Union leaders say job cuts could affect security; Members picket in Central Ohio

May 30, 2008 (Columbus, Ohio) – Union members who work in the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections today participated in an informational picket outside of the Corrections Medical Center and Franklin Pre-Release Center in south Columbus in opposition to proposed job abolishments within the agency.

Members of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association say the elimination of approximately 300 front line union employees, including Sergeants and Training Officers, could put security of the state’s prison system at risk, particularly given that inmate capacity is at an all time high. Also included in the list of jobs being cut are secretaries, food service workers, health and safety coordinators and others.

“It is these front line employees who are shouldering the unfair burden of cuts in order to shore up a state budget shortfall,” said Corrections Assembly President Charlie Williamson, a union leader with OCSEA. “For years, our members have born the brunt of cuts. Meanwhile, the department continues to maintain a bloated management structure.”

While the state claimed they were approaching the cuts in such a way as to improve efficiency and protect safety and security, the union feels the cuts were done to protect a wasteful, top-heavy system of managers. In many cases the duties of the lower paid bargaining unit members were moved to higher paid management positions.

The union was unhappy with the number of cuts being directed at front line staff, particularly those that could affect security, including the Sergeants and Health and Safety and Training Officers as well as others that provide important services to operate the facility.

“We are finding that there are a number of positions being eliminated that are raising concerns about health and safety risks. Frankly, we continue to be surprised by both the numbers and the potential impact,” said OCSEA Executive Director Andy Douglas.

OCSEA represents more than 36,000 public employees in Ohio who work in a variety of blue collar, clerical, technical, professional and law enforcement capacities. More than10,000 work in the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

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