Ohio State Highway Patrol flap involves short sleeves

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio troopers are a bit hot under the collar in a dispute over who determines when they can switch from long-sleeved to short-sleeved uniforms.

The Columbus Dispatch reports record-high spring temperatures prompted the troopers union to request the change earlier than specified in their contract. Col. John Born, patrol superintendent, told the union Thursday that they could switch early, but only if management gets to make the call in future years.

Troopers opted to stick with long sleeves and ties.

The contract says short-sleeved, open-collar uniforms can be worn from April 15 to Nov. 1. It’s a change from three years ago, when management made the decision.

Union president Larry Phillips says the patrol is trying to revert to old ways. A patrol spokeswoman says Born is following the contract.