FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 01, 2024
April 01, 2024
Contact:
Brittany Holder
202-297-7244
[email protected]
AFGE calls for retention pay for staff at FCI Englewood amid chronic staffing shortages
Categories:
BOP
Local union reports more than 50 vacancies at FCI Englewood, half of which are correctional officers.
WASHINGTON – Today, AFGE Local 709 which represents correctional officers and staff at FCI Englewood, held an informational picket to protest unsafe working conditions stemming from the chronic understaffing of the federal prison, which has resulted in officers working vast amounts of forced overtime and non-officer employees including medical staff and counselors being assigned to work as correctional officers under a process called augmentation.
In support of the event, AFGE National President Everett Kelley released the following statement:
"Chronic understaffing, along with the resultant augmentation and forced overtime, is not just a local concern at FCI Englewood, it is a broader challenge within our correctional system. Understaffing compromises the effective management of our federal prisons and the safety and well-being of our members.
"Today’s action is not just a call for improved conditions at FCI Englewood but a reminder of our union's commitment to the safety and security of our members. The fight for fair pay, safe working conditions, reasonable work hours, and proper staffing levels is a fight for the dignity and respect every worker deserves.
"We call upon the Federal Bureau of Prisons and relevant authorities to address these issues promptly and effectively and approve a 25% retention incentive for all staff at FCI Englewood to address the chronic staffing shortages. Our members deserve a workplace that is safe, well-managed, and staffed appropriately."
###
For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
Follow us on:
