Integrity?
Watch Don Shelby's comments after being duped into doing a training film for the Sheriff:
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=34648@wcco.dayport.com
Watch the reactions by the Mayor of Minneapolis and the Chief of Police to the Sheriff's version of what happened at the 35W bridge collapse:
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=34649@wcco.dayport.com
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL NEWS SITE FOR CURRENT AND RETIRED CORRECTIONS OFFICERS! This blog will keep up on current events affecting Detention Deputies and Corrections Officers. SINCE 2006!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
History Lesson
Headline News
Street Festival, Program and Walking Tour to Commemorate Historic 1934 Strike
July 9 -
Seventy-five years ago this summer, in grim economic times, all hell broke loose on the streets of Minneapolis. A Teamster strike shut down all truck traffic in the city.
Street Festival, Program and Walking Tour to Commemorate Historic 1934 Strike
July 9 -
Seventy-five years ago this summer, in grim economic times, all hell broke loose on the streets of Minneapolis. A Teamster strike shut down all truck traffic in the city.
Teamsters Local 320 Summer Picnic
The 4th Annual Teamsters Local 320 Summer picnic is Sunday August 16, 2009
Where? Como Zoo
Lunch Served From 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
RSVP by sending in the flier you received in the mail or call 612/378-8700 for your food vouchers.
See you there!
CLICK HERE for more information.
Where? Como Zoo
Lunch Served From 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
RSVP by sending in the flier you received in the mail or call 612/378-8700 for your food vouchers.
See you there!
CLICK HERE for more information.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Grievance Update
Today Teamsters Business Agent Tom Perkins and myself met with Hennepin County Labor Relations and Hennepin County Sheriff's Inspector Martin to discuss three grievances.
The first was a grievance over excessive discipline for one of our members.
The second was the class action grievance over the 1.5% inconvenient work schedule pay we gave up in January 2002 for the Holiday clause now nullified by Sheriff Stanek's 28 day schedule that we are again entitled too.
They have 10 days to respond to the first two grievances with their decision.
The third grievance was the class action grievance dealing with the overtime we are due under Federal Labor Law for changing in and out of our uniforms and over unpaid overtime for late relief from duty stations since the implementation of the 28 day schedule.
The third grievance is now divided. Hennepin County Labor Relations contends that the changing in and out of uniforms is a matter for the courts as our contract does not deal with this. We will keep you posted on Teamsters action on this.
The second part over unpaid overtime for late relief from duty stations was easier. Past practice has been that we started and ended our shift in the sign in room. Labor Relations said that you should be relieved from your duty stations with enough time to return your keys by the end of your shift. They agreed that you are entitled to overtime for travel time from your duty station if relieved late or exactly at the end of your shift.
IMPORTANT: GIVE ME ALL RECORDS OF LATE RELIEF/TRAVEL OVERTIME DENIED AT THE END OF YOUR SHIFT. IF IT WAS DELETED FROM WORKFORCE YOUR WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION TO ME WILL SUFFICE SO I CAN PRESENT IT TO THE COUNTY FOR YOUR OVERTIME PAY.
PLEASE PUT ALL LATE RELIEF/TRAVEL OVERTIME IN WORKFORCE!
The first was a grievance over excessive discipline for one of our members.
The second was the class action grievance over the 1.5% inconvenient work schedule pay we gave up in January 2002 for the Holiday clause now nullified by Sheriff Stanek's 28 day schedule that we are again entitled too.
They have 10 days to respond to the first two grievances with their decision.
The third grievance was the class action grievance dealing with the overtime we are due under Federal Labor Law for changing in and out of our uniforms and over unpaid overtime for late relief from duty stations since the implementation of the 28 day schedule.
The third grievance is now divided. Hennepin County Labor Relations contends that the changing in and out of uniforms is a matter for the courts as our contract does not deal with this. We will keep you posted on Teamsters action on this.
The second part over unpaid overtime for late relief from duty stations was easier. Past practice has been that we started and ended our shift in the sign in room. Labor Relations said that you should be relieved from your duty stations with enough time to return your keys by the end of your shift. They agreed that you are entitled to overtime for travel time from your duty station if relieved late or exactly at the end of your shift.
IMPORTANT: GIVE ME ALL RECORDS OF LATE RELIEF/TRAVEL OVERTIME DENIED AT THE END OF YOUR SHIFT. IF IT WAS DELETED FROM WORKFORCE YOUR WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION TO ME WILL SUFFICE SO I CAN PRESENT IT TO THE COUNTY FOR YOUR OVERTIME PAY.
PLEASE PUT ALL LATE RELIEF/TRAVEL OVERTIME IN WORKFORCE!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
New Class Action Grievance
Today a class action grievance was filed by myself and our business agent to restore the 1.5% inconvenient work schedule pay we gave up in January 2002 for the Holiday clause now nullified by Sheriff Stanek's 28 day schedule. Our business agent was told by Sheriff Stanek this would be restored when the 28 day schedule took effect, it was not.
Also, the step two class action grievance over the Sheriff's Office denial of overtime has been rescheduled until next week. Not only has the administration not kept their word that we were to be in the locker room at the start of our shift and at our duty station 15 minutes later, something repeated even at our very last shift briefings, they are often not approving overtime for late relief either.
A little bitchin', four years ago the county asked us to accept two years of no cost of living raises saying it was a once in a lifetime situation. We did this. This year we are again looking at another set of zero's. Last summer all vacations and even days off were cancelled for the RNC. We didn't complain but rose to the occasion.
Now this year the Sheriff's Office switched us to the 28 day schedule effectively ruining many of our members summer. They were asked repeatedly not to go to this schedule, one not used at any other jail in the country, especially in such a bad year for contract negotiations, but they did it anyways over repeated complaints from the union.
I can only say this. This will be one hell of a contract for them to negotiate.
Also, the step two class action grievance over the Sheriff's Office denial of overtime has been rescheduled until next week. Not only has the administration not kept their word that we were to be in the locker room at the start of our shift and at our duty station 15 minutes later, something repeated even at our very last shift briefings, they are often not approving overtime for late relief either.
A little bitchin', four years ago the county asked us to accept two years of no cost of living raises saying it was a once in a lifetime situation. We did this. This year we are again looking at another set of zero's. Last summer all vacations and even days off were cancelled for the RNC. We didn't complain but rose to the occasion.
Now this year the Sheriff's Office switched us to the 28 day schedule effectively ruining many of our members summer. They were asked repeatedly not to go to this schedule, one not used at any other jail in the country, especially in such a bad year for contract negotiations, but they did it anyways over repeated complaints from the union.
I can only say this. This will be one hell of a contract for them to negotiate.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
Good bye Dan Lang
The funeral for Dan Lang, former Detention Deputy (1998-2001) will be held Saturday, June 6, 2009 at St. Francis Xavier Church at 9 - 3rd Street NW, Downtown Buffalo, MN . The visitation will take place from 1100-1400 hours. The service will be from 1400-1515. Interment will follow the service at the St. Francis Cemetary.
Daniel James Lang
May 20, 1966 - Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Daniel James Lang, 43 of Buffalo, MN passed away suddenly June 2, 2009 due to a motorcycle accident.
He was born on May 20, 1966 to Violet and James Lang in Mankato, Minnesota.
Dan is survived by his loving sons: Travis and Justin and their mother Beverly Lang, brother: Mitchell Lang, mother: Violet Lang and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Lang.
A veteran of Wright County Sheriff’s office for over 5 years and formerly of Hennepin County Sheriff’s office, Dan was a very dedicated officer.
Dan enjoyed family vacations, watching sports – especially his two boys playing hockey, boating and most of all riding his motorcycles.
Visitation will be held at St. Francis-Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, Saturday June 6, 2009 starting at 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 PM followed by interment at St. Francis Cemetery. Luncheon following interment at the American Legion in Buffalo.
Obituary from Peterson Chapel
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Class Action Grievance Filed
Class Action Step 2 Grievance Filed June 3rd, 2009
All grievances for denied and deleted overtime before and after shift have been denied at step 1.
Teamsters Local 320 has combined them into a class action grievance for all affected Detention Deputies and Detention Techs.
All grievances for denied and deleted overtime before and after shift have been denied at step 1.
Teamsters Local 320 has combined them into a class action grievance for all affected Detention Deputies and Detention Techs.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Steward Announcement
We have a couple of openings for Union Steward. Self nomination forms will be mailed to all full members homes in the next 2 to 3 weeks. I strongly encourage junior employees to get involved.
Techs, there will no longer be a tech only steward but you are still able to be a steward like the rest of us. Put in!
Techs, there will no longer be a tech only steward but you are still able to be a steward like the rest of us. Put in!
Hennepin County Taxpayer Watchdog
There's a new blog you might find interesting. The Hennepin County Taxpayer Watchdog.
http://www.taxpayerwatchdog.org/
It's run by Hennepin County Board member Jeff Johnson. He describes it as, "A blog dedicated to the taxpayers of Hennepin County."
He gives out a Golden Hydrant Awards to County tax dollar wasting programs.
Interesting!
http://www.taxpayerwatchdog.org/
It's run by Hennepin County Board member Jeff Johnson. He describes it as, "A blog dedicated to the taxpayers of Hennepin County."
He gives out a Golden Hydrant Awards to County tax dollar wasting programs.
Interesting!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Week 1, 28 Day Debacle
The first week of the 28 day schedule is behind us. So far it's been a total debacle. Unlike what was said at the Labor Management Meet and Confers and said at the jail squad meetings, that our shift was to start and end in the locker room, management instead demanded that we be dressed before and after shift on our own time. Conveniently those who could do something took vacation!
In the meantime, overtime put in before shift for dressing and even overtime put in for time after shift waiting to be relieved was deleted!
I filed a formal complaint with the County and hopefully we can resolve this next week.
Keep following orders and putting in for overtime. Keep filing grievances.
Also this next week our business agent and I will be filing a grievance to restore the 1.5% inconvenient work schedule pay we gave up in 2002 for the Holiday arrangement that is now nullified by the 28 day 8 hour schedule.
SOLIDARITY
In the meantime, overtime put in before shift for dressing and even overtime put in for time after shift waiting to be relieved was deleted!
I filed a formal complaint with the County and hopefully we can resolve this next week.
Keep following orders and putting in for overtime. Keep filing grievances.
Also this next week our business agent and I will be filing a grievance to restore the 1.5% inconvenient work schedule pay we gave up in 2002 for the Holiday arrangement that is now nullified by the 28 day 8 hour schedule.
SOLIDARITY
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Inmate Dirty Deeds for your viewing pleasure!
Anyone working in our profession will find much of this familiar!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
NOTICE
TEAMSTERS LOCAL 320 DETENTION DEPUTIES AND TECHS
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE BE AT THE SIGN IN BOARD AT THE START OF YOUR ASSIGNED SHIFT PER ORDER OF THE FACILTY COMMANDER. PUT IN FOR 15 MINUTES OF OVERTIME. IF OVERTIME IS DENIED FILE A GRIEVANCE.
AT THE END OF YOUR SHIFT YOU SHOULD BE OUT OF YOUR UNIFORM AND LEAVING THE LOCKER ROOM. IF NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE YOUR DUTY STATION BY SUPERVISORY ORDER OR LATE RELIEF. PUT IN FOR 15 MINUTES OF OVERTIME. IF OVERTIME IS DENIED FILE A GRIEVANCE.
These issues were dealt with at the Labor Management Meet and Confers but apparently were not passed down to the Jail Administration. Those who can straighten this out are out town and this may not be settled until next week. 8 hours work for 8 hours pay!
Wade Laszlo,
Chief Steward Teamsters Local 320
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE BE AT THE SIGN IN BOARD AT THE START OF YOUR ASSIGNED SHIFT PER ORDER OF THE FACILTY COMMANDER. PUT IN FOR 15 MINUTES OF OVERTIME. IF OVERTIME IS DENIED FILE A GRIEVANCE.
AT THE END OF YOUR SHIFT YOU SHOULD BE OUT OF YOUR UNIFORM AND LEAVING THE LOCKER ROOM. IF NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE YOUR DUTY STATION BY SUPERVISORY ORDER OR LATE RELIEF. PUT IN FOR 15 MINUTES OF OVERTIME. IF OVERTIME IS DENIED FILE A GRIEVANCE.
These issues were dealt with at the Labor Management Meet and Confers but apparently were not passed down to the Jail Administration. Those who can straighten this out are out town and this may not be settled until next week. 8 hours work for 8 hours pay!
Wade Laszlo,
Chief Steward Teamsters Local 320
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
28 day cluster fuck
This, the first day of the 28 day 8 hour schedule has begun as a cluster fuck. I ended up on the phone with a lieutenant at midnight after members were told they were to be signed in at the start of their shift. Then today I get a call about an email from the jail Captain telling us to be at the sign in board at the start of our shift.
This is my email response to the Captain:
Captain,
Everything has changed since the implementation of the 28 day 8 hour schedule. The employer shortened our day to 8 hours from 8.5. We will not give the employer that extra half hour for free. At the Labor Management Meet and Confers the Hennepin County Labor Relations, Chief Deputy Carlson and Inspectors Roberts and Martin were informed that our day begins in the locker room pursuant to the unanimous Supreme Court decision regarding uniforms. At those meetings Inspector Roberts said that we will be expected to be in the locker room at the start of our shift and at our duty station 15 minutes later. Apparently this information was not passed on to you. This is not a contract item, this is not negotiable, this is Federal Law.
"Therefore, the time, no matter how minimal, that an employee is required to spend putting on and taking off gear on the employer's premises is compensable "work" under the FLSA."http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/FieldBulletins/AdvisoryMemo2006_2.htm
If you require our members to be dressed at the start of the shift we will expect 15 minutes of overtime every day.
Wade Laszlo
Chief Steward Teamsters Local 320
Members, do not disobey any direct orders. Follow them and put in for overtime. Then file a grievance if the overtime is denied. The 8 hour day is their schedule!
