Disparti Law Group wins nearly $7 million settlement for Cook County correctional commanders

By AI, Created 5:41 PM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – Disparti Law Group and co-counsel Linden & Bustamante secured a nearly $7 million settlement for a group of Cook County Sheriff’s Office commanders who said they were fired after trying to unionize. The case, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, underscores the legal protection workers have when organizing and the potential cost of alleged retaliation.

Why it matters: - The settlement puts a dollar figure on alleged retaliation tied to union organizing at a major public employer. - The resolution reinforces that workers who try to organize may have legal protections under Illinois and federal labor law. - The outcome may matter to public-sector employees watching how employers respond to protected labor activity.

What happened: - Disparti Law Group, with co-counsel Linden & Bustamante, announced a $7,000,000 settlement for a group of Cook County Sheriff’s Office commanders. - The commanders alleged they were unlawfully terminated after exercising their right to organize and form a labor union. - The case was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, as case number 2018 CH 02749. - The dispute stemmed from events that began in 2017, when Cook County Correctional Department Commanders sought to unionize. - The Illinois Labor Relations Board later issued a Recommended Decision and Order recognizing the commanders’ right to organize and authorizing formation of the union.

The details: - The litigation alleged that Sheriff Thomas J. Dart terminated commanders who participated in the unionization effort shortly after they prevailed before the labor board. - The lawsuit claimed those terminations were retaliation for protected labor activity, not coincidence. - The settlement resolves claims brought on behalf of the commanders after years of litigation. - Cass Casper of Disparti Law Group said the case was about protecting workers’ fundamental right to organize and preventing punishment for lawful labor activity. - Larry Disparti said unions have historically helped secure safer workplaces, fair wages, reasonable hours and healthcare benefits. - The firm said the result reflects its commitment to protecting working people and advocating for union labor. - Jason Baumann of Disparti Law Group was listed as a contact at +1 773-909-5277.

Between the lines: - The size of the settlement suggests the claims carried meaningful litigation risk for the defense. - The case also shows how labor-rights disputes can extend for years before reaching a financial resolution. - Public statements around the settlement frame the result as both compensation and accountability, not just a monetary payment.

What’s next: - The commanders have reached a settlement, but no further court outcome was detailed in the announcement. - Workers who believe they were retaliated against for union activity may still seek legal help from employment counsel. - Disparti Law Group said it remains committed to representing workers whose protected rights are violated.

The bottom line: - A nearly $7 million settlement closes a long-running fight over alleged anti-union retaliation at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and highlights the legal stakes of workplace organizing.