The Latest Breaking News from John Catanzara

Chicago police officers must have the chance to use arbitration

Every other union has the ability to strike. The Chicago FOP Lodge 7 does not. In exchange, we have the right to go to arbitration. So when it comes to discipline, arbitration is a needed option.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 1, 2023

FOP demands same 12 weeks of paid parental leave Johnson gave teachers

“The teachers were granted parental leave — without bargaining. We certainly expect the same considerations for our membership,” John Catanzara, Fraternal Order of Police president, told members in a video posted late Friday.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 12, 2023

Chicago’s top cop search: civilian oversight panel starting in-person interviews

Anthony Driver, president of the Community Commission on Public Safety and Police Accountability, said input from rank-and-file officers at an FOP meeting last week is something former CPD Supt. David Brown never would have allowed.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 7, 2023

Chicago mayoral candidates spar during last televised debate before election

CHICAGO — Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson spent the last televised debate before next Tuesday’s mayoral election on the defensive as they faced tough questions about their political records and associations.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 29, 2023

Chicago police to try rehiring retired cops, in bid to bolster ranks, officials say

CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Department is launching a new effort to win back retired CPD officers and hire sworn officers serving other law enforcement agencies.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 25, 2023

City’s chief labor negotiator fired over interview on Sun-Times podcast, sources say

Chicago’s chief labor negotiator fired over interview on Sun-Times podcast, sources say

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 20, 2023

Chicago’s longtime chief labor negotiator sizes up Paul Vallas, Brandon Johnson

Jim Franczek described Paul Vallas as a “pretty independent guy” while he’s wary of Brandon Johnson’s ties to the Chicago Teachers Union.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 17, 2023

Catanzara wins second term as FOP president

John Catanzara Jr. captured nearly 57% of the 7,192 votes for president of Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7. His opponent, Robert Bartlett, had argued that Catanzara’s confrontational approach alienated potential union allies.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 4, 2023

Florida Gov. DeSantis now a factor in Chicago’s mayoral race

The GOP governor will be headlining an event for police in Elmhurst on Monday. Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas distanced himself from the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, which endorsed him, after it promoted the event.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 18, 2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis coming to speak to Chicago FOP Monday in Elmhurst

CHICAGO — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, exploring a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is scheduled to speak at an invite-only event Monday in Elmhurst to members of Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police and potentially deliver some rhetorical political payback to Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Chicago Tribune · Feb 17, 2023