Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers
"Update"
• Contract/Interest Arbitration - The arbitration decision is currently in the hands of the panel. There are daily rumors circulating about the arbitrators, the decision, dates it will be received and potential details. The arbitration process is proceeding and when a decision is rendered the Brotherhood will post and hold a general meeting regarding the decision. Until that time, there is no way to predict the date of the decision, outcome or what other roadblocks the State intends to erect in the way of our contract. All we can do is assure you that we have made the best possible presentation to the arbitration panel on your behalf and will continue to fight every State effort to keep us from the contract we deserve.
• Respiratory Protection Program - We would like to reiterate what we said in the last ‘Update’ regarding the Respiratory Protection Program. RIBCO and the RIDOC have been working for several years on a new program for staff who utilize the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) per OSHA regulations. Part of the program requires staff to fill out a medical questionnaire and have a physical examination. The medical provider (South County Hospital) hired for this program will provide medical examinations on the grounds free of charge. All medical information will be kept confidential by the provider only (not RIDOC). The RIDOC will only receive a notice of “pass” or ‘fail’ in order to continue training and the fit testing of the mask. **No staff will lose there post as the result of not passing any portion of the process. RIBCO is supporting this long awaited program and encourages members to participate.
• ‘Good Time’ Legislation - We would like to thank those members who took the time to contact their representatives and Senators regarding the ‘Good Time’ legislation for inmates. The bill was recently amended in the House by removing any good time for attendance in ‘programs’. The bill was then passed by the ‘House’ and now goes to the Senate for review. This legislation is being pushed by Director Wall to release inmates early because of the high inmate count and his failure to plan for construction of more bed space. Part of RIBCO’s lobbying effort requires the attendance at Legislator’s fund raising events. Some upcoming events include; 4/8 Teresa Paiva Weed, 4/10 Daniel Da Ponte, 4/22 Frank Ciccone, 4/23 Marc Cote, 4/24 Daniel Connors, 5/6 John McBurney, 5/12 Domenick Ruggerio, 5/14 Daniel Issa. If any of these legislators represent your district and you would like to attend, call Dave Mellon at 462-1395.
• RIBCO Bowling Tournament - On March 15th, RIBCO held its annual St. Patrick’s Day Bowling Tournament at the East Providence Bowling Lanes. This year the high game of 214 went to Nick Violante. The high male series was a tie between Dave Bacon and Joe Lopes with 520. High game and series for a female went to Toni Rocha. Nick also won a GPS system for bowling 5 strikes in a row and Dave Mellon won a night at Comfort Inn for 3 strikes in a row. Josh Macomber won the “Jackass Award” for his high score of 51. A great time was enjoyed by all bowlers and their families.
• RIBCO Search and Rescue Team - The Brotherhood is looking into putting together a 20-30 member volunteer ‘search and rescue’ team. This would be the first search unit of its kind in the state without dogs. The unit would work in conjunction with the State Police and the Emergency Management Unit. Searches would be for missing children, adults and possible evidence. It would be staffed with uniform personnel. There would be a 2 day training course with bi-monthly training meetings. All members will be trained on the use of GPS units, maps, compasses etc. All members will receive a certificate for search and rescue from the State of RI. Anyone interested may submit their name to Dave Mellon 21395 or Mike Laplume 481-8812.
The Brotherhood would like to reiterate to its members their obligation to abide by the law, regulations and policies which prohibit discrimination, intimidation or harassment in any form.
UNITED WE STAND!
