Last week, VSEA Corrections Unit members sent a second batch of personal worker appeals to the Governor, each educating about the toll the Scott Administration’s decision to end hazard pay is taking on employee morale. It was a continuation of VSEA Corrections Unit members’ campaign to send new and different batches of testimonials to the Governor every week for the next four weeks; each batch focused on a new organic theme.
The goal of this week’s third batch of testimonials is to personally inform the Governor about the fears many VSEA Corrections members have when ordered to perform their COVID-related duties without the benefit of proper and approved personal protection equipment (PPE).
Example:
“At one point, several officers were sharing one gown that was taped together. Now, we have several gowns but we have to dunk them in bleach water after each use. I always go home wondering if I was safe enough, as some of the officers in my facility contracted COVID, and, in some cases, gave it to their family.”
VSEA invites members and retirees to help VSEA’s COs get their hazard pay reinstated by sharing these worker stories with your colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors. You can also call the Governor’s Office and lobby our local lawmakers to step up.
VSEA leadership is always looking for ways to provide members with benefits that go above and beyond our union’s primary purpose of contract negotiation and enforcement.
The VSEA Supplemental Dental Program gives VSEA members’ access to an enhanced dental plan not available anywhere else in the country. Please know that this program is only available to VSEA members. VSEA is pleased to announce that by popular demand we have added a second open enrollment period. This program is designed to enhance your State-administered dental insurance benefit.
VSEA is pleased to announce that by popular demand we have added a second open enrollment period. This program is designed to enhance your State-administered dental insurance benefit.
Today’s video post from newly elected VSEA President Aimee Towne is the latest video update she’s sharing with the membership.
Towne talks today about an important Legislative Committee survey that’s coming soon, two openings on the VSEA Board of Trustees, how members can participate in Board meetings, and the importance of getting involved with the VSEA Council.
Photos of the PPE VSEA Corrections members use every day.
Last week, VSEA Corrections Unit members launched a campaign to appeal weekly to the State to reinstate the hazard pay the workers had been receiving for COVID-related duties. The Governor was mailed a large batch of employees’ written, firsthand accounts of what it’s like to work in a Vermont prison during the pandemic; each reminding him how the COVID threat has not ended and asking why their hazard pay did.
Each week, VSEA will continue to share some of the testimonials that best illustrate the organic themes that came up most often in member submissions. This week, Corrections Unit members mailed another powerful batch of workers’ firsthand accounts to the Governor, educating him about how a lack of hazard pay during this pandemic–along with a host of other experiences VSEA members have dealt with throughout this crisis–is destroying staff morale at correctional facilities statewide.
Example:
“I have been at my facility for 13 years now, and I have NEVER seen the staff morale so low. Staff are struggling with the added stress that COVID brings to the table, staff are becoming demoralized at an alarming rate, which leads to depression, increased alcohol consumption as well as serious suicidal ideations.”