This is my email response to the Captain:
Captain,
Everything has changed since the implementation of the 28 day 8 hour schedule. The employer shortened our day to 8 hours from 8.5. We will not give the employer that extra half hour for free. At the Labor Management Meet and Confers the Hennepin County Labor Relations, Chief Deputy Carlson and Inspectors Roberts and Martin were informed that our day begins in the locker room pursuant to the unanimous Supreme Court decision regarding uniforms. At those meetings Inspector Roberts said that we will be expected to be in the locker room at the start of our shift and at our duty station 15 minutes later. Apparently this information was not passed on to you. This is not a contract item, this is not negotiable, this is Federal Law.
"Therefore, the time, no matter how minimal, that an employee is required to spend putting on and taking off gear on the employer's premises is compensable "work" under the FLSA."http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/FieldBulletins/AdvisoryMemo2006_2.htm
If you require our members to be dressed at the start of the shift we will expect 15 minutes of overtime every day.
Wade Laszlo
Chief Steward Teamsters Local 320
Members, do not disobey any direct orders. Follow them and put in for overtime. Then file a grievance if the overtime is denied. The 8 hour day is their schedule!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Real cost saving for the County
The State will finally end the sending of short term offenders to the county jails. For 6 years the State has been sending it's inmates to the County Workhouse and only paying $10 a day for housing, food and medical!
Read the story here.
Read the story here.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Teamsters Local 320 says, No Give Backs!
As local governments ask for "give backs" Teamsters Local 320 Business Agent Tom Perkin's says "no."
Both Ramsey County and Washington County have asked Teamsters Correctional Officers to re-open signed contracts to take away wages. Both were told "no," by our B.A. Tom Perkins. A signed contract is a contract.
To Hennepin County we also say no give backs. Four years ago we sat in Sheriff McGowan's office with Hennepin County Labor Relations and were asked to accept 0% in cost of living wages for two years. We were told this would be a "once in a lifetime" request. Unlike the licensed deputy association, we agreed to this and did not arbitrate (they lost). We, the largest jail in the upper Midwest, fell behind in wages to most smaller metro area jails. Our incomes were also decimated by rising health care costs and gasoline prices. In short our real income shrunk dramatically.
This last contract we finally got a cost of living adjustment and will not give it back! Especially in light of the fact the county will most likely offer a 0% cost of living raise this next contract round.
What about the County Board's furlough program? We will not participate. Asking you to "give back" three days is equivalent to a three day suspension for being a public employee! Not to mention Sheriff Stanek's new schedule that requires us to work fifteen more days a year for the same wage! We are essential employees that keep dangerous people off of the street. We are not tax payer leaching pencil pushers as Governor Pawlenty would have some believe. Nor glorified security guards as others would have you believe. Corrections Officers have higher injury and workers compensation rates then police.
Both Ramsey County and Washington County have asked Teamsters Correctional Officers to re-open signed contracts to take away wages. Both were told "no," by our B.A. Tom Perkins. A signed contract is a contract.
To Hennepin County we also say no give backs. Four years ago we sat in Sheriff McGowan's office with Hennepin County Labor Relations and were asked to accept 0% in cost of living wages for two years. We were told this would be a "once in a lifetime" request. Unlike the licensed deputy association, we agreed to this and did not arbitrate (they lost). We, the largest jail in the upper Midwest, fell behind in wages to most smaller metro area jails. Our incomes were also decimated by rising health care costs and gasoline prices. In short our real income shrunk dramatically.
This last contract we finally got a cost of living adjustment and will not give it back! Especially in light of the fact the county will most likely offer a 0% cost of living raise this next contract round.
What about the County Board's furlough program? We will not participate. Asking you to "give back" three days is equivalent to a three day suspension for being a public employee! Not to mention Sheriff Stanek's new schedule that requires us to work fifteen more days a year for the same wage! We are essential employees that keep dangerous people off of the street. We are not tax payer leaching pencil pushers as Governor Pawlenty would have some believe. Nor glorified security guards as others would have you believe. Corrections Officers have higher injury and workers compensation rates then police.
We will not reopen a signed contract. We can't control what the County offers us this year in negotiations, but I'll be damned if we give back money that's been agreed upon. Money we will never make up for in the future. We provide the public a vital service and are not the cause of government waste.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Arbitration Update
The arbitration for excessive discipline given for a misdemeanor DWI is moving ahead. The list of arbitrators should be picked in the next 2 to 4 weeks. Teamsters Local 320 has made this a priority. Our business Agent Tom Perkins said that it is being moved forward quickly because time off like this for a one time DWI is unprecedented and unheard of in ANY other jail. Our B.A. said that the Stanek administration was again given a chance to reduce the discipline and avoid arbitration.
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