December 2, 2019
Update 12/3/2019: DCF Commissioner Apologizes For Press Directive To Woodside Workers
Their backs to the wall after the Scott Administration made it known last week that it wants to shutter the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, DCF management wasted no time emailing VSEA members working at the facility to remind them of the department’s policy about talking with the press–which is not to, without the department’s blessing, of course.
Staff were emailed by the DCF director to not talk to the media and were referred to the department’s protocol, which was attached. It essentially says that all press communications have to go through the commissioner’s office, adding, "In most cases, only the Commissioner or designee will submit Op‐eds to media outlets. No DCF employee shall submit an Op‐ed or Letter to the Editor about DCF issues without prior approval from the Commissioner’s Office."
NOT TRUE, and VSEA’s legal department is punching back with:
"As long as VSEA members are speaking as citizens about matters of public concern, which is true here, and engaging in concerted activity to protect their jobs, they are protected."
VSEA will be contacting the DCF Commissioner today to clarify the union’s position on this extremely important topic. The Woodside workers will be–and must be–heard!
Update 12/3/2019: DCF Commissioner Apologizes For Press Directive To Woodside Workers
See Also:
- Woodside Workers’ Open Letter To Public
- State Notifies VSEA Of Intention To Issue RFP In January To “Potentially” Privatize Woodside Youth Services
|
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter!