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In a decisive move, the New Mexico Public Employee Labor Relations Board has issued a temporary restraining order to the state Corrections Department, mandating that any changes to staffing levels must first be negotiated with union officials. This action comes as the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) filed a complaint against the department, accusing it of engaging in "prohibited practices" during negotiations. The union highlighted concerns over staffing levels being inadequate to ensure the safety of both workers and inmates, accusing the department of attempting to implement staffing rosters without bargaining.
AFSCME Council 18's Executive Director, Connie Derr, emphasized, "The ruling says it all – the department needs to comply with the law and listen to the officers who know what is required to be safe in the facilities." Furthermore, AFSCME attorney Shane Youtz criticized the department for their approach to bargaining, suggesting that the department’s actions were aimed at reducing payroll rather than ensuring safety.
Despite these tensions, the Corrections Department spokesperson assured that they aim to resolve these issues in a manner that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the employees. With vacancy rates reportedly under 20% in several facilities, union officials argue that the actual rates could be closer to 30-40%.
The restraining order now requires the department to maintain current staffing levels and continue negotiations in good faith. Should the department fail to comply, the union may take these grievances to court for further enforcement.
For more detailed coverage on this issue, please visit the original article on Santa Fe New Mexican’s website: [Read more here](Source).
New Mexico Prisons Ordered to Maintain Safe Staffing Levels
In a decisive move, the New Mexico Public Employee Labor Relations Board has issued a temporary restraining order to the state Corrections Department, mandating that any changes to staffing levels must first be negotiated with union officials. This action comes as the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) filed a complaint against the department, accusing it of engaging in "prohibited practices" during negotiations. The union highlighted concerns over staffing levels being inadequate to ensure the safety of both workers and inmates, accusing the department of attempting to implement staffing rosters without bargaining.
AFSCME Council 18's Executive Director, Connie Derr, emphasized, "The ruling says it all – the department needs to comply with the law and listen to the officers who know what is required to be safe in the facilities." Furthermore, AFSCME attorney Shane Youtz criticized the department for their approach to bargaining, suggesting that the department’s actions were aimed at reducing payroll rather than ensuring safety.
Despite these tensions, the Corrections Department spokesperson assured that they aim to resolve these issues in a manner that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the employees. With vacancy rates reportedly under 20% in several facilities, union officials argue that the actual rates could be closer to 30-40%.
The restraining order now requires the department to maintain current staffing levels and continue negotiations in good faith. Should the department fail to comply, the union may take these grievances to court for further enforcement.
For more detailed coverage on this issue, please visit the original article on Santa Fe New Mexican’s website: [Read more here](Source).