SEIU Local 1984

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Lack of Respect for DOC Workers Hurts Public Safety

SEA members who work at the Department of Corrections recognize the recent strip search of a social worker as the latest incident in an escalating pattern of disrespect.

SEA Chapter 24 President Justin Jardine points out that a lack of respect for DOC employees affects public safety.

Justin Jardine, president of SEA Chapter 24, described morale at the State Prison for Men in Concord as sinking to an all time low.

Speaking during the Sept. 28 press conference and protest at DOC headquarters, Jardine described problems ranging from "wrongful terminations and improper transfers, to retaliation against workers who have the courage to speak out."

"Severe staffing shortages, mandatory forced overtime and increases in the inmate population have long made employment behind the walls a test of individual strength. Add the stress of working in a maximum security prison, and the picture darkens," he said

Staff morale is critical in the institutions, but the issue reaches beyond the walls and into the community.

"This affects public safety because it has become very difficult for the department to recruit and retain the most qualified employees," Jardine said.