GREENVILLE, S.C. - Nineteen of Greenville's 200 officers have formed a chapter of the International Union of Police Associations, a spokesman for the national organization said Thursday.

The 19 officers have not been identified, because of fear of retaliation, said Rich Roberts of the national organization. Roberts said officers met at a local hotel on July 15 and expressed concerns about manpower shortages and lack of overtime pay.

Police Lt. Mike Gambrell said no one has brought such complaints to the chief's office.

"We don't know who the 19 officers are and no one has contacted the chief's office about this," Gambrell said. "We think the officers are treated fairly. We're shocked to hear such allegations and we do not recognize a union in Greenville."

Unions typically have little success in South Carolina, which is a right-to-work state.

"The main hurdle is very strong, effective and well-financed employer opposition," said Hoyt Wheeler, University of South Carolina professor. "The companies that have opposed unions in South Carolina have been very good at it."

The Greenville officers are not the first law enforcement union in the state.

Myrtle Beach and Florence police officers also formed unions affiliated with the International Union of Police Associations and about 100 Highway Patrol troopers formed the South Carolina Troopers Federation Local No. 13 in 2001.

Because they're government employees, the Greenville officers' union cannot strike or participate in collective bargaining. Wheeler said officers have the right to form and join a union, however, the employer has no legal obligation to bargain with them.

Roberts said the union can benefit both the police department and its employees by giving rank and file officers a chance to express concerns as a group without worrying about retribution from a supervisor.

He said the union will begin actively recruiting from the 230 officers and staff eligible for membership.

Information from: The Greenville News