pat Fioretto Interview
Will interviewed Chicago Pasquale “Pat” Fioretto regarding an important arbitration decision between the City of Chicago and the Chicago FOP Lodge 7. Pat represented the FOP in this case, which dealt with the issues:
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Interview With Psychologist Dr. Michelle Lilly
Will interviews Dr. Michelle Lilly about the prevalence of PTSD among first responders with a specific focus on dispatchers. Dr. Lilly is an associate professor of psychology at Northern Illinois University and is the director of the Trauma, Mental Health, and Recovery Laboratory. Mental Health...
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Interview With Lisa Charbonneau
Are you interested in the Fair Labor Standards Act or FLSA, as it is commonly known? Do you ponder over the Garicia decision? Daydream about Department of Labor regulations? Does thinking about what needs to be included in the regular rate of pay make you feel tingly all over? Then boy, do we…
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Interview With Fire Chief Dan Kerrigan On Firefighter Health and Wellness
Fire Chief Dan Kerrigan talks about how to minimize the risk factors to firefighter health and how they can achieve and maintain what he calls functional fitness. This interview focuses on firefighters but is applicable to all public safety employees and employers. Topics covered: New awareness…
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Interview With Attorney and Author Ron DeLord
Will Aitchison interviews Ron DeLord, the founder of Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT). In addition to being an attorney and experienced contract negotiator, Ron is a published author and respected historian of the law enforcement labor movement. Timestamp Topic 0:00...
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Interview With Dr. Stephanie Conn On Emergency Personnel Resilience
What is resilience, how do emergency personnel develop it and how do departments foster it? Will discusses this important topic with psychologist Stephanie Conn in this special podcast. Topics covered: Dr. Conn’s book Increasing Resilience In Police And Emergency Personnel (00:02:44) What is...
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Physical Agility Tests
Will interviews Rae Gross and Sarah Kuehnel of the management-side law firm Ogletree Deakins about physical agility tests (PATs). Using a recent blog post on the topic the two attorneys authored as a starting point, the discussion includes the following topics: Why is it that PATs can raise…
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Alternative Dispute Resolution For Workers’ Comp Claims
Will Aitchison interviews Los Angeles Police Protective League Director Mark Cronin and Judge Steve Siemers on how the LAPPL and LAPD are using alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, to resolve workers’ compensation claims. Timestamp Topic 03:56 About the LAPPL 05:38 What inspired Mark to become...
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Health Care Trusts
Using the Fort Worth, Texas Firefighters as an example, Will discusses health care trusts as an option for delivering health coverage for public safety employees. Michael Glynn, president of the Fort Worth Firefighters, talks about why the association considered a health care trust, how they got...
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All Things Body Cameras
Will discusses body cameras with Mike Rains and Rocky Lucia of the law firm Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC. They look at the history of body camera use in California, body cameras and criminal prosecutions of police officers, privacy matters, and what issues regarding body cameras are...
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Interview With Peter Brown
Will and attorney Peter Brown, a partner in the law firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, the state of public sector bargaining and negotiations in California. LISTEN
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Interview With April Upchurch Fredrickson
The current presidential administration is undoubtedly conservative. This is reflected in the pro-management position its judicial appointments and the Department of Labor have taken on labor and employment issues. As a result, many municipalities, counties and states have passed laws and...
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Interview With Steve Grammas
Will interviews Las Vegas Police Protection Association president Steve Grammas about developments in the Nevada legislature strengthening the Public Safety Officer Bill of Rights. They discuss the details of Nevada Senate Bill 242, how it was passed and if it can be a model for similar…
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Interview With Margaret Brogan
Will asks arbitrator Margaret Brogan the questions you were afraid to ask — or maybe didn’t know you need to be asking. How much credence do you really give hearsay, anyway? Would you rather see a brief and/or a closing argument and why? What are the five things that irritate you as an…
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Interview With Christina Carroll
Will interviews attorney Christina Carroll of the law firm Robein, Urann, Spencer, Picard & Cangemi, APLC who represented the New Orleans Firefighters is a suit involving the department’s move to allow the Fire Superintendent to promote anyone on a promotional exam list instead of being required…
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First Thursday, October 2016
The following cases are covered in this month’s podcast: Fire Captain Discharged For Refusing To Stop Using Department Email For Religious Messages, Sprague v. Spokane Valley Fire Department, 2016 WL 5239627 (Wash. App. 2016) Polygraph Examination Is An ‘Interrogation’ Covered By Bill Of Rights,...
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First Thursday, September 2016
Will discusses two very important recent cases. The first is a donning and doffing FLSA case out of New York – Perez v. City of New York, 2016 WL 4087216 (2nd Cir. 2016) – and the other involves a change in California;s law on pension reductions – Marin Association of Public Employees v. Marin...
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First Thursday, August 2016
This month’s topics: New decision concerning how to calculate the overtime rate under the FLSA, Hernandez v. City of San Gabriel, 2016 WL 3090782 (9th Cir. 2016) Decision from Virginia on whether firefighter captains are exempt under the FLSA, Morrison v. County of Fairfax, 2016 WL 3409651 (4th...
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First Thursday, July 2016
This month’s topics: Body-Worn Cameras And Bargaining, City of Oklahoma City (Zane Lumbley, 2016); Montgomery County, Maryland (Ira Jaffee, 2015 and 2016) Retirement Forfeiture Violates ‘Excessive Fine’ Clause Of Eighth Amendment, Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission v.…
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Interview With James Moore On Body Camera Decision Out Of OKC
Will interviews attorney James Moore of Oklahoma City about a major body camera arbitration decision. An arbitrator ruled that “the use of body-worn cameras constitutes an enormous change in the working conditions of police officers,” and held that the City could not unilaterally implement its…
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First Thursday, June 2016
This month’s topics: New FLSA Exemption Rules Are Finally Announced The EEOC, The ADA, And Leave Incident Reports May Not (Or May) Be Protected By Garrity, United States v. Smith, 2016 WL 1719267 (11th Cir. 2016) Selling Shoes On E-Bay Not ‘Misconduct’ Disqualifying Trooper From Unemployment…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The preeminent source for public safety labor and employment law issues.
HOSTED BY
Richard Poulson, LRIS
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First Thursday Podcasts – Labor Relations Information System currently has 200 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is First Thursday Podcasts – Labor Relations Information System about?
The preeminent source for public safety labor and employment law issues.
How often does First Thursday Podcasts – Labor Relations Information System release new episodes?
First Thursday Podcasts – Labor Relations Information System publishes regularly with 200 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Who hosts First Thursday Podcasts – Labor Relations Information System?
First Thursday Podcasts – Labor Relations Information System is created and hosted by Richard Poulson, LRIS.
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