RI Brotherhood of Correctional Officers
On the Tier – “Update” May 2008
· RIBCO wins Arbitration on “3-day Rule Promotions”
On July 31, 2006, a grievance was filed by RIBCO contesting five promotions to the rank of Lieutenant made on July 30, 2006 pursuant to the 3-day rule. It was RIBCO’s position that the method the director used violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Director had appointed five Correctional Officers to Lieutenant but did not go to the highest reachable individuals on the then existing Civil Service list for Lieutenant but rather selected anyone regardless of their ranking on the list. Jake Gadsden, Assistant Director, testified that he recommends after considering sick leave, disciplinary record, speaking to the Wardens about the individuals and how they interact with co-workers and inmates, and if they would be supervising individuals whom are co-workers. He also stated that it was his understanding that these individuals do not receive any bonus points on the Lt. or Captains Civil Service exams. Thomas Mannock, a Human Resource Supervisor with DOA testified that indeed an individual would receive additional points on the exam for 3-day rule service. The Arbitrator Ruled: The RI Department of Corrections did violate the Collective Bargaining Agreement by the manner in which it made 3-day rule appointments on July 30, 2006, since those appointments were not made from the top six “...highest reachable employee practical...” on the Civil Service list in effect as of July 30, 2006. As remedy, future 3-day rule appointments will be made from the six “…highest reachable employees practical…” on the then-existing Civil Service list.
· RIBCO to challenge ‘Health Care Benefits’ relating to Retirement
RIBCO together with other unions representing state employees will be filing a law suit to challenge recent changes to ‘health care benefits’ as it relates to retirement. As most members know by now, the General Assembly passed legislation reducing health care benefits effective September 30, 2008 which will impact on many RIBCO members’ retirement. A challenge will be filed on the constitutionality of the legislation with a motion for a ‘temporary restraining order’ while the suit progresses through the court system. More information will be forth coming.
· RIBCO COY Awards and Retirement Celebration
On May 9, 2008 RIBCO held its annual awards banquet honoring the 2008 Correctional Officers of the Year and the 2007 RIBCO Retirees at the West Valley Inn. The MC for the night was Manny ’Pascoag’ Leander. Many past retirees were in attendance along with this year’s winners and retirees. Frank Caprio, General Treasurer of RI was the guest speaker and he spoke of the courage and valor of the men and women who ‘Work the toughest Beat in the State’.
· 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.
· RIBCO Events
Ø June 3rd, ‘Rally Against Broken Promises’ at the Statehouse – 4:00 p.m. Join union members from State Service stand in Unity.
Ø June 28th & 29th, 2008 National Guard Air Show. RIBCO will be hosting a VIP chalet for all RIBCO members. $5.00 donation to RI Special Olympics. Tickets @ RIBCO Office. There is a limited number of parking passes for each day.
Ø July 21st, RIBCO 2nd Annual Hector Poulin Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament. 8:00am shotgun start @ Triggs Golf Course. $85.00 - tickets on sale at RIBCO office. Checks only
Ø August 17th, RIBCO Family Picnic.
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!
