10.2190/G3F3-LQTD-B1LB-426V G3F3LQTDB1LB426V 0 PUBLIC SECTOR LABOR RELATIONS IN TEXAS: AN EXAMINATION OF THE APPEALS PROCESS FOR FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS COVERED UNDER STATE CIVIL SERVICE 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=G3F3LQTDB1LB426V 1 GERALYN MC CLURE FRANKLIN AND ELVIS C. STEPHENS This article examines a 1983 revision in the Texas Municipal Civil Service Act. The provision allows firemen and policemen to appeal certain matters before the local civil service commission or to appeal to an independent third party. The results of an opinion survey of local fire and police association presidents indicate that policemen affiliated with the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) have had the most experience in terms of number of cases and that they have overwhelmingly selected the third-party option. Fire fighters have also favored appealing to a third party. Both groups agree that examiners' awards are based on the facts and circumstances of each case rather than local political loyalties.