Union demands urgent pay raises amid staffing crisis
September 06, 2024 | Northampton County, Pennsylvania
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During a recent county council meeting, representatives from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 88 voiced serious concerns regarding the working conditions and compensation of correctional officers at the Northampton County Department of Corrections (DOC). The staff representative highlighted a troubling trend of high turnover rates and deteriorating relationships between officers and county administration, attributing these issues primarily to inadequate wages and poor retention strategies.
The representative emphasized that correctional officers are significantly underpaid compared to their counterparts in similar counties, despite having continued to work through the pandemic when many others were at home. While other departments received bonuses and pay adjustments, the DOC officers were denied similar concessions, leading to frustration and a sense of neglect among the staff.
A recent union poll indicated that 97% of DOC employees would consider staying if consistent pay increases were implemented. However, the administration's refusal to adjust pay scales or offer retention bonuses has resulted in the loss of experienced officers, which poses safety risks within the facility. The representative pointed out that replacing seasoned staff is not only difficult but also detrimental to the operational integrity of the DOC.
In addition to wage concerns, the administration's proposed changes to work schedules were met with resistance. Officers expressed that their current schedules are a key factor in attracting new hires, and any alterations should come with corresponding wage increases. The lack of clarity from administration regarding how these changes would impact daily operations further fueled discontent among the staff.
The meeting underscored the pressing need for the county council to address these issues, as mandatory overtime has become a common requirement, with some officers working 16-hour shifts multiple days in a row. The representative concluded by urging the council to take immediate action to improve working conditions and compensation for the dedicated officers at the DOC, emphasizing that the current situation is unsustainable and poses risks to both staff and public safety.
The representative emphasized that correctional officers are significantly underpaid compared to their counterparts in similar counties, despite having continued to work through the pandemic when many others were at home. While other departments received bonuses and pay adjustments, the DOC officers were denied similar concessions, leading to frustration and a sense of neglect among the staff.
A recent union poll indicated that 97% of DOC employees would consider staying if consistent pay increases were implemented. However, the administration's refusal to adjust pay scales or offer retention bonuses has resulted in the loss of experienced officers, which poses safety risks within the facility. The representative pointed out that replacing seasoned staff is not only difficult but also detrimental to the operational integrity of the DOC.
In addition to wage concerns, the administration's proposed changes to work schedules were met with resistance. Officers expressed that their current schedules are a key factor in attracting new hires, and any alterations should come with corresponding wage increases. The lack of clarity from administration regarding how these changes would impact daily operations further fueled discontent among the staff.
The meeting underscored the pressing need for the county council to address these issues, as mandatory overtime has become a common requirement, with some officers working 16-hour shifts multiple days in a row. The representative concluded by urging the council to take immediate action to improve working conditions and compensation for the dedicated officers at the DOC, emphasizing that the current situation is unsustainable and poses risks to both staff and public safety.
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