CPL update, 2/4/2008

[KBCraig]

NATIONAL PRESIDENT

02-04-08

As you are fully aware we are in our 3rd full week of implementation of electronic search of staff. The agency has violated the intent of almost every section of the Electronic Search MOU.

In the last update, I outlined 3 specific areas in which the Council has decided to file National grievances. Those issues are:

A. A National Portal Grievance:

B. Failure to bargain at local levels regarding National and procedural changes.

C. A National Grievance based on the fact that the agency implemented the electronic search issue prior to new Master Agreement going through union ratification and agency head review.

We have created a file in the National Council Office compiling data that has been received at this point. Although, we can not currently change what has been violated 3 weeks into process, this has to be dealt with through a complaint process.

Item C. has currently been filed. We are in the informal resolution process on Item B. We are also in the process of collecting data for a case action involving all discriminatory actions that have occurred to staff regarding the implementation of the Electronic Search Policy.

Contact your Local Union Representative for more details.


UNIFORMS

As you are aware the new staff uniform policy goes into effect January 2008. All uniform staff receiving a clothing allowance are expected to start purchasing the new uniforms when they receive their annual uniform allowance. New OPM regulations allow agencies to provide uniform staff a minimum of $400 per year and a max of $800 per year to purchase uniforms. Employees have not received a uniform allowance increase in 16 years. The Council over the last several months has discussed an allowance increase with the Agency in several different forums. The Agency at this point is refusing to give employees an increase. This issue is being negotiated in a workgroup in February. We will provide more information after this meeting.


SICK LEAVE

Recently it has been reported that the agency has restarted the trend of issuing mass sick leave abuse letters at many locations. I was also alarmed to hear at one location that the agency was automatically placing staff on AWOL status each time an employee called in sick. We are asking for you to please hold the agency to the intent of Article 20 of the Master Agreement. If you have any questions or concerns please get with your Local Union for additional guidance.


WEEK IN REVIEW

The Council has finished national policy negotiations on Escorting Trips. The Council will be starting LIE/ISO the wwk of February 25, 2008.
National LMR starts the week of February 19th.

All Scheduled Council Calendar of Events are now available on the Council Website COUNCIL OF PRISON LOCALS 33. Click on Calendar of Events on the link. Once in, click on month. Each months events are listed on a normal calendar format for your convenience.

In Unity,

Bryan Lowry

[schuylkill]

Can't wait to see how things shake out with the ISO / LIE thing, Mrs. Schylkill is a LIE so I have a vested interested in it.

[gijanetexas]

Originally Posted by schuylkill

Can't wait to see how things shake out with the ISO / LIE thing, Mrs. Schylkill is a LIE so I have a vested interested in it.

People not qualified to be LIE's will let loose inmates with detainers, etc.

[GUNNER]

OK, I have to say. I agree to the sick leave thing. Some of us are getting tired of being mandated so Joe Smuck can bang in and drink beer.

[gijanetexas]

Originally Posted by GUNNER

OK, I have to say. I agree to the sick leave thing. Some of us are getting tired of being mandated so Joe Smuck can bang in and drink beer.

Yeah, but when did Joe Smuck bang in? 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16 hours ago?

Unless Joe Smuck banged in 2 minutes before shift change, you should have a relief.

And if Joe Smuck abused his leave and them doesn't have any, he get his come uppance then when management makes him AWOL and makes him go to beg the Warden for LWOP.

And LWOP is the slippery slope, once you start accomulating it to the tune of 80 hours and then don't earn any leave, you get the hint real quick that you should save your leave.


But it is still your leave, not management's leave, so what ever you feel comfortable using or not using is your business.