Broward County: Deputies vote to stick with current union

Broward sheriff's deputies have voted to keep the Police Benevolent Association as their representative as opposed to the International Union of Police Associations. Votes were counted Wednesday after ballots were sent to the 1,400-plus members, said PBA President Dick Brickman.

The attempt to shift the department's representation began in May, when IUPA officials turned in cards with 445 names of officers who wanted a change, about 30 percent of the organization, Brickman said.

In the end, only 331 members voted for a switch to IUPA while PBA received 758 votes, he said.

"We feel good, that the rank and file are still supporting the PBA and think we're going in the right direction," Brickman said.

The first priority is to negotiate a new contract with the sheriff for better pay and benefits, he said.